Appletell reviews Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse, ep. 1 for Mac OS X

Genre: Adventure
Format: Download and Special Edition Collectors DVD (available after all episodes are released)
Developer: Telltale Games
Mac Publisher: Telltale Games
System Requirements: Mac OS X v10.5 or newer, Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Not recommended for Macs with integrated graphics
Review Computer: 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo aluminum MacBook, 2GB DDR3 memory, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
Network Feature: No
Processor Compatibility: Intel Core Duo
Price: $34.95 (for all five episodes)
ESRB Rating: E10
Availability: Out now
Demo: 443MB .dmg

Sam and Max have finally made their debut on the Mac. The question is, will you find the first installment impressive enough to play the series or will this game end up as digital trash can fodder? Let’s find out.

The Story

Episode one starts at the end. Then, after a lengthy cut scene, it takes you back to the beginning. This is a bit contradictory for a game based on episodic play; it’s not much of a cliffhanger if you know how it ends. Most of the story in this episode is about setup, introducing the aliens and new telepathic bunny powers to the mix. A lot of your goals will seem incomplete, which—while understandable for this style of game—adds little to the sense of anticipation for the next episode. As a matter of fact, there are times it generates exactly the opposite: a feeling that nothing is happening. 

Missions

Your individual missions are largely puzzle based. So, while you have a clear understanding of the goal, how to get there is often the mystery. The puzzles present significant challenges that will stump even the most experienced gamers. Luckily, if you can’t figure out what to do, you can put on your magic goggles and “see” the future. Instant cheats are a definitely a noteworthy feature here. 

Graphics and Cut scenes

The graphics in this game are clear and, as expected, cartoonish. The only real flaw is with the cut scenes, which you can’t skip no matter how long they are.  This can be a major annoyance if you need to replay a part, or if you just happen to be impatient. 

Sound and Dialogue

The sound is clear and the music, while a bit over dramatic, does add greatly to the humor of the situation. The dialogue is at times self mocking. Provided you are willing to take it tongue ing cheek, it won’t bother you too much. 

Gameplay

Movement and the method of using powers in this game are very simple. Be ready to spend a lot of time with your old friends the arrow keys. Control is so intuitive that you may forget you are using them.

On the whole, if you like adventure games with puzzles and irony, you should give Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse a try. 

Appletell Rating:

Buy Sam and Max: The Devils Playhouse

• Ahead to Sam and Max: The Devils Playhouse, ep. 2: The Tomb of Sammun-Mak