One small step for Microsoft, one HUGE leap for RTS gamers!
Graphics: 10/10
The detail's there. The animations are there. The effects are there. Almost nothing else could be hoped for in this imitation of reality. The major improvement over the first Age of Empires is most noticeably the larger unit and building size. This has the effect of immersing the player inside the world of the Goths, Vikings, Byzantines, Chinese, Koreans, etc. while commanding their legions across real world maps!
Sound: 9.5/10
This is the only place where Age of Empires 2 didn't improve overtly from Age of Empires. The monotonous voices and meaningless voice records are still here in abundance in AOE2. However, the sounds ARE much more realistic, such as the mill and the farms. But this score of 9.5 is just to show that there is still something to be improved on.
Gameplay: 11/10
As with the original, Age of Empires 2 is another classic in the RTS genre. The action's just as spectacular as the original, if not more interesting, with MUCH more variety in the units available. Also, AOE2 follows with history more closely by implementing trebuchets, galleons, etc. Another huge jump from AOE1 is the presence of cinematics before a campaign perfect with both voice acting and different templates for different missions! A must see.