Along with Johnny Bravo, Ren & Stimpy and Cow & Chicken, Sam & Max has to be included in my list of cartoons that died before their time. The humour was always out there and the animation never really conformed to your more traditional kid’s fare, usually ending up with a load of gags that would have a different meaning to them when looked at through older eyes.
The first Sam & Max game did fairly well for itself and Telltale Games began to build a name in the adventure genre, along with the Wallace and Gromit stuff that have seen decent return on the consoles. This newest case involves the evil General Skunkape trying to search out some specific toys hidden on Earth that have special psychic powers, which can only be utilised by individuals who have this gift. It’s not really a shock to learn that Max, that deranged rabbit with a rather nasty sense of humour, is one of those special people with said ability, but can he save the world by finding these rare items?
For those a little unfamiliar with the series (myself included) it can be rather daunting when you look in with fresh eyes to the world that has now been created. When I say this, I’m referring more to the characters that have been born from the interactive games and how they and some of the plot seem to tie in with the entire run of all the episodes, so some back tracking may well be a good idea, but thankfully the game is done in a way that manages to just about work on it’s own, but some prior knowledge does help.
Like the last time, the graphical feel of the cartoon has been recreated quite well, although there can be some rather crazy frame rate issues, with things slowing down to a rather uncomfortable level before stabilising. It does look rather good though, with some really strong colourful presence on display at all times. The entire lip synch is good and these things together give Sam, Max and everyone else that soul and character that the animation had in spades, which is a difficult thing to get right.
Another vital part to the impressive feel of the title is that the original cast are back again for another run. It’s a really major ingredient including the voice cast from what you remember before and adding their input to what is around now, as countless games before have shown at their peril. The presentation accentuates this with some lovely detective style ditties placed everywhere from the opening credits to the cliff-hanger, but the best thing is that its never intrusive and allows for the dialogue to flow and ebb, with some proper laugh out loud moments. These include some references to some rather cheesy sci-fi movies to PLENTY of innuendo gags, but then this is Sam & Max and it wouldn’t be them without them.
As far as gameplay is concerned, this does a decent job, bearing in mind that it is based on a genre which has it’s roots planted more in the point and click style. Movement is done with the left analogue stick, whilst the right one allows you to cycle between points of interest. Square brings up the inventory and Triangle is your port of call to bring up Max and his magical abilities. The Future Viewer is a clever idea, as it gives you JUST enough information to work out where to go next, without spoon feeding you the answers, although I did have a LOT of problems involving an Abraham Lincoln pudding head (best not to go there really) and some pizza eating pigeons.
The really good thing about the Penal Zone episode, which I hope will be a constant running through the series, to be honest, is the length of story you get for your points. Sure, it may well be a one run through thing, which a lot of games are becoming less and less accustomed to, but the consistent quality of what is on offer, both in what is on screen in sight and sound and in comedy value, fails to disappoint. There are going to be 5 episodes in this season of games, one for every month being the word on the street.
I like this, but then I’ve always been a firm fan of this game type, right through from Monkey Island to the magical Grim Fandango. Now, while this may not be the way I was hoping to see a renaissance of the point ‘n click genre, I wasn’t quite expecting this. Thankfully the control system works pretty well and shows that we can still go on inventory filling adventures without having to carry a keyboard and mouse along with us to get all the gritty stuff done. Having a character set as good as this, from the two main characters to people like Skunkape, the pirate chef, Captain Stinky and the not quite dead, but still scientific Madame Bosco all help this game come alive and give it that soul and character most commercial games can nowadays only cry out for (well, either that or draft in some Hollywood A-list stars on their coffee break).
Episode 1 of the Devil’s Playhouse is a very good start to what promises to be an outstanding series. It is something which is a rarity these days; a game that is CHALLENGING. We never get to see this happen anywhere near as much as we used to, mainly because everyone wants to just look at the pretty colours rather than get involved in something that will last them more than a packet of crisps. If you aren’t a gamer who likes to sit and watch the lovely games be completed in about 5 or 6 hours and then think that’s fine, then you’re best to stick to your FPS of choice and fire away. If, however, you are one of the dwindling numbers who dare to be different, who want something more engaging, who know the true importance of gameplay in gaming, then I would say to you to pick this up and enjoy it, as it’s not only brought back some fond memories of a brilliant cartoon series, but it has rejuvenated my love for all things point and click.
VideogameUK verdict: 8.5/10
