Reviews

• gamedeal user

  Mar 6, 2022

  [h1]“God's Final Message to His Creation: 'We apologize for the inconvenience.” ~[i]Douglas Adams[/i][/h1] [b]Serious Sam[/b] was a surprise hit. It was a simple game from a small team from a small country. A game nobody was really excited about before the release. I mean, come on. [b]2001[/b] meant [b]Aliens Versus Predator 2[/b], [b]Clive Barker's Undying[/b] and [b]Red Faction[/b]. Those three took all the attention. Both when it was about the press (which was actually a thing back then) and audience. Surprisingly, the game turned out to be a blast a-a-and... yeah. A year later, the sequel arrived. Not like it was a big surprise, since the original game teased [b]Duke Nukem 3D[/b]-like episodic approach (kinda), but hey! This time? Everybody was actually waiting for [b]Sam[/b]. Unfortunately... Well, I can't say [b]Second Encounter[/b] was bad. At least, not entirely. The problem is – [b]Croteam[/b] were too obsessed with their [b]Serious Engine[/b]. It's not like there was nothing to be proud of. It was a pretty cool engine that, aside from other things, allowed developers to create huge locations without sacrificing viewing range. Naturally, [b]Croteam[/b] wanted to show it off. Especially since the original idea was to let the other developers to license the engine for their own products. In other words, the idea was to do what [b]id Software[/b] and [b]Epic MegaGames[/b] did in their [b]Quake II[/b] and [b]Unreal[/b]. And since the first [b]Serious Sam[/b], while becoming a big hit, failed to sell the engine (seriously, everybody just ignored it), they decided to do better in sequel. And I'm not talking about making a better game. I'm talking about showing off the engine better. I mean, [b]Serious Engine[/b] was not only about wast open spaces, viewing distance, sunglares and other things we've seen in the [b]First Encounter[/b]. It actually had some really cool and unique features that weren't shown there. Like portals and crazy gravity. And in sequel, [b]Croteam[/b] did their very best to show everything their engine can do. Which... led to all sorts of wrong results. First, and most importantly, showing off the engine actually interfered with gameplay. [b]Serious Sam: The Second Encounter[/b] was a product, in which the game started to make you do things like bouncing and walking on walls with no reason whatsoever. You were playing the game as usual, and then boom! You're a freakin' [b]Sonic[/b] in [b]Carnival Night Zone[/b]. It didn't feel good, it was pretty annoying, but hey! They wanted to show off. Deal with it. Sure, even the most famous developers made the same exact mistake now and then (for example, [b]Valve[/b] did exactly that in their [b]Half-Life 2[/b]), but still, it didn't feel good. Showing off gravity feature led to some really random and annoying parts, while nobody really cared to provide us with proper level design. It was just that – they sacrificed gameplay to show off the engine. And guess what? It was all for nothing. I mean, some people did license the engine. But guess in which games we were able to see it? It was in games like [b]Carnivores: Cityscape[/b], [b]Deer Hunter 2003[/b] and [b]Bird Hunter 2003[/b]. In other words, our usual [b]Sunstorm Interactive[/b] bull. Did it worth sacrificing [b]Serious Sam[/b] for [i]that?[/i] I-i-i don't think so. And yet, here we are. [b]Serious Sam: The Second Encounter[/b] was pretty much a bunch of wast empty spaces filled with the same exact enemies from the first game (and some new ones), plus some [i]extremely[/i] annoying physics here and there. Now, here comes [b]VR[/b] version of the game and my first question is... why? No, seriously, [i]why?[/i] I know, I know, the [b]First Encounter VR[/b] turned out to be surprisingly good (feel free to check my review if you want details). It did feel like the game was developed for [b]VR[/b] to begin with. [b]The First Encounter[/b] with all its simplicity turned out to be perfect for modern [b]VR[/b]. But the [b]Second Encounter[/b]? It was obvious that the game doesn't belong in [b]VR[/b]. Those crazy-butt gravity sequences felt terrible enough even with mouse / keyboard combo. Who in the name of all perverted f*cks out there thought that it'll be good to have all that in [b]VR[/b]? Oh... wait. They didn't. Because that's the funniest thing about the [b]Second Encounter VR[/b]. They took the original game, [i]removed[/i] all physics-related stuff... and called it a day. Like... what the f*ck? No, seriously, [i]what the f*ck?![/i] I mean, yes, those gravity-related parts of the original game were [i]painfully[/i] annoying, but hey! Those were a part of the thing. You remove it? You add something to replace it with. Here? It's nothing. They just removed things. And it feels... stupid. [i]Laughably[/i] stupid. Here's an example for you. In the original game, there were rooms, in which gravity tried to suck you into spiked walls. Here? The spikes are there. But there's no gravity. It's just that – some rooms that used to act like complicated traps, became completely useless. One of the trickiest battles in the game, where you were supposed to fight enemies on ice was ruined too. Even more so since your enemies [i]will[/i] slip on ice, while you won't. In other words, a pretty complicated battle was turned into a dumb shooting gallery in this version. Like I said, what... the f*ck? But OK, at least they did it to make the game tolerable with [b]VR[/b] controls. But did they succeed? * Sigh * Of course, not. Because aside from crazy gravity, [b]Serious Sam: The Second Encounter[/b] used to include quite a lot of jumping parts. And [i]dang it[/i], those feel unbearable with [b]VR[/b] controls! Both when it's about classic one (for whatever screwed up reason, I was just unable to reach certain places while jumping with it) and the one that comes with that “teleport” thingy. You want an example? Here's an example for you. In one of the levels there's a part, where you should jump on moving cogwheel. Pretty easy thing to achieve with keyboard / mouse combo, but with [b]VR[/b] controls? Yea-a-ah. You're totally screwed. It's not like those parts are completely unplayable in [b]VR[/b], it's just... those feel terrible. Absolutely, completely [i]terrible[/i]. With no “buts”. And the fact that they didn't even try to fix things? It makes it even worse. I mean... was it [i]that[/i] hard to make the cogwheel move slower in this version? But nope. Nobody cared. Nobody cared to fix the bugs from previous [b]VR[/b] release either. Which means that yes, “teleport” controls can still make you stuck, while [b]Quick Load[/b] feature is still bugged and can make your game freeze. There are some good news too, though. Unlike the [b]HD[/b] re-release of the original game, which wants you to buy the new expansion / [b]DLC[/b] called [b]Legend of the Beast[/b] separately, this version offers it for free. Sure, it's not really a big thing and it comes with only three new levels with painfully generic design, but hey! It's free in this version and at least the final boss battle there isn't that bad. So... yeah. At least there's something to make you feel better about the mess this game is. Because yes, this game is a mess. Since very beginning, it was obvious that the [b]Second Encounter[/b] wasn't made for [b]VR[/b]. And why did they proceed with this madness anyway is beyond me. Well, aside from easy money grab, of course. Can't say that this game is completely unplayable, though. Exactly the opposite. You like what you've seen in previous [b]VR[/b] release? You'll still have a lot of fun here. It's just while the [b]First Encounter[/b] felt natural in [b]VR[/b], this one feels forced, rough around the edges and comes with quite a lot of the original features removed. It's still worth picking up for those who are out of decent [b]VR[/b] games, but still, I can't recommend it as the real deal. Too many compromises, too many rough edges. Dixi.
• gamedeal user

  Apr 5, 2017

  Great game! Far better level design compared to the first encounter in my opinion. Gameplay wise it is a hell of alot of fun with a lot of enemies, lots of guns and more fun! When it comes to VR i would say serious sam games are by far one of the best when it comes to options. They have both onward style movement and teleportation. Both with different methods of comfort options to make each work the best for you.
• gamedeal user

  Apr 5, 2017

  Great bang for your buck if your serious about full length vr games. Played first encounter vr and this and never touched the series prior, and croteam has made a fan through supporting the vr community. You get a solid full length campaign including all dlcs, multiplayer vs, coop, and a survival wave shooter mode, but this is by no means a wave shooter. It also features a slew of movement options, including your basic teleport and onward style. You can adjust you speed, if you want rotation or not, lock movement to the hmd, and even a comforte mode that dims the sides when you move. Everything looks and feels great and id highly recommend this as a must have in any serious vr gamers library.
• gamedeal user

  Apr 5, 2017

  Perfect VR implementation. For anyone who isn't sure, I'll put this at the top of my review: This is the FULL game. This is not a rail shooter or a standing still, wave-based, or tower-defense game. You fully explore, strafe, platform, and blast your way through this whole game. I think this is an excellant example of how we don't need VR games. We just need games that are in VR. The Price point is worth it, expecially if you've never played a Serious Sam game before. Great action. Great gunplay. The dual wielding is not only fun as hell, but strategic. You can keep your pistol in one hand to handle weak enemies, and your rocket launcher in the other to handle the big ones. The menu is wonderful, fast, and intuitive. Selecting weapons feels good, and maybe more importantly, the quick save is very fast and fluid. Might even be easier than pressing a function key. Same old Serious Sam action, which really proves that the fast paced gameplay of games like this, or hypothetically, for example, Quake, can work delightfully in VR. Appropriately includes multiple options for locomotion. Looks to only have several types of teleporting, and "Classic" slide movement, though. No Climbey-style arm swinging. (But who would want that anyway? Wouldn't be able to aim your guns while running.) The classic sliding puts you into tunnel-vision while moving to prevent motion sickness by default. The tunnel-vision effect is called "Comfort Mode" in the options and that can also be turned off if you don't need it. Beyond the VR features (Which are ideal) this is still just good ol' Serious Sam. Same weapons, levels, and enemies. Tons of fun and timeless gameplay. If you're looking for the VR game that's going to give you something meatier than 15 dollars Wii Sports remakes and room escape games, here's the one.
• gamedeal user

  Apr 6, 2017

  Amazing VR implementation. For those who don't like teleport, you can easly turn it off. One of the best vr game so far.
• gamedeal user

  Jun 29, 2017

  Turn the graphics options up, change the color to vivid, turn on full locomotion, and reduce the scale of the weapons, and this is one of the best titles I've played in VR! Great work developers, keep it up!
• gamedeal user

  Aug 30, 2017

  I once saw YouTubers play slow paced VR horror demos on the Oculus Rift DK1 back in 2012. While watching them, THIS was the fantasy VR game that glimmered in the back of my head. I knew this new technology would one day let me fall into a world with rich, varied environments to explore (and be rewarded for exploring), quick movement, tonnes of bad guys and a sh*tload of weaponry at my disposal. I'll be honest, I've never played anything from the Serious Sam series before owning VR, but this was one hell of an introduction to say the least. I just want to say thank you to the guys at CROTEAM for taking the time out to do this for VR. In a market full of wave shooters, teleportation and slower paced full locomotion, this was exactly the itch I needed to scratch. Now for my list. PROS: - FULL LOCOMOTION... need I say more? - Great, old school arena styled fast paced shooting. - A crap-load of weapons. Pistols, shotguns, sub-machine guns, chainsaws and even giant cannons are all dual wieldable and make you feel totally bad*ss. - Rich and varied environments that you feel inclined to explore for hidden gems. - Online multiplayer and co-op support. CONS: - You may feel uneasy during and after first few sessions. THIS DOES GO AWAY! - Cutscenes are buggy and crash the game if I try to pull up the weapon menu. - 1 second long loading screens sometime come up when moving between environments. Can be annoying when in the middle of a shootout. UPDATE SUGGESTIONS: - Perhaps a player movement speed slider option to compensate for both first time players and elites. - Option to turn off thumb stick rotation (I know there is one but it resets to right thumb every time I restart game) - Maybe the jungle environment on the main menu screen could change up as you progress through the game? Not much else for me to say. I f*cking love this game and can't wait to finish this review to jump back into it.
• gamedeal user

  Nov 3, 2017

  Out of the 3 VR SS games this ones the best. If you have never played a SS game before think of it kind of like the old DOOM games. just tons of enimies pooring on top of you while you run and gun. A very simple but very fun and intense game. There is some thing just so enjoyable about mowing through what seems like 100 enimies at once with 2 shotguns out. The game has a very nice selection of weapons. As for story there really isnt much of one or any really. Which isnt what you really want in this kind of game any way. The VR works great in this kind of game with plenty of options for VR controls. Thank god it has smooth turning and movement. To me thats the only way to play VR. I do wish i didnt have to go intot he VR options and turn off the VR safe turn mode every time i turn on the game. Really not much i can complain about outside of that. Its a perfect VR port of a classic game and is probably my favorite VR game so far. I would say $40 is a bit to high for this game as it is a pretty old game but if you catch it on sale I'd go for it. Its about just over 9 hours long with the DLC. So for 20-$25 go for it. I'd recomend the SS bundle when its on sale for all 3 SS VR games. I picked it up over Halloween for $40 and was well worth it. Now i just hope DD brings us SS3 in VR. That will replace this as my favorite VR game if they do.
• gamedeal user

  Nov 29, 2017

  Not just a re-released Serious Sam, but Serious Sam with actual VR features that make it worth getting. SO many options to customize how you want to play, and it is a full complete game from start to finish unlike every waveshooter/tech demo that is out there.
• gamedeal user

  Apr 28, 2018

  Since I beat Serious Sam: The First Encounter, I skipped ahead to this game in VR. One of the best VR games to get but still has some flaws. My biggest complaint is that all weapons are dual and have no specific firing rate. You can shoot 50 sniper rounds in just seconds. The last boss took like 5 seconds because I just unloaded an entire sniper rifle in his face. The room before the final boss though was crazy.