...Wish i bought the first one now :(
Ok, the first thing that hit me about this game is how well it runs, i'm used to fps problems in shooters when things get hectic, but its more of a game problem it seems...earned in blood lags out in normal fire fights (on low graphics), never lag in f.e.a.r (on medium graphics), now call of duty 2 on the highest graphics settings and resolution runs smooth as syrup...i think its because there are no rag dolls or physical objects, objects such as a helmet on a table will stay on the table...and the table will be nailed to the ground, i think this is an excellent decision because to be honest rag dolls were getting repetitive, its nice to watch the enemy try and crawl away and surprise you later when he pulls out a pistol, clear rooms will never be clear if bodies are on the floor...one will shoot you in the back. The enemy A.I provides a decent challenge even on easy mode, you're not going to die if you run out on easy but prepare to take a few bullets then hide and rest abit, health is indicated by subtle hints (breathing, dizziness then a big red flashing screen, big bangs such as tank shells hitting walls you're hiding behind knock you over giving the appropriate shell shock effect that wasn't used enough in brothers in arms road to hill 30).
Brothers in arms did the whole squad thing but playing this then going back to it makes it feel abit robotic... *gunfire* "ALLEN...ALLEN.......ALLEN!" call of duty 2 gives the soldiers around you personality (and very detailed faces) by having them shouting orders at each other, enemy positions and situations they are in, its very thrilling to be around fellow british and having them shout "DIE YOU JERRY ROTTAH!" hehe...with their socks pulled up, love it.
The single player is an amazing experience by itself, after completing it 3 times i tried the multiplayer and i now no longer play cs, i haven't had a moment yet where 'i missed because the reg is s***' quick enough loading times, plenty of weapons plus the weapons the other team drop and a wide selection of game modes but team deathmatch is all that matters ;P, there's also a hell of alot of servers online so others must love it aswell.
Yeah i'm stopping before i really get carried away, in order to compensate for missing the first game i downloaded the demo, maybe i'll trade in earned in blood for it...BUY THIS GAME - seriously, you'll be missing out otherwise, even lower spec pc's, just click directx 7 and boom no lag for you mr/miss 1.7 ghtz.