Review: Sam & Max – The Devil’s Playhouse (PC Edition)

Isn’t it wonderful when a game surpasses your expectations? Diving into today’s review, I thought I knew what I was in for, only to be met with something refreshingly unexpected. Sure, there are a few quirks, but overall, I’m quite pleased. The main reason for this unexpected delight is how Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse perfectly merges nostalgia, the joy of Saturday morning cartoons, and the timeless charm of the point-and-click genre. Let’s explore whether these beloved characters, familiar to some but brand new to others, are ready to captivate a whole new generation.

Upon firing up Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, memories of this dynamic detective duo came flooding back. Back in their heyday, they were as unavoidable as Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter. Initially, I was bracing for a platformer because, let’s face it, that was the trend back then—cartoon pairs indulging in platform adventures. However, what I got instead was a point-and-click adventure. At first, I questioned my memory, thinking I’d played something similar before. But then I realized, nope, this was a first for me with Sam & Max. And as a huge fan of quirky puzzles, I was more than content with solving riddles over jumping obstacles. But, this game comes with its own set of challenges—especially for newcomers to this unique genre.

Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a creation by Telltale Games, evident from the start with its masterfully crafted story. The game feels like binge-watching five episodes of your favorite animated series, although with themes aimed more at adults. Max, with his sociopathic yet humorous antics, shines as a bunny who loathes being called one, and is somehow the president. Beside him is Sam, a more composed canine detective tasked with managing Max’s unpredictable nature. To make headway in this puzzling journey, knowing how to leverage both characters is key.

Talking about the storyline is tricky because it risks spilling too many beans. Let’s just say, Max inherits magical powers, there’s a menacing alien ape, and the fate of the universe is in your hands. Think of it like an episode from The Twilight Zone—confused yet? Good! That’s all I’m sharing for now; you’ll have to unravel the mystery yourselves.

In true point-and-click style, the game involves navigating Sam and Max through various scenes, interacting with NPCs, and hunting for clues. Even if you see the solution ahead of you, figuring out the stepping stones to get there is an entirely different brain exercise. This is where the infamous “moon logic” comes into play—where seemingly simple solutions can baffle you. It’s a real treat for those who revel in lateral thinking but might irk those wanting a straightforward adventure.

The mental gymnastics you’ll undertake in Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse definitely elongate its playtime. The game boasts five chapters, which might seem brief at first glance. Yet, each puzzle you grapple with could significantly extend your experience. I’m still stuck on episode one, not due to lack of effort, but pure puzzle-induced obstruction. As an aficionado of this genre, I know this all too well. I’ll definitely return with a newfound perspective after a break—guides are off the table! Pro tip: avoid walkthroughs like the plague if you wish to savor the full gaming experience.

Sam leads most of the exploration, initiating conversations and uncovering clues, while Max brings his mental prowess to unlock puzzles. Max’s collection of magical toys, each granting new abilities, is vital for pushing the narrative forward. Starting with a toy that grants him glimpses into the future, it’s not quite a hint system, but it’s often indispensable.

Visually, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a feast for the eyes. Bright, vivid, and full of life, it’s like stepping into a 2000s cartoon—seriously, it’s jaw-dropping. The audio perfectly matches the mood of the game, and surprisingly, even the voice acting doesn’t falter—a rarity these days. Every element comes together seamlessly, echoing the immersive experiences of top-notch games from two decades ago. The controls are intuitive and uncomplicated, leaving no room for complaint.

To wrap it all up: if you’re fond of point-and-click adventures, this game is a must-play. It’s everything lovers of the genre crave, topped with a captivating story. However, those new to this style or preferring straightforward puzzles might find it challenging to get into. Remember, it’s heavily narrative-driven, so if story isn’t your thing, tread carefully. But beyond these caveats, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is firmly on my list of top games for 2024. It truly impressed me.

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