Instant Impressions: Serious Sam HD

Written by Ryan (U2) Wednesday, 13 January 2010 12:52

serioussamhd_boxart.sized Serious Sam: HD

Developer: Croteam
Publisher: Majesco
Genre: FPS
Price: 1200pts ($15.00)
Release: 1/13/10

Key Features:
• Big visual jump from original game
• Online co-op for 4 people (8 on the PC)
• Classic audio
• Retains the charm of the original

Instant Impressions:

If you are one of those shooter fans out there that have no knowledge of Sam and just how Serious he is let me suggest you give the new XBLA game a download and play. Serious Sam HD is a re-make of the classic frantic over the top FPS which originally was released on the PC way back in the day. This updated version of the game has impressed me after playing through the first few levels.

SeriousSamHD

Visually the game is fantastic and an example of what should be done with older games in the HD world we now live. The colors pop off the screen and other visual touches like new shadows and just the overall clean look of the game is fantastic. Along with a fresh coat of paint comes a very bloody engine. I do not remember Serious Sam being so full of blood but this time around you will see blood splatter that shoots out 15+ feet along with limbs of all sorts flopping around. In most shooters this would be considered over the top, in a Serious Sam game this fits right in.

Controls are spot on for this fast paced shooter with a few changes from normal FPS these days. Left trigger will function as your jump this time around and once you get the hang of it you will be jumping over the many enemies heading towards you.

On the topic of enemies I feel a need to warn anyone playing this game for the first time that during your trip through Serious Sam you will encounter waves of enemies you have never seen in any other shooter. At times you will have hundreds of enemies on the screen at once. Keeping in mind these are not your average enemies either from the giant walking robot chicken type things to the headless bomb carrying screaming suicide guys. This game plays out like a sick Saturday cartoon of our dreams/nightmares.

screens_serious_sam_hd

Perhaps the best part of the game is the online co-op for up to 4 people (8 player co-op for the PC). You and 3 buddies can play through the entire game together and witness the chaos and glorious outdoor set pieces. This is the way to enjoy a Serious Sam game, with your friends. Let the laughing begin.

Even console gamers will get a little PC taste with the quick save option. At any time during the game you can hit Y and the game will save right then and there which is a nice feature.

Stats are also stacked in the game with anything you would like to know about your travels. Details on all the enemies and their back stories are also accessed through the menu after hitting the B button. The menus are slick and quick which ads to the fast nature of the game.

Anyone not familiar with the Serious Sam games needs to download the demo and give this a try. Veterans of the serious should rejoice that so much love was put into a remake of this game. I look forward to destroying millions of enemies with my friends online.

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