5 Best Serious Sam Games of All Time, Ranked

Contrary to its name, Serious Sam has been anything but monotonous these past twenty years, and has actually boasted some of the most far-fetched action gameplay and side-splitting one-liners ever made for a video game series. And where it lacks in depth when it comes to its general narrative, it certainly makes up for in, well — everything else.

Since 2001, Serious Sam has been dishing out explosive segments of action-packed mayhem to carnivorous fans, somehow managing to keep the crowds rolling back time and time again for its exaggerated combat and mindless bullet storms. And now, with the release of Serious Sam 4, I think it’s only right that we take a moment to step back through the portal and gloss over some of the finest moments from the series. If not to celebrate the latest entry to the acclaimed series, then to commemorate twenty glorious years of bloodthirst and brutality.

5. Serious Sam 3

Following a six year hiatus from the limelight, Serious Sam finally made the call to return in 2011, releasing a prequel to help bridge a few gaps in the narrative surrounding both Sam and Mental, the main antagonist of the series. With 22nd-century Egypt once again providing the playground for both good and evil to thrash out their differences, Serious Sam 3 reignited every star quality from the acclaimed First Encounter and gracefully stoked its roaring fire.

Although not proving to be the best entry to the Serious Sam timeline, the third chapter did maintain its additive gameplay and memorable cache of iconic quotes, making it a worthy accessory to the overall structure of the franchise. Plus, with a 16-player online multiplayer mode and a 4-player split-screen campaign to boot, it quickly became a favourite for both online fans and locals alike.

4. Serious Sam 4

The most recent addition to the Serious Sam platform (that being 2020’s Serious Sam 4) wasn’t a revolutionary thing. It didn’t push the boat out to new heights, nor did it enhance the core components to make it any more original. However, many would proudly claim that that’s why it was so well-received. It didn’t invent the wheel — but when said wheel was already spinning, what was to say it needed changing at all?

Serious Sam 4 does everything it says on the tin: it provides a mouth-watering amount of intergalactic carnage, all powered by epic battles and high-velocity bullet storms. And when all’s said and done, that’s everything we could ever want from the beloved mercenary and his high-powered collection of campaigns. It’s raw, it’s gritty, and it’s stupidly addictive. What more can I say?

3. Serious Sam: The First Encounter

Of course, it all had to start somewhere. And apart from being branded as a bog-standard DOOM clone, many would say Serious Sam: The First Encounter was actually on par with many of its rival series’ best qualities. It’s a matter of opinion, sure, but given the time and platform of its 2001 release, it’s fair to say that it did surprisingly well in such a cutthroat genre.

Thankfully, Serious Sam: The First Encounter did go on to span an entire series plus spin-offs after its successful launch, which effectively put its name on the map for good. Fast-forward a couple of decades, and what you’re looking at is a well-respected and vigorous timeline, complete with mound of mayhem and unencumbered thrills. Now that’s how you make a first impression.

2. Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope

At long last, after endless nagging and whining from fans all over the world, developer Croteam finally made the snap decision to build a full-fledged VR entry to the Serious Sam nexus. And boy, it was fun. And not only that, but it was also a turning point for the series, and a leap in the right direction for its high-powered action gameplay.

Of course, by having a VR entry for the book, it meant being even closer to the action than ever before — to the point of breathing down Sam’s sweaty collarbone as he pulled off some gruesome executions. Sure enough, it had all the cloned qualities that OG fans longed for, only they were amplified and given a new edge with VR technology hoisting the colours. Just what the doctor ordered.

1. Serious Sam: The Second Encounter

Yes, of course, it’s Serious Sam: The Second Encounter, famously known for being everybody’s all-time favourite chapter in the series. And for good reason, too. Because let’s face it — if you strip away the mediocre graphics and questionable engine, then you’re still left with one of the most entertaining games on the planet. And that’s just it. It’s fun. Like, ridiculously fun.

Despite being nearly twenty years old, Serious Sam: The Second Encounter is still considered to be the magnum opus of the franchise. With a distinct style and a paletable taste of humour, it sets itself apart from other first-person shooter hits and gives itself a foothold to retain. And although later entries went on to bolster its reputation, nothing quite hit the same vein as its 2002 follow-up to the acclaimed pilot.

So, how would you rank the Serious Sam games? Do you agree with our list? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

Looking for more content? Why not take a look at one of these lists:

5 Best Rally Games of All Time, Ranked

5 Best Matrix Video Games of All Time, Ranked