Just got the game. First impressions:
I approach COD as I would the newest Marvel movie. It has the potential to be amazing fun, but it rarely leaves a long-lasting impression and I've come to terms with the fact that there will never be a new MW1-2 and that this games are not aiming for GOTY awards.
It's a COD game. But it's an "old-school" COD game. After being burned out on the series with all the jetpack stuff and after 3 years without buying it at launch, this is exactly what I wanted.
First mission of the campaign is not as bad as people say. I like everything about the direction they took, the visuals are gorgeous and fit the theme and era nicely. Soundtrack is good (specially the main menu track). Explosions are not so hot, but the flamethrower is beautiful. I like the chatting between the characters. The healing through medkits is great and really adds some welcoming tension. Overall it's a fun mission and can't wait to play more. I'm fine with this being a "best of" compilation from past movies, games and tv shows about the war.
The blast from the past can really be felt on the multiplayer. I got into my first match and managed to play well! This never happened with the latest COD's. The visuals in mp are great! Now, when it comes to gameplay, as much of a marketing bullet point it is, boots on the ground is great and I missed it. Sledgehammer did one hell of a job with the guns and everything concerning gunplay. They really pack a punch. This has always been the best thing about COD and what makes it above BF in my opinion.
Feels great to move knowing that no one will come at you from the air. It goes back to basics and delivers nothing more, but that is enough. Only played 4 games, don't know the maps well enough to comment, but they looked the part. Didn't have any problems connecting, HQ was solo.
Overall, and this is still very very early impressions (but the same amount of time that made me want to not play IW), this is good old COD and just what I wanted it to be. Consider it a remaster of WW2 games. It's great fun!