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

Isn’t it delightful when something turns out to be better than expected? As I dove into today’s review, I anticipated one experience and was met with quite another. Although this unexpected journey has its quirks, I found myself rather pleased overall. A significant part of my enjoyment stems from the way Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse brings several of my favorite elements together: nostalgia, the charm of Saturday morning cartoons, and the classic point-and-click genre, all wrapped in one delightful package. Now, let’s explore whether these beloved characters, who might not be on the radar for some of the younger crowd, can still capture the hearts of a new generation.

As I fired up Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse for the first time, memories of these furry detectives came rushing back. They were quite a sensation back in the day, so claiming you’ve never heard of them would be akin to not knowing about Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter. Initially, I was under the impression that I’d be venturing into a platforming adventure, as such was the trend for animated duos of their era. However, upon realizing it was a point-and-click adventure instead, I had a brief moment of Mandela effect realization—I had never actually played one of their games. Not that I minded; with my penchant for quirky logic puzzles, I was thrilled to engage in something outside the usual side-scrolling fare. It quickly became evident, however, that the game comes with its own challenges—not particularly for someone like me who thrives on complexity, but rather for those new to the genre.

Developed by the creative minds at Telltale Games, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse shines with a captivating narrative. It’s reminiscent of enjoying five episodes of a favorite animated series, though with more mature themes. Max, a delightfully chaotic rabbit—though avoid that "bunny" label, as he’s also the President—and Sam, a more composed canine detective, lead the story with dynamic charm. Mastering how to deploy this duo’s skills is key to unraveling this perplexing adventure.

I won’t spoil the plot, as it’s integral to the game’s puzzle-filled narrative. Just remember: Max wields mysterious mental abilities, there’s a maniacal alien ape to contend with, and saving the universe might just become your top priority. Imagine it all unfolding like a whimsical Twilight Zone episode. If you’re curious, good—now dive in and discover it for yourself.

In typical point-and-click fashion, you guide the pair through various scenes, chatting up NPCs and scavenging for useful items. You might grasp the essence of a puzzle’s solution swiftly, yet getting there poses its own set of hurdles thanks to the genre’s signature moon logic. Solving seemingly straightforward dilemmas can prove elusive, making this genre highly appealing to lateral thinkers, while potentially vexing for those preferring a more direct path.

The mental gymnastics required to navigate Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse undoubtedly extend its playtime. While five chapters might seem modest, the intricate puzzles could keep you engrossed for quite a while. I’m still working through the original episode—not for lack of trying, but rather due to being genuinely stuck. As someone familiar with this genre, it’s a relatable situation; a little break often provides fresh insight. I staunchly advise against turning to guides or walkthroughs, as they could prematurely spoil the experience.

In this game, Sam takes on most exploration duties and handles conversations, while Max’s mental flair is pivotal for cracking the more intricate puzzles. As he unlocks special powers from magical toys, knowing when and how to use these abilities is crucial to furthering the narrative. The initial toy grants Max glimpses of the future. It’s not exactly a hint button, but can be invaluable if employed wisely.

Visually, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a feast for the eyes, boasting vibrant, cartoonish animation that harkens back to 2000s TV. The sound design perfectly complements the whimsical yet challenging atmosphere, with voice acting that hits the mark—a rarity in many contemporary releases. The controls are intuitive, leaving no room for complaint.

To sum up: Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a must-play if you’re a fan of the point-and-click genre. It’s laden with engaging puzzles and a compelling story. For those new to this style of gameplay, consider starting gently, as the peculiar difficulty spikes might prove daunting. If narrative-driven games don’t usually appeal to you, perhaps this one isn’t for you, either. But for everyone else, this title comfortably finds its place among my favorites for 2024—a thoroughly impressive offering.

This review was 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 Rating: 9.5/10

Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a fantastic puzzle game that I recommend to most of you. The main challenge is its unusual difficulty, characteristic of the point-and-click genre. If you prefer straightforward puzzles, this might not be your cup of tea. The game is heavily narrative-driven, so if you’re not a fan of extensive storytelling, be aware of that aspect. Otherwise, it’s a highly enjoyable experience that I’m determined to see through to the end.