Serious Sam: The First Encounter vs Serious Sam 3: BFE
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Serious Sam: The First Encounter is a classic first‑person shooter that delivers relentless action across sprawling, open arenas. Developed by Croteam, the game challenges players to survive wave after wave of bizarre enemies with a massive arsenal of weapons. The title features both single‑player and multiplayer modes, including co‑operative play, allowing friends to team up and tackle the chaos together. Its sci‑fi setting and over‑the‑top combat have made it a beloved indie shooter since its 2001 release.
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.
- Non‑stop, high‑octane action
- Large variety of weapons
- Robust co‑op multiplayer
- Engaging retro aesthetic
- Relentless, satisfying gunplay.
- Robust co‑op and split‑screen options.
- Wide weapon selection and upgrades.
- Humorous, self‑aware storytelling.
- Limited narrative depth
- Graphics may feel dated to modern players
- No official console ports
- Graphics feel dated compared to modern titles.
- Some puzzles can feel repetitive.
- Multiplayer matchmaking can be inconsistent.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Serious Sam: The First Encounter
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Fast‑paced, over‑the‑top shooter that pits Sam against endless alien hordes.
Alternatives to Serious Sam 3: BFE
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A tongue‑in‑cheek shooter that blends action, comedy, and fantasy on classic consoles
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSerious Sam: The First Encounter offers higher critical praise and tighter classic co‑op, while Serious Sam 3: BFE adds split‑screen, more platforms, and extra weapons/puzzles at the cost of lower reviews.
Key differences
- •Platform range – BFE runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PS3, Xbox 360; Encounter is PC‑only.
- •Split‑screen co‑op – only BFE supports up to 4 players on the same console.
- •Weapon variety – BFE lists over 30 weapons with upgrades; Encounter offers a large but unspecified variety.
- •Critic reception – Encounter scored 83/100 vs BFE 71/100.
- •Puzzle content – BFE includes timed environmental puzzles; Encounter has none.
Gameplay & fun factor
Encounter’s fast‑paced, nonstop action and high‑octane weapon play earned a higher critic score (83) than BFE (71).
Platform availability
BFE runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PS3, and Xbox 360, whereas Encounter is PC‑only.
Price & value
Both titles are priced identically at $39.99 (one‑time purchase).
Multiplayer / co‑op
BFE adds split‑screen co‑op for up to 4 players; Encounter only supports online co‑op.
Content & replayability
BFE includes over 30 weapons, upgrade paths, and puzzle sections, offering more varied content than Encounter.
Graphics & performance
Both use retro‑styled visuals with modern lighting; each is noted as feeling dated compared to current titles.
Difficulty & accessibility
Encounter provides multiple difficulty settings for newcomers and veterans; BFE’s difficulty not specified.
Choose Serious Sam: The First Encounter if…
Players who value higher critical acclaim, pure online co‑op, and a classic PC shooter experience.
Choose Serious Sam 3: BFE if…
Players who need split‑screen, broader platform support, more weapons and puzzle variety.
Common questions
Do both games support four‑player co‑op?
Yes, both support up to four players, but Encounter is online only; BFE adds local split‑screen.
Is there a price difference between the two?
No, both are priced at $39.99 as a one‑time purchase.
Which game has better critical reception?
Serious Sam: The First Encounter received a critic score of 83/100, higher than BFE’s 71/100.