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{{Short description|2011 role-playing video game}}
{{Short description|2011 video game}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
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| title = Serious Sam: The Random Encounter
| title = Serious Sam: The Random Encounter
| image = Serious Sam The Random Encounter.png
| image = Serious Sam The Random Encounter.png
| caption = Cover artwork by Roy Nathan de Groot, depicting Sam "Serious" Stone (foreground), his accomplices, and some enemies
| caption = Cover artwork by Roy Nathan de Groot
| developer = [[Vlambeer]]
| developer = [[Vlambeer]]
| publisher = [[Devolver Digital]]
| publisher = [[Devolver Digital]]
| series = ''[[Serious Sam]]''
| series = ''[[Serious Sam]]''
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| platforms = [[Windows]]
| released = 24 October 2011
| released = 24 October 2011
| genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]], [[bullet hell]]
| genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]], [[bullet hell]]
Line 24: Line 25:
}}
}}


'''''Serious Sam: The Random Encounter''''' is a 2011 [[Role-playing game|role-playing]] and [[bullet hell]] game developed by [[Vlambeer]] and published by [[Devolver Digital]]. The game follows Sam "Serious" Stone travelling to the future in search of his nemesis, Mental, progressing through a desert and a temple, teaming up with mercenaries Bim and Bam on the way, to enter the Great Pyramid and defeat the boss therein. The player controls Sam and his accomplices though confined levels, engaging in battles through [[random encounters]]. In these battles, the [[player character]]s face large waves of enemies. The player controls the weapons and items each player character uses, with weapons being adjustable in regards to their range or trajectory of fire. The assigned actions are performed for five seconds, after which gameplay pauses and the player can assign new actions to the characters.
'''''Serious Sam: The Random Encounter''''' is a 2011 [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]] and [[bullet hell]] game developed by [[Vlambeer]] and published by [[Devolver Digital]]. It follows Sam "Serious" Stone travelling to the future in search of his nemesis, Mental, teaming up with mercenaries on the way. The player controls Sam and his accomplices through confined levels, engaging in battles through [[random encounters]]. These pit the [[player character]]s against large waves of enemies, and the player controls the weapons and items each character uses against them in five-second turns.


Announced in March 2011, ''The Random Encounter'' was created as part of the ''[[Serious Sam]] Indie Series'' to promote the release of ''[[Serious Sam 3: BFE]]''. When requesting Vlambeer to develop the game, Devolver Digital envisioned a clone of Vlambeer's ''[[Super Crate Box]]''. Vlambeer disliked this idea, quickly drafting a pitch for a [[turn-based]] role-playing game instead. ''The Random Encounter'' suffered a delay when Vlambeer's ''[[Radical Fishing]]'' was [[Video game clone|cloned]]. ''The Random Encounter'' was released for [[Microsoft Windows]] in October 2011 to a mixed reception. Critics both lauded and disliked the game's combat system, with some labelling it innovative. The game's tone in connection with the ''Serious Sam'' series, its visuals and its sound were well received. Mixed opinions were raised regarding the game's arsenal. Criticism was directed at the game's short length.
Announced in March 2011, ''The Random Encounter'' was created as part of the ''[[Serious Sam]] Indie Series'' to promote the release of ''[[Serious Sam 3: BFE]]''. Devolver Digital initially envisioned a clone of Vlambeer's ''[[Super Crate Box]]''. The studio disliked this idea, drafting a pitch for a [[turn-based]] role-playing game instead. ''The Random Encounter'' was released for [[Windows]] in October 2011 to a mixed reception. The combat system was given a varied response, with some critics calling it innovative. The game's tone, visuals, and sound were well received. Conflicting opinions were expressed regarding the game's arsenal and short duration.


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
[[File:Serious Sam The Random Encounter screenshot.png|thumb|left|The [[player character]]s (right) wielding a [[shotgun]], a [[minigun]] and a [[grenade launcher]], respectively, and shooting at a horde of enemies approaching from the left. The active turn has three seconds remaining.]]
[[File:Serious Sam The Random Encounter screenshot.png|thumb|left|The player characters (right) firing a shotgun, minigun, and grenade launcher at approaching enemies]]
''Serious Sam: The Random Encounter'' plays as a hybrid between a [[role-playing video game]] with [[turn-based]] gameplay and a [[bullet hell]] game.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="GameZone: Review" /> The gameplay is split into two parts: world exploration and battle sequences.<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /> In the former, the player sequentially traverses nine confined levels, distributed across three thematic worlds.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /> Every few steps made in these levels, a [[random encounter]] occurs, initiating a battle against a large wave of enemies.<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /><ref name="Shacknews: Review" /> In such a battle, the [[player character]]s—Sam, Bim, and Bam—appear to the right of screen, persistently running backwards and facing to the left, while a horde of enemies spawns on the left.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="IGN: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /> The player chooses for each character to either fire their equipped weapon at the enemies, swap that weapon for another, or use an item.<ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /><ref name="GamePro: Review" />
''Serious Sam: The Random Encounter'' is a hybrid of a [[role-playing video game]] with [[turn-based]] elements and a [[bullet hell]] game.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="GameZone: Review" /> The gameplay is split into two parts, world exploration and battle sequences, in a style similar to [[Japanese role-playing games]].<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /><ref name="HG101: Spin-Offs" /> In the former, the player sequentially traverses nine confined areas, distributed across three thematic worlds.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /> Initially alone, protagonist Sam "Serious" Stone teams up with mercenaries Bam and Bim over the course of the game.<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /> Every few steps made in these levels, a [[random encounter]] occurs, initiating a battle.<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /><ref name="Shacknews: Review" /> In these, the [[player character]]s appear to the right of the screen, while a horde of enemies approaches from the left.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /><ref name="IGN: Review" /> The player chooses for each character to either fire their equipped weapon at the enemies, swap that weapon for another, or use an item.<ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /><ref name="GamePro: Review" />


When firing a weapon, the player also chooses how this weapon is used: [[revolver]]s aim automatically; [[shotgun]]s have an adjustable radius in which they automatically aim, although enemies shot at closer range receive more damage; several weapons can have their trajectory angled; and [[grenade launcher]]s can shoot at a specific point on the screen.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="IGN: Review" /><ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /> Of those with a trajectory, most fire in a straight line; some fire continuously, while others only have limited shots per turn.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="IGN: Review" /><ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /> When a character switches weapons, they lose some time before also firing the newly equipped weapon.<ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /> Items that can be used include additional health or armour for the characters, revivals of characters that have died, a "Serious Bomb" that defeats the majority of enemies on-screen, and a "Kamikaze Bait" that spawns 100 (or more) Beheaded Kamikaze enemies.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" />
When firing a weapon, the player determines how it should be used. Revolvers aim automatically, while shotguns have an adjustable radius in which they automatically aim, doing more damage to enemies at close range. Several weapons can have their trajectory angled, of which most fire in a straight line; some fire continuously, while others only have limited shots per turn. [[Grenade launcher]]s can shoot at a specific point on the screen. When a character switches weapons, they lose some time before also firing the newly equipped weapon. Items include additional health or armour for the characters, revivals of dead party members, a "Serious Bomb" that defeats the majority of visible enemies, and a "Kamikaze Bait" that spawns 100 (or more) Beheaded Kamikaze enemies.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="IGN: Review" /><ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" />


In each turn, the player characters perform their selected actions, while enemies also attack.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /> Turns last five seconds, after which the player can assign new actions to the characters.<ref name="GamePro: Review" /><ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /> During a turn, the player may also move the entire party up or down to shift their weapons' aim or dodge enemies and their projectiles.<ref name="RPGamer: Review" /><ref name="RPS: Review" /><ref name="Shacknews: Review" /> Individual enemies have different attack styles.<ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /><ref name="IGN: Review" /> The characters take damage if hit by an enemy or projectile; once a character's armour and health are depleted, they die.<ref name="RPS: Review" /> Should all party members be dead at once, the battle ends, with the player losing a [[Life (video games)|life]] and being reset to their position prior to the lost battle.<ref name="RPS: Review" /><ref name="GameZone: Review" /> Should the player lose all of their three lives, gameplay stops and the active level is reset.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="RPS: Review" /><ref name="Kill Screen: Review" />
In each turn, the player characters perform their selected actions, while enemies also attack. Turns last five seconds, after which the player can assign new actions.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /><ref name="GamePro: Review" /> During a turn, the player may also move the entire party up or down to shift their weapons' aim or dodge enemies and their projectiles.<ref name="RPGamer: Review" /><ref name="Shacknews: Review" /><ref name="RPS: Review" /> Individual enemies have different attack styles.<ref name="IGN: Review" /><ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /> Characters take damage when hit by an enemy or projectile and die when their armour and health are depleted.<ref name="RPS: Review" /> Should all party members be dead at once, the battle ends, with the party losing a [[Life (video games)|life]] and being reset to its position prior to the lost battle.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="RPS: Review" /> Should the player lose all of their three lives, gameplay pauses and the active level is reset.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /><ref name="RPS: Review" />


Battles end normally once all enemies are defeated, although additional enemies may spawn during a battle.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /> Battles become progressively more difficult by pitting the player against more enemies.<ref name="RPGamer: Review" /> The game also includes five [[boss fight]]s.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /> Through victories, the player gains some [[experience point]]s that can add up to unlocking a new weapon or item.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /> Further items can be found in chests during the world exploration.<ref name="RPGamer: Review" /> Levels further include some [[Puzzle video game|puzzle]] elements, such as collecting a key, activating a switch or defeating large amounts of enemies, that the player has to solve to progress.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /> Upon completion of the main game, an endless mode is unlocked, in which the player can play for an undetermined time to achieve the highest-possible score.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" />
Battles end normally once all enemies are defeated, although additional enemies may spawn during a battle.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /> Battles become progressively more difficult by pitting the player against more enemies.<ref name="RPGamer: Review" /> The game includes five [[boss fight]]s. Through victories, the player gains some [[experience point]]s that can add up to unlocking a new weapon or item.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /> Further items can be found in chests during world exploration. Levels further include some [[Puzzle video game|puzzle]] elements, such as collecting a key, activating a switch or defeating large amounts of enemies, that the player has to solve to progress. Upon completion of the main game, an endless mode is unlocked, in which the player can play for an undetermined time to achieve the highest possible score.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" />

== Plot ==
''Serious Sam: The Random Encounter'' follows Sam "Serious" Stone, the [[protagonist]] of the ''[[Serious Sam]]'' series, who returns from the past after his unsuccessful search for Mental, the series' [[antagonist]].<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /><ref name="SSTRE: 0-1" /> Consequently, he is sent to the future to continue his search.<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /><ref name="SSTRE: 0-1" /> Arriving in a desert area in the future, Sam meets the mercenary Bim, who offers to join Sam, and they together defeat a Highlander, a Lava Golem, as well as hordes of other enemies, to progress into a temple.<ref name="SSTRE: 1-1" /><ref name="SSTRE: 1-3" /> Once in the temple, Sam and Bim encounter and team up with Bam, another mercenary.<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /><ref name="SSTRE: 2-1" /> Having surmounted the temple's dungeons and sewers, the group defeats the monster Tentaculus that blocks the way to the Great Pyramid.<ref name="SSTRE: 2-3" /> Nearing the Great Pyramid, the group is ambushed by a giant enemy<!-- The enemy resembles Ugh Zan III, the boss from The First Encounter, but is unnamed in this game. --> but manages to escape, arriving at the Great Pyramid and entering the spaceship therein.<ref name="SSTRE: 3-1" /><ref name="SSTRE: 3-3" /> In the spaceship, the giant enemy re-appears and is now defeated by the group.<ref name="SSTRE: 3-3" />


== Development and release ==
== Development and release ==
[[File:Vlambeer at GDC (cropped).png|thumb|right|[[Rami Ismail]] (left) and [[Jan Willem Nijman]] of [[Vlambeer]] (pictured in 2013)]]
⚫
''Serious Sam: The Random Encounter'' was developed by [[Vlambeer]], an [[indie game]] developer composed of [[Rami Ismail]] and [[Jan Willem Nijman]].<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story" /> Their previous games included ''[[Super Crate Box]]'' and ''[[Radical Fishing]]''.<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story" /> After [[Devolver Digital]], the publisher of the ''[[Serious Sam]]'' series, had come across ''Super Crate Box'', the company contacted Vlambeer, asking them to develop a game for the ''Serious Sam Indie Series'', a set of games to be created by small video game studios to promote the release of the then-upcoming ''[[Serious Sam 3: BFE]]''.<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story" /><ref name="VentureBeat: Interview" /> Both Ismail and Nijman had been fans of the series, wherefore they accepted the request.<ref name="VentureBeat: Interview" /><ref name="Vlambeer: Serious news" /> However, they understood that Devolver Digital envisioned a copy of ''Super Crate Box'' with a ''Serious Sam'' theme, which they disliked.<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story" /> Ismail and Nijman, during a thorough [[brainstorming]] session, drafted a [[turn-based]] [[role-playing video game]].<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story" /><ref name="Vlambeer: Serious Design" /> As such, they tried to place the game in a genre as far away from a [[first-person shooter]] (the genre of the main ''Serious Sam'' series entries) as possible, while not sacrificing other core elements of the series.<ref name="VentureBeat: Interview" /><ref name="Vlambeer: Serious news" /> From this idea, they created a crude drawing, which they scanned and emailed to Devolver Digital.<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story" /> Expecting that Devolver Digital would turn down the pitch, the team was surprised when the publisher quickly approved of the concept.<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story" /> The game concept did not change significantly from the pitch thereafter.<ref name="Vlambeer: Serious Design" /> Ismail stated that Vlambeer had full creative freedom over the project, saying that, otherwise, the studio would have not done it.<ref name="VentureBeat: Interview" />
[[File:Serious Sam The Random Encounter pitch.jpg|thumb|right|Vlambeer pitched the game with a crude sketch and was surprised when it was approved.<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story" />]]


⚫
''Serious Sam: The Random Encounter'' was developed by [[Vlambeer]], an [[indie game]] developer composed of [[Rami Ismail]] and [[Jan Willem Nijman]]. Its previous releases included ''[[Super Crate Box]]'' and ''[[Radical Fishing]]''. After coming across the former, [[Devolver Digital]], the publisher of the ''[[Serious Sam]]'' series, contacted Vlambeer, asking them to develop a game for the ''Serious Sam Indie Series''. A triplet of [[Spin-off (media)|spin-offs]] to be created by small studios to promote the impending launch of the mainline [[first-person shooter]] entry ''[[Serious Sam 3: BFE]]'', the ''Indie Series'' also encompasses ''[[Serious Sam Double D]]'' and ''[[Serious Sam: Kamikaze Attack!]]''.<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story" /><ref name="VentureBeat: Interview" /> Ismail and Nijman had been fans of the series, wherefore they accepted the request.<ref name="VentureBeat: Interview" /><ref name="Vlambeer: Serious news" /> However, Devolver Digital requested a copy of ''Super Crate Box'' with a ''Serious Sam'' theme, which Ismail and Nijman disliked. During a brainstorming session, they instead drafted a turn-based role-playing video game.<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story" /><ref name="Vlambeer: Serious Design" /> The intent was to place the game in a genre as far away as possible from a first-person shooter, while not sacrificing other core elements of the series.<ref name="VentureBeat: Interview" /><ref name="Vlambeer: Serious news" /> From this idea, they crafted a crude drawing, which they scanned and emailed to Devolver Digital, expecting that the publisher would turn down the pitch. As such, the team was surprised when it was quickly approved.<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story" /> The game concept did not change significantly from the pitch thereafter.<ref name="Vlambeer: Serious Design" /> Ismail stated that Vlambeer had full creative control and would not have undergone the project otherwise.<ref name="VentureBeat: Interview" />
⚫
The visuals for ''The Random Encounter'' was created by Roy Nathan de Groot and Paul Veer.<ref name="Vlambeer: Paul Veer" /> De Groot created all static assets, starting with designing the first world and the [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprite]] for Sam.<ref name="Pixel-icious: SSTRE" /> Creating Sam's accomplices, the team intended to use Sam's sister, however, she was already dead in the ''Serious Sam'' series' lore.<ref name="Pixel-icious: SSTRE" /> Instead, they went through the characters of the series' [[multiplayer]] modes and chose the two most "visually attractive" among them: Groovy Gregory and Wild Wyatt.<ref name="Pixel-icious: SSTRE" /> Working on the visuals for the battle sequences, de Groot found that they felt "flat" and thus added a background with [[parallax scrolling]].<ref name="Pixel-icious: SSTRE" /> De Groot also created the cover artwork; when the files to it were lost in a [[Crash (computing)|crash]] shortly prior to the associated deadline, he quickly recreated the artwork from a low-resolution version that he [[Image scaling|upscaled]] and recoloured.<ref name="Pixel-icious: SSTRE" /> Veer created the animations, including those for the characters and enemies, and [[visual effects]].<ref name="Vlambeer: Paul Veer" /> Because Groovy Gregory and Wild Wyatt (now named Bim and Bam) had a shape similar to that of Sam, Veer was able to repurpose some of Sam's animations for the other two characters by applying different colours.<ref name="Vlambeer: Paul Veer" /> For greater diversity between the individual characters, Veer added minor cosmetic details and altered a few animations.<ref name="Vlambeer: Paul Veer" /> To fit the action theme of ''Serious Sam'', the characters were fully animated, as opposed to the more static style of other role-playing video games of the time<ref name="Vlambeer: Paul Veer" /> ''The Random Encounter''{{'}}s soundtrack was composed by Alex Mauer.<ref name="IGN: Alex Mauer" />


⚫
The visuals for ''The Random Encounter'' were produced by Roy Nathan de Groot and Paul Veer.<ref name="Vlambeer: Paul Veer" /> De Groot worked on all static assets, starting with designing the first world and the [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprite]] for Sam. When creating Sam's accomplices, the team intended to use his sister but found that she was already deceased in the lore of the ''Serious Sam'' series. Instead, they went through the characters of the series's [[multiplayer]] modes and chose the two most "visually attractive": Groovy Gregory and Wild Wyatt. To avoid battle scenes feeling "flat", de Groot added [[parallax scrolling]] to their backgrounds. He also designed the cover artwork and, when its files were lost in a [[Crash (computing)|crash]] shortly before the associated deadline, quickly re-created it from a low-resolution version that he [[Image scaling|upscaled]] and re-coloured.<ref name="Pixel-icious: SSTRE" /> Veer produced character animations and [[visual effects]]. Because Groovy Gregory and Wild Wyatt (now named Bam and Bim) had a shape similar to that of Sam, Veer was able to repurpose some of Sam's animations by applying different colours. For greater variety between them, he added minor cosmetic details and altered a few animations. To fit the action theme of ''Serious Sam'', characters were fully animated, as opposed to the more static style of other role-playing video games of the time.<ref name="Vlambeer: Paul Veer" /> ''The Random Encounter''{{'}}s soundtrack was composed by Alex Mauer.<ref name="IGN: Alex Mauer" />
⚫
The ''Serious Sam Indie Series'' was announced in March 2011.<ref name="Kotaku: Indie Series" /><ref name="GameSpot: Indie Series" /> To prepare ''The Random Encounter'' in time for its announcement, Ismail and Nijman worked from their hotel rooms in [[San Francisco]] while attending the 2011 [[Game Developers Conference]], in the plane back to the Netherlands thereafter, as well as at home under [[jet lag]].<ref name="Vlambeer: Serious news" /> They immediately took several days off after the announcement.<ref name="Vlambeer: Serious news" /> The game was playable for the first time at the May 2011 "Indigo Connected by Ziggo" event in the Netherlands, as well as shown at [[Fantastic Arcade]] in September 2011.<ref name="Vlambeer: Indigo" /><ref name="Vlambeer: Fantastic Arcade" /> During the development of ''The Random Encounter'', a [[Video game clone|clone]] of Vlambeer's ''Radical Fishing'' was released by another company for [[iOS]] and quickly became successful.<ref name="Gamasutra: Clone" /> Because Vlambeer had itself been working on an iOS version of ''Radical Fishing'' (titled ''[[Ridiculous Fishing]]'') that had not yet been released, this case of [[plagiarism]] lead to demotivation within the studio, resulting in the delay of ''The Random Encounter'' and other projects.<ref name="Gamasutra: Gun Godz" /> Ismail had been fully engaged in working on ''The Random Encounter'' but shifted to handling the fallout of the controversy, with Nijman taking over the game's development.<ref name="Gamasutra: Clone" />


⚫
The ''Serious Sam Indie Series'' was announced by Devolver Digital in March 2011.<ref name="Kotaku: Indie Series" /><ref name="GameSpot: Indie Series" /> To prepare ''The Random Encounter'' in time for its announcement, Ismail and Nijman worked from their hotel rooms in San Francisco while attending the 2011 [[Game Developers Conference]], in the plane back to the Netherlands, as well as at home under [[jet lag]]. They took several days off following the announcement.<ref name="Vlambeer: Serious news" /> The game was playable for the first time at the May 2011 "Indigo Connected by Ziggo" event in the Netherlands, as well as shown at [[Fantastic Arcade]] in September 2011.<ref name="Vlambeer: Indigo" /><ref name="Vlambeer: Fantastic Arcade" /> During the development of ''The Random Encounter'', a [[Video game clone|clone]] of Vlambeer's ''Radical Fishing'' was released by another company for [[iOS]] and quickly became successful. Because Vlambeer had itself been working on an iOS version of ''Radical Fishing'' (titled ''[[Ridiculous Fishing]]'') that had not yet been released, this [[plagiarism]] led to demotivation within the studio, resulting in the delay of ''The Random Encounter'' and other projects. Ismail had been fully engaged in working on ''The Random Encounter'' but shifted to handling the fallout of the controversy, with Nijman taking over the game's development.<ref name="Gamasutra: Gun Godz" /><ref name="Gamasutra: Clone" />
Two promotional trailers for ''The Random Encounter'' were created by Kert Gartner.<ref name="Vlambeer: Supermassive" />
The first, released in early October 2011, focused on its gameplay, while the other was released later that October to coincide with the game's release.<ref name="Vlambeer: Trailer 1" /><ref name="Vlambeer: Trailer 2" /> ''The Random Encounter'' was released on 24 October 2011.<ref name="IGN: Release Date" /><ref name="PC Gamer: launches" /> It was made available for purchase through the [[Get Games]] and [[Steam (service)|Steam]] services.<ref name="Engadget: launches" /> This marked Vlambeer's first commercial release, with its previous games having been published as [[freeware]].<ref name="GameSetWatch: Mac" /><ref name="Gamasutra: Best of" /> The studio intended to use the revenue generated from the game's sales to purchase a [[Macintosh]] computer and create a [[Mac OS X]] version of the game.<ref name="GameSetWatch: Mac" /> Vlambeer re-iterated this intent in August 2016, also announcing plans to update the existing Microsoft Windows version and releasing a [[Linux]] version.<ref name="Vlambeer: Update" />


In January 2012, ''The Random Encounter'' was offered as part of the "Serious Sam Lightning Pack", a collection of games sold at a reduced price on the website [[Indie Royale]], and delivered as a download with no [[digital rights management]], a download through Steam, and a download through the [[Desura]] service.<ref name="Gamasutra: Lightning Pack" /><ref name="Engadget: Lightning Pack" /> Indie Royale further included the game in its "Xmas Bundle 2.0" in December 2012.<ref name="Gamasutra: Xmas Bundle" /> ''The Random Encounter'' was further included a collection titled the "Serious Sam Humble Weekly Sale" on the website [[Humble Bundle]] in June 2013 to help fund the development of ''[[Serious Sam 4]]''.<ref name="VG247: Humble Weekly" /><ref name="PCGamesN: Humnle Weekly" /> The website IndieGameStand offered ''The Random Encounter'' at a low price in November 2012.<ref name="GameZone: IndieGameStand" /> On Steam, the game formed part of the "Serious Sam Complete Pack".<ref name="PC Gamer: 15 years" />
Two trailers for ''The Random Encounter'' were edited by Kert Gartner.<ref name="Vlambeer: Supermassive" /> Both published in October 2011, the first focused on the game's mechanics, while the other coincided with the launch.<ref name="Vlambeer: Trailer 1" /><ref name="Vlambeer: Trailer 2" /> ''The Random Encounter'' was released for [[Windows]] on 24 October 2011 and made available for purchase through the Get Games and [[Steam (service)|Steam]] services.<ref name="IGN: Release Date" /><ref name="PC Gamer: launches" /><ref name="Engadget: launches" /> This marked Vlambeer's first commercial release, as its previous games had been [[freeware]].<ref name="GameSetWatch: Mac" /><ref name="Gamasutra: Best of" /> The studio intended to use the revenue generated from it to purchase a [[Mac (computer)|Mac]] computer and create a [[Mac OS X]] version of the game.<ref name="GameSetWatch: Mac" /> Vlambeer re-iterated its plan for this port in August 2016, also announcing plans to update the existing Windows version and release one for [[Linux]].<ref name="Vlambeer: Update" />


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
Line 58: Line 56:
| Destruct = 7/10<ref name="Destructoid: Review" />
| Destruct = 7/10<ref name="Destructoid: Review" />
| EuroG = 8/10<ref name="Eurogamer: Review" />
| EuroG = 8/10<ref name="Eurogamer: Review" />
| GamePro = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="GamePro: Review" />
| GamePro = 3/5<ref name="GamePro: Review" />
| GRadar = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" />
| GRadar = 2/5<ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" />
| GameZone = 7.0/10<ref name="GameZone: Review" />
| GameZone = 7.0/10<ref name="GameZone: Review" />
| IGN = 7/10<ref name="IGN: Review" />
| IGN = 7/10<ref name="IGN: Review" />
Line 65: Line 63:
}}
}}


''Serious Sam: The Random Encounter'' received "mixed or average reviews", according to review aggregator website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="Metacritic" /> Based on eleven critic reviews, Metacritic calculated an average score of 64/100.<ref name="Metacritic" /> Several critics, including Allistair Pinsof (''[[Destructoid]]''), Eric Neigher (''[[IGN]]'') and Lana Polansky (''[[Kill Screen]]''), considered the game's combat system innovative.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /><ref name="IGN: Review" /> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' editor Christian Donlan described it as "ingenious", while David Sanchez of ''GameZone'' labelled it as an "excellent amalgamation of genres".<ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /> Polansky specifically lauded the battles' design, which she found was akin to a strategic puzzle requiring planning.<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /> Conversely, Ryan Hodge, in his review for ''[[GamesRadar+]]'', stated that battles in ''The Random Encounter'' were "boring", "repetitive", and "monotonous".<ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" /> Others positively regarded the challenge posed by individual battles.<ref name="RPGamer: Review" /><ref name="Shacknews: Review" /><ref name="GamePro: Review" /><ref name="RPS: Review" />
''Serious Sam: The Random Encounter'' received "mixed or average reviews", according to the [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]], which calculated a [[weighted average]] rating of 64/100 based on eleven critic reviews.<ref name="Metacritic" /> Several critics—including Allistair Pinsof (''[[Destructoid]]''), Eric Neigher (''[[IGN]]''), and Lana Polansky (''[[Kill Screen]]'')—considered the combat system innovative.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /><ref name="IGN: Review" /> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' editor Christian Donlan described it as "ingenious", while David Sanchez of ''GameZone'' labelled it as an "excellent amalgamation of genres".<ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /> Polansky specifically lauded the battles' design, which she found was akin to a strategic puzzle requiring planning.<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /> Conversely, Ryan Hodge, in his review for ''[[GamesRadar]]'', stated that these battles were "boring", "repetitive", and "monotonous".<ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" /> Others positively regarded the challenge posed by individual fights.<ref name="RPGamer: Review" /><ref name="Shacknews: Review" /><ref name="GamePro: Review" /><ref name="RPS: Review" />


Donlan and ''[[GamePro]]''{{'}}s Nathan Meunier liked the variety between the available weapons, with Donlan calling the individual weapons "endlessly satisfying".<ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /><ref name="GamePro: Review" /> However, Pinsof and Hodge found that some weapons, especially the grenade launcher, only had limited use.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" /> They also considered the arsenal alone to be insufficient to complete the game, finding themselves losing later battles due to having wasted their items in prior battles.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="GamePro: Review" /> Polansky and Hodge disregarded the puzzles found in the overworld as "peripheral" and "unchallenging".<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" />
Donlan and ''[[GamePro]]''{{'}}s Nathan Meunier liked the variety in the available armament, with Donlan calling the individual weapons "endlessly satisfying".<ref name="Eurogamer: Review" /><ref name="GamePro: Review" /> However, Pinsof and Hodge found that some of them, especially the grenade launcher, only had limited usability.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" /> Polansky and Hodge dismissed the puzzles in the overworld as "peripheral" and "unchallenging".<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" />


Some critics felt that ''The Random Encounter''{{'}}s concept was a good fit for the ''Serious Sam'' series.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="Shacknews: Review" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" /> Others pointed out that game's humour was well aligned to that of the rest of the series.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="Shacknews: Review" /> Polansky and Alex Fuller (''RPGamer'') disliked the game's lack of a coherent plot.<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /> Pinsof and Hodge noted an overall lack of polish, of whom Pinsof also encountered several [[Software bug|bugs]].<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" /> The game's visuals and sound were considered by Sanchez as apt for the series, with the visuals described as "pleasing to look at" by Fuller.<ref name="RPGamer: Review" />
Pinsof, Hodge and ''[[Shacknews]]''{{'}}s Ozzie Mejia felt that ''The Random Encounter''{{'}}s concept was a good fit for the ''Serious Sam'' series.<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="Shacknews: Review" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" /> Mejia and Sanchez pointed out that the game's humour was well aligned with that of the rest of the series.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="Shacknews: Review" /> Polansky and Alex Fuller (''RPGamer'') disliked the lack of a proper plot.<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /> Pinsof and Hodge noted an overall lack of polish, of whom Pinsof also encountered several [[Software bug|bugs]].<ref name="Destructoid: Review" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" /> Its visuals and sound were considered by Sanchez as apt for the series, with the art described as "pleasing to look at" by Fuller.<ref name="RPGamer: Review" />


Many critics voiced their disappointment about the game's length of roughly one to two hours (or three to four hours at most), considering it insufficient.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /><ref name="Shacknews: Review" /><ref name="GamePro: Review" /><ref name="GameZone: Review" /> This shortness consequently led to what Sanchez and Fuller felt was a sudden spike in difficulty after the first level.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /> Polansky observed that later battles had "unpredictable" difficulties.<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /> Conversely, ''[[Shacknews]]''{{'}} Ozzie Mejia noted that the game had a good [[learning curve]].<ref name="Shacknews: Review" /> Mejia also found that the game had little [[replay value]].<ref name="Shacknews: Review" />
Many critics voiced their disappointment about the game's duration of roughly one to two hours, considering it insufficient.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /><ref name="Shacknews: Review" /><ref name="GamePro: Review" /> Hodge contrarily called it "mercifully short".<ref name="GamesRadar+: Review" /> Sanchez and Fuller consequently felt a sudden spike in difficulty after the first level.<ref name="GameZone: Review" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /> Polansky observed that later battles had "unpredictable" difficulties.<ref name="Kill Screen: Review" /> Conversely, Mejia opined that the game had a good [[learning curve]], although he found little [[replay value]].<ref name="Shacknews: Review" />{{Clear}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
{{Reflist|refs=
⚫
<ref name="Destructoid: Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-214328.phtml |title=Review: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |first=Allistair |last=Pinsof |date=24 October 2011 |website=[[Destructoid]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526092615/https://www.destructoid.com/review-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-214328.phtml |archive-date=26 May 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

⚫
<ref name="Engadget: launches">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-10-25-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-launches-a-billion-missiles.html |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter launches (a billion missiles) |first=David |last=Hinkle |date=25 October 2011 |website=[[Engadget]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414191521/https://www.engadget.com/2011-10-25-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-launches-a-billion-missiles.html |archive-date=14 April 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Engadget: Lightning Pack">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012-01-24-indie-royale-presents-the-serious-sam-lightning-deal.html |title=Indie Royale presents the Serious Sam lightning deal |first=Jessica |last=Conditt |date=24 January 2012 |website=[[Engadget]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414191530/https://www.engadget.com/2012-01-24-indie-royale-presents-the-serious-sam-lightning-deal.html |archive-date=14 April 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-11-05-two-years-with-vlambeer |title=Two years with Vlambeer: the inside story on gaming's greatest new studio |first=Phill |last=Cameron |date=5 November 2012 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207121930/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-11-05-two-years-with-vlambeer |archive-date=7 February 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Eurogamer: Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-17-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review-review |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Review |first=Christian |last=Donlan |date=17 November 2011 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309051558/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-17-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review-review |archive-date=9 March 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Gamasutra: Best of">{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/128905/Best_of_Indie_Games_From_coins_to_Super_Crate_Box.php |title=Best of Indie Games: From coins to ''Super Crate Box'' |first=Eric |last=Caoili |date=13 January 2012 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114135408/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/128905/Best_of_Indie_Games_From_coins_to_Super_Crate_Box.php |archive-date=14 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Gamasutra: Clone">{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/feature/188097/ridiculous_fishing_the_game_that_.php |title=''Ridiculous Fishing:'' The Game that Nearly Ended Vlambeer, Page 1 of 3 |first=Mike |last=Rose |date=8 March 2013 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116005857/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/188097/ridiculous_fishing_the_game_that_.php |archive-date=16 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Gamasutra: Gun Godz">{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/feature/169969/postmortem_vlambeers_gun_godz.php?page=3 |title=Postmortem: Vlambeer's ''Gun Godz'', Page 3 of 3 |first1=Rami |last1=Ismail |author-link1=Rami Ismail |first2=Jan Willem |last2=Nijman |author-link2=Jan Willem Nijman |date=9 May 2012 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224125933/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/169969/postmortem_vlambeers_gun_godz.php?page=3 |archive-date=24 February 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Gamasutra: Lightning Pack">{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/129224/Indie_Royale_debuts_Lightning_Packs_with_Serious_Sam_indies.php |title=Indie Royale debuts 'Lightning Packs' with ''Serious Sam'' indies |author=Staff |date=24 January 2012 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127201914/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/129224/Indie_Royale_debuts_Lightning_Packs_with_Serious_Sam_indies.php |archive-date=27 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Gamasutra: Xmas Bundle">{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/183760/Indie_Royale_debuts_sevengame_Xmas_Bundle_20.php |title=Indie Royale debuts seven-game Xmas Bundle 2.0 |author=Staff |date=18 December 2012 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701160136/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/183760/Indie_Royale_debuts_sevengame_Xmas_Bundle_20.php |archive-date=1 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GamePro: Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/224550/review-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-pc |title=Review: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter (PC) |first=Nathan |last=Meunier |date=2 November 2011 |website=[[GamePro]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105212540/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/224550/review-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-pc |archive-date=5 November 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSetWatch: Mac">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2011/10/serious_sam_the_random_encount.php |title=''Serious Sam: The Random Encounter'' Is Vlambeer's First Game You Can Buy |first=Danny |last=Cowan |date=26 October 2011 |website=[[GameSetWatch]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111185339/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2011/10/serious_sam_the_random_encount.php |archive-date=11 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="GameSpot: Indie Series">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/serious-sam-goes-indie/1100-6303024/ |title=Serious Sam goes indie |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=9 March 2011 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127201910/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/serious-sam-goes-indie/1100-6303024/ |archive-date=27 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Destructoid: Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-214328.phtml |title=Review: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |first=Allistair |last=Pinsof |date=24 October 2011 |website=[[Destructoid]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526092615/https://www.destructoid.com/review-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-214328.phtml |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="GamesRadar+: Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review/ |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter review |first=Ryan |last=Hodge |date=28 October 2011 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326155812/https://www.gamesradar.com/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review/ |archive-date=26 March 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Engadget: launches">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-10-25-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-launches-a-billion-missiles.html |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter launches (a billion missiles) |first=David |last=Hinkle |date=25 October 2011 |website=[[Engadget]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414191521/https://www.engadget.com/2011-10-25-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-launches-a-billion-missiles.html |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="GameZone: IndieGameStand">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/indiegamestand-and-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-give-you-shmup-and-rpg-action-for-1/ |title=IndieGameStand and Serious Sam: The Random Encounter give you shmup and RPG action for $1 |first=David |last=Sanchez |date=14 November 2012 |website=GameZone |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414191619/https://www.gamezone.com/news/indiegamestand-and-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-give-you-shmup-and-rpg-action-for-1/ |archive-date=14 April 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Eurogamer: inside story">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-11-05-two-years-with-vlambeer |title=Two years with Vlambeer: the inside story on gaming's greatest new studio |first=Phill |last=Cameron |date=5 November 2012 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=7 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207121930/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-11-05-two-years-with-vlambeer |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="GameZone: Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Review |first=David |last=Sanchez |date=4 November 2011 |website=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117035328/http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review |archive-date=17 November 2011 |url-status=unfit<!-- The live version has no rating and an incorrect date. -->}}</ref>
<ref name="Eurogamer: Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-17-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review-review |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Review |first=Christian |last=Donlan |date=17 November 2011 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=9 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309051558/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-17-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review-review |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="IGN: Alex Mauer">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/20/starr-mazer-fuses-point-and-click-adventure-and-retro-shmups |title=Starr Mazer Fuses Point-and-Click Adventure and Retro Shmups |first=Chloi |last=Rad |date=20 January 2015 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728055453/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/20/starr-mazer-fuses-point-and-click-adventure-and-retro-shmups |archive-date=28 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Gamasutra: Best of">{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/128905/Best_of_Indie_Games_From_coins_to_Super_Crate_Box.php |title=Best of Indie Games: From coins to ''Super Crate Box'' |first=Eric |last=Caoili |date=13 January 2012 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=14 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114135408/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/128905/Best_of_Indie_Games_From_coins_to_Super_Crate_Box.php |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="IGN: Release Date">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/10/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-release-date-announced |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Release Date Announced |first=Anthony |last=Gallegos |date=11 October 2011 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108131846/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/10/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-release-date-announced |archive-date=8 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Gamasutra: Clone">{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/feature/188097/ridiculous_fishing_the_game_that_.php |title=''Ridiculous Fishing:'' The Game that Nearly Ended Vlambeer, Page 1 of 3 |first=Mike |last=Rose |date=8 March 2013 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116005857/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/188097/ridiculous_fishing_the_game_that_.php |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="IGN: Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/03/serious-samthe-random-encounter-review |title=Serious Sam:The Random Encounter Review |first=Eric |last=Neigher |date=3 November 2011 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526092618/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/03/serious-samthe-random-encounter-review |archive-date=26 May 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Gamasutra: Gun Godz">{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/feature/169969/postmortem_vlambeers_gun_godz.php?page=3 |title=Postmortem: Vlambeer's ''Gun Godz'', Page 3 of 3 |first1=Rami |last1=Ismail |author-link1=Rami Ismail |first2=Jan Willem |last2=Nijman |author-link2=Jan Willem Nijman |date=9 May 2012 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=24 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224125933/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/169969/postmortem_vlambeers_gun_godz.php?page=3 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="Kill Screen: Review">{{cite web |url=https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/review-serious-sam-random-encounter/ |title=Review: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |first=Lana |last=Polansky |date=16 December 2011 |website=[[Kill Screen]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414191622/https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/review-serious-sam-random-encounter/ |archive-date=14 April 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="GamePro: Review">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/224550/review-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-pc |title=Review: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter (PC) |first=Nathan |last=Meunier |date=2 November 2011 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |archive-date=5 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105212540/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/224550/review-serious-sam-the-random-encounter-pc |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="Kotaku: Indie Series">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/serious-sam-delivers-three-new-games-with-an-indie-twis-5780139 |title=''Serious Sam'' Delivers Three New Games With An Indie Twist |first=Mike |last=Fahey |date=9 March 2011 |website=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414191625/https://kotaku.com/serious-sam-delivers-three-new-games-with-an-indie-twis-5780139 |archive-date=14 April 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="GameSetWatch: Mac">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2011/10/serious_sam_the_random_encount.php |title=''Serious Sam: The Random Encounter'' Is Vlambeer's First Game You Can Buy |first=Danny |last=Cowan |date=26 October 2011 |website=[[GameSetWatch]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111185339/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2011/10/serious_sam_the_random_encount.php |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/serious-sam-the-random-encounter |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305125027/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/serious-sam-the-random-encounter |archive-date=5 March 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="GameSpot: Indie Series">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/serious-sam-goes-indie/1100-6303024/ |title=Serious Sam goes indie |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=9 March 2011 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127201910/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/serious-sam-goes-indie/1100-6303024/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="PC Gamer: 15 years">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/croteam-marks-15-years-of-serious-sam-with-steam-trading-cards/ |title=Croteam marks 15 years of Serious Sam with Steam trading cards |first=Andy |last=Chalk |date=18 March 2016 |website=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202140312/http://www.pcgamer.com/croteam-marks-15-years-of-serious-sam-with-steam-trading-cards// |archive-date=2 February 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="GamesRadar+: Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review/ |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter review |first=Ryan |last=Hodge |date=28 October 2011 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=26 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326155812/https://www.gamesradar.com/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="PC Gamer: launches">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-launches-on-steam-with-a-live-action-trailer-of-sorts/ |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter launches on Steam with a live-action trailer (of sorts) |first=Rob |last=Zacny |date=24 October 2011 |website=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414191627/https://www.pcgamer.com/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-launches-on-steam-with-a-live-action-trailer-of-sorts/ |archive-date=14 April 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="GameZone: Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Review |first=David |last=Sanchez |date=4 November 2011 |website=GameZone |archive-date=17 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117035328/http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="PCGamesN: Humnle Weekly">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/serious-sam-humble-weekly-sale-croteams-funding-serious-sam-4-by-selling-you-more-sam-than-you-can-handle |title=Serious Sam Humble Weekly Sale: Croteam's funding Serious Sam 4 by selling you more Sam than you can handle |first=Fraser |last=Brown |date=3 November 2014 |website=[[PCGamesN]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127201914/https://www.pcgamesn.com/serious-sam-humble-weekly-sale-croteams-funding-serious-sam-4-by-selling-you-more-sam-than-you-can-handle |archive-date=27 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="HG101: Spin-Offs">{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/serious-sam-spin-offs-part-1/ |title=Serious Sam Spin-Offs (Part 1) |first=Jonathan |last=Kaharl |date=23 August 2020 |website=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]] |access-date=21 June 2023 |archive-date=21 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621184234/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/serious-sam-spin-offs-part-1/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="Pixel-icious: SSTRE">{{cite web |url=http://pixel-icious.com/serioussam.html |title=Serious Sam: the Random Encounter |first=Roy Nathan |last=de Groot |website=Pixel-icious |access-date=15 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415095639/http://pixel-icious.com/serioussam.html |archive-date=15 April 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="IGN: Alex Mauer">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/20/starr-mazer-fuses-point-and-click-adventure-and-retro-shmups |title=Starr Mazer Fuses Point-and-Click Adventure and Retro Shmups |first=Chloi |last=Rad |date=20 January 2015 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728055453/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/20/starr-mazer-fuses-point-and-click-adventure-and-retro-shmups |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="RPGamer: Review">{{cite web |url=https://rpgamer.com/review/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review/ |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Review |first=Alex |last=Fuller |date=25 October 2011 |website=RPGamer |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414191631/https://rpgamer.com/review/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review/ |archive-date=14 April 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="IGN: Release Date">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/10/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-release-date-announced |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Release Date Announced |first=Anthony |last=Gallegos |date=11 October 2011 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=8 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108131846/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/10/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-release-date-announced |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="RPS: Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/10/25/wit-serious-sam-the-random-encounter/ |title=WIT: Serious Sam – The Random Encounter |first=John |last=Walker |date=25 October 2011 |website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722193855/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/10/25/wit-serious-sam-the-random-encounter/ |archive-date=22 July 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="IGN: Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/03/serious-samthe-random-encounter-review |title=Serious Sam:The Random Encounter Review |first=Eric |last=Neigher |date=3 November 2011 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526092618/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/03/serious-samthe-random-encounter-review |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="Shacknews: Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/70933/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter review |first=Ozzie |last=Mejia |date=3 November 2011 |website=[[Shacknews]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106151551/http://www.shacknews.com/article/70933/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review |archive-date=6 January 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Kill Screen: Review">{{cite web |url=https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/review-serious-sam-random-encounter/ |title=Review: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |first=Lana |last=Polansky |date=16 December 2011 |website=[[Kill Screen]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414191622/https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/review-serious-sam-random-encounter/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


⚫
<ref name="Kotaku: Indie Series">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/serious-sam-delivers-three-new-games-with-an-indie-twis-5780139 |title=''Serious Sam'' Delivers Three New Games With An Indie Twist |first=Mike |last=Fahey |date=9 March 2011 |website=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414191625/https://kotaku.com/serious-sam-delivers-three-new-games-with-an-indie-twis-5780139 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="SSTRE: 0-1">{{cite video game |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |developer=[[Vlambeer]] |publisher=[[Devolver Digital]] |date=24 October 2011 |platform=[[Microsoft Windows]] |scene=Introduction}}</ref>


<ref name="SSTRE: 1-1">{{cite video game |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |developer=[[Vlambeer]] |publisher=[[Devolver Digital]] |date=24 October 2011 |platform=[[Microsoft Windows]] |level=1-1 Arrival}}</ref>
<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/serious-sam-the-random-encounter/ |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=14 September 2023 |archive-date=14 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914130503/https://www.metacritic.com/game/serious-sam-the-random-encounter/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


⚫
<ref name="PC Gamer: launches">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-launches-on-steam-with-a-live-action-trailer-of-sorts/ |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter launches on Steam with a live-action trailer (of sorts) |first=Rob |last=Zacny |date=24 October 2011 |website=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414191627/https://www.pcgamer.com/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-launches-on-steam-with-a-live-action-trailer-of-sorts/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="SSTRE: 1-3">{{cite video game |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |developer=[[Vlambeer]] |publisher=[[Devolver Digital]] |date=24 October 2011 |platform=[[Microsoft Windows]] |level=1-3 Temple Gardens}}</ref>


<ref name="SSTRE: 2-1">{{cite video game |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |developer=[[Vlambeer]] |publisher=[[Devolver Digital]] |date=24 October 2011 |platform=[[Microsoft Windows]] |level=2-1 Temple Entrance}}</ref>
<ref name="Pixel-icious: SSTRE">{{cite web |url=http://pixel-icious.com/serioussam.html |title=Serious Sam: the Random Encounter |first=Roy Nathan |last=de Groot |publisher=Pixel-icious |access-date=15 April 2020 |archive-date=15 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415095639/http://pixel-icious.com/serioussam.html |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="SSTRE: 2-3">{{cite video game |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |developer=[[Vlambeer]] |publisher=[[Devolver Digital]] |date=24 October 2011 |platform=[[Microsoft Windows]] |level=2-3 Sewers}}</ref>
<ref name="RPGamer: Review">{{cite web |url=https://rpgamer.com/review/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review/ |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Review |first=Alex |last=Fuller |date=25 October 2011 |website=RPGamer |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414191631/https://rpgamer.com/review/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="SSTRE: 3-1">{{cite video game |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |developer=[[Vlambeer]] |publisher=[[Devolver Digital]] |date=24 October 2011 |platform=[[Microsoft Windows]] |level=3-1 Unpleasant Surprise}}</ref>
<ref name="RPS: Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/10/25/wit-serious-sam-the-random-encounter/ |title=WIT: Serious Sam – The Random Encounter |first=John |last=Walker |date=25 October 2011 |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=22 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722193855/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/10/25/wit-serious-sam-the-random-encounter/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="SSTRE: 3-3">{{cite video game |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |developer=[[Vlambeer]] |publisher=[[Devolver Digital]] |date=24 October 2011 |platform=[[Microsoft Windows]] |level=3-3 Spaceship}}</ref>
<ref name="Shacknews: Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/70933/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter review |first=Ozzie |last=Mejia |date=3 November 2011 |website=[[Shacknews]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=6 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106151551/http://www.shacknews.com/article/70933/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-review |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="VentureBeat: Interview">{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/community/2011/04/28/interviews-serious-sam-indie-series-developers/ |title=Interview Roundup: Croteam and indie developers discuss new titles in the Serious Sam universe |first=Louis |last=Garcia |date=28 April 2011 |website=[[VentureBeat]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127201908/https://venturebeat.com/community/2011/04/28/interviews-serious-sam-indie-series-developers/ |archive-date=27 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="VentureBeat: Interview">{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/community/2011/04/28/interviews-serious-sam-indie-series-developers/ |title=Interview Roundup: Croteam and indie developers discuss new titles in the Serious Sam universe |first=Louis |last=Garcia |date=28 April 2011 |website=[[VentureBeat]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127201908/https://venturebeat.com/community/2011/04/28/interviews-serious-sam-indie-series-developers/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="VG247: Humble Weekly">{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2013/06/07/serious-sam-4-inbound-to-be-funded-by-humble-bundle-proceeds/ |title=Serious Sam 4 inbound, to be funded by Humble Bundle proceeds |first=Brenna |last=Hillier |date=7 June 2013 |website=[[VG247]] |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127201913/https://www.vg247.com/2013/06/07/serious-sam-4-inbound-to-be-funded-by-humble-bundle-proceeds/ |archive-date=27 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Vlambeer: Fantastic Arcade">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/09/25/fantastic-arcade-serious-sam-release-info/ |title=Fantastic Arcade & Serious Sam release info |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=25 September 2011 |publisher=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-date=18 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018162608/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/09/25/fantastic-arcade-serious-sam-release-info/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="Vlambeer: Fantastic Arcade">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/09/25/fantastic-arcade-serious-sam-release-info/ |title=Fantastic Arcade & Serious Sam release info |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=25 September 2011 |website=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018162608/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/09/25/fantastic-arcade-serious-sam-release-info/ |archive-date=18 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Vlambeer: Indigo">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/05/16/indigo-11/ |title=Indigo '11 |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=16 May 2011 |publisher=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519073641/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/05/16/indigo-11/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="Vlambeer: Indigo">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/05/16/indigo-11/ |title=Indigo '11 |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=16 May 2011 |website=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519073641/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/05/16/indigo-11/ |archive-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Vlambeer: Paul Veer">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/06/06/paul-veer-on-art/ |title=Paul Veer on Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |first1=Rami |last1=Ismail |author-link1=Rami Ismail |first2=Paul |last2=Veer |date=6 June 2011 |publisher=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-date=24 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024044139/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/06/06/paul-veer-on-art/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="Vlambeer: Paul Veer">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/06/06/paul-veer-on-art/ |title=Paul Veer on Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |first1=Rami |last1=Ismail |author-link1=Rami Ismail |first2=Paul |last2=Veer |date=6 June 2011 |website=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024044139/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/06/06/paul-veer-on-art/ |archive-date=24 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Vlambeer: Serious Design">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/07/08/serious-design/ |title=Serious Design |first=Jan Willem |last=Nijman |author-link=Jan Willem Nijman |date=8 July 2011 |publisher=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-date=10 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910163811/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/07/08/serious-design/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="Vlambeer: Serious Design">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/07/08/serious-design/ |title=Serious Design |first=Jan Willem |last=Nijman |author-link=Jan Willem Nijman |date=8 July 2011 |website=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910163811/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/07/08/serious-design/ |archive-date=10 September 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Vlambeer: Serious news">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/03/10/serious-news/ |title=Serious news |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=10 March 2011 |publisher=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-date=13 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313084323/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/03/10/serious-news/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="Vlambeer: Serious news">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/03/10/serious-news/ |title=Serious news |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=10 March 2011 |website=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313084323/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/03/10/serious-news/ |archive-date=13 March 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Vlambeer: Supermassive">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/09/09/supermassive-blog-post/ |title=Supermassive Blog Post |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=9 September 2011 |publisher=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-date=27 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027190723/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/09/09/supermassive-blog-post/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="Vlambeer: Supermassive">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/09/09/supermassive-blog-post/ |title=Supermassive Blog Post |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=9 September 2011 |website=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027190723/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/09/09/supermassive-blog-post/ |archive-date=27 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Vlambeer: Trailer 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/10/07/random-encounter-gameplay-traile/ |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter – Gameplay Trailer! |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=7 October 2011 |publisher=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-date=22 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022233857/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/10/07/random-encounter-gameplay-traile/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="Vlambeer: Trailer 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/10/07/random-encounter-gameplay-traile/ |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter – Gameplay Trailer! |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=7 October 2011 |website=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022233857/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/10/07/random-encounter-gameplay-traile/ |archive-date=22 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Vlambeer: Trailer 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/10/24/serious-sam-the-random-encounter/ |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=24 October 2011 |publisher=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-date=1 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101065624/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/10/24/serious-sam-the-random-encounter/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="Vlambeer: Trailer 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/10/24/serious-sam-the-random-encounter/ |title=Serious Sam: The Random Encounter |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=24 October 2011 |website=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101065624/http://www.vlambeer.com/2011/10/24/serious-sam-the-random-encounter/ |archive-date=1 November 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Vlambeer: Update">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2016/08/announcement/ |title=Announcement! |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=8 August 2017 |publisher=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-date=9 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809232714/http://www.vlambeer.com/2016/08/announcement/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="Vlambeer: Update">{{cite web |url=http://www.vlambeer.com/2016/08/announcement/ |title=Announcement! |first=Rami |last=Ismail |author-link=Rami Ismail |date=8 August 2017 |website=[[Vlambeer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809232714/http://www.vlambeer.com/2016/08/announcement/ |archive-date=9 August 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Official website|http://therandomencounter.com/}}
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206013204/http://therandomencounter.com/|date=6 February 2024|title=Official website}}


{{Serious Sam}}
{{Serious Sam}}
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[[Category:2011 video games]]
[[Category:2011 video games]]
[[Category:Devolver Digital games]]
[[Category:Devolver Digital games]]
[[Category:Indie games]]
[[Category:Role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Serious Sam]]
[[Category:Serious Sam]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Video game spin-offs]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Video games set in Egypt]]
[[Category:Vlambeer games]]
[[Category:Vlambeer games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]

Latest revision as of 13:58, 9 September 2024

Serious Sam: The Random Encounter
Cover artwork by Roy Nathan de Groot
Developer(s)Vlambeer
Publisher(s)Devolver Digital
Designer(s)
Artist(s)
  • Roy Nathan de Groot
  • Paul Veer
Composer(s)Alex Mauer
SeriesSerious Sam
Engine
Platform(s)Windows
Release24 October 2011
Genre(s)Role-playing, bullet hell
Mode(s)Single-player

Serious Sam: The Random Encounter is a 2011 role-playing and bullet hell game developed by Vlambeer and published by Devolver Digital. It follows Sam "Serious" Stone travelling to the future in search of his nemesis, Mental, teaming up with mercenaries on the way. The player controls Sam and his accomplices through confined levels, engaging in battles through random encounters. These pit the player characters against large waves of enemies, and the player controls the weapons and items each character uses against them in five-second turns.

Announced in March 2011, The Random Encounter was created as part of the Serious Sam Indie Series to promote the release of Serious Sam 3: BFE. Devolver Digital initially envisioned a clone of Vlambeer's Super Crate Box. The studio disliked this idea, drafting a pitch for a turn-based role-playing game instead. The Random Encounter was released for Windows in October 2011 to a mixed reception. The combat system was given a varied response, with some critics calling it innovative. The game's tone, visuals, and sound were well received. Conflicting opinions were expressed regarding the game's arsenal and short duration.

Gameplay

[edit]
The player characters (right) firing a shotgun, minigun, and grenade launcher at approaching enemies

Serious Sam: The Random Encounter is a hybrid of a role-playing video game with turn-based elements and a bullet hell game.[1][2] The gameplay is split into two parts, world exploration and battle sequences, in a style similar to Japanese role-playing games.[3][4] In the former, the player sequentially traverses nine confined areas, distributed across three thematic worlds.[1][5] Initially alone, protagonist Sam "Serious" Stone teams up with mercenaries Bam and Bim over the course of the game.[3] Every few steps made in these levels, a random encounter occurs, initiating a battle.[3][6] In these, the player characters appear to the right of the screen, while a horde of enemies approaches from the left.[2][5][7] The player chooses for each character to either fire their equipped weapon at the enemies, swap that weapon for another, or use an item.[8][9]

When firing a weapon, the player determines how it should be used. Revolvers aim automatically, while shotguns have an adjustable radius in which they automatically aim, doing more damage to enemies at close range. Several weapons can have their trajectory angled, of which most fire in a straight line; some fire continuously, while others only have limited shots per turn. Grenade launchers can shoot at a specific point on the screen. When a character switches weapons, they lose some time before also firing the newly equipped weapon. Items include additional health or armour for the characters, revivals of dead party members, a "Serious Bomb" that defeats the majority of visible enemies, and a "Kamikaze Bait" that spawns 100 (or more) Beheaded Kamikaze enemies.[1][7][8][10]

In each turn, the player characters perform their selected actions, while enemies also attack. Turns last five seconds, after which the player can assign new actions.[2][5][9] During a turn, the player may also move the entire party up or down to shift their weapons' aim or dodge enemies and their projectiles.[5][6][11] Individual enemies have different attack styles.[7][8] Characters take damage when hit by an enemy or projectile and die when their armour and health are depleted.[11] Should all party members be dead at once, the battle ends, with the party losing a life and being reset to its position prior to the lost battle.[2][11] Should the player lose all of their three lives, gameplay pauses and the active level is reset.[1][3][11]

Battles end normally once all enemies are defeated, although additional enemies may spawn during a battle.[2][3] Battles become progressively more difficult by pitting the player against more enemies.[5] The game includes five boss fights. Through victories, the player gains some experience points that can add up to unlocking a new weapon or item.[1][3] Further items can be found in chests during world exploration. Levels further include some puzzle elements, such as collecting a key, activating a switch or defeating large amounts of enemies, that the player has to solve to progress. Upon completion of the main game, an endless mode is unlocked, in which the player can play for an undetermined time to achieve the highest possible score.[1][5][10]

Development and release

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Rami Ismail (left) and Jan Willem Nijman of Vlambeer (pictured in 2013)
Vlambeer pitched the game with a crude sketch and was surprised when it was approved.[12]

Serious Sam: The Random Encounter was developed by Vlambeer, an indie game developer composed of Rami Ismail and Jan Willem Nijman. Its previous releases included Super Crate Box and Radical Fishing. After coming across the former, Devolver Digital, the publisher of the Serious Sam series, contacted Vlambeer, asking them to develop a game for the Serious Sam Indie Series. A triplet of spin-offs to be created by small studios to promote the impending launch of the mainline first-person shooter entry Serious Sam 3: BFE, the Indie Series also encompasses Serious Sam Double D and Serious Sam: Kamikaze Attack!.[12][13] Ismail and Nijman had been fans of the series, wherefore they accepted the request.[13][14] However, Devolver Digital requested a copy of Super Crate Box with a Serious Sam theme, which Ismail and Nijman disliked. During a brainstorming session, they instead drafted a turn-based role-playing video game.[12][15] The intent was to place the game in a genre as far away as possible from a first-person shooter, while not sacrificing other core elements of the series.[13][14] From this idea, they crafted a crude drawing, which they scanned and emailed to Devolver Digital, expecting that the publisher would turn down the pitch. As such, the team was surprised when it was quickly approved.[12] The game concept did not change significantly from the pitch thereafter.[15] Ismail stated that Vlambeer had full creative control and would not have undergone the project otherwise.[13]

The visuals for The Random Encounter were produced by Roy Nathan de Groot and Paul Veer.[16] De Groot worked on all static assets, starting with designing the first world and the sprite for Sam. When creating Sam's accomplices, the team intended to use his sister but found that she was already deceased in the lore of the Serious Sam series. Instead, they went through the characters of the series's multiplayer modes and chose the two most "visually attractive": Groovy Gregory and Wild Wyatt. To avoid battle scenes feeling "flat", de Groot added parallax scrolling to their backgrounds. He also designed the cover artwork and, when its files were lost in a crash shortly before the associated deadline, quickly re-created it from a low-resolution version that he upscaled and re-coloured.[17] Veer produced character animations and visual effects. Because Groovy Gregory and Wild Wyatt (now named Bam and Bim) had a shape similar to that of Sam, Veer was able to repurpose some of Sam's animations by applying different colours. For greater variety between them, he added minor cosmetic details and altered a few animations. To fit the action theme of Serious Sam, characters were fully animated, as opposed to the more static style of other role-playing video games of the time.[16] The Random Encounter's soundtrack was composed by Alex Mauer.[18]

The Serious Sam Indie Series was announced by Devolver Digital in March 2011.[19][20] To prepare The Random Encounter in time for its announcement, Ismail and Nijman worked from their hotel rooms in San Francisco while attending the 2011 Game Developers Conference, in the plane back to the Netherlands, as well as at home under jet lag. They took several days off following the announcement.[14] The game was playable for the first time at the May 2011 "Indigo Connected by Ziggo" event in the Netherlands, as well as shown at Fantastic Arcade in September 2011.[21][22] During the development of The Random Encounter, a clone of Vlambeer's Radical Fishing was released by another company for iOS and quickly became successful. Because Vlambeer had itself been working on an iOS version of Radical Fishing (titled Ridiculous Fishing) that had not yet been released, this plagiarism led to demotivation within the studio, resulting in the delay of The Random Encounter and other projects. Ismail had been fully engaged in working on The Random Encounter but shifted to handling the fallout of the controversy, with Nijman taking over the game's development.[23][24]

Two trailers for The Random Encounter were edited by Kert Gartner.[25] Both published in October 2011, the first focused on the game's mechanics, while the other coincided with the launch.[26][27] The Random Encounter was released for Windows on 24 October 2011 and made available for purchase through the Get Games and Steam services.[28][29][30] This marked Vlambeer's first commercial release, as its previous games had been freeware.[31][32] The studio intended to use the revenue generated from it to purchase a Mac computer and create a Mac OS X version of the game.[31] Vlambeer re-iterated its plan for this port in August 2016, also announcing plans to update the existing Windows version and release one for Linux.[33]

Reception

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Serious Sam: The Random Encounter received "mixed or average reviews", according to the review aggregator website Metacritic, which calculated a weighted average rating of 64/100 based on eleven critic reviews.[34] Several critics—including Allistair Pinsof (Destructoid), Eric Neigher (IGN), and Lana Polansky (Kill Screen)—considered the combat system innovative.[1][3][7] Eurogamer editor Christian Donlan described it as "ingenious", while David Sanchez of GameZone labelled it as an "excellent amalgamation of genres".[8] Polansky specifically lauded the battles' design, which she found was akin to a strategic puzzle requiring planning.[3] Conversely, Ryan Hodge, in his review for GamesRadar, stated that these battles were "boring", "repetitive", and "monotonous".[10] Others positively regarded the challenge posed by individual fights.[5][6][9][11]

Donlan and GamePro's Nathan Meunier liked the variety in the available armament, with Donlan calling the individual weapons "endlessly satisfying".[8][9] However, Pinsof and Hodge found that some of them, especially the grenade launcher, only had limited usability.[1][10] Polansky and Hodge dismissed the puzzles in the overworld as "peripheral" and "unchallenging".[3][10]

Pinsof, Hodge and Shacknews's Ozzie Mejia felt that The Random Encounter's concept was a good fit for the Serious Sam series.[1][6][10] Mejia and Sanchez pointed out that the game's humour was well aligned with that of the rest of the series.[2][6] Polansky and Alex Fuller (RPGamer) disliked the lack of a proper plot.[3][5] Pinsof and Hodge noted an overall lack of polish, of whom Pinsof also encountered several bugs.[1][10] Its visuals and sound were considered by Sanchez as apt for the series, with the art described as "pleasing to look at" by Fuller.[5]

Many critics voiced their disappointment about the game's duration of roughly one to two hours, considering it insufficient.[2][5][6][9] Hodge contrarily called it "mercifully short".[10] Sanchez and Fuller consequently felt a sudden spike in difficulty after the first level.[2][5] Polansky observed that later battles had "unpredictable" difficulties.[3] Conversely, Mejia opined that the game had a good learning curve, although he found little replay value.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Pinsof, Allistair (24 October 2011). "Review: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 26 May 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Sanchez, David (4 November 2011). "Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 17 November 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Polansky, Lana (16 December 2011). "Review: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter". Kill Screen. Archived from the original on 14 April 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  4. ^ Kaharl, Jonathan (23 August 2020). "Serious Sam Spin-Offs (Part 1)". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on 21 June 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Fuller, Alex (25 October 2011). "Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Review". RPGamer. Archived from the original on 14 April 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g Mejia, Ozzie (3 November 2011). "Serious Sam: The Random Encounter review". Shacknews. Archived from the original on 6 January 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d e Neigher, Eric (3 November 2011). "Serious Sam:The Random Encounter Review". IGN. Archived from the original on 26 May 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Donlan, Christian (17 November 2011). "Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Review". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 9 March 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Meunier, Nathan (2 November 2011). "Review: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter (PC)". GamePro. Archived from the original on 5 November 2011.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i Hodge, Ryan (28 October 2011). "Serious Sam: The Random Encounter review". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 26 March 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  11. ^ a b c d e Walker, John (25 October 2011). "WIT: Serious Sam – The Random Encounter". Rock Paper Shotgun. Archived from the original on 22 July 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  12. ^ a b c d Cameron, Phill (5 November 2012). "Two years with Vlambeer: the inside story on gaming's greatest new studio". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 7 February 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  13. ^ a b c d Garcia, Louis (28 April 2011). "Interview Roundup: Croteam and indie developers discuss new titles in the Serious Sam universe". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on 27 January 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  14. ^ a b c Ismail, Rami (10 March 2011). "Serious news". Vlambeer. Archived from the original on 13 March 2011.
  15. ^ a b Nijman, Jan Willem (8 July 2011). "Serious Design". Vlambeer. Archived from the original on 10 September 2011.
  16. ^ a b Ismail, Rami; Veer, Paul (6 June 2011). "Paul Veer on Serious Sam: The Random Encounter". Vlambeer. Archived from the original on 24 October 2011.
  17. ^ de Groot, Roy Nathan. "Serious Sam: the Random Encounter". Pixel-icious. Archived from the original on 15 April 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  18. ^ Rad, Chloi (20 January 2015). "Starr Mazer Fuses Point-and-Click Adventure and Retro Shmups". IGN. Archived from the original on 28 July 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  19. ^ Fahey, Mike (9 March 2011). "Serious Sam Delivers Three New Games With An Indie Twist". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 14 April 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  20. ^ Sinclair, Brendan (9 March 2011). "Serious Sam goes indie". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 27 January 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  21. ^ Ismail, Rami (16 May 2011). "Indigo '11". Vlambeer. Archived from the original on 19 May 2011.
  22. ^ Ismail, Rami (25 September 2011). "Fantastic Arcade & Serious Sam release info". Vlambeer. Archived from the original on 18 October 2011.
  23. ^ Ismail, Rami; Nijman, Jan Willem (9 May 2012). "Postmortem: Vlambeer's Gun Godz, Page 3 of 3". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on 24 February 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  24. ^ Rose, Mike (8 March 2013). "Ridiculous Fishing: The Game that Nearly Ended Vlambeer, Page 1 of 3". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on 16 November 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  25. ^ Ismail, Rami (9 September 2011). "Supermassive Blog Post". Vlambeer. Archived from the original on 27 October 2011.
  26. ^ Ismail, Rami (7 October 2011). "Serious Sam: The Random Encounter – Gameplay Trailer!". Vlambeer. Archived from the original on 22 October 2011.
  27. ^ Ismail, Rami (24 October 2011). "Serious Sam: The Random Encounter". Vlambeer. Archived from the original on 1 November 2011.
  28. ^ Gallegos, Anthony (11 October 2011). "Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Release Date Announced". IGN. Archived from the original on 8 November 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  29. ^ Zacny, Rob (24 October 2011). "Serious Sam: The Random Encounter launches on Steam with a live-action trailer (of sorts)". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 14 April 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  30. ^ Hinkle, David (25 October 2011). "Serious Sam: The Random Encounter launches (a billion missiles)". Engadget. Archived from the original on 14 April 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  31. ^ a b Cowan, Danny (26 October 2011). "Serious Sam: The Random Encounter Is Vlambeer's First Game You Can Buy". GameSetWatch. Archived from the original on 11 January 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  32. ^ Caoili, Eric (13 January 2012). "Best of Indie Games: From coins to Super Crate Box". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on 14 November 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  33. ^ Ismail, Rami (8 August 2017). "Announcement!". Vlambeer. Archived from the original on 9 August 2016.
  34. ^ a b "Serious Sam: The Random Encounter". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 14 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
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