Evaluation: Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse (PC)

It’s always refreshing when something turns out differently than expected, isn’t it? I sat down for today’s review anticipating one experience but found myself delighted by quite another! The unexpected surprise carried its quirks, of course, but overall, I’m thrilled. The key to this excitement lies in Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, which brilliantly meshes some of my beloved themes—nostalgia, the charm of Saturday morning cartoons, and the beloved point-and-click gaming style—into one expansive and delightful package. Let’s dive in to see if these two endearing characters, likely remembered by some and entirely new to others, are poised to capture the hearts of a fresh generation.

Upon firing up Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, I was flooded with memories of this dynamic duo of furry detectives. Back in the day, they were as omnipresent as Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter. Initially, I expected a platformer, as was common for animated pairs in those days. Imagine my surprise when a point-and-click adventure began, and once I overcame my mistaken memory, I realized I hadn’t actually played their games before. I’m quite fond of the genre’s quirky logic, so I was thrilled to engage in something beyond platform running. However, it soon became evident that the game might pose challenges to those unfamiliar with or new to this genre—myself excluded, as I do enjoy a bit of gaming masochism!

Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, crafted by the talented folks at Telltale Games, showcases their knack for storytelling right away. This game harnesses the charm of classic Saturday morning TV, presenting a narrative akin to enjoying five episodes of your favorite animated series, albeit with an adult twist. You’ll soon enjoy Max, the hilariously unpredictable rabbit who doesn’t fancy the ‘b’ word—and equally the fact that he’s also the president. Then there’s Sam, the dignified canine detective tasked with managing Max’s outrageous antics. Mastering how to creatively utilize these two is crucial for navigating this mind-bending adventure.

I won’t spoil the storyline of Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse for you; it would ruin the joy of discovery in this story-driven, puzzle-centric experience. Let’s just touch upon its fascinating narrative: Max develops psychic powers, a villainous alien ape emerges, and they must save the universe—think Twilight Zone meets cartoon chaos. Intrigued yet? That’s as much as you’ll get from me until you experience it firsthand.

True to the genre, you’ll maneuver our heroes from scene to scene engaging with various non-playable characters and collecting useful items. Far from straightforward, the path to solving these puzzles often involves less-than-obvious “moon logic.” Solutions that seem trivial may remain elusive until they’re almost absurdly apparent. This convoluted approach delivers a delightful challenge for those who enjoy lateral thinking but might frustrate those who prefer straightforward gameplay.

The brain teasers in Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse certainly enhance its longevity. Although there are only five chapters, the complexity of the puzzles can keep you occupied for a significant amount of time. I’m currently stuck at the first episode, despite actively playing, due to the perplexing nature of the puzzles. A break and a fresh perspective should do the trick for figuring out what I’ve missed. My advice: resist the temptation to consult a guide. Unveiling the game layer by layer is part of the fun.

In this game, Sam takes the lead in exploring locations and initiating conversations. Max, armed with unique supernatural abilities, solves the more elaborate puzzles. Throughout your journey, Max finds magical toys that bestow new capabilities on him. The key lies in smartly using these powers to advance the narrative. His initial toy allows glimpses into the future—this isn’t a cheat, but employing it freely will often provide essential insights.

Visually, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant animation evokes the charm of a 2000s cartoon, earning high praise for capturing that feel. The audio complements the gameplay beautifully, and the voice acting stands out as a feature that many games today miss. The controls are intuitive, leaving no room for complaints.

In conclusion, if you are a fan of point-and-click adventures, this game is a must-play. It perfectly delivers the quintessential elements of the genre with a compelling story to match. However, this title might not be for everyone, especially if you prefer straightforward game mechanics or are unfamiliar with this gaming style. The engaging narrative makes it worth your while, but for those who seek rapid progression, it might prove a tough nut to crack. Overall, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse has already earned a spot among my favorite games of 2024. Highly impressed.

This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.