Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is back, and with this remaster, Skunkape Games has taken Telltale’s 2010 episodic classic and brought it to a new generation – completing their journey to remaster all of the duo’s season-based releases. This remaster, available on all major platforms including the PlayStation 5, is a great trip down memory lane for long-time fans while also inviting newcomers to experience the wild, weird, and wonderfully absurd world of the Freelance Police.
The game’s narrative and comedy remains its biggest draw. The bizarre and darkly humorous tale is split across five episodes, each exploring the escalating chaos as Max’s newfound psychic powers begin to spiral out of control. The plot weaves together elements of the supernatural with sci-fi and detective noir, creating an adventure game experience that’s as funny as it is unpredictable. The quirky dialogue and eccentric cast of characters are what you’d expect from Sam & Max, delivering witty one-liners and absurd scenarios that will leave you smiling and wanting to push on.
The gameplay mechanics in The Devil’s Playhouse hinge on the creative use of Max’s psychic abilities, such as teleportation, future vision, and mind reading. These powers add a fresh twist to the traditional point-and-click adventure formula, requiring players to think outside the box to solve puzzles. However, while these abilities offer novel gameplay opportunities, the puzzles can sometimes feel a tad random, with moments where the game’s surreal humor leads to solutions that might result in some frustration. Thankfully, the game includes a hint system that gently nudges you in the right direction without giving too much away, so you never really get stuck either.
Visually, the remaster does a commendable job of bringing the game up to modern standards. The updated lighting, enhanced textures, and improved lip-syncing make the game look and feel more polished than ever before. However, despite the improvements, some aspects of the game’s age are still evident. Character animations can appear stiff, and the environments don’t quite have the fidelity of today’s titles. Nevertheless, the art style remains charming, capturing the comic-book aesthetic that has always been a hallmark of the series very well.
The remaster’s audio enhancements are impressive, with shark and engaging voice done by the original cast – all reprising their roles for the remaster. The remixed soundtrack brings new life to the game’s score, complementing the game’s offbeat tone, while the sound design helps immerse players in the strange world of Sam & Max.
One notable aspect of The Devil’s Playhouse is how well it balances accessibility with its puzzle design. The remaster introduces subtle quality-of-life improvements that enhance the experience – especially for console players. These include a more intuitive interface and smoother controls, making it easier for new players to jump in. Long-time fans will appreciate how the game retains its original charm, despite these modern touches.
In conclusion, Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse Remastered is a solid revival of a beloved classic. While it may show its age in certain areas, the remaster’s visual and audio upgrades, combined with the timeless humor and inventive gameplay, make it a must-play for fans of the series and a worthy adventure for newcomers. Whether you’re here for the bizarre story, the challenging puzzles, or the iconic lead characters, this remaster is a fantastic way to experience the final chapter in Sam & Max’s episodic adventures. Here’s hoping that fresh new adventures are on Skunkape’s mind next.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 