Well, as a longtime Gears player (since launch), i enjoyed COD4 a lot, especially the single player campaign. Online, i hit level 55 and felt content and didnt really feel the need to play anymore.
So, this game feels so insanely similar to COD4. Pretty much, it is COD4, but with a new coat of paint. The graphics do look nicer then COD4 for sure, especially the water and the light seeping through holes in the ceilings. When the bombs are dropping from the air, it is pure madness and really feels epic. They did a good job making things feel more severe in the form of cinematic moments (limbs being blown off, blood on the walls from you getting shot, etc).
I got to level 11 online (the max allowed) and again, i felt content for the time being. Its fun, graphics are good, but the weapons are so crappy compared to COD4 its insane. I do like the feel of the sniper in COD5 tho, its very nice. Overall i say b+ and a excellent effort. I was going to skip COD5 but now ill be picking it up.