Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Serious Sam: Next Encounter delivers the trademark run-and-gun action that fans of the series expect, but on handheld consoles. Players blast through swarms of enemies at breakneck speed, relying on quick reflexes and an arsenal of oversized weapons to stay alive. From the outset, the game’s pacing never lets up: you’re constantly on the move, dodging projectiles and circling for flanking shots against endless hordes of foes.

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The level design spans over 40 distinct stages, each set in one of three historic locales—Ancient Rome, Feudal China, and Legendary Atlantis. While the environments differ visually and thematically, the core loop remains consistent: clear rooms of enemies, find keys or switches to unlock the next area, and face off against mini-boss encounters. This structure keeps the gameplay straightforward but effective, with occasional branching paths and hidden arenas rewarding exploration.

Multiplayer is a standout feature, particularly on the PS2, where up to eight players can battle online via the broadband adapter. GameCube owners aren’t left out, either, with four-player split-screen mayhem supported locally. Competitive modes include classic Deathmatch, Team Hold the Flag, and a frantic Pass the Bomb mode. On both systems, the entire single-player campaign can be tackled cooperatively by two players, adding layers of strategy as teammates revive one another and cover different angles during the most intense firefights.

Graphics

Graphically, Serious Sam: Next Encounter makes a solid impression given the hardware constraints of the PS2 and GameCube. The game’s environments are rendered in bright, saturated colors that distinguish each historic setting clearly—burnished marble and crumbling statues in Rome, misty bamboo forests in China, and iridescent stone ruins in Atlantis. These backdrops are detailed enough to feel immersive, even if texture resolution occasionally dips on distant geometry.

Enemy models benefit from the series’ signature over-the-top aesthetic, with grotesque warriors, oversized fanged beasts, and miniaturized versions of Sam himself rampaging through each scene. Animations are fluid, and the sheer number of enemies on screen rarely causes significant frame drops. Occasional pop-in does occur, but it rarely disrupts the fast-paced action—often, you’re too busy dodging rockets to notice a few geometry hiccups.

Weapon effects, from shotgun blasts to rocket trails, are bright and impactful, with satisfying muzzle flashes and screen shake that underscore the game’s arcade roots. Load times between levels are snappy, and menu navigation is clean and responsive. While it may not push the boundaries of either console’s hardware, Next Encounter maintains a consistent visual style that complements its frenetic gameplay.

Story

Next Encounter picks up with the series’ protagonist, Sam “Serious” Stone, facing off against a new arch-nemesis: Mini Sam, an evil clone who has seized control of the timelock. This device allows Mini Sam to travel through time and systematically obliterate ancient civilizations. The narrative premise is intentionally lightweight—enough to provide motivation for the carnage but never so dense that it slows down the action.

Each chapter is introduced with brief cutscenes and in-game dialogue that inject a dose of tongue-in-cheek humor. Sam’s quips and Mini Sam’s sinister declarations keep the tone lighthearted, and while there’s no deep character development, the premise cleverly justifies the globe-trotting, time-hopping premise. The stakes feel epic enough—if Mini Sam succeeds, the fabric of history unravels—yet never overreach the game’s focus on non-stop shooting.

The story really shines in cooperative mode, where two players can banter back and forth as they discover hidden areas or stumble into boss arenas. This multiplicative humor and shared sense of progress elevate the narrative from simple backdrop to interactive stage for memorable moments. In short, Serious Sam: Next Encounter’s story is exactly what it needs to be: fun, fast, and always in service of the mayhem.

Overall Experience

Serious Sam: Next Encounter is a compact yet explosive entry in the Serious Sam franchise. It distills the series’ core elements—hordes of enemies, ludicrous weapons, and relentless pacing—onto platforms known more for family-friendly titles. The result feels fresh, especially when tackling the campaign with a friend by your side or engaging in frantic multiplayer brawls.

While the game doesn’t introduce radical new mechanics, it refines the established formula for shorter, bite-sized play sessions. This makes it ideal for on-the-go gaming or quick parties around the TV. Even seasoned shooters will find the difficulty curve fair but challenging, as later levels ratchet up enemy density and environmental hazards.

Minor technical quirks—such as texture pop-in or occasionally repetitive level layouts—don’t detract significantly from the core fun. If you’re seeking mindless destruction with a dash of humor, robust multiplayer options, and a testament to the enduring appeal of Serious Sam, Next Encounter delivers in spades. It’s a must-try for fans of arena shooters and co-op carnage alike.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10