The Octanian Gamma Trooper is a cybernetically-controlled soldier and the most commonly encountered Octanian infantry. They are equipped with military armor and equipment and are usually led by Octanian Commanders.
Troopers were deployed in large numbers during the Tunguska Offensive, and appear as common enemies in Serious Sam 4 and Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem. They replace the Cloned Soldiers from Serious Sam 3: BFE and Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope.
Overview[]
The Octanian Gamma Trooper belongs to a race of humanoid creatures originating from an unnamed planet in the Sigma Octantis system, and have allied themselves with Mental during the Tunguska Offensive as part of his goal to eradicate knowledge from the universe.[1] As their name suggests, they are armed with gamma-ray laser weapons, with which they are linked to via their species' cybernetic parasites. Their weapons are of particular religious significance to them, as they symbolize the cleansing fire with which Mental will purify the universe.[2]
Gamma Troopers usually work in squads and are often led by Commanders in small skirmishes, but when dealing with a high-priority targets, such as Sam, many Troopers are deployed to handle the threat. In combat situations, Troopers will take advantage of cover and attempt to hide behind anything, whether it be cars, concrete barriers, or sandbags. If there is a threat nearby, they will patrol the area to search for the enemy, aiming their weapons out of cover. When directly confronting hostiles, Gamma Troopers will strafe sideways to avoid suppressive fire and will attempt to flank them. Like Cloned Soldiers, when in cover, Gamma Troopers will pop out of cover occasionally to fire at the target.
Application[]
Gamma Troopers are the most commonly seen Octanian soldiers, and are usually stationed at Octanian outposts or other areas occupied by Octanian units. They can also be found patrolling towns, cities, and anywhere else of strategic value.
In the event of a threat, Gamma Troopers are sent out to patrol these areas from any enemies that enter it. Outside of combat, Gamma Troopers will occasionally patrol the streets in urban environments or the countryside to keep a look out for trouble. They are found almost anywhere, from large urban cities to the rural countryside.
Appearances[]
Gamma Troopers are very common enemies, and are encountered just as frequently as Beheaded infantry. At first, they appear in small squads, often with Octanian Commanders by their side. But, as the player progresses, Troopers are a lot more numerous.
Occasionally, Gamma Troopers will spawn riding on combat drones, which makes them more formidable opponents.
Serious Sam 4[]
Gamma Troopers are some of the most common enemies in the game. They are first encountered in Death from Above, and then on pretty much every level onwards. They usually appear in small groups and are often seen accompanying an Octanian Commander. In the final level, From Earth With Love, Gamma Troopers are seen in their highest numbers while being spawned by the Legion System.
Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem[]
Gamma Troopers are first encounterd at the occupied oil rig in A Smell Of Petroleum Prevails, and are seen in small to medium groups throughout the refinery and are also common in the Octanian outposts in Siberiade. They are much more numerous when playing New Game+, and squads consisting of several dozen Troopers may be encountered at once.
Weaponry[]
As the name suggests, Gamma Troopers are armed with gamma-ray laser rifles, which they use as their primary weapon in combat. The weapon itself suffers from several drawbacks, however, as it is not entirely accurate nor is it powerful, since Octanian rifles aren't perfectly adjusted to Earth conditions and therefore the individual beams only do limited amounts of damage.[2] The weapon can, however, deal moderate damage to a target that is stationary. If the target gets within point blank range of a Gamma Trooper, he will kick them or use his rifle as a melee weapon.
Like other Octanian soldiers, Gamma Troopers are equipped with standard-issue body armor, which provides them with moderate to substantial protection in combat. They also wear respirators and goggles to help them survive Earth's environment.
Tactics[]
- The lasers fired by from the Trooper's gun are not very accurate, and can be easiy be dodged by sidestepping or hiding behind cover. However, they can deliver several rounds to a stationary target, so watching where the beams land is key to avoiding them.
- These enemies are fairly weak: three shots from the SOP38 Pistol or a single shot from the 12 Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun is all it takes to kill one. A single shot to their head from the pistol can kill one instantly.
- For groups of Troopers, the shotgun's grenade launcher works very well at flushing them out, especially for ones that try to hide behind cover.
- Large groups or swarms of Gamma Troopers can be mowed down with the XM214-A Minigun or XL2 Lasergun.
- The pump-action shotgun, AK-74MX or M29 Infantry Assault Rifle is effective against medium or large groups of Gamma Troopers.
- Gamma Troopers are low-priority targets on most difficulties. Their low health and low damage output from their guns make them easy and disposable targets. In groups though, they can become a nuisance if not taken out soon enough. Also, when playing on higher difficulty settings, the player should avoid being hit by their lasers whenever possible.
Behind the scenes[]
- Early concept designs depict the Gamma Trooper and other Octanian soldiers in different outfits and carrying different kinds of weapons. One of these weapons resembles an assault rifle.
Trivia[]
- Gamma Troopers, along with other Octanian soldiers, give off a particular scent which is reminiscent to that of seafood. This is mentioned by both Father Mikhail and Sam.[3][4]
Gallery[]
Artwork[]
Retail[]
List of appearances[]
- Serious Sam 4 (First appearance)
- Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem
References[]