February 18th, 2008 by KingWilly
Point and click
There are also a couple of mini-games in Episode 2. The now obligatory driving game involves Sam and Max driving down the road in an attempt to rid the streets of the evil bagpipes. This is done as a tribute to rhythm games such as Guitar Hero, and if done properly results in the tune of “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”. The other mini-game involves Sam riding a mechanical surfboard. He was once a champion at hanging-six, which may give some indication as to why he wears a suit with no shoes.
As with previous episodes, the interface is simple and intuitive to use. All inventory items are stored in the box at the bottom left of the screen and can be accessed at any time. Games can be saved at any point by simply opening the menu and selecting a Save location. Loading a saved game is just as simple. The other feature of the interface that I enjoyed (and did so in the first game of the second series) was the previously mentioned Scalable Hint system. This certainly gives newcomers in the adventure gaming world a helping hand. At the same time it gives experienced adventurers a harder time with fewer clues from Max. Moving around the locations is simply a matter of clicking where you want Sam to go… It can’t get simpler than that.
The visuals continue the Sam and Max tradition, so there is nothing new here. But, then again, why would there be need for change. The game has the colourful backgrounds and characters of the Saturday morning cartoons which fits this sort of comedic game perfectly. Locations include Bosco’s store, Stinky’s Diner, The Garage and Easter Island, which itself has a number of areas to explore.
“You crack me up, little buddy”
Voice acting has again been done superbly. The conversations between Sam and Max just keep cracking me up. The Easter Island heads each have their own style of conversing as do the babies. It is hilarious to listen to a unionist Jimmy Hoffa with a rough voice but within a baby’s body. Reminded me of the baby from Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The Ocean Chimps speak with a comical Jamaican accent, which sets their scene brilliantly.
Musical accompaniment also helps to set the scene, with Easter Island having a cannibalistic-type drum beat, whilst the surfing mini-game comes complete with appropriate soundtrack.
Save the Island
The team at TellTale seem to have done it again. Sam and Max: Moai Better Blues is another must have in your adventure game collection. The comedy continues in a way that only a dog in a suit and a maniacal rabbit can deliver. If you haven’t played any of the previous games in the Sam and Max series, then you are sorely missing out on more than just some of the game’s in-jokes. The episodes continue to get better with each instalment. The puzzles (with the help of the hint system) will be easy enough for newcomers and still entertaining for experienced adventures. Visit the Telltale site to download your copy of Episode Two: Moai Better Blues.
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