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

I love when a game surprises me. Seriously, what I expected going into today’s review was completely turned on its head, and I came away pleasantly surprised. Sure, there’s a few things to nitpick, but I’d say I’m really satisfied overall. The magic in Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse lies in its clever blend of nostalgia, the charm of Saturday morning cartoons, and the point-and-click adventure style. For those not familiar with these quirky characters, I wonder if they’ll strike a chord with today’s younger gamers just as they did with us old-timers.

As soon as I fired up Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, memories of these zany private eyes flooded back. Back in the day, they were as iconic as Ratchet and Clank or Jak and Daxter, so it was quite surprising to realize I’d never actually played one of their games. Expecting a platformer, I was caught off guard to find a point-and-click adventure instead. Once I got past the initial mandela effect confusion, I was thrilled. You see, I’m a sucker for those puzzles that require moon logic. However, I quickly realized that not everyone may feel the same way, especially if you’re new to this kind of game.

Hats off to Telltale Games for crafting such a finely written story in The Devil’s Playhouse. It echoes the excitement of watching a Saturday morning cartoon unfold in episodic bursts. While it’s fun for grownups, the delightful chaos of Max, a sociopathic bunny—err, I mean president—alongside his ever-patient detective dog pal, Sam, makes for an entertaining duo. You’re tasked with strategically using both characters if you want to crack this perplexing game.

I’ll keep the details under wraps because this game thrives on its narrative and puzzles, and I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you. Max gains some intriguing mental powers, there’s a menacing alien ape, and it’s all wrapped up like a mysterious episode of the Twilight Zone. Intrigued yet? Good. That’s a taste you’ll just have to explore for yourself.

Navigating the game involves sleuthing around with Sam, chatting with NPCs, and gathering objects as you progress through various scenes. If you already know the drill with point-and-click adventures, it’s about finding solutions that often require a unique way of thinking. It’s mind-bending fun for folks who love solving lateral puzzles, but others might find it frustrating when answers aren’t as straightforward as they’d hope.

This game isn’t just a quick five-chapter breeze. The intricate puzzles will likely soak up your time, extending the experience significantly. I’m still working my way through the first episode, not because of a lack of effort, but due to being genuinely stumped. Though it’s tempting to peek at guides, I assure you, uncovering solutions on your own is far more rewarding.

You’ll primarily guide Sam through the game, handling most interactive encounters. Max, with his newfound powers, solves the puzzles with unique tools you gather throughout your journey. One toy you snag early lets Max foresee flashes of the future, not as a hint but as an indispensable tool that could guide your next move.

Visually, The Devil’s Playhouse is a delight. Its bright, lively animations make it feel like you’re inside a vibrant cartoon from the 2000s. The fitting soundtrack, coupled with top-notch voice acting, evokes the kind of immersive experience many games can’t capture nowadays. Even the user-friendly controls secure this title’s place in the cherished triple-A realm of yesteryears.

To wrap it up, if you’re a fan of point-and-click titles, don’t miss out on this game; it delivers everything you’d expect and more with a killer story. For puzzle fans that prefer clear, linear challenges, you might find it a tough nut to crack. The game thrives on its detailed narrative, so if lengthy stories aren’t your jam, this might not be your cup of tea. For everyone else, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a must-play for 2024, sitting comfortably high on my favorites list. Quite a gem indeed.

This review is based on a retail copy provided by the publisher.