REVIEW: Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse on PC

Isn’t it great when something exceeds your expectations? I went into today’s review anticipating one outcome, but ended up with a completely different, yet delightful surprise! This unexpected twist does have a few rough edges, yet on the whole, I’m quite pleased. This is mainly because Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse merges several of my beloved elements. Imagine nostalgia, Saturday morning cartoons, and the point-and-click genre, all rolled into a single, marvelous package. Now it’s time to find out whether these two charming characters, some of whom might not be familiar to younger audiences, can capture the hearts of a new generation.

Booting up Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse sparked vivid memories of this quirky detective duo. During their heyday, they were so ubiquitous that it’d be like claiming ignorance of Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter. Initially, I thought I was diving into a platforming escapade, typical of their era when cartoon pairs often partook in such adventures. However, the game turned out to be a point-and-click adventure, and after shaking off a bit of the Mandela effect, I realized I had never actually played one of their games before. I adore a good dose of ‘moon logic,’ so I was thrilled to tackle something beyond platform jumping. I also realized that this game would come with certain challenges—challenges not problematic for me, but potentially daunting for those new to the genre.

Coming from the creative minds at Telltale Games, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse shines with its captivating narrative. It’s like playing through five episodes of your favorite animated series. While the content is definitely more mature than those Saturday morning shows, you get the idea. Max, the anarchic bunny—though he’s not fond of that ‘b’ word—and current president, is an absolute treat. Meanwhile, Sam, the detective dog, possesses more decorum and has the unenviable task of managing Max’s antics. Mastering their skills is essential if you wish to progress in this mind-bending game.

Without delving too deep into the storyline, I must warn that doing so could spoil the entire experience of Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse. This game is built upon narrative and puzzle-solving, so there are plenty of spoilers to avoid. To give you a taste, Max gains psychic abilities, there’s a menacing alien ape on the loose, and the duo is tasked with saving the universe. The whole adventure has a vibe akin to an episode of The Twilight Zone. Confused? Perfect! That’s all you’ll get until you dive in yourself.

In classic point-and-click style, you maneuver these dynamic characters through various scenes, engaging with NPCs and hunting for items. Puzzle solutions may seem obvious in hindsight, but reaching them is an entirely different ball game. Enter the world of moon logic—where simple solutions might be the last thing to cross your mind. This makes for devilishly enjoyable gameplay for those who love lateral thinking, but could prove frustrating for those eager to leap ahead.

Getting through the puzzles in Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse will certainly extend the game’s longevity. While it may only consist of five chapters, the time it takes to tackle its many puzzles could easily consume a fair chunk of your hours. Personally, I’m still navigating the first episode—not due to lack of engagement, but because I find myself stuck. Being a fan of the genre, this is a familiar sensation. After a break, I’m sure to have a eureka moment without resorting to guides. Seriously folks, resist the temptation of walkthroughs—they could undermine your experience.

Throughout the game, Sam takes the lead in exploring and initiating conversations with other characters. Max, with his newfound mental prowess, becomes indispensable for solving some of the complex puzzles. As he progresses, Max discovers magical toys that impart special abilities, crucial for advancing the story. His initial toy lets him glimpse the future—not a hint system by any means, but an invaluable resource, so use it liberally.

Visually, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is stunning. The vibrant colors and beautiful animations make it feel like you’re inside a 2000s cartoon, an aspect worthy of high praise. The sound design complements the game perfectly, and the voice acting—often overlooked in many titles—stands out. This evokes the quality you’d expect from a AAA experience two decades ago. The controls and UI are intuitive and seamless, leaving no room for complaints.

In summary, if the point-and-click genre strikes your fancy, this game should be on your play list. It offers everything a fan could ask for, including a riveting story. For those who prefer straightforward puzzles or new to this gaming style, proceed with caution. While Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse promises a rewarding experience, the genre’s inherent difficulty may frustrate some players. Understandably, if narrative-driven games aren’t your thing, this may not be for you. Yet, for its fans, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is one of the standout titles of 2024. I’m thoroughly impressed.

This review was conducted using a retail copy provided by the publisher.

Review Summary

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 is a top-tier puzzler that I wholeheartedly recommend you dive into. Its odd difficulty stems from the point-and-click format, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Those who enjoy clear-cut puzzles might struggle a bit here. Given the dialog-heavy nature, it seems obvious to assume you’d only play such a story-rich game if you appreciated narrative depth. Nonetheless, this engaging adventure is one I’m determined to complete.