Summary
- Release Year: 2011
- Genres: Indie, Puzzle, Role-playing game (RPG), Shooter
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Croteam, Vlambeer
- Publishers: Devolver Digital
Serious Sam: The Random Encounter: A Unique Blend of Action and Strategy
When most people think of Serious Sam, they think of fast-paced first-person shooters with over-the-top action and hordes of enemies to mow down. Serious Sam: The Random Encounter, however, is a bit of a departure from the series’ norm. Developed by indie developer Vlambeer (Super Crate Box, Ridiculous Fishing), The Random Encounter is a turn-based RPG that follows Sam and his band of oddball mercenaries as they battle across a pixilated world teeming with chaotic battles, hordes of bizarre creatures, and mysterious secrets.
Gameplay
The Random Encounter’s gameplay is a unique blend of action and strategy. Players control Sam and his team of mercenaries as they explore a series of procedurally generated levels, battling enemies and completing objectives. Combat takes place on a grid-based map, with players using a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat their foes.
One of the things that makes The Random Encounter so unique is its focus on randomness. The game’s levels, enemies, and loot are all randomly generated, which means that every playthrough is different. This keeps the game fresh and unpredictable, and it ensures that players never quite know what to expect.
Another thing that sets The Random Encounter apart from other RPGs is its emphasis on action. Combat is fast-paced and exciting, and players must constantly be on their toes to avoid being overwhelmed by the enemy hordes. The game also features a variety of environmental hazards, such as lava pits and exploding barrels, which can add an extra layer of challenge to the combat.
Characters
Sam and his team of mercenaries are a motley crew of misfits and oddballs, each with their own unique skills and abilities. Sam himself is a grizzled veteran with a penchant for heavy weapons, while his companions include a cyborg ninja, a telekinetic woman, and a giant mutant.
The characters in The Random Encounter are all well-developed and likeable, and they add a lot of personality to the game. Players will enjoy getting to know each character’s backstory and motivations, and they will find themselves rooting for them to succeed in their quest to save the world from the invading alien hordes.
Story
The story of The Random Encounter is simple but effective. Sam and his team of mercenaries are tasked with investigating a distress signal from a remote planet. When they arrive, they find themselves face-to-face with a massive alien invasion. The aliens are relentless and powerful, and Sam and his team must use all of their skills and resources to defeat them and save the day.
Graphics and Sound
The Random Encounter’s graphics are charming and retro-inspired, with a pixelated art style that harkens back to the early days of video games. The game’s environments are varied and detailed, and the character designs are expressive and full of personality.
The game’s sound design is also top-notch, with a catchy soundtrack and realistic sound effects. The voice acting is also excellent, with each character having their own unique voice and personality.
Overall
Serious Sam: The Random Encounter is a unique and refreshing take on the Serious Sam franchise. The game’s blend of action and strategy is perfectly executed, and the game’s characters, story, and graphics are all top-notch. If you’re looking for a new RPG to play, The Random Encounter is definitely worth checking out.
Score: 8.5/10
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
