I LOVE IT!
I've been playing AAO since it was first made available and I love it!
Why?
It isn't just a normal FPS game, it is more like a military sim. Teamwork is paramount. Comparing CS to AAO is like comparing checkers and chess.
Everything is made to be ultra-realistic. Weapon reloading animations, weapon jams, crawling around in the dirt, the awesome sound of bullets wizzing by your head etc.
Actually, the sound effects are one of the best parts of the game. Its very immersive. In Counter Strike, somebody shoots at you, you don't really care unless you are hit. In AAO, you have the sounds of bullets whipping past you, concrete exploding from bullet impact, and tracers flying over your head. It scares the crap out of you. You get that feeling of desperation and of being "pinned down" that no other game can offer.
It also makes cover fire effective. The enemy is less likely to charge when someone is empting a SAW above their heads.
As far as the death thing goes, for one, there is no blood in the game. Only little pink bursts when you are hit. Nothing like Soldier of Fortune.
War kills people? Well duh! This game will not discourage anyone from joining. Go watch Saving Private Ryan, Blackhawk Down, or We Were Soldiers. Now THAT will discourage you. And trust me, nobody joins the military without having seen at least one of these.
Overall, a GREAT GAME! I highly recommend it if you are into serious war games.