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

Is there anything better than being blindsided by a delightful surprise? I approached today’s review with certain expectations, only to be greeted by something entirely unexpected—and I must say, it’s been a wonderful revelation. While there are a few quirks, I’m genuinely pleased with how Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse blends some of my favorite elements. It’s like wrapping up nostalgia, Saturday morning cartoons, and the classic point-and-click genre into one fantastic package. Let’s dive in and see if these beloved characters, though perhaps unfamiliar to a younger audience, captivate a brand-new group of fans.

Upon firing up Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, a flood of memories washed over me as I recalled these whimsical private detectives. Their presence was once as widespread as icons like Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter. I initially assumed the game would be a platformer, given its era and the tendency for cartoon duos to embark on such escapades. However, I found myself immersed in a point-and-click adventure. After a momentary Mandela Effect realization, I remembered I had never actually played their games. As someone who enjoys a bit of outlandish puzzle-solving, this change from platforming was more than welcome. Nevertheless, I noticed the game comes with its own challenges—especially for those uninitiated in this genre’s peculiar logic.

Developed by Telltale Games, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse immediately showcases an impeccably written story, reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons crossed with a dash of more mature humor. Imagine playing through five episodes of an engaging animated series. Max, a delightfully unhinged rabbit (though he’d prefer you avoid the “b-word”), serves as the president. His partner, Sam, is a level-headed detective dog entrusted with the unenviable task of keeping Max in line. Navigating this bizarre game requires a strategic understanding of how best to utilize these two unique personalities.

I’m hesitant to delve too deeply into the plot of Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, as the narrative and puzzle-solving nature inherently risks spoilers. Let’s just say Max develops new mental abilities, there’s a maniacal alien monkey, and the duo must embark on a mission to save the universe—all with a twist reminiscent of the Twilight Zone. Intrigued? Perfect! That’s all I’ll reveal until you experience the game yourself.

In typical point-and-click fashion, you’ll guide Sam and Max from one scene to the next, engaging with an array of NPCs and hunting for peculiar items. As is customary with this genre, you might find a puzzle’s solution within grasp—and yet entirely elusive. This often arises from that charming oddity known as moon logic, where the simplest solution is the last to occur to you. While this makes for gloriously crafty fun for those who enjoy lateral thinking, it could be pure frustration for anyone eager for swift progression.

The mental gymnastics Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse demands will certainly extend the game’s lifespan. Though only five chapters, figuring out each puzzle could easily occupy quite a bit of your time. I’m still on the first episode—not for lack of playing, but because I’m stumped. As a lover of this genre, it’s a familiar feeling. I opt for periodic breaks, returning to crack the conundrum without the aid of a guide. Trust me, steer clear of walkthroughs—you’ll only spoil the fun.

You’ll primarily use Sam for exploration and initiating conversations, while Max’s mental prowess comes into play for resolving complex puzzles. As he collects magical toys along the way, Sam gains additional abilities to help progress the story and ultimately succeed. For an extra layer of intrigue, the first toy Max finds lets him glimpse the future. This isn’t a spoiler button per se, but I wholeheartedly suggest employing it whenever possible; its utility sometimes proves invaluable.

Visually, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is stunning. The vibrancy and animation immerse you in what feels like a 2000s cartoon brought to life, and I can’t praise it enough. The audio—music and voice acting alike—perfectly complements the aesthetic, rivaling what one would expect from a top-tier title two decades ago. The controls and interface are equally intuitive, leaving me without any complaints regarding the game’s technical aspects.

In summary, if you’re a fan of point-and-click games, dive into this one immediately. It’s filled with everything you’d want in terms of engaging gameplay and a captivating storyline. If you’re someone who prefers straightforward puzzles or is new to this genre, proceed with caution. While this is a brilliant title and I love seeing new players join the point-and-click community, it’s another challenging entry in an already demanding genre. The experience, though immensely rewarding when mastered, can be quite frustrating for those inclined toward quick progress. It goes without saying, but if narrative-heavy games aren’t your thing, you might not enjoy this one as much, given its story-centric nature. With those little considerations aside, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse has easily secured a spot among my favorite games of 2024—truly 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 Rating: 9.5/10

Puzzling at its Best:
Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is an exemplary puzzle game that I encourage most of you to try. Though the unique challenges typical of point-and-click games might not captivate everyone, those who enjoy navigating intricate puzzles will find much enjoyment. The game features considerable dialogue, so if you’re only interested in getting to the action, you might find it challenging. Nonetheless, this is a delightful experience I fully intend to see through to completion.