The Octanian Sniper is a variant of Octanian soldier. They are equipped with a high-precision sniper rifle, which they use to eliminate targets from a far enough distance. They are introduced as an enemy in Serious Sam 4, and make a second appearance in Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem.
Overview[]
The Octanian Sniper belongs to a race of polyp-controlled humanoid creatures belonging to the Cult of the Eightfold Manifestation. They originate from the Sigma Octantis system, and have allied themselves with Mental as part of his goal to eradicate knowledge from the universe.[1] This particular variant of Octanian soldier is equipped with a sniper rifle.[2]
Like other Octanian soldiers, Snipers are equipped with standard-issue body armor, goggles and a respirator. Their armor provides them with moderate to substantial protection in combat, while their goggles and respirator help them survive being exposed to Earth's atmosphere. The Sniper can be identified by his orange goggles.
Appearances[]
Snipers are first encountered in The Die Is Cast, where most of them appear on top of buildings and are rarely encountered on the ground. They are not very common at first, but as many as a dozen or so may appear in the later levels, such as Morituri Te Salutant. In The Package, several Snipers are deployed by Combat Drones onto the oil platform to deal with the player.
Application[]
A couple of Snipers with their targeting beams focused on Sam.
Snipers are generally spawned in elevated positions with a good overview of the surrounding terrain from which to track and eliminate their targets. Their main purpose is to draw the target's attention from other enemies and force them to take cover. Snipers are usually deployed in places of significant importance, such as Octanian outposts or places that are under Octanian control.
Behavior and skills[]
Unlike the Octanian Commander and Octanian Gamma Trooper, Octanian Snipers do not work in squads, and often engage the target alone or in pairs. They are also a lot less mobile and prefer to remain stationary to increase their chances of hitting the target.
Upon spotting the target, the Sniper will deploy thir sniper rifle and illuminate the target with thei rifle's laser sight. This beam can be seen from a very far distance and is a very intimidating sign on the battlefield, but this beam also gives away the Sniper's position. After the Sniper has a good view of the target, they will open fire, and then reload and fire again. The rounds fired from their sniper rifle can deal a lot of damage to an unsuspecting player, and even more so on when playing on higher difficulties. This makes this particular variant of Octanian soldier a lot more dangerous compared to Commanders and Gamma Troopers.
At closer range, the Sniper will use a melee attack and either kick the player or whack them with their sniper rifle. This isn't usually possible most of the time, however, as most Snipers are spawned in high or unaccessible places.
Tactics[]
Serious Sam 4/Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem[]
- The player should focus on the Sniper's targeting beam whenever they can, then immediately run and find cover before he fires. After the Sniper has fired, this will leave him vulnerable for a short period of time, as he has to reload. Use this as an opportunity to get out of cover and take him out or to relocate to another position before he fires again.
- The Sniper's targeting beam can be a useful asset, as it easily gives away his position and lets the player know exactly where he is.
- Rapid-firing weapons with a good overall range, such as the AK-74MX, M29 Infantry Assault Rifle or the SOP38 Pistol, can make quick work against this enemy if the player is accurate enough. Make sure to aim down the sights to get a clear shot of the Sniper before firing.
- Despite how intimidating he may seem, Snipers are actually very weak enemies, and they take only take two shots from the pistol or assault rifle or a single shot from the 12 Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun at low to medium range.
- Like other Octanian soldiers, the Sniper can be killed instantly if he is shot in the head.
- If the player is accurate enough, a grenade fired from the pump-action shotgun can destroy a sniper in a single blast. This requires skill and timing, though, and is best done when the player is on top of a building or in an area with little enemy activity.
- The Sniper can be very dangerous if the player isn't paying attention to his targeting beam. He is even more dangerous when playing on high difficulties due to the amount of damage his sniper rifle deals. As such, the Sniper is a high-priority target and should be taken out before focusing on other enemies, especially if it is not possible break the line of sight.
Trivia[]
- Despite the Sniper's rifle having a laser, no laser sight attachment can be seen on his rifle.
- The Sniper behaves similarly to the Orc Sniper, an enemy that appears in Serious Sam's Bogus Detour. The Orc Sniper also uses a laser sight when it is about to open fire.
Gallery[]
Artwork[]
Retail[]
List of appearances[]
- Serious Sam 4 (First appearance)
- Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem
References[]