Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse - Episode 1: The Penal Zone

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. IGN
    72
    As an introduction to the season, The Penal Zone does a good job of setting the stage for more zaniness to come. Unfortunately, the story elements here are a bit thin but at least the episode focuses on one truly interesting new character in the cast.
  2. Eurogamer Italy
    70
    A good episode with a spoonful of originality, The Penal Zone is probably the best start of TellTaleGames' history. Taking Max's control directly is so amazing and explosive that any other feature looks less important: adventure games have founded a old/new (crazy) house. On the other hand the game is really short.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    70
    While it's enjoyable to solve puzzles and uncover a story in a genre that doesn't receive a lot of mileage these days, it's a little unfortunate that the themes and humor borrow from this ancient Looney Tunes-meets-90s-attitude rather than create a new world and identity all its own.
  5. AceGamez
    70
    Telltale Games have created a charming little adventure – a rare low budget gem tucked away amongst the PSN dross.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Game Chronicles
    70
    But I cannot fault the game for being clever, and at just under 3 hours total, the episode is over just when things begin to really mesh, leaving you wanting more from the second episode.
  7. Gaming Age
    58
    I'll also go out on a limb and say this is probably the easiest of the Telltale titles I've played to date. For me, that's a good thing.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Best PS3 Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. TheWambologist
    Apr 22, 2014
    8
    I decided to get this game off of PSN because it was on sale for just a dollar. This was my first experience ever with the Sam and MaxI decided to get this game off of PSN because it was on sale for just a dollar. This was my first experience ever with the Sam and Max franchise, and my first adventure game experience for probably about 10 years or so, and I can say that I am happy with my purchase. The thing to know about this game is that it is a dialogue-driven experience. While I do wish that there was a bit more puzzle solving, the large amount of dialogue was surprisingly never boring. The characters in this world are all a bunch of weirdos, especially the protagonists, which makes this game consistently engaging and funny. If you are looking for a slow and relaxing game to laugh at and give your brain a bit of a workout, I would recommend Sam and Max.… Full Review »
  2. Reviewer
    Jul 4, 2011
    1
    There are very few things that are good in this game. The humor is sometimes good, and the answers to the countless number of puzzles you willThere are very few things that are good in this game. The humor is sometimes good, and the answers to the countless number of puzzles you will encounter are SOMETIMES interesting (other times stupid.) There are many things bad about this game. The story is horrible. There are many load time that are way to long. The graphics are terrible. The music is annoying. Most of the time the answers to the puzzles DON'T MAKE LOGICAL SENSE.… Full Review »
  3. Alvokun
    Oct 5, 2017
    4
    I played this for free many years ago, but I remember disliking it quite much. I did not find the story interesting, and that is essential inI played this for free many years ago, but I remember disliking it quite much. I did not find the story interesting, and that is essential in a graphic adventure, where gameplay is not the main element. Besides, the gameplay was also confusing to me; I was unable to know what to do without using a guide. Maybe now it would different, I do not know.… Full Review »
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