In gears of war 1, it was more personal, the story was more focused on and things were much more clear. The multiplayer was hella more personal and felt comfortable to play. It was also fun too.
In contrast to Gears 2, where the story is rather boring and undeveloped as far as entertainment and saga values are concerned and the "play" has changed slightly which makes it less personal, less fun and all round more boring.
As for the multiplayer. Lag that would drive anyone to tears, smoke grenades which boon said lag and have stupid effects, the game engine is crappy and far inferior to the first GoW game.
Mind you, this is all my opinion.