Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 306 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 222 out of 306
  2. Mixed: 62 out of 306
  3. Negative: 22 out of 306
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  1. Brumbek
    Nov 11, 2011
    4
    A horrible "remake". It improved the graphics to 2005 quality but calls it HD...And the core design wasn't improved at all despite the fact that the original had some really annoying features. If this was included free with SS3, then I'd support it. But to charge us so much, for so little...I actually prefer the original for the nostalgia factor. If you're a diehard Serious Sam fan, thenA horrible "remake". It improved the graphics to 2005 quality but calls it HD...And the core design wasn't improved at all despite the fact that the original had some really annoying features. If this was included free with SS3, then I'd support it. But to charge us so much, for so little...I actually prefer the original for the nostalgia factor. If you're a diehard Serious Sam fan, then you'll enjoy it I'm sure. If you prefer quality FPS games, do not play this.… Expand
  2. suneater
    Jan 3, 2013
    2
    An "HD" remake of the original Serious Sam but without any real improvements. The graphics might be higher rez but the models & environments are chunky and texture work is unimpressive. Gameplay is way too finicky and reminds me Duke Nukem where each level has to be played perfectly just to survive. The main reasons I liked Quake & DOOM was because of the great sense of speed and freedomAn "HD" remake of the original Serious Sam but without any real improvements. The graphics might be higher rez but the models & environments are chunky and texture work is unimpressive. Gameplay is way too finicky and reminds me Duke Nukem where each level has to be played perfectly just to survive. The main reasons I liked Quake & DOOM was because of the great sense of speed and freedom of movement. Meanwhile, SS takes the complete opposite approach with you crawling through levels and spending the majority of the game backpedaling while holding down M1. Tedious gameplay, bland graphics and sound, and boring map & game design round out this unnecessary "remake". Nothing new or noteworthy here and not worth picking up for anyone.… Expand
  3. 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 time redesigning the game. I really hate that I tried this version, it almost ruined the fun memories of the original.
  4. kndr
    May 15, 2021
    3
    There is not much variety here. Always the same locations and same enemies.

    It spawns huge monster in ridiculous places and expects you to live. It gives you health, armor and ammo and takes it away immediately.

    There are no vehicles to make traveling bearable. You run everywhere.

    After playing ss2 I can't really say I enjoyed this.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. 3DJuegos
    63
    As long as you aren’t expecting anything revolutionary, Serious Sam HD will deliver its classic action gameplay with a graphic boost. Just for fans of brainless shooters.
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  2. Eurogamer
    70
    As it is, for all the added beauty and inherited class, I don't think there's enough freshness or sophistication here for that to happen.
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  3. VideoGamer
    70
    What needs to be remembered is that this isn't a brand new Serious Sam game, but the original in new clothes. As such it feels a little dated compared with modern releases. It's undoubtedly fun and relentless in its strive for all-out action, but with a recommended retail price of £18, it feels a bit light.
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