That's not really how it works; the same engine doesn't equal the same graphics, BF2 is running different shaders for example. And since the source-code for the engine isn't public, the graphics can't be updated by modders.
All PC Battlefield games are built on the Refractor 2...
I unlocked all the characters before I even touched the single-player portion of the game, so he's wrong in that department.
Even though I rather enjoy the game, I also enjoyed his review, and can see how someone could dislike the game.
As a graphics-designer, I can tell you that UE3 does not have a distinct look to it, but rather developers try to copy the look of games like Gear of War and UT3. Look up the (UE3 powered) game Hail to the Chimp if you don't believe me.
Source looks unique because of its lighting-method...
There's where I have to disagree---some of the acting in the game was ok, some was shit, but most was just decent at best (namely the main character); did you never play Half-Life 2? or games like Max Payne or StarCraft (just to name a couple) which have infinitely better voice-acting.