Serious Sam is a video game series created by the Croatian developer Croteam, predominantly consisting of first-person shooters. The series centers around the character Sam "Serious" Stone, who battles against the extraterrestrial overlord Mental and his forces threatening humanity across different time periods. The first game, Serious Sam: The First Encounter, was released in 2001 and features large environments and intense action-packed gameplay with hordes of enemies. The series is known for its fast-paced action, large enemy numbers, and a blend of humor and chaotic shooter gameplay. Serious Sam has multiple installments and remakes, including Serious Sam 2, Serious Sam HD remakes, and Serious Sam 4. It has been praised for its replay value and distinctive style, which deviates from the narrative-heavy, highly realistic shooters by focusing on simple, enjoyable, large-scale shooting gameplay. The games often feature colorful environments inspired by historical and fantasy settings, and the storyline incorporates elements of ancient aliens and intergalactic conflict. The series also includes spin-offs, virtual reality versions, and has a dedicated fan base. Serious Sam's gameplay includes a variety of weapons, massive enemy waves, and multiplayer modes. This summary reflects key information about Serious Sam as a major franchise in the first- person shooter genre.