Medieval 2: Total War impressions

Just got my hands on Medieval 2: Total War, latest follow-up in the Total War series. Setting is once again the medieval world like in the original Medieval: Total War.
There's not much new - battlefields are bigger and nicer, armies are... bigger and nicer. Tons of new units, new types of settlements, detailed history timeline. Gameplay remains roughly the same.
However, the game itself plays rather well. Gameplay on the strategic map resembles Civilization IV whereas the battles are classic Total War bloody carnage. Controls are intuitive and there are tons of actions on the strategic map. You can make diplomacy, trade, build castles, fortifications, make marriage proposals, breed new family members, conquer lands. It's quite fun even after many hours of playing.
Overall impression: not surprisingly new, but still great gaming experience.