Well, single player is both, positive and negative. I guess since MW they had some good ideas and brought good campaigns. The only negative is, that it got more and more scripted. MW was still outstanding, imo. Single Player and Multi Player where both great.
Why would you prefer MW2 over the first? I guess that's the point, where the most people get their different opinions. Ever since MW2 I hate all Multiplayer matches in CoD. And those shitty streak prizes get really stupid. Where camper get a heli as backup etc..
CoD2 over everything though. What a pitty that it wasn't one of your games in your earlier days. The Singleplayer on hard was intense as fuck in that time. I can't remember any egoshooter that made so much fun for quite a long time. You were able to play germany against russia if I remember right. And than you had to get to the biggest german bunker.
And after all, there was a compatitive Multiplayer waiting for you. GIGA streamed live matches back in the days of the biggest names in CoD2. And it was hella entertaining
I just downloaded Middle-earth, shadow of mordor. I played it yet and enjoyed the assassins creed and Batman Arkham city mashup. Since there's nothing new and a too simple story, I waited for a low price key. 15 bucks now, good deal