REVIEW / Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse for PC

Isn’t it wonderful when something delightful catches you off guard? I sat down for today’s review with one set of expectations, only to be met with an entirely different experience. There are some quirks along the way, but I’m thrilled with what I found. Why am I so pleased? Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse has skillfully fused some of my fondest interests. It’s nostalgia packed up with the charm of Saturday morning cartoons and the intrigue of the point-and-click genre, all meshed into one appealing package. So, let’s delve into whether these two charismatic characters, possibly unknown to some younger audiences, can cast their charm on new fans.

Firing up Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse for the first time, I realized just how vivid my memory of this furry detective duo was. At one point, they seemed as ubiquitous as Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter. Initially, I braced myself for some classic platformer antics, given their era. Back then, every animated duo seemed to engage in them. But when the game turned out to be a point-and-click adventure, I had a brief spell of Mandela effect until it dawned on me—I hadn’t actually played their games. As a lover of complex puzzles, I was delighted to be in for something other than platform jumping. But it dawned on me that for those unfamiliar with this genre, it could be tricky—not for me, though, as I relish the challenge.

Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse hails from the creative minds at Telltale Games, and it shows in the exceptional storytelling. This part ties into the Saturday morning cartoon vibe. Picture playing five episodes of your favorite animated series. It skews more mature, but you get the idea. Max is a treat—he’s an unconventional bunny who dislikes the “b” word and is somehow the president. Sam is the more level-headed detective dog, who has the unenviable task of managing Max’s antics. Mastering their unique skills is crucial to conquering this brain-teaser of a game.

I’m deliberately holding back on the storyline details for Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse to avoid spoiling the experience. The game is a narrative-driven puzzle-solving adventure, so spoilers are simply not on the table. Here’s a teaser: Max gains mental powers, there’s a deranged extraterrestrial ape, and somehow, saving the universe is on your to-do list. Think Twilight Zone. Bewildered? Fantastic! That’s the extent of what you’ll hear before you dive into the game.

Classic point-and-click style dictates leading our protagonists from scene to scene, engaging with NPCs, and scouring for items. Predictably, you’ll often know the solution to a puzzle but getting there is a different beast entirely. Enter moon logic—the twisty logic where the solution is not what you’d instinctively think about. This is pure, challenging joy for those of us who think outside the box but might stoke frustration for those who crave straightforward progress.

The mental agility needed to navigate the plot of Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse will prolong your playtime significantly. Although five chapters may not seem lengthy, depending on your puzzle-solving skills, getting through them might consume a good chunk of your time. I’m still on episode one, not for lack of trying, but because I’m momentarily stuck. Being a fan of this genre, I’m no stranger to this feeling. After a brief break, inspiration often strikes. I won’t cheat with a guide—resist the temptation to follow walkthroughs and you’ll preserve the fun.

In Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, Sam does the bulk of the exploration, initiating most conversations. Max’s mental abilities are your key to solving intricate puzzles. Throughout his journey, he discovers magical toys that grant him special powers. Your challenge lies in leveraging these gifts to weave through the narrative successfully. Begin with a toy that lets Max glimpse future events—it’s not a direct hint button, but it can occasionally be invaluable.

Visually, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is an absolute treat. Its vibrant, animated aesthetics feel just like stepping into a 2000s cartoon, and for that, it deserves high praise. Complementing this is well-suited audio, with voice acting that hits the mark, unlike in many titles where it falls flat. The controls are intuitive, leaving me with no complaints when it comes to how it operates.

To neatly summarize: for those who adore the point-and-click genre, this game is a must-play. It delivers exactly what you’d expect, wrapped in a compelling story. However, if you prefer straightforward puzzles or have never tackled a game like this, approach cautiously. While this is a fantastic game, it’s tough, nestled snugly within a challenging genre. The rewards are rich when you conquer it, but if rapid progress is your style, expect some frustration. Obviously, if you’re not keen on story-laden games, this might not be your cup of tea. Otherwise, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse has swiftly leaped into my top games for 2024. Quite impressive.

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 Score: 9.5/10
Puzzling at its best
Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a standout puzzler I’d recommend getting involved with. Its elevated difficulty, typical of point-and-clicks, might not appeal to everyone but enriches it for those who cherish this genre. If easy puzzles and quick dialogue aren’t your thing, consider dipping your toe. But in any case, this title is a brilliantly enjoyable experience I fully intend to finish.