Serious Sam: The First Encounter
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About Serious Sam: The First Encounter
Croteam dropped Serious Sam: The First Encounter on PC back in March 2001. This title launched just before the indie label really took off, though it feels like a throwback to older shooters. You play as Sam, a guy who shoots everything that moves while trying to stop an alien overlord named Mental from wiping out humanity. The story takes you through ancient Egypt and other worlds where technology clashes with black magic. It is a classic first-person shooter that also made its way to Xbox. The game focuses on pure movement and shooting without much narrative fluff. You just run, jump, and fire at hordes of creatures until the screen is full of explosions.
Gameplay
The core loop involves running through large maps while dozens of enemies charge you at once. You switch weapons constantly to handle different threats like the charging Sirian Werebull or the screaming Headless Kamikaze. Most sessions feel like a frantic scramble where you keep moving because standing still means death. The levels are open arenas designed for chaos rather than tight corridors. You collect ammo and health packs scattered across the ground while dodging projectiles. Boss fights happen at the end of each chapter against massive multi-story creatures like Ugh-Zan. Controls are simple with direct movement and shooting. Multiplayer allows you to team up or fight others in various modes. The pace never slows down even for a second.
What Players Think
Critics loved this game when it came out, giving it an 87 on Metacritic and an 81.3 average score across 257 ratings on IGDB. Players who have logged hours here often report high completion rates because the levels are short but hard. The community describes the vibe as chaotic fun rather than a serious story experience. Average playtime for a full run sits around ten to twelve hours for most people. Many users mention the price of $1.19 on GOG makes it an easy buy compared to modern titles. Review snippets frequently praise the sheer number of enemies on screen without any lag. The mood remains positive years later since the mechanics are simple and effective. No other site tracks these specific completion stats or community moods for this title.
PlayPile's Take
This game is worth it if you want fast-paced shooting action without complex puzzles or deep stories. At $1.19, it costs less than a soda but offers over ten hours of gameplay. You will earn achievements by beating bosses and clearing levels in specific ways. The challenge comes from managing ammo while dodging hundreds of projectiles at once. It is not for players who prefer slow tactical shooters or narrative-heavy experiences. Croteam built a solid arcade shooter that holds up well on PC. Grab it now before the price goes up again.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
IGDB Rating
81.3
RAWG Rating
4.0
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