So I finished the GameCube version of Serious Sam The Next Encounter. It was developed by another studio and was a console spin-off. It feels like a bridge between Second Encounter and Serious Sam 2 in a way of presentation and stuff. And I love SS2 so I guess I like this too.

It had different environments both in terms of locations (Rome, China, Atlantis, and final Sirius mothership) with different gimmicks and some enemy types unique to zones.

The rampage mechanic was a bit annoying tbh with sound effects and music change if you did 20 kills in a combo. Same as this occasional Humvee transport was sort of undercooked - SS2 did transport much better.

Some places looked low detailed, mostly some arenas and open spaces which is fine I guess for a GC game that also had a PS2 port. But Some interiors and locations in dynamic looked nice actually.

The game was tedious at times like all arena shooters, but in general, I more enjoyed it than not.

Some Enemies+interior+location combinations reminded me about another Serious Sam clone "Will Rock" - but Will Rock was... bleh to say the least.