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

Isn’t it great to be pleasantly caught off guard? Heading into today’s review, I had a certain expectation in mind, but what I encountered was completely different—and in a good way! This twist did have its quirks, but overall, I’m thrilled. The main reason for this excitement is the fusion of several lovable elements in Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse. It’s a nostalgic blend, mixing memories of Saturday morning cartoons with the timeless charm of a point-and-click adventure. Now, let’s see if these endearing characters, known to a few of us and perhaps new to others, can captivate a fresh audience.

When I first launched Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, memories of these furry detectives came rushing back. At one point, they were everywhere, making them as familiar as Ratchet and Clank. However, I mistakenly thought I was in for a platform game, a popular style when they first appeared. To my surprise, it turned out to be a point-and-click adventure. Once I got over my Mandela Effect moment, I realized I’d never actually played one of their games. I love solving puzzles through unconventional logic, so this shift was a welcome surprise. However, this genre does have its challenges, particularly for gamers new to it.

If you’re a fan of Telltale Games, you’ll recognize their touch instantly in Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, thanks to its brilliantly written narrative. It plays out like a series of your favorite animated show, but with more mature themes. You’ll quickly discover that Max is a sociopathic, though delightful, bunny who’s also the president (and detests the "b" word). Sam, a more polite detective dog, has the unenviable task of keeping Max under control. Combining their skills effectively is key to tackling this mind-bending game.

I’m hesitant to give away too much about the storyline in Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, as it’s all about narrative and puzzle-solving—sharing too much would spoil the fun. In short: Max gains mental powers, there’s a malicious alien ape, and our duo must save the universe. It’s like a wacky episode of The Twilight Zone! Confusing? Maybe a little, but that’s all I’ll disclose. You’ll have to dive in to find out more.

As is typical in point-and-click games, navigating through different scenes, chatting with NPCs, and collecting items is the core of Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse. Solving puzzles here can be a head-scratcher. Often, the solution is something you’d least expect, thanks to so-called moon logic. This will delight gamers who love lateral thinking but inevitably frustrate those who prefer a more straightforward approach.

The mental challenges offered by Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse are sure to extend its playtime. Though it consists of just five chapters, unraveling the puzzles can take a significant amount of your time. I’m still stuck in the first episode—not for lack of trying, but because I’m temporarily baffled. Yet as a fan of the genre, I know I’ll eventually crack it. Quick tip: don’t resort to guides. Solving it on your own makes for a much richer experience.

Sam takes the lead in exploration, engaging with other characters, while Max’s mental abilities are crucial for overcoming complex puzzles. Acquiring magical toys gives Max special powers that help progress the story. For instance, the initial toy lets Max glimpse future events. It’s not exactly a hint button, but using it on everything can often prove invaluable.

Visually, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant, well-crafted animation beautifully captures the essence of a 2000s cartoon, which feels delightfully engaging. The sound design and voice acting are spot on, reflecting what a top-tier experience felt like back in the day. The controls are intuitive, making for a seamless gaming experience.

To wrap it all up, if you’re a fan of point-and-click games, you should definitely try this one. It delivers everything you’d hope for from this genre along with a compelling story. However, those who prefer direct, straightforward puzzling might find it challenging. And while the dialogue-heavy storyline enriches the experience, it might not be for everyone who prefers action over narrative. Despite these nuances, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse stands out as one of my top picks for 2024. It’s truly impressive.

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

Riveting Fun

• Look and Feel: 10/10
• Story: 9/10
• Challenge: 9/10
• Controls and UI: 10/10

Total: 9.5/10

Puzzling at its Best

Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a stellar puzzle game that I highly recommend to many of you. The only reason it might not captivate everyone is due to the quirky difficulty typical of point-and-click games. For those needing straightforward puzzles, this could pose a challenge. It’s full of dialogue too, which should be anticipated, as it’s deeply story-driven. If you’re the type to enjoy rich narratives, this will be an engaging journey; otherwise, progression might feel slow. Nonetheless, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable game I’m eager to complete.