Game just arrived, played a few matches online, probably mostly against reviewers/early copies since only 25 to 40 people were even online playing.
Number one, the gameplay is so satisfying, especially after coming from the horrendous multiplayer of gears 2. Makes me think back to when Gears 1 released, and I would play with my brother late into the night for hours. I definitely see that happening again. It's just so fast and smooth, loving the weapon balance as well.
Number two, the graphics. I'm not the most technically knowledgeable person on graphics, but I do own Uncharted 2, God of War 3, both Killzones, and have played the Uncharted 3 beta. As far as I'm concerned, gears is the best looking game on console, not just the 360. It may not have the best lighting out of all those games I mentioned (though it still looks amazing) or use MLAA/other graphical techniques those games use, but when you look at the entire package, and how everything looks, to how smooth everything runs, especially with the motion blur added, it looks absolutely stunning. And I'm talking only about the multiplayer, haven't even touched the campaign yet.
I honestly think I could just play gears and be satisfied with nothing else after just briefly playing for a hour, and a week ago I was anxious as hell to try out the BF3 beta. Not anymore, I'm feel completely content with this game, and I haven't felt/been able to say that since COD4/Gears 1 released. GET HYPED PEOPLE.
More impressions coming throughout the day/week when I get some more time with it, no spoilers of course.