OK, so after playing through the single player campaign and multiplayer for a few hours I have come to some conclusions. I have also just read the full review of the game from PC Gamer magazine. This review hit the nail right on the head. Just to give you some comparison, PC Gamer scored Crysis 1 at 98 and Crysis 2 at 89. To sum up the review, it was about 4 pages long, if you compare Crysis 1 to Crysis 2, Crysis 1 wins hands down, however, Crysis 2 is a beautiful game in its own right. There are multiple disappointments in Crysis 2, especially for the PC crowd: only 3 preset graphics settings, only 4 other customizable settings for display, only 1 official demo release (though when the community biched we did get one, so they do get kudos for that), just to name a few. Also, I feel that Crysis 2 is more linear than the first iteration along with the feeling that the Nanosuit 2.0 does not really fell like an upgrade.
Also, I miss a talking main character. I enjoyed the banter between your other spec ops team mates in the first game, where this is completely nonexistent in Crysis 2. I know why, and for those who have not made it that far in the game I won't spoil it for them. Let's just say that it is a bit disappointing.
Overall, I am really enjoying the game. Also, anyone who says that the graphics were better in the first one haven't played it recently. I am playing this game through Directx 9 and see a vast improvement in lighting and textures. I still can't max out the first game on my computer, running my Geforce 8800GTS, but in Crysis 2 I can run the game on "high" and still see an improvement between games. This makes me happy and shows that raw power is not the answer for better graphics. This lends to the credibility of the CryEngine 3, which, in my opinion will be awesome with the newest cards on the market.
So, am I disappointed with Crysis 2, yes. Do I care, absolutely. The game does not feel consolized in anyway, but it just feels like in trying to make Crysis 2 better than the first, they actually omitted some of the things that made the first game great. I like Crysis 2 and look forward to playing the multiplayer to death after I get done with the single player campaign, but I don't feel that it lived up to the hype at all.
That is my honest review.

Nice review and I agree with a lot of what you said.

Plus points:
+ Gameplay wise the game dosnt really get started for me till around the half way, then the story really kicks in and for me is great.
+ Graphics, yup I said it. For dx9 effects this is as good as your ever going to get on that old tec. May not look as lush or rich as Crysis 1 but its still very very good.

Negitive points -
-Level design, for me the areas are a little small and there is no real alternative path, there may be another entrance by taking a higher road etc but your usally on the same road.
-AI- the computer controlled ai may actually be retarded in places.
-Lip sync- during dialog the charactors lips move like a badly dubbed Chineese action movie.

The rest like sound etc are ok and nothing stands out but the game itself is still good. This may be the only time I ever agree with pc gamer as there review is almost spot on. I say almost because they never explore the areas where the game is bad.

dont forget the great multiplayer mode
its realy nice work with that but they REALY have to something against those hackers...
best example :
go to youtube and type crysis 2 hacks....

at some mp matches i just thoght ..wtf.. whats wrong with this gyus always killing me without letting me a chance this is so stupid

PLEASE do something against it its a great game and this just ruins it...