It has become cliché to say that a game like Serious Sam Double D XXL isn’t just a port of the PC version released in 2011, but in XXL’s case it is absolutely true. Mommy’s Best Games has packed the XBLA version to the brim with new content.
Serious Sam Double D on PC introduced the gun stacker, which did exactly what it sounds like. The stacker could hold up to six weapons, including multiple of the same weapon, and fire them simultaneously. XXL turbo charges the gun stacker with a new weapon upgrade system, adding four unlockable alternate abilities to each gun.
Take the shotgun, which can upgrade to fire a shot that slows down enemies. A second upgrade gives it homing shells while a third allows it to fire a swarm of cybernetic bees that pick up and carry enemies away. Yes, cybernetic bees. Finally, the last shotgun upgrade brings back the iconic Serious Sam cannon to blast through enemies with a charged shot.
Each of Sam’s weapons will have similarly over-the-top upgrades, which can be bought through a new in-game shop at certain checkpoints. Upgrades can easily toggle on or off, allowing players to customize their gun stacker in all new ways.
The campaign has also been expanded, with three completely new vehicle stages along with new traps and puzzles seamlessly incorporated into each level. New enemies like the armored gnaar will also rear their ugly heads, forcing players to fully use their gun stacker and upgrades for new ways to approach each encounter.
The entire campaign can be played in local co-op this time around, with Player 2 controlling a new character dubbed Huff who adds his own colorful brand of humor to the now fully-voiced story scenes.
What Mommy’s Best Games started as an indie spin-off has become much more in Serious Sam Double D XXL, and could be XBLA’s next great action game when it launches on February 20 for $10 (800 Microsoft Points).
PUBLISHER: Devolver Digital • DEVELOPER: Mommy’s Best Games • MULTIPLAYER: 2-player co-op • RELEASE DATE: February 20, 2013 • FOR FANS OF: Serious Sam, Contra, chimps with jet engines instead of legs
