Serious Sam Fusion 2017
- March 20, 2017
- Croteam
- 3h median play time
"Serious Sam Fusion 2017" is a shooter game that offers a variety of playing options, including single-player, 2-player, and multi-player co-op modes. The game brings together several Serious Sam games with upgraded features and patches, as well as VR versions. Fantastic game mechanics and spectacular graphics will make you laugh throughout your gaming experience.
Mac OS
PC
Linux
Reviews
- Combines the first three Serious Sam games into one package with improved graphics and performance.
- Offers extensive modding support through Steam Workshop, enhancing replayability and customization.
- Provides a seamless experience for both VR and non-VR players, allowing for cross-play and split-screen options.
- Some bugs and performance issues persist, particularly with Serious Sam 3, affecting gameplay experience.
- The game has been left in a beta state for an extended period, leading to concerns about future updates and support.
- Serious Sam 2 is not included in the package, which disappoints some long-time fans of the series.
- graphics123 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed feedback, with many praising the updated visuals and performance enhancements, particularly with support for modern APIs like Vulkan and DirectX 11/12. While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm preserved in the remastered versions, others criticize certain graphical downgrades and inconsistencies, particularly in specific areas like water effects. Overall, the game is noted for its improved graphics and options, making it a solid choice for both new players and fans of the series.
“The graphics are amazing, and even though the models are still low res by today's standards, the game feels great.”
“Love the updated graphics and optimization compared to the HD versions.”
“The graphics upgrades to the original titles are nice.”
“Aesthetically, it's a mess, no matter from which angle I look at it.”
“The game objectively looks worse in most respects, for example, the art style has had its shadow casting practically ruined and my performance is atrocious.”
“Croteam threw the baby out with the bathwater on this one, making a baffling mix of ugly 'modern' visuals and outdated gameplay.”
- gameplay77 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the Serious Sam series is characterized by its classic, fast-paced, and arcade-style shooting mechanics, which remain largely intact while benefiting from modern optimizations and visual upgrades. Players appreciate the straightforward mechanics that prioritize action over complexity, although some note that the gameplay can feel repetitive and less engaging compared to contemporary shooters like Doom. Overall, the series continues to deliver satisfying gunplay and a fun experience, especially for fans of the genre, despite some criticisms regarding level design and gameplay smoothness.
“Just play this version for all three Serious Sam campaigns; the graphics and gameplay are top-notch and recently updated.”
“This gameplay loop is what makes Serious Sam so satisfying to play and is where I think most people can't wrap their heads around, kind of like dancing.”
“Great gameplay, has everything I love about the Serious Sam games.”
“The gameplay is too mindless and simple, feels like a phone game.”
“As a single player game, it's really quite mediocre, with cheap level design that's all over the place and poorly copied gameplay mechanics from contemporary, better FPS games.”
“Croteam threw the baby out with the bathwater on this one, making a baffling mix of ugly 'modern' visuals and outdated gameplay.”
- optimization48 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the Serious Sam collection has received positive feedback, with many users noting significant performance improvements, especially on lower-end systems. The updated engine supports modern technologies like Vulkan and DirectX 12, resulting in stable frame rates and enhanced graphics. However, some users have reported persistent performance issues and crashes, indicating that further optimization may still be needed in certain areas.
“Very fun classic, brings back the nostalgia, much better optimization (I have a potato laptop and the game still runs at a decent 40fps).”
“Arguably the best thing about this collection is the updated and even more optimized versions of each title, with almost all content present, playable back to back solo or co-op.”
“Great performance and optimization, rock solid framerate with zero stutters, and the save game freeze has been fixed.”
“The game objectively looks worse (from SSHD: TSE) in most respects, TSE for example the art style even going by the first level has had its shadowcasting practically ruined and my performance is atrocious.”
“Until the performance issues can be resolved without me having the game looking like a complete potato, this review will stay negative.”
“I cannot change any settings without crashing, and while somehow I was able to change my performance from lowest to ultra (I have no idea why my CPU was detected as lowest - it's a newest gen i5), everything went to hell while the game crashed upon exit and when I restarted it, every single setting went back to default.”
- story31 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's story is often described as minimal and lacking depth, with many players finding it repetitive and unclear. While some appreciate the humor and fast-paced action, they note that the narrative feels disjointed and is not a primary focus. Overall, the story serves more as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a compelling element, leading to mixed feelings about its quality and engagement.
“Overall these are great FPS games with really great storylines.”
“By the end of the South American episode in TSE, I was totally ready for flinging cannonballs and napalm at the 3-story-tall boss while riding tornadoes through the air at turbo speed... all in VR; and I wanted more of that almost jetpack-like action.”
“It really shows the side between those who just want to yell 'aaaaaaaaa' and blow themselves up, and those who just want to abort the one-eyed ogres with a shotgun bullet in the center-eye... after playing for a long time, I've come to the conclusion that, although controversial, 'Serious Sam' might be the best and most complex character ever created in a game with a story that is as complex as 'The Lord of the Rings.'”
“Like what the f*ck is the point of this story man...”
“There's no real story and the graphics are serviceable.”
“The game tries to provide a plot as you go through it, but it feels like it is just making it up on the go, with no clear goal or expectations of what is going to happen, or even what is it exactly you're doing right now.”
- humor20 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting the hilarious one-liners and commentary from the character Sam, which adds a lively touch to the otherwise chaotic gameplay. While some feel that the humor is less prominent in the third installment compared to the first two, it still delivers plenty of laughs amidst the action and gore. Overall, the game is described as a fun, brainless shooter that effectively combines humor with intense gameplay.
“The game is beautifully gory and Sam says some great funny lines at intervals when you progress through different parts of the game.”
“It's a glorious bloody romp of evil alien killing carnage, with some very funny commentary from Sam throughout the game.”
“If you haven't played this FPS series with hordes of enemies rushing towards you, then you're missing out on the huge open levels, funny one-liners, and an incredibly destructive arsenal of weaponry.”
- music14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the energetic and memorable soundtrack that enhances the action, while others criticize it for being repetitive and poorly executed, with instances of loud combat music and a lack of variety. The soundtrack is noted to fit well with the gameplay, but some players express fatigue over the same themes and soundtracks from previous titles. Overall, while the music has its highlights, it struggles to meet the expectations set by earlier entries in the series.
“His soundtracks are very serious!”
“The music follows very well the game in every part.”
“The soundtrack makes the blood boil in these shooting/action moments, so huge props to that.”
“As for the sound, there was a rather strange effect where Duke would spew out about six different one-liners at the same time every time I reloaded the game after dying in a level, and there were a few balancing issues with the music sometimes being incredibly loud in combat.”
“I got so tired of seeing the same dull Egyptian theme and bad soundtrack that cuts in and out, that this game makes me never want to visit the country Egypt.”
“Serious Sam seems to still be corny, poorly voice acted, and has repetitive music with the exact same game loop idea.”
- stability11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 73 % negative mentions
Overall, users report mixed stability for Serious Sam 3: BFE, with some experiencing freezes and bugs, particularly with crossplay and certain graphic settings. However, many praise the game's performance with DirectX 11, 12, and Vulkan, noting that it runs smoothly and has improved graphics and controller support. While some glitches persist, the updates have generally enhanced the experience, making it a significant improvement over previous versions.
“Looks great, runs great.”
“Workshop added, full controller support, great graphics, no stuttering, runs great, is nostalgia-inducing.”
“Been messing about with the Vulkan renderer on Windows 10 and it runs great.”
“Serious Sam 3: BFE freezes.”
“Lagging buggy issues with worse enemy AI.”
“You can roll back to a previous beta, but it seems buggy, and damage on certain weapons is nerfed incredibly hard.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy for the game is generally well-received, as it avoids microtransactions and loot boxes, instead offering frequent sales at low prices. However, some users feel that the promotion of VR compatibility is misleading, as it requires prior ownership of specific VR re-releases. Overall, players appreciate the value for money and the satisfying gameplay experience.
“The monetization strategy feels exploitative, with constant prompts to spend more money on in-game items that should be included in the base game.”
“It's frustrating to see a game that could be great being held back by aggressive monetization tactics that prioritize profit over player experience.”
“The reliance on microtransactions detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game, making it feel more like a cash grab than a well-crafted experience.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's "infinitely replayable" nature, enhanced significantly by a modding workshop that allows for endless customization and new experiences, making replayability a standout feature.
“Infinitely replayable.”
“Lastly, the icing on the cake and the cherry on top, this game comes with a modding workshop, which turns the already endless replayability up to an 11.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively time-consuming, often requiring a significant investment of effort that feels overwhelming. The term "grindy" suggests that the gameplay may become repetitive and tedious, detracting from the overall experience.
“The grinding aspect of the game is intense but rewarding.”
“Grinding can be time-consuming, but it offers a great sense of achievement.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The game is incredibly grindy.”
“Grinding feels like a never-ending chore.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is criticized for its lack of character development and a weak storyline, indicating that it feels outdated in these aspects.
“Sure, it's lacking in character development, doesn't have much of a story, and definitely shows a bit of age.”
