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Difference between revisions of "Serious Sam 4"

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(50 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown)
Line 12: Line 12:
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|TBA}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|TBA}}
 
|reception    =  
 
|reception    =  
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|serious-sam-4|70}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|serious-sam-4|68}}
{{Infobox game/row/reception|OpenCritic|10226/serious-sam-4|72}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/reception|OpenCritic|10226/serious-sam-4|70}}
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|serious-sam-4|75}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|serious-sam-4|74}}
 
|taxonomy    =
 
|taxonomy    =
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | DLC}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, DLC, Subscription gaming service }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | None}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | None }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person, Third-person}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person, Third-person }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Action, FPS}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Action, FPS }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Industrial, Motorcycle, Robot}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Industrial, Motorcycle, Robot }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Europe, Sci-fi}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Europe, Sci-fi }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Serious Sam}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Serious Sam }}
 
|steam appid  = 257420
 
|steam appid  = 257420
 
|steam appid side =  
 
|steam appid side =  
|gogcom id    =  
+
|gogcom id    = 1407036516
 
|gogcom id side =  
 
|gogcom id side =  
|official site=  
+
|official site= http://www.croteam.com/serious-sam-4
|hltb        =  
+
|hltb        = 72618
|igdb        = serious-sam-4
+
|lutris      = serious-sam-4
|mobygames    =  
+
|mobygames    = 149246
|strategywiki =  
+
|strategywiki = Serious Sam 4
 
|wikipedia    = Serious Sam 4
 
|wikipedia    = Serious Sam 4
|winehq      =  
+
|winehq      = 20035
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      = '''''Serious Sam 4''''' is a {{Glossary:Singleplayer}} and {{Glossary:Multiplayer}} {{Glossary:Sci-fi}} {{Glossary:FPS}} game developed by [[:Company:Croteam|Croteam]] and published by [[:Company:Devolver Digital|Devolver Digital]]. Despite being the fourth main entry in the ''[[Series:Serious Sam|Serious Sam]]'' series, ''Serious Sam 4'' is a direct prequel to ''[[Serious Sam 3: BFE]]'', making it the second-earliest game in the series' chronology after ''[[Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope]]''. ''Serious Sam 4'' runs on the latest version of Croteam's [[Engine:Serious Engine|Serious Engine]], which was upgraded with new graphical capabilities and the ability to support over 100,000 enemies on-screen at once.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD9zKMNA18w|title=Countdown to Serious Sam 4: Serious Engine (Croteam)|date=2020-10-11}}</ref> Although it was initially stated that the game could be played in co-op with up to 16 players,<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/06/20/serious-sam-4-100000-enemies-128km-map-16-player-co-op/|title=Serious Sam 4 has 100,000 enemies on screen, a 128km map, and 16-player co-op|date=2020-10-11}}</ref> this limit was reduced to 4 some time before release.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/game/serious_sam_4?pp=708a77db476d737e54b8bf4663fc79b346d696d2|title=Serious Sam 4 on GOG|date=2020-10-11}}</ref>
 +
 +
|release history  = ''Serious Sam 4'' was announced on April 18, 2018 as '''''Serious Sam 4: Planet Badass''''', though this subtitle was later dropped for localization reasons.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://kotaku.com/serious-sam-4-devs-dropped-planet-badass-subtitle-becau-1844945008|title=Serious Sam 4 Devs Dropped 'Planet Badass' Subtitle Because It Wouldn’t Make Sense In Other Languages|date=2020-10-11}}</ref> It was re-announced without the subtitle in May 2020 with a release date of August,<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.engadget.com/serious-sam-4-pc-august-release-date-001429033.html|title='Serious Sam 4' arrives on PC and Stadia in August|date=2020-10-11}}</ref> but was delayed to September 24,<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/serious-sam-4-has-been-delayed-slightly-locking-in/1100-6480619/|title=Serious Sam 4 Has Been Delayed Slightly, Locking In A September Date|date=2020-10-11}}</ref> where it was released for Windows on [[Store:Steam|Steam]] and [[Store:GOG.com|GOG.com]] simultaneously. It was plagued with issues at launch, with players experiencing crashes, performance issues, and graphical bugs.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://respawnfirst.com/serious-sam-4-crash-fix/|title=Serious Sam 4 Crash Fix, Stuttering, Black Screen, Low FPS, Crash At Startup Fix|date=2020-10-11}}</ref> Reviews were divided; many praised its adherence to the series' classic formula, but criticized a perceived lack of polish that had arisen from a seemingly-rushed release.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://gamerant.com/serious-sam-4-review-roundup/|title=Serious Sam 4 Review Roundup|date=2020-10-11}}</ref> However, the most severe bugs were fixed in patches in the following days and weeks.
 +
 +
|current state    = As of October 2020, Croteam continues to develop the game by fixing bugs, improving gameplay elements, and implementing features requested by the community.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/257420/announcements/detail/2900839786366884158|title=Serious Sam 4 Update 1.04|date=2020-10-11}}</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 50: Line 58:
 
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 4658-1 | Steam | {{store link|Gamesplanet|4658-2|Deluxe Edition}} also available. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 4658-1 | Steam | {{store link|Gamesplanet|4658-2|Deluxe Edition}} also available. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | serious_sam_4 | DRM-free | {{store link|GOG.com|serious_sam_4_deluxe_edition|Deluxe Edition}} also available. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | serious_sam_4 | DRM-free | {{store link|GOG.com|serious_sam_4_deluxe_edition|Deluxe Edition}} also available. | | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Steam | 257420 | Steam | Deluxe Edition also available. | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Microsoft Store | 9pft1pr924wb | Microsoft Store | | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Humble | serious-sam-4 | Steam | | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 257420 | Steam | Deluxe Edition also available. | | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Essential Improvements==
+
===Version differences===
===Disable Texture Streaming===
+
{{ii}} Pre-ordering any version of the game granted the '''Classic Tommy Gun''' weapon skin that replaces the Assault Rifle in-game if enabled in the menu.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.thenerdmag.com/serious-sam-4-pre-order-bonus-for-pc-revealedsteam/|title=Serious Sam 4 pre-order bonus for PC revealed (Steam)|date=2020-10-15}}</ref>
{{ii}} You can greatly increase loading time to improve performance.
+
{{ii}} The '''Standard Edition''' is the base game.
{{--}} Some systems may not have enough memory for this fix to work.
+
{{ii}} The '''Deluxe Edition''' includes the base game, the '''Classic Tommy Gun''' weapon skin, the game's '''Digital Soundtrack''', and a '''Digital Artbook'''. Owners of the Standard Edition can upgrade to the Deluxe Edition for the cost of the difference between the two editions.
{{--}} Some ingame cutscenes will have faster texture pop in.
 
  
{{Fixbox|description=Disable Texture Streaming|fix=
+
==Monetization==
# Open the console.
+
{{Monetization
# Paste the following Options:
+
|ad-supported          =
<pre>
+
|cross-game bonus      =  
texs_ctMaxUnloadsPerFrame = 0
+
|dlc                    =  
texs_ctTooMuchLoadingTextures = -1
+
|expansion pack        =
sim_fWorldPrecachingStreamingLoadingDoneThreshold = -1
+
|freeware              =
</pre>
+
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =  
 +
|subscription          =  
 +
|subscription gaming service = Available via [[List of PC Game Pass games|Xbox Game Pass for PC]].
 
}}
 
}}
  
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===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{P|steam}}\userdata\{{P|uid}}\257420\local\SeriousSam4.ini}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|}}
 
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
 
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
 
{{Game data/config|Linux|}}
 
{{Game data/config|Linux|}}
 +
{{Game data/config|Steam|{{P|steam}}\userdata\{{P|uid}}\257420\local\SeriousSam4.ini}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{XDG|unknown}}
 
{{XDG|unknown}}
Line 80: Line 94:
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{P|steam}}\userdata\{{P|uid}}\257420\remote\}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{P|game}}\UserData\{{P|uid}}\SeriousSam4\}}
 
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
 
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Linux|}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Linux|}}
 +
{{Game data/saves|Steam|{{P|steam}}\userdata\{{P|uid}}\257420\remote\}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
|discord               =  
+
|discord                   =  
|discord notes         =  
+
|discord notes             =  
|epic games store       =  
+
|epic games launcher       =  
|epic games store notes =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =  
|gog galaxy             = true
+
|gog galaxy               = true
|gog galaxy notes       =  
+
|gog galaxy notes         =  
|origin                 =  
+
|origin                   =  
|origin notes           =  
+
|origin notes             =  
|steam cloud           = true
+
|steam cloud               = true
|steam cloud notes     =  
+
|steam cloud notes         =  
|uplay                  =  
+
|ubisoft connect          =  
|uplay notes           =  
+
|ubisoft connect notes     =  
|xbox cloud             =  
+
|xbox cloud               = false
|xbox cloud notes       =  
+
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Video==
 
==Video==
 
{{Image|SS4_GraphicsOptions.png|Graphics Options}}
 
{{Image|SS4_GraphicsOptions.png|Graphics Options}}
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
 
|wsgf link                  =  
 
|wsgf link                  =  
 
|widescreen wsgf award      =  
 
|widescreen wsgf award      =  
Line 116: Line 131:
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|ultrawidescreen            = true
 
|ultrawidescreen            = true
|ultrawidescreen notes      = Cutscenes are {{Term|Pillarboxed}}.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=KingKrouch|date=2020-09-24|comment=Tested with an ultrawide resolution.}}</ref>
+
|ultrawidescreen notes      = Cutscenes are {{Term|pillarboxed}}.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=KingKrouch|date=2020-09-24|comment=Tested with an ultrawide resolution.}}</ref>
 
|4k ultra hd                = true
 
|4k ultra hd                = true
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|fov                        = true
 
|fov                        = true
|fov notes                  = 60 to 120 Degrees
+
|fov notes                  = 60 to 120 degrees.
 
|windowed                  = true
 
|windowed                  = true
 
|windowed notes            =  
 
|windowed notes            =  
Line 128: Line 143:
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|antialiasing              = true
 
|antialiasing              = true
|antialiasing notes        = FXAA, MSAA (Up to 8X MSAA) and SSAA (Up to 4X SSAA)
+
|antialiasing notes        = [[FXAA]], [[MSAA]] up to 8X and [[SSAA]] up to 4X.
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
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|60 fps notes              =  
 
|60 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps                    = true
 
|120 fps                    = true
|120 fps notes              = Framerate Cap option supports "25", "30", "60", "90", "120", "144", and "Unlimited"
+
|120 fps notes              = Framerate Cap option supports "25", "30", "60", "90", "120", "144", and "Unlimited".
 
|hdr                        = unknown
 
|hdr                        = unknown
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 +
|ray tracing                = unknown
 +
|ray tracing notes          =
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
Line 148: Line 168:
 
SS4_AdvancedOptions.png|Advanced Options
 
SS4_AdvancedOptions.png|Advanced Options
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
{{ii}} All reflection settings only affect planar reflections, which are only used in Netricsa enemy/NPC preview screens. Actual gameplay only uses [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube_mapping Cubemaps].
 +
{{ii}} Most of the higher GPU settings automatically enable MSAA which doesn't apply to majority of the scene, having negligible impact on visual quality for moderate performance cost.
 +
 +
===Remove shadow edge artifacts===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Disable shadow dithering|ref={{cn|date=October 2020}}|fix=
 +
{{ii}} By default shadow edges are dithered to make their appearance smoother at a lower performance cost.
 +
{{--}} Disabling dithering may increase performance impact.
 +
# Go to performance settings.
 +
# Select GPU Speed and click on Customize.
 +
# Set Shadow Dithering Radius to 0.
 +
 +
{{ii}} Shadow edge quality may be boosted additionally (at an additional cost) with following console command:
 +
<pre>
 +
shb_bAllowAnisotropicShadows = 1
 +
</pre>
 +
 +
{{ii}} Alternative method that can achieve soft shadow edges at an extreme performance cost is to combine dithering with SSAA (not recommended).
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Disable texture streaming===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Disable texture streaming|ref={{cn|date=September 2020}}|fix=
 +
{{ii}} Loading time may increase to improve performance.
 +
{{--}} Some systems may not have enough memory for this fix to work.
 +
{{--}} Some in-game cutscenes will have faster texture pop in.
 +
# Open the console.
 +
# Paste the following options:
 +
<pre>
 +
texs_ctMaxUnloadsPerFrame = 0
 +
texs_ctTooMuchLoadingTextures = -1
 +
sim_fWorldPrecachingStreamingLoadingDoneThreshold = -1
 +
</pre>
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Increase thread count===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Force the game to make use of logical CPU cores by increasing thread count|fix=
 +
{{ii}} By default thread count equals to number of physical CPU cores and the game is very CPU bound.
 +
{{++}} May slightly boost performance.
 +
{{--}} May increase stuttering.
 +
{{--}} Not recommended by developers.
 +
# Open the console.
 +
# Paste the following command, replacing X with total core count (physical + logical) of Your CPU:
 +
<pre>
 +
thr_iMaxWorkerThreads = X
 +
</pre>
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Disable boot logo===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Skip developers logo on boot|ref={{cn|date=October 2020}}|fix=
 +
# Open the console.
 +
# Paste the following command:
 +
<pre>
 +
men_bShowIntroCutscene = 0
 +
</pre>
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Change max menu framerate===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Increase fps limit in menus|ref={{cn|date=October 2020}}|fix=
 +
{{ii}} Game defaults to 66fps limit in menus.
 +
Launch the game with following parameter, replacing X with desired maximum menu framerate limit:
 +
<pre>
 +
+men_iMaxAllowedFPS X
 +
</pre>
 +
}}
  
 
==Input==
 
==Input==
 
{{Image|SS4_ConfigureKeys.png|"Configure Keys" Options}}
 
{{Image|SS4_ConfigureKeys.png|"Configure Keys" Options}}
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
Line 225: Line 308:
 
{{Image|SS4_SoundOptions.png|Sound Options}}
 
{{Image|SS4_SoundOptions.png|Sound Options}}
 
{{Image|SS4_TextLanguageOptions.png|Text Language Options}}
 
{{Image|SS4_TextLanguageOptions.png|Text Language Options}}
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    = "Master Volume", "Effects Volume", "Music Volume", "Voice Volume".
 
|separate volume notes    = "Master Volume", "Effects Volume", "Music Volume", "Voice Volume".
 
|surround sound          = true
 
|surround sound          = true
|surround sound notes    = <ref>{{Refcheck|user=Rose|date=2020-09-27|comment=Tested on a 5.1 system and confirmed the use of the rear speakers with Orban Loudness Meter.}}</ref>
+
|surround sound notes    = <ref>{{Refcheck|user=Rose|date=2020-09-27|comment=Tested on a 5.1 system and confirmed the use of the rear speakers with Orban Loudness Meter.}}</ref> Game defaults to amount of output channels defined in windows audio device settings with no way of overriding.
 
|subtitles                = true
 
|subtitles                = true
 
|subtitles notes          = Default "Auto" option may not show subtitles.
 
|subtitles notes          = Default "Auto" option may not show subtitles.
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
|mute on focus lost      = false
+
|mute on focus lost      = always on
|mute on focus lost notes =  
+
|mute on focus lost notes = Forced ON with no way to override.
|eax support              =  
+
|eax support              = limited
|eax support notes        =  
+
|eax support notes         = Built in software emulation (only available with software mixer enabled)
 +
|royalty free audio       = unknown
 +
|royalty free audio notes  =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Disable dynamic range compression===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Disable loudness equalization|ref={{cn|date=October 2020}}|fix=
 +
{{ii}} Game by default compresses dynamic range (loud sounds are made quieter and quiet sounds are made louder), this only affects software mixer.
 +
# Open the console.
 +
# Paste the following command:
 +
<pre>
 +
sfx_bUseCompressor = 0
 +
</pre>
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Disable software audio mixer===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Enable direct hardware audio output|ref={{cn|date=October 2020}}|fix=
 +
{{ii}} Software audio mixer handles processing game audio effects.
 +
{{--}} Disabling software mixer introduces couple of minor audio bugs like looping footstep sounds and breaks attenuation(distance volume fade) for some scripted sounds like NPC voice overs or gates.
 +
{{++}} Disabling software mixer unlocks audio output above 44.1KHz
 +
# Open the console.
 +
# Paste the following command:
 +
<pre>
 +
sfx_bSoftwareMixer = 0
 +
</pre>
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 250: Line 357:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
  |language  = French
+
  |language  = Simplified Chinese
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
Line 259: Line 366:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
  |language  = German
+
  |language  = Traditional Chinese
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
Line 268: Line 375:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
  |language  = Italian
+
  |language  = French
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
Line 277: Line 384:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
  |language  = Japanese
+
  |language  = German
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
Line 286: Line 393:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
  |language  = Korean
+
  |language  = Italian
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
Line 295: Line 402:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
  |language  = Polish
+
  |language  = Japanese
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
Line 304: Line 411:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
  |language  = Brazilian Portuguese
+
  |language  = Korean
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
Line 313: Line 420:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
  |language  = Russian
+
  |language  = Polish
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
Line 322: Line 429:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
  |language  = Spanish
+
  |language  = Brazilian Portuguese
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
Line 331: Line 438:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
  |language  = Simplified Chinese
+
  |language  = Russian
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
  |audio    = false
+
  |audio    = hackable
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = Fan voice-over by [https://vk.com/club76249462 «Mechanics VoiceOver»], [https://www.zoneofgames.ru/games/serious_sam_4/files/7263.html download]
  |fan      =  
+
  |fan      = true
 
  |ref      =  
 
  |ref      =  
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
  |language  = Traditional Chinese
+
  |language  = Spanish
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
Line 400: Line 507:
 
{{API
 
{{API
 
|direct3d versions      = 11, 12
 
|direct3d versions      = 11, 12
|direct3d notes        =
+
|direct3d notes        = As of 1.04 version of the game DX11 is being recommended as optimal API for most users.
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
Line 414: Line 521:
 
|metal support notes    =  
 
|metal support notes    =  
 
|vulkan versions        = true
 
|vulkan versions        = true
|vulkan notes          =  
+
|vulkan notes          = As of 1.04 version of the game DX11 is being recommended as optimal API for most users.
 
|dos modes              =  
 
|dos modes              =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
Line 421: Line 528:
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = true
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
|macos 32-bit app       = unknown
+
|macos intel 32-bit app = unknown
|macos 64-bit app       = unknown
+
|macos intel 64-bit app = unknown
 +
|macos arm app          =
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|linux 32-bit executable= unknown
 
|linux 32-bit executable= unknown
 
|linux 64-bit executable= unknown
 
|linux 64-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux arm app          = false
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 487: Line 597:
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
 +
{{GOG.com Enhancement Project}}

Latest revision as of 07:53, 1 June 2023

Serious Sam 4
Serious Sam 4 cover
Developers
Croteam
Publishers
Devolver Digital
Engines
Serious Engine 2017
Release dates
Windows September 24, 2020
macOS (OS X) TBA
Linux TBA
Reception
Metacritic 68
OpenCritic 70
IGDB 74
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, DLC, Subscription gaming service
Microtransactions None
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person, Third-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, FPS
Vehicles Industrial, Motorcycle, Robot
Art styles Realistic
Themes Europe, Sci-fi
Series Serious Sam
Serious Sam 4 on HowLongToBeat
Serious Sam 4 on IGDB
Serious Sam 4 guide on StrategyWiki
Serious Sam 4 on MobyGames
Serious Sam 4 on Wikipedia
Serious Sam: The First Encounter 2001
Serious Sam: The Second Encounter 2002
Serious Sam 2 2005
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter 2009
Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter 2010
Serious Sam Double D 2011
Serious Sam: The Random Encounter 2011
Serious Sam 3: BFE 2011
Serious Sam: The Greek Encounter 2012
Serious Sam: Kamikaze Attack! 2012
Serious Sam VR (series)
Serious Sam Fusion 2017 EA
Serious Sam's Bogus Detour 2017
Serious Sam Classics: Revolution 2019
Serious Sam 4 2020
Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem 2022
Serious Sam: Tormental 2022

Serious Sam 4 is a singleplayer and multiplayer sci-fi FPS game developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. Despite being the fourth main entry in the Serious Sam series, Serious Sam 4 is a direct prequel to Serious Sam 3: BFE, making it the second-earliest game in the series' chronology after Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope. Serious Sam 4 runs on the latest version of Croteam's Serious Engine, which was upgraded with new graphical capabilities and the ability to support over 100,000 enemies on-screen at once.[1] Although it was initially stated that the game could be played in co-op with up to 16 players,[2] this limit was reduced to 4 some time before release.[3]

Serious Sam 4 was announced on April 18, 2018 as Serious Sam 4: Planet Badass, though this subtitle was later dropped for localization reasons.[4] It was re-announced without the subtitle in May 2020 with a release date of August,[5] but was delayed to September 24,[6] where it was released for Windows on Steam and GOG.com simultaneously. It was plagued with issues at launch, with players experiencing crashes, performance issues, and graphical bugs.[7] Reviews were divided; many praised its adherence to the series' classic formula, but criticized a perceived lack of polish that had arisen from a seemingly-rushed release.[8] However, the most severe bugs were fixed in patches in the following days and weeks.

As of October 2020, Croteam continues to develop the game by fixing bugs, improving gameplay elements, and implementing features requested by the community.[9]

General information

GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Icon overlay.png
Deluxe Edition also available.
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
Deluxe Edition also available.
Windows
Microsoft Store
Microsoft Store
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Deluxe Edition also available.
Windows

Version differences

Pre-ordering any version of the game granted the Classic Tommy Gun weapon skin that replaces the Assault Rifle in-game if enabled in the menu.[10]
The Standard Edition is the base game.
The Deluxe Edition includes the base game, the Classic Tommy Gun weapon skin, the game's Digital Soundtrack, and a Digital Artbook. Owners of the Standard Edition can upgrade to the Deluxe Edition for the cost of the difference between the two editions.

Monetization

Type Notes
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
Subscription gaming service Available via Xbox Game Pass for PC.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Steam <Steam-folder>\userdata\<user-id>\257420\local\SeriousSam4.ini
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/257420/pfx/[Note 1]
It's unknown whether this game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux. Please fill in this information.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\UserData\<user-id>\SeriousSam4\[Note 2]
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Steam <Steam-folder>\userdata\<user-id>\257420\remote\
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/257420/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud
Xbox Cloud

Video

Graphics Options
Graphics Options

Graphics feature State Notes
Widescreen resolution
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
Cutscenes are pillarboxed.[11]
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
60 to 120 degrees.
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Anti-aliasing (AA)
FXAA, MSAA up to 8X and SSAA up to 4X.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
Framerate Cap option supports "25", "30", "60", "90", "120", "144", and "Unlimited".
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.
All reflection settings only affect planar reflections, which are only used in Netricsa enemy/NPC preview screens. Actual gameplay only uses Cubemaps.
Most of the higher GPU settings automatically enable MSAA which doesn't apply to majority of the scene, having negligible impact on visual quality for moderate performance cost.

Remove shadow edge artifacts

Disable shadow dithering[citation needed]
By default shadow edges are dithered to make their appearance smoother at a lower performance cost.
Disabling dithering may increase performance impact.
  1. Go to performance settings.
  2. Select GPU Speed and click on Customize.
  3. Set Shadow Dithering Radius to 0.
Shadow edge quality may be boosted additionally (at an additional cost) with following console command:
shb_bAllowAnisotropicShadows = 1
Alternative method that can achieve soft shadow edges at an extreme performance cost is to combine dithering with SSAA (not recommended).

Disable texture streaming

Disable texture streaming[citation needed]
Loading time may increase to improve performance.
Some systems may not have enough memory for this fix to work.
Some in-game cutscenes will have faster texture pop in.
  1. Open the console.
  2. Paste the following options:
texs_ctMaxUnloadsPerFrame = 0
texs_ctTooMuchLoadingTextures = -1
sim_fWorldPrecachingStreamingLoadingDoneThreshold = -1

Increase thread count

Force the game to make use of logical CPU cores by increasing thread count
By default thread count equals to number of physical CPU cores and the game is very CPU bound.
May slightly boost performance.
May increase stuttering.
Not recommended by developers.
  1. Open the console.
  2. Paste the following command, replacing X with total core count (physical + logical) of Your CPU:
thr_iMaxWorkerThreads = X

Skip developers logo on boot[citation needed]
  1. Open the console.
  2. Paste the following command:
men_bShowIntroCutscene = 0

Change max menu framerate

Increase fps limit in menus[citation needed]
Game defaults to 66fps limit in menus.

Launch the game with following parameter, replacing X with desired maximum menu framerate limit:

+men_iMaxAllowedFPS X

Input

"Configure Keys" Options
"Configure Keys" Options

Audio

Sound Options
Sound Options
Text Language Options
Text Language Options

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
"Master Volume", "Effects Volume", "Music Volume", "Voice Volume".
Surround sound
[12] Game defaults to amount of output channels defined in windows audio device settings with no way of overriding.
Subtitles
Default "Auto" option may not show subtitles.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Forced ON with no way to override.
EAX support
Built in software emulation (only available with software mixer enabled)
Royalty free audio

Disable dynamic range compression

Disable loudness equalization[citation needed]
Game by default compresses dynamic range (loud sounds are made quieter and quiet sounds are made louder), this only affects software mixer.
  1. Open the console.
  2. Paste the following command:
sfx_bUseCompressor = 0

Disable software audio mixer

Enable direct hardware audio output[citation needed]
Software audio mixer handles processing game audio effects.
Disabling software mixer introduces couple of minor audio bugs like looping footstep sounds and breaks attenuation(distance volume fade) for some scripted sounds like NPC voice overs or gates.
Disabling software mixer unlocks audio output above 44.1KHz
  1. Open the console.
  2. Paste the following command:
sfx_bSoftwareMixer = 0

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Polish
Brazilian Portuguese
Russian
Fan voice-over by «Mechanics VoiceOver», download
Spanish
Turkish

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Notes
Local play
LAN play
Online play

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 11, 12 As of 1.04 version of the game DX11 is being recommended as optimal API for most users.
Vulkan
As of 1.04 version of the game DX11 is being recommended as optimal API for most users.
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 10
Processor (CPU) 2.5 GHz Quad Core
System memory (RAM) 8 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 40 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce GTX 780/970/1050
AMD Radeon HD 7950/R9 280/RX 470
3 GB of VRAM
DirectX 11 compatible
A 64-bit operating system is required.
macOS (OS X)
Minimum
Operating system (OS)
Processor (CPU)
System memory (RAM)
Hard disk drive (HDD)
Linux
Minimum
Operating system (OS)
Processor (CPU)
System memory (RAM)
Hard disk drive (HDD)

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/257420/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (257420) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.
  2. When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).

References

  1. Countdown to Serious Sam 4: Serious Engine (Croteam) - last accessed on 2020-10-11
  2. Serious Sam 4 has 100,000 enemies on screen, a 128km map, and 16-player co-op - last accessed on 2020-10-11
  3. Serious Sam 4 on GOG - last accessed on 2020-10-11
  4. Serious Sam 4 Devs Dropped 'Planet Badass' Subtitle Because It Wouldn’t Make Sense In Other Languages - last accessed on 2020-10-11
  5. 'Serious Sam 4' arrives on PC and Stadia in August - last accessed on 2020-10-11
  6. Serious Sam 4 Has Been Delayed Slightly, Locking In A September Date - last accessed on 2020-10-11
  7. Serious Sam 4 Crash Fix, Stuttering, Black Screen, Low FPS, Crash At Startup Fix - last accessed on 2020-10-11
  8. Serious Sam 4 Review Roundup - last accessed on 2020-10-11
  9. Serious Sam 4 Update 1.04 - last accessed on 2020-10-11
  10. Serious Sam 4 pre-order bonus for PC revealed (Steam) - last accessed on 2020-10-15
  11. Verified by User:KingKrouch on 2020-09-24
    Tested with an ultrawide resolution.
  12. Verified by User:Rose on 2020-09-27
    Tested on a 5.1 system and confirmed the use of the rear speakers with Orban Loudness Meter.