Manual Samuel

 Xbox One
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. GameSpew
    Oct 12, 2016
    90
    Manual Samuel asks you do the mundane, but in doing so it makes it funny, challenging and engaging.
  2. MondoXbox
    Nov 20, 2016
    75
    One of the most unique and nonsensical games we tried so far, asking us to manually manage every single body function - from moving his legs to breathing - of the poor Samuel. This mechanic goes often over the top though, making us confront with highly frustrating scenarios.
  3. ICXM
    Oct 25, 2016
    75
    Manual Samuel is a truly unique game that was made as a labor of love.
  5. Xbox Achievements
    Oct 12, 2016
    70
    Madder than a box of frogs, Manual Samuel is surreal, a bit dark and slightly sadistic, but will bring a smile to your face. There are annoying bits, sure, but overall, Manual Samuel is an enjoyable QWOP-alike that will put your dextrous digits to the test.
  6. TrueAchievements
    Oct 12, 2016
    70
    A fun game with its quirky humor and innovative concept. The game is easy to learn and enjoyable to play as one helps Sam through his day, but it can begin to pall from simple repetitiveness as one replays chapters and hears the same jokes a few too many times. With its mostly easy achievement list and fast playing time, it will be a fun addition to most achievement seekers' collections.
  7. XboxAddict
    Nov 17, 2016
    67
    Developer Perfectly Paranormal should be commended for creating a unique game that stands out among the numerous remakes and nostalgic 8-bit indie titles. While the game does suffer at times from repetitive, frustrating gameplay, and the comedy wears thin very quickly, there is still some fun to be had as you hilariously and manually take control of Sam and his bodily functions.
  8. XBLA Fans
    Oct 26, 2016
    60
    Manual Samuel starts well but sadly loses steam fairly early on. Which is a real shame as I wholeheartedly loved the first hour or so into Sam's nightmare day. The game is at it's strongest when it's gamifying the mundane aspects of life, but this one trick pony loses its appeal when it tries be a proper game with fighting, boss levels and high scores.
  9. USgamer
    Oct 21, 2016
    60
    Manual Samuel is a good-looking, genuinely funny button-pressing test of dexterity that starts out well, but unfortunately becomes increasingly complicated and frustrating as the game wears on. It's a nice idea, but one that will probably only appeal to those who enjoy games like QWOP.
  10. games(TM)
    Dec 18, 2016
    50
    Too inconsistent to truly shine. [Issue#181, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2016

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. veter05111
    Sep 14, 2018
    7
    The game looks and sounds cool, but the buttons do not always work, Xbox one Fat, Gamepad first revision
  2. AceoHearts
    Oct 17, 2016
    5
    Every once in a while a game comes along that is so off the wall you just have to play it. Manual Samuel released by Curve Digital is one ofEvery once in a while a game comes along that is so off the wall you just have to play it. Manual Samuel released by Curve Digital is one of those games.
    You are Samuel Welthenburg Jr - a wealthy, stuck up man who is having a really bad day. Your girlfriend has broken up with you because of your attitude, and when you try to get her ro reconsider you get hit by a truck. Since you have not been the nicest of people, you get a one way ticket straight to Hell. You are greeted by Death himself who decides to make you a deal. If you can survive for 24 hours while doing everything in your life manually. This means that you will have to walk, breath, talk, stand up straight, and even blink by pressing buttons on your controller.
    You start out in the morning and must make your way through your day. Everything from basic hygiene, getting dressed, driving to work and of course doing your job is on the agenda. The mechanics are easy to learn, and don't require you to totally master them in order to beat most of the 8 stages. Unfortunately the final stage amps up the difficulty to a level that takes the fun out of the game. The quirky mechanics make the final battle a spotlight in tedium. The main issue is that there is a slight pause between each movement so you must have exact timing.
    As you play through the story, after each chapter you complete, you will unlock a time attack mode. In this mode you will get medals based on how well you do. You can also play through story mode with a friend in co-op mode as well.
    The game has very cartoony graphics, because that is probably the best way to showcase a re-animated corpse in a fun way. But the graphics are not what is elevated in this title. The narrator of the game steals to show. There are a ton of one liners and snarky comments to keep you well entertained. This is really the high point of the game.    … Full Review »
  3. mlo12345
    Feb 27, 2021
    8
    Let me be perfectly clear - I am happy I bought this game a couple years ago. It was definitely worth the price at the time (although it's onLet me be perfectly clear - I am happy I bought this game a couple years ago. It was definitely worth the price at the time (although it's on sale as it write this for EXTREMELY cheap!). The graphics and animations aren't going to wow and amaze you, but the game is unique and comedic. The narrator steals the show here. Amazing.

    That said though, the game has very little, if at all, replay value other than the time trial mode. It's very short, and I just completed it in a single game session over about 2-3 hours, BUT, I already knew all the mechanics, so your playthrough will be longer. It's hard to not spoil the story, though. Its unique and funny, but basic at its core. YOU WILL NEED TO BE PATIENT WITH THE FINAL BOSS IF YOU HAVENT FULLY GRIPPED THE GAME MECHANICS YET, WHICH IS LIKELY DUE TO THE EXTREMELY SHORT LENGTH THAT IS THIS GAME. Otherwise, 100% worth it in my opinion. Happy shopping, ladies and gentlemen!    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »