Serious Sam Double D XXL Review
Serious Sam Double D XXL is a game with a whole lot to offer to fans of its formers. It is a re-make of the game (minus the XXL in the name) released for PC a couple years ago. However, this version gives players extended game play and new features.
This fun 2-D side-scroller has a lot to be discovered. It has 21 levels to go through, each of which are themed by whatever stage you are on. For example, you begin with an Egyptian themed level set. Double D also offers a local co-op option where player two will play as Huff, a character seen in the original game's trailer.
​​
​
The games controls are different and slightly difficult at first to handle. The gamer will find that they will have to get used to the jump button being LT (you also have a jump pad that you throw using LB and this will aid you in jumping higher). Once this control scheme has been mastered, the rest is as simple as pie!
Although this is a 2-D game, each level does have multiple routes throughout, where you can discover secrets, money or treasure. Of these treasures tokens can be found that will unlock new challenge levels and multiplayer arenas. Some of the paths are easy to see and others will either be accidentally stumbled upon, or missed completely.
A huge plus for the game lies in the weapons. True to the previous games, guns are a huge thing! There are different sorts of weapons to be found, ranging from a shotgun to a flame thrower to a chain saw. Each of these have upgrades (40 different types) that can be purchased from a strange and slightly creepy man the player will encounter throughout each level. A fantastic bonus for weapons is the ability to stack them. Yes, stack the weapons. This is a huge part of this game, where strategy and goofiness will both come into play. You may find yourself wanting to stack your shotguns all on top of one another, or your tommy gun with your shotgun and flame thrower.
However, players will find that this is actually a huge waste of ammo. Not that ammo is tough to come by, but being in the middle of a large battle of nonstop enemies and running out of ammo in the main gun.... Well, it's just no good. Thankfully, it's not too rough to figure out how to best balance this out.
The game stays light hearted with corny humour throughout. The cut-scenes range from laughable to sometimes slightly awkward. In one such scene, the general of the enemies is speaking with a topless kamikaze woman and gives her comments on her "bombs". Most of the humour ranges around things that feel more like a flashback to the '90s, but there are still plenty of giggles to be had.
The graphics of this game aren't far from what should be expected. The models for the characters were well thought out in a random sort of way. One such enemy is a stack of pancakes, the Vuvuzelator, with utensils as legs and a mouthful of frightening teeth. There are chimps with jet packs and bionic arms, flying cats with tanks attached and many other goofy characters.
This game did well with pacing itself and giving the player a chance to learn it. It has plenty to offer with bosses, enemies and levels themed for fun. The humour is corny, but will still succeed in many laughs or any least smirks. The music is classic and character style fit for the fans.
Check it out and see what you think!
9/10
Review By Jackie C
