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

Isn’t it great to stumble upon something unexpected and delightful? When I sat down for today’s review, my anticipation was fixed on one idea, but what I experienced was entirely different! This unexpected shift had its quirks, yet I find myself thoroughly pleased. The source of my excitement? Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, which cleverly blends a few favorites of mine. Imagine a mix of nostalgia, Saturday morning cartoons, and the classic point-and-click genre, all rolled up into one impressive package. So, let’s explore whether these two charming characters, who some of you might not recall, can charm a new generation.

Booting up Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse triggered some fond memories. These furry detectives were so iconic once upon a time, much like Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter today. I mistakenly thought I was in for a platforming adventure, given the era they came from, where cartoon duos often leapt through platforms and antics. To my surprise, it was a point-and-click adventure, pushing aside a fleeting mandala effect, as I realized I had never actually played their games. Given my appetite for moon logic puzzles, this was a pleasant twist. Though this genre isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, for me, it’s a delightful kind of madness.

The team at Telltale Games crafted Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, and the story’s brilliance immediately reveals their touch. Here’s where the vibe of a Saturday morning cartoon shines through. Picture playing through five episodes of an animated series you adored. Although this content isn’t really for kids, Max, the sociopathic rabbit (who isn’t fond of the “b” word) at the helm as president, is a hoot. Counterbalancing him is Sam, a dog detective tasked with, among other things, keeping Max’s chaotic side in check. The dynamic duo needs to be mastered if you hope to conquer this mind-boggling game.

I promise not to spoil Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse’s storyline. It would ruin the game’s intrigue, which thrives on its narrative and puzzles. Let’s just say Max gains some mental powers, battles a deranged alien ape, and—alongside you—attempts to save the universe. The entire experience feels eerily reminiscent of a Twilight Zone episode. Puzzled yet? Good! You’ll just have to dive in to uncover the rest.

As with many point-and-click adventures, Sam & Max travel from scene to scene, chatting with NPCs and hunting for objects. You might sense how to solve a puzzle yet struggle to arrive at the solution—classic moon logic. This creates a delightful challenge for those who enjoy thinking outside the box but may leave those eager to proceed a tad frustrated.

The mental gymnastics required will stretch the game’s lifespan considerably. Five chapters could easily fill your time, depending on how swiftly you crack its myriad puzzles. I’m currently stuck in the first episode—happily stuck, in fact. As a lover of this genre, I relish the "Eureka!" moments that come after a little break, without resorting to a walkthrough. Seriously, don’t spoil it with guides; let the game reveal its secrets naturally.

You’ll guide Sam for most explorations, as he excels at initiating interactions. Meanwhile, Max uses his mental talents to tackle various complex puzzles. Across your journey, Max discovers magical toys that grant him special powers. The toy you start with gives Max glimpses of the future—it’s not a hint system, but it sure helps in unexpected ways.

Visually, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a stunning masterpiece. It’s vibrant and beautifully animated, channeling the spirit of 2000s cartoons while keeping pace with modern aesthetics. The sound complements the overall vibe, with exceptional voice acting that many current titles lack. This game feels like a classic AAA experience from some 20 years ago. Plus, the controls are intuitive and spot-on.

In a nutshell, if you’re a fan of the point-and-click genre, don’t miss this game. It delivers everything you’d expect with a compelling storyline, though it’s worth knowing this isn’t for those who prefer straightforward puzzles or aren’t accustomed to heavily narrative-driven games. It’s a tough nut to crack in its demanding genre, but mastering it offers rich rewards. For me, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a standout for 2024 and firmly on my favorite’s list.

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

Riveting Fun

Look and Feel: 10/10
Story: 9/10
Challenge: 9/10
Controls and UI: 10/10
Overall: 9.5/10

Puzzling at its Best

Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse offers an outstanding puzzle experience I highly recommend. However, its unusual difficulty might deter those seeking straightforward trades, especially with its verbose storytelling. Yet, if you’re ready for an engaging challenge, this game promises immense satisfaction. I’ll definitely be playing it to the end.