Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter Critic Reviews

Even better thanks to far cleverer puzzles.

"The Tomb of Sammun-Mak" is fun, funny and smart. The Devil's Playhouse continues to impress.

The game looks great on a high end gaming PC, and will even run on pretty much anything with a dedicated video card, so most people who even have a passing interest really should check the game out. Sadly the cost of admission might be the one thing that would keep the people who would really enjoy the game away from it.

The Second Encounter was (and is) arguably the best entry into the Serious Sam series, juggling the right balance between flippant colourful whimsy and pelleting grubby monsters so hard they turn into a crimson paste.

Once again, the developers at Telltale Games have proven that they are the masters of episodic gaming and point-and-click adventures.

With an online multiplayer mode as well as replay features, not to mention several difficulty options that'll make players thankful for a quicksave button, Sam's second outing is for serious gamers everywhere.

The jackhammer gameplay won't necessarily win over new converts, but for everyone else, this silky remake is a must buy.

Make no mistake; this game is hard. You will die, and die often.

This is the best version of one of the best gonzo shooters ever made, although it doesn't stray too far from its seven-year-old inspiration.

Even if It lacks of innovations and for someone could be a way too difficult, Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter represents a jump back to another shooter era, now with an updated visual and some new multiplayer options.

If you're at all a fan of old-school 90's shooters, Serious Sam or just superb multiplayer fun, Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter could be the perfect distraction from all the serious shooters being released in 2010.

The writing is as sharp as ever, but doesn't feel as fresh.

A better proposition than the first remake.

In single player, it gets repetitive in a hurry, but with friends, it's a blast. I wouldn't recommend this game for purchase unless you're sure you can line up some co-op.

There are some nice things to be done in the HD version of The Second Encounter: set new high scores in the endless Survival mode, take part in two-team matches or play cooperatively with four or five cutthroats like yourself. But as for the single-player campaign, it's better to set it aside… forever.

A riotous blast that smacks of old school game mechanics and nonsensical fun.

When blowing things up, more is generally merrier. Second Encounter offers way, way more.

Old game, new graphics. Story? Who needs one? Mission targets? Nope. Just go and shoot everything until your hand hurts. The new graphics can't hide the fact that this game is hopelessly out of date.

There are dozens of better games, but few will be remembered because of their frantic action like this one.

You don't fight fifty headless kamikazes on a giant trampoline every day, especially with a teammate dressed up as Santa Claus.