Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter

 Xbox 360
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. MS Xbox World
    85
    Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter for the Xbox 360 is a return of a classic. It may seem a little dated by some, but I personally believe that for both newcomers and nostalgic gamers like myself, the HD remake that is now available still provides a wonderful experience in terms of both speed and adrenaline pumping action.
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    84
    The distilled essence of the FPS genre. It gives you powerful weaponry and then throws ridiculous amounts of enemies at you – what’s there more to ask? [Mar 2010]
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  3. GamingExcellence
    80
    If you're a gamer who finds that modern FPS are too easy and want a challenge pick up Serious Sam HD. Mixing challenging encounters with interesting boss fights you really can't go wrong.
  5. Extreme Gamer
    80
    Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter is a solid, and fun addition to the Xbox Live Arcade.
  6. TeamXbox
    78
    Some people won’t get what’s so fun about Serious Sam, preferring the more advanced graphics and realistic action of more modern shooters. But you don’t have to be an old fart to enjoy this classic gaming throwback. Sometimes just shooting stuff without having to solve puzzles or tactically engage an enemy is what we want to do, and for that we will always have Serious Sam.
  7. Console Monster
    76
    It's not the greatest shooter ever made, but who doesn't love being chased by zombies with bombs for hands or a gigantic six armed monster shooting fireballs to then take them down with the biggest rocket launcher you've ever seen. I know I do!
  8. 1UP
    75
    This is a bargain-priced re-release of an older title. Did you always want to play the original, but forgot where you put the disc? Grab this puppy off Steam or XBox Live and have yourself a grand ol' time. But if you are into realism, refinement, cohesive plot structure, and/or crates, go blow your hard-earned cash on some pansy, frou frou FPS and quit wasting my time.
  9. GameSpot
    75
    Serious Sam: The First Encounter may be a little dated, but this HD remake is still a great way to revisit one of the craziest arcade shooters ever made.
  10. Official Xbox Magazine
    75
    The enemies are crass, the design is mean, the challenge is unforgiving, and the reward limited. You've been warned. [Mar 2010, p.82]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 39
  3. Negative: 3 out of 39
  1. rolfo
    Jan 21, 2010
    10
    Who needs Borderlands? Play this online with 4 friends and you will have a blast! Even single player totaly rocks! Beutifull with great sound Who needs Borderlands? Play this online with 4 friends and you will have a blast! Even single player totaly rocks! Beutifull with great sound this is one of the best arcade games yet! Worth every mp! Had it included Second encounter I would gladly had paid full retail price!… Full Review »
  2. JoeyM
    Jan 20, 2010
    10
    People are taking this game way too seriously with respects to high end realism and fancy graphics. This is a classic FPS game that is meant People are taking this game way too seriously with respects to high end realism and fancy graphics. This is a classic FPS game that is meant to be played with over the top action, gore, and little to no thinking involved. This game is great for those who need a break from the stresses of COD and other realistic shooters. Great game at a great cost. Did I mention your friends can get in on the action with you with 4 player co-op?… Full Review »
  3. Dan
    Jan 19, 2010
    10
    This game is a pure joy to play. If you've played the original back in 2001 there's nothing new to be found here but damn is it This game is a pure joy to play. If you've played the original back in 2001 there's nothing new to be found here but damn is it fun. The graphics are beautifully updated and the addition of ragdoll physics make the gameplay much more entertaining. Who doesn't want to kill thousands of enemies in brief amounts of time with awesome weapons? If you like more "serious" shooters, stay clear of serious sam, but if you're looking for an old school shooter quality and charm game look no further than serious sam HD. An awesome remake.… Full Review »
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