Serious Sam 4 Review: A Dose of Cathartic Action

In a world where gaming often prioritizes complexity over simplicity, it's refreshing to encounter titles that cut straight to the chase – literally speaking, in Serious Sam 4's case. This fast-paced shooter doesn't mess around; instead, it thrusts players headfirst into an apocalyptic nightmare filled with hordes upon hordes of alien monstrosities.

Developed by Croteam and published under Devolver Digital, this latest installment in the Serious Sam series delivers on its promise: intense action that will leave even the most seasoned gamers gasping for breath. But is it enough to justify diving back into what feels like more of the same? Let's dive (pun intended) and find out.

From the moment you boot up your copy, it becomes clear that Croteal has no intention of sugarcoating things. The introductory cutscene sets the tone perfectly – a frantic, over-the-top romp through ancient Egypt filled with everything from giant scarab beetles to towering Anubis statues come to life. It's a fitting introduction to what awaits within: mayhem.

And oh boy does it deliver in spades! Each level is an expertly crafted gauntlet of bullets and bloodshed, pitting you against increasingly complex waves of alien nasties that will test even the most patient player's reflexes. From giant mutated spiders to swarms of flying eyeballs (yes, really), no enemy gets a free pass here.

But while it may seem like more of the same old 'run around and shoot things' action, Croteam cleverly injects some much-needed variety into proceedings through its use of environmental hazards and interactive objects. Littered throughout each level are destructible crates filled with goodies or bombs waiting to be detonated – often right in your face! This adds an extra layer of strategy that keeps even seasoned players on their toes.

Graphically, the game holds up admirably well too; textures may not quite match modern standards but overall it still looks crisp and colorful enough to impress. The sound design is equally impressive with a pulsating electronic score perfectly complemented by suitably over-the-top effects for every explosion or gunfire exchange. It's an auditory feast that will leave you grinning from ear-to-ear.

However, as enjoyable as all this action can be at times (and trust me – it does get very enjoyable), there are some minor quibbles to nitpick about Serious Sam 4 too.

One major gripe is the lack of progression beyond simply getting better at shooting things. Don't don't get me wrong; it's satisfying enough mowing down hordes of alien grunts with a trusty shotgun or rocket launcher, but after a while even that gets old hat without anything else to strive for besides higher scores and completionist achievements.

Another issue lies in the game's somewhat linear design – whilst this does help keep things fast-paced and action-packed at all times (no tedious platforming sections here!), it also means there isn't much room for exploration or deviation from set paths. It would've been nice to have had more freedom to explore these richly detailed environments beyond just mowing down enemies in a straight line.

Still, minor niggles aside – because let's face facts folks; this is Serious Sam we're talking about here! Sometimes you just want some good old-fashioned cathartic fun without all the trappings of 'deep storytelling' or 'emotional depth.' And on that front alone, Croteam delivers in spades.

Serious Sam 4 may not reinvent any wheels but it certainly knows its target audience well enough to deliver exactly what they're looking for: a frenetic shooter experience packed with explosive action and plenty of opportunities to unleash some serious pent-up rage. So grab your favorite controller (or keyboard – we won't judge!), strap yourself in, point that shotgun skyward and get ready to blast your way through hordes upon hordes of alien nasties in one glorious, cathartic mess.

Rating: 7/10

Serious sam 4 review