Review: Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse for PC

Isn’t it great when you walk into something expecting the usual and end up with a delightful surprise? That’s exactly what happened with today’s review of Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse. It wasn’t quite what I anticipated, yet it managed to win me over with its charm. Offering a mash-up of nostalgia, Saturday morning cartoons, and the beloved point-and-click genre, it’s got all the right ingredients. Now, let’s dive in and see if this dynamic duo, which some of you might not recall, can capture the hearts of a new generation.

Starting up Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse for the first time brought back a flood of memories. It’s hard to forget those iconic characters; they were everywhere back in the day, much like Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter. Initially, I expected a platformer, given the era they came from—cartoon pairs were mostly about jumping and running back then. But to my pleasant surprise, it was a point-and-click adventure. After shaking off a brief spell of mandala effect, I realized I hadn’t played their games before. I’ve always enjoyed a bit of ‘moon logic,’ so diving into this genre rather than the platforming scene was refreshing. Still, this game does come with its challenges, particularly for those unfamiliar with the point-and-click style, though it’s a breeze for a puzzle masochist like me.

Telltale Games, the genius minds behind Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, deliver a brilliantly crafted story reminiscent of cartoons from weekend mornings. This game plays out like episodes from your favorite animated series, albeit with a more mature twist. As you’ll find, Max is a riot—a chaotic bunny (don’t say the “b” word near him) who also happens to be the president. Meanwhile, Sam the detective dog, with his composed manner, has the formidable task of reigning in his partner. Mastering the use of both characters is crucial if you wish to succeed in this intricate game.

I’m steering clear of revealing too much about Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse’s storyline because it’s essential for you to explore it spoiler-free. Let’s just say Max starts wielding psychic powers, there’s a homicidal alien ape, and the duo is tasked with saving the universe. Picture this scenario as a wacky Twilight Zone episode—you’ll understand once you play.

Typical of point-and-click adventures, you’ll guide Sam and Max through various scenes, engaging with NPCs and hunting for critical items. Solving puzzles often means tackling the kind of challenges that will twist your brain in unexpected ways. You might have a clear idea of what the solution should be, but reaching it is another matter entirely. That’s where moon logic comes into play—the answers often lie in the most unexpected places, making it wonderfully devilish for those of us who enjoy lateral thinking. But for those who prefer straightforward problem-solving, it might be a tad vexing.

The mental acrobatics required in Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse make for great gaming longevity. Sure, there are only five chapters, but the time you’ll spend unraveling each puzzle will make it seem like more. I’m still navigating through the first episode—not due to lack of play, but because I’m currently stuck. Anyone familiar with point-and-click puzzlers knows this well. I know it’s just a matter of taking a break and coming back with a fresh perspective. My advice? Avoid walkthroughs. They’ll spoil the fun.

You’ll mostly navigate the world as Sam, who does the chatting and explores various areas. Max, on the other hand, lends his psychic talents to solve puzzles. He discovers magical toys that bestow new abilities, each to be used strategically to progress the narrative and win the day. You start out with a toy that lets Max glimpse future events—not exactly a hint system, but it’s a handy tool.

On the visual front, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is stunning. The animation is vibrant and richly detailed, successfully capturing the feel of a 2000s cartoon—a nostalgic treat! Audio-wise, it’s perfectly in sync with the game’s atmosphere, and the voice acting is on point, capturing each character’s essence. It’s reminiscent of a classic AAA experience from a couple of decades ago, complete with intuitive controls. No complaints here.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of the point-and-click genre, this game is a must-play. It ticks all the boxes with its engaging story and classic gameplay mechanics. If you’re new to this kind of game or prefer your puzzles simple, tread carefully—it’s a challenge! Narrative-driven gamers will enjoy it immensely, though if you’re not keen on dialogue-heavy experiences, you might want to give it a pass. That said, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is definitely among my top picks for 2024. Color me impressed.

And as a quick note, this review is based on a retail copy provided by the publisher.