Serious Sam 2

Gameplay – 8/10

Serious Sam 2 takes the over-the-top, high-speed action of the series and is cranked all the way up to 11. As Sam "Serious" Stone, players blast through massive waves of enemies using an arsenal of absurdly powerful weapons, from dual-wielded miniguns to explosive shotguns.

The game follows closely in the footsteps of run-and-gun origins, shooting into scores of enemies in open, fabulous arenas. Enemy varieties can be value-for-money included in classic action-game staples: Kamikazes, an enormous set of biomechs, and a few gigantic boss fights that seem to require constant movement and reflex-based shooting.

On the other hand, the level design is much more linear than any of the titles that preceded it, while some of the sections appear much more scripted, as opposed to having the openness to be expected. Some vehicle segments have been included but seem quite clumsy relative to the gunplay core. Co-op mode is where the game comes into its own, making the chaos much more entertaining.

Graphics & Art Style – 7.5/10

Serious Sam 2, with its cartoon-like bright landscapes, strayed far away from the darker tones of most other shooters. The worlds are colorful, diverse, and filled with strange, wacky designs-from jungle temples to futuristic cities.

Some might find the enemy animations and explosions to be most satisfying, while the overly goofy art style certainly turned others away. Some fans of the truly serious first hour felt that the sequel's more humorous art style took away from the bloody, grittier ambience established by the first game.

Sound & Music – 7/10

The soundtrack is energetic and fast-paced, keeping the adrenaline flowing during fights. Weapons sound powerful and punchy, making each shot feel impactful.

Sam’s one-liners are frequent, but the humor is hit-or-miss—some jokes land well, while others feel repetitive or forced. The voice acting for Sam is appropriately over-the-top, but the supporting characters can be annoying at times.

Story & Atmosphere – 6.5/10

Though rather absurd, a drama with Sam embarking upon its quest to gather medallions endowed with magic powers to defeat the sinister Mental. The script goes completely over-the-top with wacky characters, all-too-absurd dialogue, and some utterly nonsensical surprise twists.

The jokes seem sillier than their predecessors, featuring talking parrots, snarky NPCs, and ludicrous-looking enemies. Some fans appreciate the lighthearted approach, while others lament the more serious and intense action found in Serious Sam: The First Encounter.

Replayability – 8/10

With huge enemy waves, tons of weapons, and fast-paced combat, Serious Sam 2 is built for replayability. Co-op mode adds endless fun, and higher difficulty levels provide a serious challenge. However, the linear mission design means there’s less variety in how levels are approached compared to earlier games.

Final Verdict – 7.5/10

Serious Sam 2 delivers insane action, non-stop shooting, and massive battles, making it a fun and chaotic FPS. While the humor and cartoony visuals may not be for everyone, the fast-paced gunplay and enemy hordes remain as entertaining as ever. If you love classic arcade-style shooters, Serious Sam 2 is a wild ride worth taking—especially with friends.