Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Serious Sam: The First Encounter throws you headlong into frantic, arcade-style mayhem from the very first second you pick up the controls. The game eschews careful tactics and stealth, opting instead for non-stop waves of enemies that swarm the player in huge numbers. Armed with an arsenal of classic weapons like shotguns, chainguns, rocket launchers, and even a devastating cannon, you’ll blast through desert sands and temple corridors with little more than raw firepower and reflexes.

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Level design in The First Encounter is deceptively simple. At its core, each map is a sprawling arena where you navigate open courtyards, narrow hallways, and puzzle-sprinkled chambers. You’ll find ammo, health, and armor pickups scattered throughout these spaces, encouraging exploration and risk-taking under fire. While the occasional puzzle—often as straightforward as flipping a switch or locating a key—breaks up the action, the real thrill always lies in mowing down tens or hundreds of aliens at once.

The enemy roster is one of the game’s greatest strengths. From headless kamikaze bombers and scorpion-mounted chaingunners to massive bio-mechanical behemoths that fire homing missiles, each new foe demands slightly different tactics. Despite the sheer volume of adversaries, the pace never feels unfair; the balance of pickups and weapon power keeps the action challenging yet consistently rewarding.

Graphics

When Serious Sam: The First Encounter first arrived, its visual style stood out for its vibrant color palette and bold, angular architecture. The dusty yellows of the desert, the deep reds and golds of pharaonic temples, and the cool blues of ancient underground chambers all help immerse you in Sam “Serious” Stone’s time-traveling adventure. Although the engine is clearly of its era, environments remain memorable thanks to large vistas and distinct set pieces.

Character and enemy models are deliberately exaggerated, lending the game a cartoonish, larger-than-life quality that complements the over-the-top gameplay. Textures may seem dated by modern standards, but the level of detail is sufficient to convey hieroglyph-decorated walls, crumbling statues, and rusted mechanical parts. Dynamic lighting effects and particle systems—rockets blazing, shields flashing—add extra punch to each firefight.

Performance is rock solid on contemporary hardware, with smooth framerates even when dozens of enemies are on screen simultaneously. The game’s stable engine ensures responsive controls, so you never feel held back by technical limitations. If you’re a fan of retro aesthetics, there’s a nostalgic charm here that shines through despite the age of the graphics.

Story

Serious Sam’s narrative is straightforward: the evil alien overlord Mental has attacked Earth, and it’s up to Sam “Serious” Stone to travel back in time to Ancient Egypt and stop Mental’s first infiltration. There’s no intricate character drama or lengthy cutscenes—just a simple setup that gets you into the action fast. As you progress through the game, you pick up snippets of intel on your mini-computer, offering context on the sprawling temples and cities you explore.

The story unfolds in broad strokes rather than fine detail. Each level is presented as another stop on Sam’s voyage, from sun-baked deserts littered with horde attacks to gilded palace chambers and underground tombs teeming with undead guardians. While dialogue is minimal, Sam’s one-liners and the occasional voice prompt lend personality and keep the tone light and energetic.

This stripped-down narrative approach may disappoint gamers looking for deep lore or complex interactions, but it perfectly suits the game’s arcade roots. By focusing on non-stop action, the story serves as a fun backdrop without ever slowing down the pace. You won’t remember the plot beats as much as you’ll remember the explosive set pieces and monumental boss fights.

Overall Experience

From start to finish, Serious Sam: The First Encounter delivers an unapologetically high-octane dose of first-person shooting. Each level feels like a carefully choreographed dance of bullets and explosions, offering pure, unadulterated fun. The learning curve is gentle; once you understand the basics of strafe-shooting and ammo management, you’re free to enjoy the sumptuous chaos without frustration.

Replayability is a natural strength here. With multiple difficulty modes and hidden secrets tucked away in every arena, you’ll find plenty of reasons to dive back into the fray. Whether you’re hunting for that last armor pickup or perfecting your route through a gauntlet of suicide bombers, every run feels fresh thanks to the game’s dynamic pacing and varied enemy encounters.

In an era that often prizes realism and elaborate storytelling, Serious Sam: The First Encounter stands out as a bold reminder of the roots of the FPS genre. It’s not about intricate plots or lifelike simulations; it’s about the pure thrill of blasting your way through impossible odds. For players craving old-school intensity and nonstop action, Serious Sam’s first outing remains an essential, adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Retro Replay Score

7.9/10