Game Review – Serious Sam 2

I have to admit; I love CroTeam. They make awesome games. Not because of graphics, or storyline, or any of the other “traditional” reasons people make and play games, but for a wholly new and excellent reason — because the games they make are actually fun.

Serious Sam 2

Published By: 2K Games
Developed By: CroTeam
Released: 10/11/2005

In the third game in the series, the sequal to Serious Sam:The First Enounter, and Second Encounter; Croteam manages to mash even more levels, even more enemies, and even more weapons into the mix. Mny levels have over 500 baddies(with the final level topping in at a whopping 1300), many times with more than a hundred on the screen at once.

Gameplay

Unlike the previous two games, SS2 is actually a full game. First and Second Encounter had single player missions that even on the hardest setting could be finished in a matter of fifteen hours or so. SS2 has as much gameplay as the first two games, plus a few hours extra, with infinitely more variety to the enemies, and areas that you visit. It should also be noted that the single player element is also supported for four-player cooperative gameplay out of the fucking box. Deathmatch and “normal” fps multiplayer modes are coming at a later date along with an SDK and other goodies.

One thing that this series is known for is the tongue-in-cheek comedy that abounds. SS2 is certainly no exception. Cutscenes brdige every mission which keep up the “Serious” attitude. Sam’s quips and wit continue to induce laughs, and the occasional groan, throughout.

Graphics

Graphics are interesting and varied, especially considering that the engine can render as many detailed, and enormous, enemies on the screen at one time.

My one complaint with the graphics are that even mid-range systems of today can have serious hiccups in some of the busier areas. The game can only scale so far when you have an average of sixty or seventy enemies on screen at one time.

Sound

I had few complaints about the game, but the music definitely lacks something that it had in other Serious games. It didn’t hold my interest like it could have, but it was decent enough not to grate on my nerves for the entire game.

I did enjoy the sound effects and the voice acting though, both were excellently done, and maybe studios would do well to sit up and take notice. These days voice acting can make or break a game. This definitely made it.

Overall

Gameplay:
Pros:
-lots of variety, massive amounts of fun, zombie ninjas(I shit you not)
Cons:
-levels can get repetitive by the end of the game, not enough use of zombie ninjas

Graphics:
Pros:
-well done “Cartoony” look and feel to the game, areas are varied and large, level design is interesting
Cons:
-can make even decent machines turn sluggish at times, no single areas are as memorable as First or Second Encounter areas

Sound:
Pros:
-excellent sound effects and voice acting
Cons:
-music ranges from decent, to annoying

I can safely give this game: