Serious Sam 3: BFE vs Quake III Arena
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Serious Sam 3: BFE returns to the series' roots with relentless, fast‑paced action set in a retro‑styled sci‑fi universe. Players blast through hordes of enemies across diverse locations while enjoying tongue‑in‑cheek humor and explosive set‑pieces. The game supports both solo and cooperative play, offering split‑screen modes and online multiplayer across PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Its blend of shooter mechanics, puzzle moments, and comedic storytelling makes it a unique entry in the indie action genre.
Quake III Arena delivers relentless, high‑speed first‑person shooter action set in a sci‑fi arena where skill and reflexes reign supreme. Players battle across iconic maps in both single‑player bot matches and competitive multiplayer modes, mastering a variety of weapons and power‑ups. The game’s legacy lives on through its robust modding community and enduring e‑sports presence, offering endless replayability for both casual duels and hardcore tournaments.
- Relentless, satisfying gunplay.
- Robust co‑op and split‑screen options.
- Wide weapon selection and upgrades.
- Humorous, self‑aware storytelling.
- Lightning‑fast gameplay
- Deep modding community
- Broad platform support
- Timeless arena maps
- Graphics feel dated compared to modern titles.
- Some puzzles can feel repetitive.
- Multiplayer matchmaking can be inconsistent.
- Dated graphics by modern standards
- Limited single‑player story
- No native controller support on PC
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Serious Sam 3: BFE
View all →
A tongue‑in‑cheek shooter that blends action, comedy, and fantasy on classic consoles
Alternatives to Quake III Arena
View all →
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataQuake III Arena offers better value and faster, competitive gameplay, while Serious Sam 3 adds split‑screen co‑op and a single‑player campaign at a higher price.
Key differences
- •Serious Sam includes split‑screen co‑op for up to 4 players; Quake only offers split‑screen without dedicated co‑op modes.
- •Price: Serious Sam $39.99 vs Quake $19.99.
- •Critic scores: Serious Sam 71/100, Quake 87/100.
- •Quake provides extensive mod support and community‑created maps; Serious Sam does not mention modding.
- •Serious Sam features a single‑player campaign with puzzles; Quake’s single‑player is limited to bots.
Gameplay & fun factor
Quake’s lightning‑fast arena combat and higher critic score (87) indicate a more engaging competitive experience.
Platform availability
Both run on PC, Mac/Linux and Xbox 360; each adds a unique console (Serious Sam PS3, Quake PS2).
Price & value
Quake costs $19.99, half the price of Serious Sam’s $39.99, delivering comparable core shooter experience.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Serious Sam supports up to 4‑player split‑screen co‑op, a feature Quake lacks.
Content & replayability
Quake’s extensive modding community and classic arena maps boost long‑term replay value.
Graphics & performance
Quake is optimized for high frame‑rate competitive play; both have dated visuals, but Quake’s performance edge wins.
Choose Serious Sam 3: BFE if…
Players who want split‑screen co‑op and a story‑driven single‑player experience.
Choose Quake III Arena if…
Competitive arena fans seeking fast gameplay, cheap price, and strong mod support.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Quake III Arena costs $19.99; Serious Sam 3 costs $39.99.
Do either of these support split‑screen co‑op?
Serious Sam 3 supports up to 4‑player split‑screen co‑op; Quake III Arena only offers split‑screen without dedicated co‑op modes.
Is there a modding community for these titles?
Quake III Arena has extensive mod support and community‑created maps; Serious Sam 3 does not list mod support.