Serious Sam 4

Serious Sam 4 continues the franchise's tradition of delivering fast-paced, arena-style shooting action with a humorous and over-the-top tone. Many players appreciate the game’s retention of the classic Serious Sam formula, praising its relentless combat, large-scale enemy encounters, and satisfying weapon arsenal. The gameplay is described as fun and challenging, with difficulty settings catering to both newcomers and veterans.

However, the game faces criticism for technical shortcomings, including poor optimization, frequent crashes, and dated graphics that detract from the overall experience. The storyline and writing receive mixed reactions, with some players finding it shallow or unengaging. Despite these issues, the game remains enjoyable for fans of old-school shooters and those seeking a nostalgic, action-packed romp. The price point is debated, with recommendations to buy on sale rather than full price unless you are a die-hard fan.

Highlights

Players especially praise the engaging and polished gameplay mechanics, noting the fun and challenge of combat against hordes of enemies. The weapon variety, including iconic guns like the quad laser, is highlighted as a strong point.

Additionally, the game’s humor and lighthearted tone are appreciated by fans, contributing to its charm. While graphics are considered outdated, the colorful and diverse levels still provide an enjoyable visual backdrop. The game’s replayability and satisfying action sequences, including epic finales, are also commonly noted positives.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on poor performance and technical issues, such as crashes, low optimization, and texture streaming problems. The graphics are frequently described as outdated or subpar, which diminishes immersion for some players.

The storyline and writing, including attempts at humor, are often seen as weak or unappealing, with some players disliking the direction taken. Additionally, the game is perceived as lacking innovation, feeling too similar to earlier entries without meaningful evolution. The price is also a concern, with many suggesting it is only worth purchasing at a discount.