March 4^th, 2004 (12:00am) - Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. announced today that its Global Star publishing division will release Serious Sam: Next Encounter for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and Nintendo GameCube. Developed by Climax, the all new alien-blasting adventure will feature online play for up to eight players and two-player split screen action on the PlayStation 2, a four-player deathmatch option on the Nintendo GameCube, and two-player cooperative mode for both platforms. In addition, Global Star will also release Serious Sam Advance for the Game Boy® Advance, the first Serious Sam title for the system. Serious Sam: Next Encounter will be available this spring on both the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube for $19.99, while Serious Sam Advance will also debut this spring for $19.99.

Serious Sam: Next Encounter finds Sam gearing up once again to defend the Earth from Mental and his limitless extra-terrestrial hordes. Sam is launched back in time to rid the alien scum from more than 40 levels spread throughout three beautifully rendered, massive new time periods – Ancient Rome, Feudal China and legendary Atlantis. For the first time ever, Sam will have access to vehicles to help him mow down the enemies, and of course he’ll be armed to the teeth with an arsenal that contains old favorites and some high-powered new additions. Throughout it all, Serious Sam: Next Encounter maintains the same hilarious and high speed shoot-‘em-up action that fans have come to love, while introducing loads of new gameplay to keep old hands and newcomers alike coming back for more.

Serious Sam Advance introduces even more original adventures for Sam set in Ancient Egypt and Rome. This new GBA title features the signature fast paced Serious Sam gameplay, including never-before-seen enemies and bosses and up to four-player deathmatch mode via the use of the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable.