The level and encounter design got some SERIOUS upgrades this time! The visual enhancements are also a welcome change, along with fewer outdated game design tropes (though a few are still present).

BFE maintains the series' sense of identity and core gameplay with its fast-paced encounters, but it does a far better job and pacing these encounters between each other. For example, the game sometimes presents subterranean sections where you're forced to move slower and fight jumpy enemies in the dark, relying only on your flashlight to see them. It seems unusual in theory but I think it fits right in.

Much like the First and Second Encounters, it culminates in a gauntlet level leading into its final boss. And I'm happy to say that both the gauntlet and the boss are significantly better than those in the previous games. The boss isn't anything too special, but it has easily the best sense of scale and unique mechanics which are required to beat it.

It's safe to say that, despite numerous flaws, I am now a serious fan of Serious Sam.