First Thoughts:

Let's talk about the campaign. This campaign did so many things right.
There is a training level where in the bottom half you're defending yourself against living German opposition. No better training than actually going into battle, eh?
The environments are big and beautiful, and they're very well designed from a game play standpoint. There were a lot of good places to move from cover to cover.
I had a blast playing through each campaign. The Russian campaign was fun and brutal, tanking through Africa in the English campaign was a blast (if IW had done vehicle things in multiplayer, they probably would be giving DICE more trouble today, tank game play was fun and smooth), and storming through Europe and crossing the Rhine in the American campaign made me feel satisfied and patriotic.

I think the best part of the campaign was that it was completely game play-centric. Nothing was story-driven, and there was no filler. As much as I enjoyed Call of Duty 4's story and missions, in Call of Duty 2, every level was filled with fast, intense action and I was fighting through to the end. It felt more like the classic FPS games that were also game play-centric and it's really what I prefer.
If you are going into this on Veteran difficulty, be prepared to practice moving cover and killing quickly and accurately. The grenade spam is real. In terms of entertainment value and legitimate challenge, this is probably the best Call of Duty game to play on Veteran.

The Graphics:

On the technical side of things, Call of Duty 2 has great graphics. Runs mostly well with the occasional stuttering when something loads or saves. It's graphics still hold up pretty well. It ran on my Windows 10 computer and with a couple of ini edits I was able to play it at 1080p while using Nvidia Inspector to spruce up the graphics a bit. Do make use of it's PC Gaming Wiki page, because it helps you bring a host of improvements to the game. On that matter, you should look at ever game's PC Gaming Wiki page since it's a wonderful tool. The level design is great, giving you multiple oppurtunites to flank your enemy and use other means to get the better hand. Also let's you tackle multiple objectives with your choice of how to complete them. Definetly less linear than even World at War.

The Art Style:

On the artistic side of things Call of Duty 2’s authenticity comes through not only in the voice over performance, but with the music that harkens back to Saving Private Ryan’s score. However the authenticity stroke a real chord with one of the last missions in the Call of Duty 2 campaign. The Battle of Hill 400. I played through the battle which was a multi-part affair that lasted a good 30-40 minutes. I died quite a few times, but it was intense and moving. However, I was blown away that it was a battle that actually happened for real life. I know most of the missions in Call of Duty games are based on true events and battles, but this one blew me away. Knowing that this was something that took place, sure gave me the chills. Trying to imagine if I could even pass the level without getting shot is nearly impossible. So in the end I must say that Call of Duty 2 just like it’s predecessor has an air of authenticity that is just simply missing from modern Call of Duty games.

Multiplayer:

Multiplayer is also really fun. There's a reason why this is one of the best and most famous currently active WWII multiplayer FPS.
The few servers that operate are filled with elite clans, and most servers are modded where you can choose any weapon (and some weapons are added). The pure gun play is a blast. With actual recoil and no perks, you really have to earn every kill that you get. The maps are also all very beautiful and fun to play through. I really can't wait until I'm able to play this with a friend or two, it's sure to be a good time!

Positives:

Amazing Single player with great sound and realism
Great recreations of historic battles
Kick ass multiplayer that is still well populated
The Campaign is Long, Gritty and Fun
Get to play for the British, American and Russian sides

Negatives:

Ran on my WIndows 10 Computer with a couple of ini edits, be sure to consult the PC Gaming Wiki page
Only FPS Drops occurred when the game stuttered to load or save. I tried to get rid of this, but to no avail.
You could say it has dated graphics

My Verdict:

82/100

Call of Duty 2 is probably close to the pinnacle of WWII shooters. It was also the Call of Duty title I believe that got its full identity and the franchise having its own personality rather than being inspired with the Medal of Honor series. This is one of the most cinematic WWII games you can find (maybe Call of Duty 3 but I haven't played it for a long time so I might have to check that out again). It has good variety in missions, game play and locations.

The game tells us the story of World War II from three different perspectives. We start our journey in the city of Stalingrad where we take back the streets. Next, we play as a British soldier hunting the Germans as we roam across Northern Africa until we reach Caen, France side by side with Captain Price. Finally, we are part of an US Ranger Battalion and land at the beaches of Normandy, we liberate several french cities and cross the German Rhine where we win the war. The Campaign is Gripping, Gritting and in depth. Certainly try this game out if you haven't yet!

There is this weird thing when comparing the old COD A.I. and the one in newer games. The old A.I. makes you really feel as a part of the military group: your brothers in arms really shoot "at the enemy" and advance. In the newer COD A.I. it's player versus the whole opposing military force where your fellow soldiers are like puppets that can't do anything.