Serious Sam: The Next Encounter GameCube

The fastaction firstperson shooter series that won so many PCgamer fans with its oldschool approach is ready for its Next Encounter, a runandgun followup designed especially for consoles. Serious Sam: Next Encounter, created by Climax Entertainment for release on PlayStation 2 and GameCube, features hero Sam "Serious" Stone once again pitted against the deadly and grotesque forces of the villain Mental, who spreads his evil throughout key time periods in human history.

In Serious Sam: The Next Encounter, players take the role of the grim hero to blast baddies through 32 levels in three main locations ancient Rome, feudal China, and the mythical Atlantis. A dozen weapons from earlier games return here, though many have been enhanced or adjusted to accommodate additional options, such as heatseeking ammo for the chain gun or laughing gas for the flamethrower. Familiar creatures return as well, joined by new monstrosities inspired by the game's three new settings.

Multiplayer gaming is supported by both console versions of the title. Up to four players can compete in the GameCube version's splitscreen modes. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide