Serious Sam: The First Encounter vs Serious Sam II
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 II returns to the series' signature fast-paced, wave-based shooting action, delivering chaotic battles across diverse sci‑fi environments. With both single‑player and robust multiplayer modes, players can tear through hordes of enemies alone or with friends in co‑op and split‑screen play. The game builds on its predecessor with larger maps, more varied enemy types, and a playful sense of humor that blends intense combat with tongue‑in‑cheek moments, making it a standout title for fans of classic arena shooters.
- Non‑stop, high‑octane action
- Large variety of weapons
- Robust co‑op multiplayer
- Engaging retro aesthetic
- High-octane, relentless action
- Robust local and online multiplayer options
- Large variety of weapons and enemies
- Humorous tone adds charm
- Limited narrative depth
- Graphics may feel dated to modern players
- No official console ports
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited narrative depth
- Occasional performance hiccups on Linux
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 II
View all →
Fast‑paced, over‑the‑top shooter that pits Sam against endless alien hordes.

Fast‑paced, retro‑style shooter that pits you against endless alien hordes.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSerious Sam: The First Encounter offers a slightly richer co‑op experience and higher critic score at double the price, while Serious Sam II is cheaper but focuses more on split‑screen and online play.
Key differences
- •Price: A costs $39.99 vs B $19.99.
- •Multiplayer modes: A has up to 4‑player co‑op online; B adds split‑screen couch co‑op and LAN/online matchmaking.
- •Content volume: A features large open arenas and dynamic scoring; B provides multiple single‑player campaigns and over 30 enemy types.
- •Critic reception: A scored 83/100, B 78/100.
- •Platform support: A only listed for PC; B explicitly supports both Linux and Windows.
Gameplay & fun factor
A’s fast‑respawn, dynamic scoring and large open arenas create nonstop high‑octane action praised by critics.
Platform availability
B is optimized for both Linux and Windows, whereas A only mentions PC with no console ports.
Price & value
B is half the price ($19.99) while still delivering core shooter experience.
Multiplayer / co‑op
B adds split‑screen couch co‑op and LAN/online matchmaking; A only supports up to four players online.
Content & replayability
A offers large open environments, dynamic scoring, and multiple difficulty settings, encouraging repeat play.
Difficulty & accessibility
A provides multiple difficulty settings for newcomers and veterans; B’s difficulty levels not specified.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as having dated graphics; no performance data differentiates them.
Choose Serious Sam: The First Encounter if…
Buyers who prioritize high‑score gameplay, richer co‑op, and higher critical acclaim and don’t mind paying more.
Choose Serious Sam II if…
Buyers seeking a cheaper entry with split‑screen couch play and Linux support.
Common questions
Is Serious Sam II cheaper than Serious Sam: The First Encounter?
Yes, Serious Sam II costs $19.99 while Serious Sam: The First Encounter costs $39.99.
Which game offers split‑screen co‑op?
Serious Sam II supports up to 4 players in split‑screen co‑op; Serious Sam: The First Encounter does not.
Do both games run on Linux?
Linux support is explicitly mentioned for Serious Sam II; it is not specified for Serious Sam: The First Encounter.



