Serious Sam 3: BFE

Serious Sam 3: BFE is a 2011 first-person shooter developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital, released on Windows and later on consoles, including an Xbox Live Arcade version. A prequel to the original Serious Sam, it is set during a near-future alien invasion of Earth, casting players as the wisecracking commando Sam 'Serious' Stone fighting through the ruins of ancient Egypt against the overwhelming hordes of the alien overlord Mental. The game proudly revives the old-school, fast-paced shooter ethos that the series is known for: rather than cover-based, regenerating-health modern design, it throws enormous numbers of charging enemies at the player across large, open arenas, demanding constant movement, circle-strafing and the deft use of a powerful, eclectic arsenal. Its signature challenge is the relentless 'horde' pressure, with iconic foes like the headless, screaming Kamikazes. The game balances frantic combat with a self-aware, comedic tone. Critically well received, Serious Sam 3: BFE was praised for delivering exactly the kind of pure, arcade-style run-and-gun action that fans wanted, a deliberate throwback amid the era's military shooters, while some found its difficulty punishing and its design intentionally retro. It reinforced the series' reputation as a flagbearer for old-school shooter design. It was followed by Serious Sam 4, continuing the series' commitment to old-school, horde-driven shooting.