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

Isn’t it delightful when a game catches you off guard in the best possible way? I sat down with Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse with certain expectations and ended up with something refreshingly different. Sure, it’s not without a few hiccups, but overall, I’m quite pleased. At its core, this game brings together some of my cherished elements—nostalgia, the feel of Saturday morning cartoons, and the classic point-and-click genre—all wrapped into one appealing package. So, let’s dive in and see if these lovable characters, who might be a trip down memory lane for some, can win over a new generation of gamers.

Now, when I launched Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. These furry detectives were quite the phenomenon back in the day, akin to the likes of Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter. I somewhat expected a typical platformer, given that era’s love for them, especially with cartoon duos diving into madcap adventures. Much to my surprise, I was greeted with a point-and-click adventure, and after a moment of “Wait, did I remember this wrong?” I realized I had never really played one of their games. I have a soft spot for moon logic puzzles, so this shift from platforming was a delightful change. That said, this genre comes with its own unique challenges—particularly for those who haven’t dabbled in point-and-click before.

Sam & Max’s escapades have been revived by the folks at Telltale Games, and immediately you can tell from the sharp, witty writing. It’s reminiscent of the Saturday morning cartoons we grew up with—except with a definite touch of grown-up humor. Picture it as stepping into five episodes of your favorite animated series. Here, you’ll find Max, a hilariously unhinged bunny (and by the way, he despises the “b” word) who’s somehow president, and Sam, the more composed canine detective tasked with keeping his partner in line. You’ll need to master their unique quirks if you want any hope of solving this mind-bending game.

I would love to dive deep into the story of Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, but that would spoil the fun. Since the game is steeped in narrative and puzzle-solving, revealing too much would ruin the surprise. Let’s just say Max discovers some mind-bending powers, involves an alien ape antagonist, and very dependent on your cleverness, you’ll embark on a universe-saving quest. It almost feels like a quirky episode of The Twilight Zone—confused yet? Good, because now it’s your turn to play and uncover the mysteries.

In keeping with classic point-and-click fashion, you’ll navigate our duo from scene to scene, chatting with NPCs, and hunting for crucial items. Solving puzzles here requires a bit of lateral thinking; often, the solution is not immediately what you’d imagine, dubbed the elusive ‘moon logic’. For those who enjoy these mental gymnastics, it’s a treat. But if you’re more accustomed to straightforward puzzles, this might just test your patience.

The complexity of puzzles in Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse adds considerable depth. With several episodes to play through, you’ll spend a fair chunk of time if it takes you a while to crack each challenge. I’m only on the first episode myself—not for lack of trying, but because I’ve hit a roadblock. But that’s the beauty of such games. Stepping away and returning with fresh eyes often helps. Also, a little advice—resist sneaking a peek at guides. It’ll spoil the experience for you.

Through the gameplay, you’ll primarily control Sam, who explores and engages with the world around him. Max, with his newfound mental abilities, aids in puzzle-solving. As you progress, Max comes across magical toys granting special abilities, pushing the narrative forward and ensuring success. For instance, the initial toy reveals glimpses of the future. It’s not a hint system, but using it can provide invaluable insights.

On the visual front, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse shines with vibrant, beautifully executed animations. It’s like stepping into a cartoon from the 2000s, and I can’t praise this enough. The audio work complements this perfectly, with voice acting hitting just the right notes—a rarity in today’s gaming landscape. It brings back the feel of a top-notch game experience from twenty years ago. The controls, too, are intuitive, and I have zero complaints in that department.

Wrapping it all up: if you’re a fan of the point-and-click genre, this game is a must-play. It delivers everything you’d hope for, along with an engaging story. For those new to this genre or who seek straightforward puzzles, it might pose a challenge. This title is narrative-heavy, so if your preference leans towards fast-paced action without much dialogue, keep that in mind. With a few minor caveats aside, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse comfortably earns a spot among my top games of 2024. Truly impressive.

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