When comparing Serious Sam HD vs Xonotic, the Slant community recommends Xonotic for most people. In the question“What are the best LAN party PC games?” Xonotic is ranked 1st while Serious Sam HD is ranked 45th. The most important reason people chose Xonotic is:
Open Source games are not always known for their high-quality graphics. This can often be caused by the games being designed by committee in that many different people may work on the graphics, even in the same areas, which can cause plenty of inconsistencies. Luckily, Xonotic does not suffer from this problem as the whole of the game has consistent looks that are actually quite impressive.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Beautiful game design with open landscapes
This is the remastered version of the original title. The result is beautiful, vibrant colors and stunning vistas.
Pro Fast-paced classical "shoot everything that moves" FPS
This is not a thinking man’s game. Much of the gameplay takes place in large arenas where you face waves of enemies. The objectives are simple: If it moves, you shoot it. Oh, and don’t die.
Pro Drop-in co-op at any point in the game
You can join games at any point in their progress, which cuts down on waiting time.
Pro Diverse enemies
The enemies in Serious Sam can be diverse in looks, attacks, and defense strategies, which gives the game a new tactical approach each time.
Pro Beautiful gameplay
Pro Impressive graphics, especially for an open source game
Open Source games are not always known for their high-quality graphics. This can often be caused by the games being designed by committee in that many different people may work on the graphics, even in the same areas, which can cause plenty of inconsistencies. Luckily, Xonotic does not suffer from this problem as the whole of the game has consistent looks that are actually quite impressive.
Pro Cross platform
Mac/Linux/Windows support.
Pro Many game modes
Includes all the expected options like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag, as well as more novel modes like Key Hunt.
Pro Fast-paced action
Pro Interesting weapon design (for an arena shooter)
All arena shooter basically use Quake or UT weapon system. However, Xonotic has an interesting variety of weapons (larger selection than most) with elements from both UT and Quake but added some of their innovative ideas. Some of the weapons have a bit of overlap and felt a bit forced, but other weapons really made the game stand out.
Pro Play easily online
At any time, you can find people playing on the net. No special configuration needed.
Pro Not demanding on the system
On integrated HD4600 graphics ~120 FPS on normal settings.
Pro Multiple floor levels gameplay
The game permits players to move across multiple floor levels, which permits more dynamic game play.
Cons
Con Can get Repetitive/Frustrating
Serious Sam's whole design has to do with taking on wave after wave of enemies as you progress through the world, with no real story. The slaughterfest can get boring and repetitive, especially in single-player. It's fairly important to bring along friends who will not only stick with you, but make light of the fact you're going to die over and over again. People who can't stand dying (aka rage-quitters) should avoid this game.
Con Campaign can be very hard and you can get stuck
Some levels are very strange and difficult like fighting with almost invisible enemies.
Even at easy they are hard to beat and you must beat them in order to progress in campaign.
Con Few players
Very few players on the servers ate as it happens 5-9 people!
Con Boring AI bots
Bots are not the most performant opponents in Xonotic. They often run around the same paths, and sometimes even stand still on spots for apparently no reason.
Con No actual addons repository
Cannot download custom maps through the actual game. Instead you have to download maps online and then put them in a directory.