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Serious Sam: Next Encounter cube Game Reviews
Serious Sam: Next Encounter
Critic Score
Metascore: 69 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
8.5 out of 10
based on 18 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 8 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

Serious Sam: Next Encounter finds Sam gearing up once again to defend the Earth from Mental and his limitless extra-terrestrial hordes. Sam is launched back in time to rid the alien scum from more than 40 levels spread throughout three beautifully rendered, massive new time periods Ancient Rome, Feudal China and legendary Atlantis. For the first time ever, Sam will have access to vehicles to help him mow down the enemies, and of course he¹ll be armed to the teeth with an arsenal that contains old favorites and some high-powered new additions. Throughout it all, Serious Sam: Next Encounter maintains the same hilarious and high speed shoot-em-up action that fans have come to love, while introducing loads of new gameplay to keep old hands and newcomers alike coming back for more. [Take 2 Interactive]

PUBLISHER: Global Star Software / Take 2 Interactive
DEVELOPER: Climax Studios
GENRE(S): First-Person Shooter
PLAYERS: 4
ESRB RATING: M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: April 12, 2004

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

83
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
Tremendously fun, and the co-operative mode is a thing of brilliance. It might look a bit scrappy but it works a treat. [GamesMaster]
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80
VideoGamesLife
What it lacks in finesse and refinement it makes up for in its relentless pace and continuous blasting lunacy. It won’t be the sort of game you’ll be telling your grandkids about in years to come, but it does the job and for its bargain price.
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80
G4 TV
It’s as fast and frantic a shooter as you’ll find anywhere.
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78
Game Informer
Hidden levels, new features, and cheats all await the dedicated gamer. However, it will take a seriously patient player to not only finish the game, but to go back and earn the gold medals. [May 2004, p.94]
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77
Computer and Video Games
A game where you have to kill a seriously stupid amount of vicious creatures, who lack the brains to do much other than charge straight at you. It's an absolute apocalypse and in terms of body count makes "TimeSplitters 2" look like Songs of Praise.
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71
PGNx Media
If simple fun is what you’re looking for, you can’t get much better than Serious Sam.
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70
GamePro
Serious Sam delivers all the requirements of an exciting FPS, and the 20-buck asking price is a sweet incentive.
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70
AceGamez
It provides the perfect environment for a quick blast about, either on your own against endless hordes of colourful monsters, or with a friend.
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70
Edge Magazine
Next Encounter is one of the grandest and busiest console battlefields yet created. This is a spiritual update to Space Invaders, a one-trick pony that kicks harder than most FPS thoroughbreds, making the "Medal of Honour" series seem like a vain diva by comparison. [June 2004, p.109]
70
IGN
If you miss the old days of "DOOM" or just want a cheap thrill, then Next Encounter will help pass the time even if it may make your brain feel like it's shrinking.
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70
Nintendo Power
A grown man in a diaper, a scary clown and an Elvis impersonator are among the 11 kooky playable characters. [May 2004, p.121]
70
GamerFeed
It's got the kind of gameplay to get you going in a hurry, and its challenge lasts quite a while. It wouldn't hurt to get Serious.
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69
GameCube Europe
If you can look beyond the dated graphics, the basic gameplay model and of course if shooters are your thing, then you are in for quite some fun, and that’s what it is all about really.
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67
GameZone
I absolutely love the insane amount of weapons that this title includes.
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65
GameSpot
If you can forgive the game's dated-looking graphics, its rather basic gameplay model, and its comparative level of ease--which is, admittedly, a lot to forgive--you can have a good time with Serious Sam: Next Encounter.
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62
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Ten years ago this balls-out approach might've been considered fresh, but today it feels like an empty stereotype of the genre's past. Some might dig its old-school vibe, but I'll take a pass. [June 2004, p.93]
58
Play Magazine
A lack of variety hurts in the end, and while the visual style is enjoyably simple and nicely handled within its constraints, you start to want more meat on the bones. [May 2004, p.56]
50
games(TM)
By trying to compete in the 'ultimate first-person shooter' squabble, many a title finds its grasp underplayed by its reach. The beauty of Serious Sam is its totally nonchalent attitude towards the genre and the way it plays what could be seen as its weakest card as its strength. [June 2004, p.109]

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 8.5 (out of 10) based on 8 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Ryencoke gave it a2:
This game is just horrible.

Bob the builder gave it a 10:
This game is brilliant and I have never played on anything better but one thing how do you drive the serious sub and what level I have found it but I cannot drive it. it just takes you to the next level.

Ruz M. gave it a 10:
Real good no brainer fun. Fast frame rate and loads to kill kill kill! great for picking up and playing in a 5 min coffee break!

Fatty Arbuckle gave it a 10:
This game is DA BIZ - NEVER HAD SO MUCH FUN!! POINT SHOOT KILL MAIM AND DESTROY... Apply valium... ahhh!

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