Serious Sam Fusion 2017 (beta): The Ultimate Central Hub for the Franchise
Launched on March 20, 2017, Serious Sam Fusion 2017 (beta) serves as a unified platform for one of gaming’s most beloved action franchises. This indie title brings together remastered and virtual reality versions of The First Encounter, The Second Encounter, and Serious Sam 3: BFE under a single application. Available on PC, macOS, and Linux, it acts as a centralized hub that streamlines access to the entire series while delivering modern engine upgrades and continuous updates at no extra cost. For players looking to revisit the franchise or experience its chaotic combat in a polished environment, this release provides a comprehensive and cohesive foundation.
Gameplay Mechanics and Core Experience
At its core, the game revolves around fast-paced, wave-based combat where players must eliminate endless waves of respawning invaders across expansive maps. Combat is deliberately straightforward yet demanding, requiring precise movement and strategic positioning. Health and armor do not regenerate automatically, forcing players to actively search for scattered supply packs while dodging relentless alien attacks. Enemy types range from standard infantry to towering robotic behemoths, ensuring that encounters remain dynamic and challenging. The underlying engine has been optimized to run smoothly, featuring faster texture streaming, seamless quicksaving, and more natural movement pacing that enhances the overall flow of battle.
Story and Setting Overview
The narrative follows the adventures of protagonist Sam Stone as he battles science-fictional extraterrestrial forces led by the villainous Mental. Mental’s primary objective is the complete devastation of humanity, prompting Sam to traverse a variety of diverse environments to stop the invasion. Players will navigate through iconic locations including ancient Egyptian pyramids, dense jungles, and sprawling medieval castles. The story serves as a backdrop for the franchise’s signature over-the-top action, allowing the focus to remain on the relentless enemy waves and the destruction they bring.
Notable Features and Platform Availability
- Cross-platform support on PC, macOS, and Linux
- Unified interface to launch all included titles and DLC without exiting the application
- Integrated Steam Workshop with hundreds of community-created mods, maps, and content
- Unified multiplayer server list that aggregates matches across all included games
- Full VR support allowing virtual reality players to join standard multiplayer matches
- Modern technical enhancements including 64-bit executables, split-screen functionality, and updated controller support
- Centralized graphics and control settings that eliminate the need to adjust configurations across separate game versions
Who It Appeals To
Serious Sam Fusion 2017 (beta) is primarily designed for long-time franchise enthusiasts and action game fans who appreciate classic first-person shooter mechanics with modern conveniences. The unified hub structure benefits veterans who want to jump between different eras of the series effortlessly, while the extensive modding community and cross-game content support appeal to players who enjoy custom experiences. Additionally, the integration of VR multiplayer alongside traditional flat-screen play makes it an attractive option for virtual reality enthusiasts. Whether you are returning to the battlefield for the first time in years or diving in fresh, this title delivers a streamlined, performance-focused experience that honors the series while embracing contemporary gaming standards.
