If you check my Steam ID right now, you’ll see that I have played Sam & Max: Episode Four “3.8 hours”. And let me tell you, those were straight. And I didn’t stop because I was tired of it, on the contrary. I might have played the full game by now if I didn’t want to talk to a friend (one has to give his social life some attention every now and then).
Just recently, I got addicted to the Orange Box; it has an incredible quality, and I didn’t expect to get so addicted so something else so soon.
I knew that Sam & Max was good, so I had to download it once I noticed the fourth episode was now free. But I never expected something as good.
I’ve played a pair or so of point-and-click adventures and enjoyed them, but never really got into it. However, Sam & Max keeps it simple while at the same time still making you think every now and then; and since you don’t spend half an hour in the same puzzle and there’s plenty of things to explore, it never truly gets boring.
But the gameplay wasn’t what addicted me; that was the humor.
Portal was extremely funny, I’ll give you that – but it was a more subtle humor throughout the game, until you reach the truly hilarious last testchamber.
Sam & Max, on the other hand, is hilarious from the very beginning, and keeps it throughout the entire game. Not only are all the characters extremely charismatic (from Bosco the paranoid shopkeeper to Hugh Bliss and his happy demeanor), but the humor is a constant. It doesn’t rely on cheap tricks that only make you smile, as I usually find a lot these days; it truly made me laugh out loud a lot. The scene with the federal dance will remain in my memory for a long time, especially because I just have to rewatch it.
Honestly, there’s not much I can say. I’ve not finished the game yet, but it truly is addictive. It’s interesting and compelling without being frustrating, and its humor is top-notch. I wish I could write such humorous stories.
If you still haven’t downloaded it, you should. You have to, otherwise you won’t know what you’re missing. Sam & Max Season One (and eventually Two) has joined my to-buy list. 
