first-person shooter
Serious Sam: The Second Encounter
By Croteam, released 1 Jan 2002
- Microsoft Windows
- Linux
What it is
Serious Sam: The Second Encounter is a first-person shooter from Croteam built around fast arcade-style action. Sam travels through South America, ancient Mesopotamia and medieval Europe while fighting Mental’s forces. The game lists 27 enemy types, including five new enemies and three bosses, alongside weapons such as a sniper rifle, flamethrower and chainsaw. Power-ups add fighting and agility abilities. Multiplayer options include co-op for up to 16 players, versus modes, and local split-screen co-op and versus for up to four players. A level editor supports making levels, mods, textures and other content. Steam lists single-player, online and LAN co-op, online and LAN PvP, and shared-screen options. The developer is Croteam, and Devolver Digital is the publisher. The listed platforms are Windows and Linux, though the Steam platform listing names Windows. Its Steam release date is August 30, 2019.
What players like, and what they don't
- Three worlds offer varied settings.
- Co-op supports up to 16 players.
- Local split-screen supports up to four players.
- Level editor supports mods and textures.
- Steam platform listing names Windows only.
- Local split-screen is limited to four players.
Who it suits
It suits players seeking arcade-shooter action in solo play or co-op, including groups using online, LAN or split-screen modes. The level editor may interest players who want to create levels or other content.
The Second Encounter pairs a solo arcade shooter with several multiplayer formats and a level editor. Its listed multiplayer options make it relevant to groups choosing between online, LAN and local play.
