Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter

 PC
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter Image
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 303 Ratings

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  • Summary: The indie sensation Serious Sam: The First Encounter is reborn in glorious high-definition for legions of long-time fans and a whole new generation of gamers around the world. Featuring dazzling visuals and revamped design, gamers take control of the legendary Sam ‘Serious’ Stone as he isThe indie sensation Serious Sam: The First Encounter is reborn in glorious high-definition for legions of long-time fans and a whole new generation of gamers around the world. Featuring dazzling visuals and revamped design, gamers take control of the legendary Sam ‘Serious’ Stone as he is sent back through time to ancient Egypt to battle the overwhelming forces of Lord Mental and the Sirian army.… Expand
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Serious Sam Movie 9

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. Gaming Nexus
    100
    This is first person shooting distilled to its purest and most action-packed form. Updated graphics, fun co-op, and a budget price tag join together to put this on any shooter fan's wish list.
  2. Armchair Empire
    80
    If you're looking to revisit the Serious Sam franchise, or looking to add to your collection, or even if you've never played it before in your life, it's hard not to recommend Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter.
  3. Multiplayer.it
    75
    Graphics apart, Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter doesn't have anything that distinguishes it from the original one. If you have played it in the past and don’t want to replay the experience, you’d better leave it. But if you haven’t played it, what are you waiting for? Go buy it!
  4. GamePro
    70
    For all its simplicity, there's no denying that Serious Sam HD has enough old-school charm and addictive gameplay to make it a worthwhile purchase for gamers that just want to get some killing done the old fashioned way: with a portable ship cannon, gatling gun and four-barreled rocket launcher in your pocket.
  5. Digital Chumps
    68
    For 20 bucks, I think it’s a bit much to ask to be playing the same game again, this time on steam with achievements.
  6. GameStar
    60
    Yes, just like in 2001 this game can be fun and will be remembered for consequently reducing the game until there’s nothing left but shooting things. In a way, that’s simple and honest and worth playing – once. This is a modern version, but graphically not up to date.
  7. PC Format
    32
    Is there a form I can fill in to get these hours of my life back? [Feb 2010, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 35 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 57
  3. Negative: 4 out of 57
  1. TripleHeinz
    Sep 8, 2011
    10
    What a funny game! I've been a great fan of Croteam's Serious Engine and all the Serious Sam sequel since 2001. This HD version rocks!

    I've    What a funny game! I've been a great fan of Croteam's Serious Engine and all the Serious Sam sequel since 2001. This HD version rocks!

    I've been in Egypt many times and the new Serious engine 3 makes me believe like i'm back there (but about 4000 years ago and with lots, lots of new friends)...graphics are just amazing! The engine is so lightweight, it supports a vast of actions and enemies simultaneously without problem. The best of all is that it runs on most modern-modest computers.

    The gameplay remains the same kill-a-ton, don't think just shoot and move from place every 3 seconds.
    This game has the best multiplayer coop i've ever played! All players versus thousends of AI enemies.
    It's hard as usual and fun is guaranteed.

    Serious Sam in a word: BUTCHERY.    … Expand
  2. ImperialYama
    Dec 22, 2020
    10
    I can replay this Game just endless. It never gets boring. Sam is a cool guy.
  4. Cunin
    Dec 25, 2009
    10
    An amazing show of how a simple concept can turn into a more satisfactory game experience than super-advanced AI and 300-buttons control An amazing show of how a simple concept can turn into a more satisfactory game experience than super-advanced AI and 300-buttons control FPSs. Just mindless action, lots of incredibly funny secrets and beautiful graphics. If you still play Doom or Duke Nukem because modern games can't give you enough excitement, then this is the game for you. ...and another proof that Gamespot should never be listened to...… Expand
  5. Carl
    Jan 19, 2010
    8
    It's brainless, almost virtually plotless, ludicrously violent , hammy dialogue- the game revolves around getting from point A to point It's brainless, almost virtually plotless, ludicrously violent , hammy dialogue- the game revolves around getting from point A to point B and killing everything in your path. And that is why I absolutely love this game. In a world filled with games reaching new heights of complication, plot, depth and originality, Serious Sam is a humorous return to the roots of gaming back in the day where I'd try to sneak in and watch my dad play Duke Nukem for awhile. I was never in on Serious Sam when it first came to be, mainly due to being oblivious to that sort of franchise. But The First Encounter HD has made me a member of the new generation of seriously Serious Sam fans.… Expand
  6. Mushe
    Jan 17, 2012
    8
    A game designed for the old DOOM and Quake players, kill and kill without reason about monsters and mutants of any kind in the form of wavesA game designed for the old DOOM and Quake players, kill and kill without reason about monsters and mutants of any kind in the form of waves hits with huge amounts of enemies at once. The story has almost no weight, so it's like walking with a variety of powerful weapons to kill bugs. It's really addictive and simple. In this remake in HD, using a new engine (Serious Engine 3) there are times when the game looks great and in others it seems a game a few years ago, the same goes for the sound. And no you can not see so well, not very well optimized, although the game with more plot options vi. The online mode so I could test this fairly empty, but if you find a friend with whom to play is really fun (It lacks, however, only has cooperative campaign mode and deathmatch). In short, for those looking for something simple where you have to kill all day without having to use your head, this game will come in handy.… Expand
  7. SatAnNorris
    Aug 10, 2020
    7
    Great game and the HD version runs well on modern hardware. You can run through all maps in four hours or try to find all secrets, includingGreat game and the HD version runs well on modern hardware. You can run through all maps in four hours or try to find all secrets, including two hidden levels. Works great with Steam, so you can invite a friend directly through the Steam interface.

    Instead of buying the First Encounter, I'd suggest getting Second Encounter directly, because it includes the Egyptian levels from First Encounter as well as additional locations.    … Expand
  8. Tubie
    Oct 11, 2010
    2
    This is an insult to the original, sometimes older games should not be brought up to HD unless you are willing to spend a lot of timeThis is an insult to the original, sometimes older games should not be brought up to HD unless you are willing to spend a lot of time redesigning the game. I really hate that I tried this version, it almost ruined the fun memories of the original.… Expand

See all 57 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
88
#88 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

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