Lets set the record straight - this isn't the first time "Sam & Max Save the World" has been seen by gamers. This goofball duo have been around the block a couple of times before. The game was first released in late 2006, with the initial chapter of the six episode series available on the PC only. The series completed in late 2007.
In November of last year all six seasons of Save the World were ported to the Wii as disc game, and now, after being first released 3 years ago, its back in downloadable form on the Xbox 360.
But why should you care about a 3 year old XBLA port? Because this is one of the first titles that was able to successfully use episodic content and its humor, story, and gameplay still hold up.
For those unfamiliar with the series, you should know that Sam (the dog) and Max (the weird looking rabbit) are "freelance police". Sam is the more responsible, Bogart-esque detective type while Max is the overcaffeinated lilliputian who likes to throw fists and one liners. Similar to a modern day Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, the odd looking pair solve crimes through inane pop culture references and physical comedy.
Gameplay is classic point and click with players using only the left stick and A button, which works well in this kind of title. Save the World looks like a puzzler, but its really a comedy. You won't find yourself getting stumped, and your amazing crossword and sudoku skills are going to be wasted here.
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This game is played for laughs, pure and simple, and you'll get plenty of them. Whether its clicking on objects to get Sam and Max's thoughts, working your way through the simple dialogue tree to hear Dr. Phil, Elvis and Stephen King jokes, or catching obscure references on toys from the mid-80's (Teddy Ruxpin anyone?) you are bound to find something funny in this game.
Save the World is broken up into six episodes following a convoluted hypnosis conspiracy. The plot is incredibly far fetched, but most gamers will find the story is fun to follow. And with 8-12 hours of gameplay (it all depends on how clever you are) and the ability to jump around from episode to episode, players will get plenty of game time for their money.
Despite being released this year on XBLA with little to no changes from its original 3-year old gameplay, Sam & Max Save the World is still holds up, but it is starting to show its age.
The pace of the game is a slow at the start, most players will find things don't really pick up until episode 4. There is also plenty of trial and error and a lot of running around back and forth to the same few places. This is not only time consuming, but a bit frustrating. But the worst offender is the game presentation, this game needs an makeover. Sure this is a port, but couldn't somebody have made the graphics a little tighter and fixed the glitches from the audio? Save the World looks more like its Wii cousin than an XBLA game.
If you can get over some of its geriatric issues (I'm not an ageist, I swear), you'll get plenty of enjoyment out of Sam & Max Save the World. Its quirky fun and offers gamers a change of pace from traditional XBLA fare.
Pros: Great use of humor, easy to pick up and play, plenty of game for your buck
Cons: Dated graphics and audio, despite its appearance this game is not for kids
GamePro Score: 4.0
The Info - Price: 1600MS Points ($15), Developer: Telltale Games, Publisher: Xbox Live Arcade, Rating: T (Teen), Players: One
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