Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Metareview: Sam and Max: Season One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/metareview-sam-and-max-season-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/metareview-sam-and-max-season-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/metareview-sam-and-max-season-one/#commentsFiled under:


Sam and Max: Season One has finally released on the Wii. We've been talking about the duo coming to the Wii for some time now. Has the wait been worth it? There haven't been that many reviews yet, so we'll keep updating this post when they come in. But, that's not to say a few outlets haven't tossed their two cents in. So, without further delay, let's get to the scores.
  • 1UP (67/100) explains you'll need lots of patience to get through this one: "The game's still fun and unusual, and it's worth checking out if only to enjoy some of the more clever writing in gaming. But don't forget your patience -- you'll need lots."
  • Game Informer (70/100) found the gameplay to be lacking: "When the laughter dies and some of the jokes fall flat, however, Sam & Max teeters as its gameplay is unable to support much interest for some stretches." [Sept 2008, p.105]
  • Nintendo Power (70/100) says the game isn't really that funny: "There are moments of genuine hilarity, but the humor too often feels overwrought or simply falls flat." [Oct 2008, p.89]

JoystiqMetareview: Sam and Max: Season One originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurepoint-and-clicksam-and-maxsam-and-max-season-onesamandmaxtelltaletelltale-gamesWed, 15 Oct 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop and Telltale team up to sell Sam & Max]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/gamestop-and-telltale-team-up-to-sell-sam-and-max/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/gamestop-and-telltale-team-up-to-sell-sam-and-max/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/gamestop-and-telltale-team-up-to-sell-sam-and-max/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Okay, here's the deal: we all thought Sam & Max Wii released, right? Well, it didn't. Instead, Telltale just didn't, uh, tell anyone about it and continued to labor on the title. Now, it's finally revealed the game will definitely be hitting retail shelves next month, on October 7th. Telltale also informs us that anyone who preorders Sam & Max: Season One through GameStop will receive a bonus CD, which has "a behind-the-scenes 'making of' featurette, trailers, concept art, a soundtrack sampler, and desktop wallpapers."

For those of you awaiting the game, hit up the trailer above, then check out some new screens in our gallery above.


[Via press release]

JoystiqGameStop and Telltale team up to sell Sam & Max originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuresam-and-maxsam-n-maxsamandmaxtelltaletelltale-gamesWed, 17 Sep 2008 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii's Sam & Max Season 1 premieres on Oct. 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/sam-and-max-season-1-premieres-on-wii-oct-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/sam-and-max-season-1-premieres-on-wii-oct-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/sam-and-max-season-1-premieres-on-wii-oct-7/#commentsFiled under: ,

Telltale Games continues to display respectable business acumen by releasing the first season of its episodic adventure, Sam & Max: Freelance Police, on the Wii. You can expect to find the lovable doggy detective and his demonstrably deranged bunny thing in North American stores on October 7th, complete with newfangled "widescreen" support and a tutorial. Remember, point ... then click.

If you consider yourself of a fan of the highly untrained duo, you'll want to investigate a pre-order offer from Gamestop, which sweetens the $30 deal with a bonus CD (see: behind-the-scenes "making of" featurette, trailers, concept art, a soundtrack sampler, and desktop wallpapers). Nice, though we would have preferred a Prismatology book.

Gallery: Sam & Max Season 1 (Wii)

JoystiqWii's Sam & Max Season 1 premieres on Oct. 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpisodicSam-and-MaxSamandMaxTelltaleTelltale-GamesThe-Adventure-CompanyWiiWed, 17 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Sam & Max screens require no puzzle-solving to view]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/New-sam-and-max-screens-require-no-puzzle-solving-to-view/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/New-sam-and-max-screens-require-no-puzzle-solving-to-view/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/New-sam-and-max-screens-require-no-puzzle-solving-to-view/#commentsFiled under:


Click for larger image

Unless you consider clicking on one of the thumbnails at the bottom of this post a puzzle, consider these new screens from the upcoming Wii adaptation of the episodic PC title on the house. All we ask is that you give them a good home and care for them as much as we have. It took quite a bit of effort to get Sam & Max Season One onto the Wii, so don't go wasting that effort by ignoring delicious new screens.

So, hit up the gallery below and then tell us how you're handling the wait for the game!

JoystiqNew Sam & Max screens require no puzzle-solving to view originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurejowoodjowood-productionssam-and-maxsamandmaxseason-oneTue, 27 May 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale talks about Strong Bad, Sam & Max]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/telltale-talks-about-strong-bad-sam-and-max/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/telltale-talks-about-strong-bad-sam-and-max/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/telltale-talks-about-strong-bad-sam-and-max/#commentsFiled under:


The folks at Telltale Games have been talking up Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, as well as the upcoming Wii port of Sam & Max, to TheBBPS. Aside from what was said to Joystiq last week, the team at Telltale Games revealed that the Strong Bad game will be running on the same engine that powers Sam & Max. Also revealed about Strong Bad is the inclusion of a "bizarre 'edutainment' title" in one of the upcoming episodes.

In regards to Sam & Max, the decision to go with a retail product made more sense, but they aren't ruling out the possibility of hitting up WiiWare.


[Via X3F]

JoystiqTelltale talks about Strong Bad, Sam & Max originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureepisodic-contenthomestar-runnersam-and-maxsamandmaxstrong-badstrong-bads-game-for-attractive-peopletelltale-gamesFri, 23 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Win Sam & Max Season 2!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/reminder-win-sam-and-max-season-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/reminder-win-sam-and-max-season-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/reminder-win-sam-and-max-season-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Wouldn't it be terribly sad if you missed the opportunity to play Sam & Max: Season 2 for free? As far as deeply depressing events go, we'd say it's on par with a plane full of puppies crashing into an orphanage. Only you can prevent it by naming your favorite adventure game character on our giveaway post! No, not here, there. On the giveaway post. You have until 5:00PM EST on Friday, April 11th!

JoystiqReminder: Win Sam & Max Season 2! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpisodicPCSam-and-MaxSamandMaxTelltaleTelltale-GamesTelltaleGamesWed, 09 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Win Sam & Max Season 2!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/joyswag-win-sam-and-max-season-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/joyswag-win-sam-and-max-season-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/joyswag-win-sam-and-max-season-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Update: Entries are closed. We'll be alerting the winners via e-mail soon, so please keep an eye on your inbox!

In celebration of this Friday's release (Thursday if you're on GameTap) of the Sam & Max Season 2 finale, "What's New, Beelzebub?" Joystiq and Telltale Games are giving away three full Season 2 bundles (valued at $34.95 each). If you've yet to point and click your way through the highly untrained duo's second stab at episodic adventure, you can start right here and right now. These rules are all self-explanatory, so be sure to carefully explain them to yourself:
  • To enter this giveaway, leave a comment naming adventure gaming's best character (any game).
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day. If you enter this giveaway more than once each calendar day you'll be locked up in a circus cage alongside the amazing giraffe-necked girl.
  • This entry period ends at 5:00pm EST on Friday, April 11th. We'll randomly select 3 winners at that time (please check your email!).
  • For a list of complete rules that you can blow away with a very large Luger, click here.

JoystiqJoyswag: Win Sam & Max Season 2! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpisodicPCSam-and-MaxSamandMaxTelltale-GamesTelltaleGamesTue, 08 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max ready to Wii-lease this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/sam-and-max-ready-to-wii-lease-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/sam-and-max-ready-to-wii-lease-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/sam-and-max-ready-to-wii-lease-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: ,


Telltale finally confirmed to GameSpot that Sam & Max's first season is coming to the Wii this fall. Rumors of Sam & Max bringing their freelance form of policing to the Wii began in early 2007 and became pseudo-confirmed this January in a German press release. The game will be a port of the Sam & Max: Season One PC compilation.

Sam & Max for Wii will be published in the US by Dreamcatcher and The Adventure Company. In Europe, JoWood will handle publishing duties of the game, which will have French and German voice acting, with Italian and Spanish subtitles added. No word yet on price for the title, but if it does end up being budget priced (PC was $30), we're very curious to see if this excellent adventure game finds an audience on the Wii.

[Thanks Sam]

JoystiqSam & Max ready to Wii-lease this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebreakingnewsmaxsamsam-and-maxsam-and-max-season-onesamandmaxWiiFri, 04 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max meet Beelzebub in Season 2 finale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/sam-and-max-end-season-two-meeting-beelzebub/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/sam-and-max-end-season-two-meeting-beelzebub/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/sam-and-max-end-season-two-meeting-beelzebub/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's time for Sam & Max to go to hell and bargain for Bosco's soul. Of course, this being Sam & Max, hell isn't exactly what you would. Above you'll see the trailer for the last episode, What's new Beelzebub?, the grand finale of dynamic duo's second episodic season.

The episode will be available April 10th on GameTap and through other outlets the following day. No announcement yet on a Season Three for the dog detective and his insane rabbity-thing partner, but we wouldn't worry about that if we were you.

JoystiqSam & Max meet Beelzebub in Season 2 finale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PCsamandmaxseason finaleSeasonFinaleWed, 26 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Sam & Max mush the Chariot of the Dogs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/gametap-thursday-sam-and-max-mush-the-chariot-of-the-dogs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/gametap-thursday-sam-and-max-mush-the-chariot-of-the-dogs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/gametap-thursday-sam-and-max-mush-the-chariot-of-the-dogs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


GameTap brings an all new episode of Sam & Max this week to give gamers their adventure genre fix. In the latest episode, Chariot of the Dogs, the dog detective and his rabbity-thing compadre search for the missing Bosko. Don't know who Bosco is? Then you're obviously not playing these games! Shameful!
After the break we've posted GameTap's list of free games. New additions this week are Fatal Fury and Vulgus. There's also very little time left to check out Myst Online: Uru Live before it disperses into the void of the intertubes.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Sam & Max mush the Chariot of the Dogs

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Sam & Max mush the Chariot of the Dogs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametapgametapthursdayiron-warriorsMacPCsam-and-maxsamandmaxThu, 13 Mar 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Quest Quiz III: Mike Stemmle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/gdc-quest-quiz-iii-mike-stemmle/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/gdc-quest-quiz-iii-mike-stemmle/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/gdc-quest-quiz-iii-mike-stemmle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We did a terrible thing at last week's Game Developer's Conference. Aside from our usual barrage of photographs and "reporting," a select group of attendees had to endure a particularly inane and utterly pointless line of questioning -- just for laughs. This is what happens when you hunt down several adventure game connoisseurs and challenge them to solve a typically obnoxious adventure game puzzle.

The Player
Recent Telltale Games addition Mike Stemmle, co-designer of Sam & Max Hit the Road and Escape from Monkey Island, and designer on the ill-fated Sam & Max Freelance Police. He also worked on Afterlife, but he doesn't think you remember it.

The Puzzle
You're standing in front of a cave. The goal is to get inside the cave, taking care to foil the ferocious robot bear guarding the entrance first.

The Inventory
  • (1) perforated parasol
  • (1) rubber chicken with a pulley in the middle
  • (1) sealed manila envelope
  • (1) miniature macaroni Tim Schafer statue
Peek hard at Mike Stemmle's Star Trek strategy after the break.

Continue reading GDC Quest Quiz III: Mike Stemmle

JoystiqGDC Quest Quiz III: Mike Stemmle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GDCGDC-Quest-QuizGDC08Mike-StemmleSam-and-MaxSamandMaxStar-TrekTelltaleTelltale-GamesTue, 26 Feb 2008 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Quest Quiz II: Steve Purcell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/gdc-quest-quiz-ii-steve-purcell/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/gdc-quest-quiz-ii-steve-purcell/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/gdc-quest-quiz-ii-steve-purcell/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We did a terrible thing at last week's Game Developer's Conference. Aside from our usual barrage of photographs and "reporting," a select group of attendees had to endure a particularly inane and utterly pointless line of questioning -- just for laughs. This is what happens when you hunt down several adventure game connoisseurs and challenge them to solve a typically obnoxious adventure game puzzle.

The Player
Steve Purcell, illustrator and writer best known as the creator of Sam & Max. We're surprised he even talked to us after last year's drunken debacle.

The Puzzle
You're standing in front of a cave. The goal is to get inside the cave, taking care to foil the ferocious robot bear guarding the entrance first.

The Inventory
  • (1) perforated parasol
  • (1) rubber chicken with a pulley in the middle
  • (1) sealed manila envelope
  • (1) miniature macaroni Tim Schafer statue
Find Steve Purcell's solution to the "meta-puzzle" after the break.

Continue reading GDC Quest Quiz II: Steve Purcell

JoystiqGDC Quest Quiz II: Steve Purcell originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GDCGDC-quest-quizGDC08Sam-and-MaxSamandMaxSteve-PurcellTelltaleTelltale-GamesTelltaleGamesMon, 25 Feb 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Sam & Max cause Tuesday edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/gametap-thursday-sam-and-max-cause-tuesday-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/gametap-thursday-sam-and-max-cause-tuesday-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/gametap-thursday-sam-and-max-cause-tuesday-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Sam and Max have altered the space-time continuum and moved the GameTap Thursday update ahead by a couple of days this week. The dog detective and his insanely platonic life partner start their latest adventure, Night of the Raving Dead, today on GameTap and tomorrow on Telltale Games' website.
  • Sam & Max Season Two: Episode 3 Night of the Raving Dead (Windows) - If you have any moderate love for the adventure genre and still haven't played Sam & Max ... well, we're just going to hope you've been off the grid for a couple years.
  • Gondomania (Arcade) - A top-down vertical shooter from the late '80s where the protagonist rides a hover-bike and destroys everything in his path. Good times.
After the break you'll find GameTap's list of free games for perusal. Aside from a few new additions this week (bolded), Myst Online: Uru Live still warrants a spin before it dies in 52 days.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Sam & Max cause Tuesday edition

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Sam & Max cause Tuesday edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametapgametapthursdayMacPCsam-and-maxsamandmaxTue, 12 Feb 2008 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Sam & Max coming to the Wii according to German press release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/rumor-sam-and-max-coming-to-the-wii-according-to-german-press-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/rumor-sam-and-max-coming-to-the-wii-according-to-german-press-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/rumor-sam-and-max-coming-to-the-wii-according-to-german-press-rel/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's been almost a year now since the rumor of a Wii version of the Sam & Max series surfaced after Telltale Games began searching for a Wii programmer to add to their staff. Now, a German press release for JoWooD Productions' latest creation, a Wii adaptation of the PC adventure title Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None, has all but confirmed a Sam & Max adventure on Nintendo's console, which JoWooD is apparently porting.

A translation of the press release specifically mentions that "Sam & Max will soon be hunting criminals on the Nintendo Wii," though Telltale Games, the developers of the PC adventure, have not yet confirmed their intent to port the game to consoles. However, the press release seems on the level, and based on earlier evidence, we're fairly certain that we'll be seeing everyone's favorite revolver-toting, anthropomorphic dog and hyperkinetic rabbity thing on the Wii in the near future.

[via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqRumor: Sam & Max coming to the Wii according to German press release originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureagathachristiejowoodjowoodproductionsmaxPCsamsamandmaxtelltalegameswiiSun, 13 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max Germanly confirmed for Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/sam-and-max-germanly-confirmed-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/sam-and-max-germanly-confirmed-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/sam-and-max-germanly-confirmed-for-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,


A press release on publisher JoWood's website reveals that some kind of Sam & Max game is planned for release on the Wii. According to (the Google translation of) the release, as an upcoming project, "Sam & Max will soon also for Nintendo Wii to hunt criminals."

The press release describes the company's future plans as "adapting" their successful licenses; we don't know if this is going to be a port of Telltale Games' excellent episodic Sam & Max adventure game series, which JoWood publishes as a retail collection, or a new game. Our guess is on existing content, just because that's easier. Also, Telltale has hired Wii-knowledgable staff for something or other.

Wii Ware seems like an obvious choice due to the fact that it fits the existing Sam & Max distribution model (and, again, Telltale's own actions). Being total skeptics, we expect this, if it exists, to be on a disc, because each installment on the PC clocks in at about 250mb, which would eat up the Wii's storage space.

We've embedded the part of the press release containing Sam & Max info, in both German and Google-English versions, after the break.

Continue reading Sam & Max Germanly confirmed for Wii

JoystiqSam & Max Germanly confirmed for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurejowoodsam-and-maxsamandmaxtelltaleSun, 13 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: A new Sam & Max, what Moai could you ask for?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/gametap-thursday-a-new-sam-and-max-what-moai-could-you-ask-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/gametap-thursday-a-new-sam-and-max-what-moai-could-you-ask-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/gametap-thursday-a-new-sam-and-max-what-moai-could-you-ask-for/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The dog detective and his rabbity-thing companion are back for "Moai" adventure in Sam & Max: Moai Better Blues. This time they hop over to Easter Island for some R&R, only to discover things are about to get explosive with a volcano eruption. That's the fine wine GameTap is serving up this week -- the service's other offering is a bit more vinegar.
After the break we have GameTap's list of free games, including this week's addition, Black Tiger. Still haven't played any Sam & Max yet? Be sure to check out Episode 4 Abe Lincoln Must Die! in the free section to get your paws wet with punny humor.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: A new Sam & Max, what Moai could you ask for?

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: A new Sam & Max, what Moai could you ask for? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametapgametapthursdayMacPCsam-and-maxsamandmaxThu, 10 Jan 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Sam & Max Season 2 begins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/gametap-thursday-sam-and-max-season-2-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/gametap-thursday-sam-and-max-season-2-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/gametap-thursday-sam-and-max-season-2-begins/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's time for the dog detective and his rabbity-thing companion to start their second season of Telltale Games' Sam & Max. The second season, of the series that got episodic gaming right, starts with the duo taking on the vile Santa Claus in Ice Station Santa. New episodes will premiere monthly on GameTap with the conclusion in April; there will be five episodes this season instead of six.

The new subscriber games this week are:
  • Virtua Fighter (Saturn) - Any other week we would have found an awesome picture of the original blocky fighters and made it the featured game of the week. The Sega Saturn classic that changed fighters as we know them comes to the service.
  • Shadow Watch (PC) - A secret security force must prevent a conspiracy seeking to stop humanity from exploring space.
  • Sam & Max: Ice Station Santa (PC) - The boys survived their first season and return for more adventure game hijinks. This season promises to be tighter and more engaging than the first great season as Telltale gets a better feel and continues to write the book on how this whole episodic gaming concept works. American McGee better be taking notes for Grimm.
After the break we have GameTap's list of free games. New free games are bolded for easy reference. Topping the list is the addition of Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, which is part of GameTap's continuing Hitman promotion leading up to the film's debut in theaters. Also be sure to check out the Hitman retrospective premiering on the "watch" channel.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Sam & Max Season 2 begins

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Sam & Max Season 2 begins originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodicgametapgametapthursdayMacPCsamandmaxtelltaleThu, 08 Nov 2007 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: Telltale's Dan Connors tells tales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/joystiq-interview-telltalles-dan-connors-tells-tales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/joystiq-interview-telltalles-dan-connors-tells-tales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/joystiq-interview-telltalles-dan-connors-tells-tales/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Sam & Max: Season One was one of the first real success stories of digital distribution, where folks could download episodes of the game from month to month, and then after everything had been released, pick up a DVD copy of all the episodes with some extra content. Season Two launches on November 8th (tomorrow, kids!), putting Sam & Max right back into the fray.

We sat down with Telltale Games founder and CEO Dan Connors during E For All to talk about all things Sam & Max, Bone, and what's coming up for the young studio. We started off by waxing poetic about E for All or E3 possibly moving to Vegas, so we could have done this over drinks and then hit the tables. We'd like to think Sam & Max would have been proud.

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Telltale's Dan Connors tells tales

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Telltale's Dan Connors tells tales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dan-ConnorsepisodicgametapPCPS3sam-and-maxsamandmaxtelltale-gamestelltalegamesWiiXbox-360Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[New Sam and Max season starts Nov. 8 with 'Ice Station Santa']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/new-sam-and-max-season-starts-nov-8-with-ice-station-santa/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/new-sam-and-max-season-starts-nov-8-with-ice-station-santa/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/new-sam-and-max-season-starts-nov-8-with-ice-station-santa/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you could fight one person in history, who would it be? Abe Lincoln, of course. But if you're like animated crime-fighters Sam and Max then you've already beaten him. So who would you fight in the mythological world? Those of you who answered "Kris Kringle" will soon have your wishes granted, as Sam and Max Season Two kicks off on Nov. 8 when the first episode, "Ice Station Santa," arrives for GameTap subscribers.

If you're not on the service, fix that! But also, take heart! You'll be able to download the episode for Telltale Games' site on the following day. Episodes will keep arriving monthly, all leading up to the season finale in April. This info did come with some sadness though, as Telltale revealed that this season will be shortened to five episodes from six. Here's hoping they make up for it with extra hilarity.

JoystiqNew Sam and Max season starts Nov. 8 with 'Ice Station Santa' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametapPCsamandmaxtelltaleWed, 26 Sep 2007 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam and Max Season Two trailer online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/sam-and-max-season-two-trailer-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/sam-and-max-season-two-trailer-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/sam-and-max-season-two-trailer-online/#commentsFiled under: ,


Telltale Games has gotten around to putting up the Sam and Max Season Two trailer that some of our luckier staffers saw during PAX. What you'll find is plenty of nods to the first season with just a few hints as to where the crime fighters will be headed next. (Hint: The presidents are back. One's looking for his head, and one's doing just fine without a body.) There's some more information about changes in the second season too like NPCs who move around the stages and will occasionally offer advice, new mini-games in every episode, better driving, the ability to upgrade the DeSoto and widescreen support.

We're sorry that you have to click on the link to see the trailer, like in the caveman days of the internet. But we'd be willing to bet that even with the Cro-Magnon tech you're about to start counting the days until fall.

Gallery: Sam and Max Season Two

JoystiqSam and Max Season Two trailer online originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodicPCsamandmaxtelltaleWed, 29 Aug 2007 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 07: The Sam & Max panel (we made a scene!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/pax-07-the-sam-and-max-panel-we-made-a-scene/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/pax-07-the-sam-and-max-panel-we-made-a-scene/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/pax-07-the-sam-and-max-panel-we-made-a-scene/#commentsFiled under: ,


Despite being told we'd be creating an episode, it turns out games (even episodic ones!) take a little longer than an hour (but just barely we imagine). Improv comedy style, they take suggestions from the crowd for events in the game. First, a favorite fruit? Pomegrenates we yell out. A vacation destination? Someone yells "North Pole." A new career for Sybil? "Taxidermist" two blurt out over each other. The writing process has begun.

Sam: Hiya Sybil!
Max: What's your story lady?
Sybil: I'm an orthopedic surgeon, baby!
Sam: Holy heavenly horse radish in a Houston whorehouse!
Max: Who cares, I'm running for re-election!
Sam: More importantly we need a pastrami on rye to save the world!
Sybil: Why do you think I have a pastrami on rye sandwich?
Max: Orthopedic surgeons always have pastrami on rye sandwiches!
Sam: They use them for lubrication!
Max: It's science, Sybil.
Sybil: The problem with science is you can't prove it. Also I need condiments.
Sam: To Bosco's little buddy!

Continue reading PAX 07: The Sam & Max panel (we made a scene!)

JoystiqPAX 07: The Sam & Max panel (we made a scene!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Aug 2007 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpisodicPAXPAX07PCSamandMaxTelltaleSat, 25 Aug 2007 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max Season 2 starts this Fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/25/sam-and-max-season-2-starts-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/25/sam-and-max-season-2-starts-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/25/sam-and-max-season-2-starts-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: ,


Telltale Games has officially announced the upcoming return of gaming's deadpan dog and hyper-kinetic rabbity thing, Sam & Max. The uniquely untrained detective duo is back this Fall in a second season of episodic entanglements, playfully putting the kibosh on crime and successfully solving brazenly bizarre, yet intensely intriguing mysteries through the obnoxious overuse of ludicrous lagomorphs and amazingly awful alliteration. Next paragraph!

"We're keeping the general structure and gameplay, and focusing on telling farther-reaching, crazier stories," says Telltale's design director, Dave Grossman. He notes that there will be several changes in store, prompted by both the desire to "to make the most fun games anyone has ever played" and fan feedback obtained during Sam & Max's episodic debut. That should translate to more varied locations, longer episodes, tougher puzzles and more adorable cats -- if we're reading these message boards right.

Sam & Max Season Two episodes will arrive on the GameTap subscription service first and become available for purchase on Telltale's website the next day. No pricing has been announced for the individual downloads yet, but more information on the season will be divulged at tomorrow's San Diego Comic-Con in a panel entitled "Episodic Games and Comics - Made for Each Other." Look for it in room 1AB from 11:30 to 12:30 if you're attending.

JoystiqSam & Max Season 2 starts this Fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsEpisodicGameTapPCSamAndMaxTelltaleWed, 25 Jul 2007 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max episodes now available on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/sam-and-max-episodes-now-available-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/sam-and-max-episodes-now-available-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/sam-and-max-episodes-now-available-on-steam/#commentsFiled under: ,


What did the folks at Telltale Games do today? We'll tell you! They turned a Valve and streamed their sparkling Sam & Max episodic series out of a GameTap and straight into a kettle. Then they, uh, boiled it. Because Sam & Max Season 1 is now available for purchase on Steam, you see. Also, we're terrible at this. Let's try again.

Telltale Games and Valve have announced that the first episodic series to become available on Steam (yes, there was a joke there) is Sam & Max Season 1, with single episodes priced at $8.95 each. There's a 10% discount to be had during this first week of release, and those who balk at bit purchases can buy in bulk -- bundles of the first three (or last three) episodes go for $19.95 each. If you manage to miraculously avoid adventure's detective duo on Steam, GameTap and Telltale's website, you'll still have to deal with August's retail release from JoWood and The Adventure Company. You'll have nowhere to run, you lagomorph loather.

JoystiqSam & Max episodes now available on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Displaying a respectable level of business acumen, Telltale Games has announced that the $6 million in funding it recently secured will not go towards the procurement of the world's largest ball of twine, but rather the expansion of its episodic endeavors. Provided by San Francisco-based venture firms, Granite Ventures and IDG Ventures SF, the funding will allow Telltale to continue building upon their current franchises, such as Bone and Sam & Max, and pave the way for new episodic projects.

"This funding will allow us to stay on the cutting edge of innovation by building out our team and our tools, and by taking on new licenses for the episodic treatment," says Telltale CEO and co-founder, Dan Connors. The Telltale team also plans to develop for multiple hardware platforms, a goal that seems right in line with its previous job listings and the success digital distribution has enjoyed on all current consoles. It's about time proper episodic content moved beyond the PC, wouldn't you say?

JoystiqTelltale secures $6 million for multi-platform episodic content originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For the last seven months, the edges of our lives have been softened by the knowledge that a turn of the calendar page would bring with it a new episode of Sam & Max. With the sixth and final chapter becoming available for download on the Telltale Games website, however, the only thing left on the next page is a shocking reminder of just how boring calendars are.

On the topic of the final episode, Sam & Max creator, Steve Purcell, has this to say: "With huge dollops of creative frenzy tossed into episode 6, the Telltale crew nicely tops off a great season. I'm really pleased." Telltale's design director, Dave Grossman adds, "Bright Side of the Moon is the snuggly-fitting cap on the Serious toothpaste of Season 1. I feel clean."

Feel pleased and clean by grabbing the season finale from Telltale's Website for $8.95, or the full season for $34.95. The latter option will also net you a disc containing the episodes and a whole host of extras. Finally, if you flip your calendar to August, you'll see the series getting its retail release.

Gallery: Sam & Max: Bright Side of the Moon



[Via Telltale Games press release]

JoystiqSam & Max season finale released on Telltale's website originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2007 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureepisodicPCSam and MaxSamAndMaxTelltale gamesTelltaleGamesThu, 10 May 2007 21:28:00 EST<![CDATA[First screens of Sam & Max season finale, 'Bright Side of the Moon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/first-screens-of-sam-and-max-season-finale-bright-side-of-the-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/first-screens-of-sam-and-max-season-finale-bright-side-of-the-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/first-screens-of-sam-and-max-season-finale-bright-side-of-the-mo/#commentsFiled under: ,


Telltale Games has unveiled the first images and trailer of the inevitably ludicrous finale to its episodic Sam & Max series, Bright Side of the Moon. In their continued mission to save civilization from hypnotic enslavement, the highly untrained duo embarks on a mission to the Earth's only natural satellite (sans paper bags) and attempts to foil an unspeakably nefarious mastermind (what other kind is there?). The action, the adventure and the depravity will become available on Gametap April 26th, and will hit Telltale's website shortly afterwards on May 10th.

The penultimate episode, Reality 2.0, is already available on the official site.

Gallery: Sam & Max: Bright Side of the Moon

JoystiqFirst screens of Sam & Max season finale, 'Bright Side of the Moon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First they faced off against a deranged eye fitness guru, then a talk show host followed by the toy mafia and Abe Lincoln. Now Sam and Max have to overcome a foe of a different kind: the internet! The fifth installment of the episodic Sam & Max adventures is available today on GameTap. Reality 2.0 is filled with the signature Sam & Max humor wrapped in an adventure-lite game. This time around the jokes poke fun at everything geek-related. Expect some video game parodies as well, such as when Sam yells "Its-a me, Sam!" before leaping into the air to collect a coin.

You can grab Reality 2.0 from GameTap starting today, or download it from Telltale Games on April 12th for $8.95.

JoystiqSam & Max Episode 5: Reality 2.0 released on GameTap originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 06:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecomedyepisodesepisodichumorindependentindiePCsamandmaxtelltalegamesThu, 29 Mar 2007 06:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most episodic game video: Sam & Max trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/todays-most-episodic-game-video-sam-and-max-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/todays-most-episodic-game-video-sam-and-max-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/todays-most-episodic-game-video-sam-and-max-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We've picked the trailer for the fifth Sam & Max episode as the video of the day. Some of us haven't been playing the series too closely, while others have reviewed every single episode so far and eagerly await the game at the end of the month. This quirky trailer gets even us non-players interested. How have you Sam & Max gamers been liking the series?

See the trailer after the break.

Continue reading Today's most episodic game video: Sam & Max trailer

JoystiqToday's most episodic game video: Sam & Max trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PCsam and maxSamAndMaxWed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Adventure Company sends Sam & Max back to retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/the-adventure-company-sends-sam-and-max-back-to-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/the-adventure-company-sends-sam-and-max-back-to-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/the-adventure-company-sends-sam-and-max-back-to-retail/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Those who haven't hopped on board the hilarious adventures of cop-dog and rabbit-thing will soon be out of excuses as Telltale Games, in cooperation with The Adventure Company, will be bringing Sam and Max: Season 1 to retail this August.

With Season 2 confirmed and Telltale not flapping gums over their Wii or Xbox 360 possibilities, this is the first, solid move on their part to bring Sam and Max beyond the online realm.

No price has been announced, though the first season will consist of six, hilarious episodes. For countries of a more European flavor, JoWooD will be handling distribution.

JoystiqThe Adventure Company sends Sam & Max back to retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PCsamandmaxThu, 15 Mar 2007 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interviews Sam & Max designer, Dave Grossman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/joystiq-interviews-sam-and-max-desiger-dave-grossman/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/joystiq-interviews-sam-and-max-desiger-dave-grossman/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/joystiq-interviews-sam-and-max-desiger-dave-grossman/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Apparently, the streets of San Francisco are simply bustling with adventure game designers wandering about in search of inspiration and that one inventory item they callously overlooked. We were in possession of one microphone and one unbelievable obnoxious blogger, both vital items for an upcoming, uh, life puzzle. Look, we just needed an intro paragraph, alright?

Above you'll see Telltale's game designer and dedicated poet, Dave Grossman, being interrogated about things like episodic content, the hiring of console programmers and, of course, Sam & Max Season 2. (SPOILER: It's is in the planning stages.)

JoystiqJoystiq interviews Sam & Max designer, Dave Grossman originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dave GrossmanDaveGrossmanEpisodic contentEpisodicContentGDCGDC07PCSam and MaxSamAndMaxTelltale GamesTelltaleGamesWiiXbox-360Tue, 06 Mar 2007 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interviews Sam & Max creator, Steve Purcell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/joystiq-interviews-sam-and-max-creator-steve-purcell/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/joystiq-interviews-sam-and-max-creator-steve-purcell/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/joystiq-interviews-sam-and-max-creator-steve-purcell/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Following the careful application of alcohol and a sufficient number of thinly-veiled threats, Joystiq managed to maneuver Sam & Max creator, Steve Purcell, in front of a camera to discuss his role in the deeply disturbed duo's episodic endeavors. As you might expect, ancient mysteries are unearthed, the very nature of humor is dissected and generally, hilarity ensues.

Take heed: this will undoubtedly be the greatest Steve Purcell interview that deeply involves the Power Rangers you'll ever see.

JoystiqJoystiq interviews Sam & Max creator, Steve Purcell originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GDCGDC07PCSam and MaxSamAndMaxTelltale GamesTelltaleGamesTue, 06 Mar 2007 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale has their Wii programmer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/telltale-has-their-wii-programmer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/telltale-has-their-wii-programmer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/telltale-has-their-wii-programmer/#commentsFiled under:


At the recently-concluded Wondercon, Sam and Max designer Dave Grossman revealed that Telltale's pursuit for a Wii Programmer had been successful and the company has since pulled the job listing down from their website. Of course, no other information was revealed by the company's many representatives on-hand at Wondercon. Hopefully, we'll learn something new, but until then keep your browser pointed at Wii Fanboy for news as it develops.

JoystiqTelltale has their Wii programmer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendowiisamandmaxtelltalewiiMon, 05 Mar 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale talks: Sam & Max on Live Arcade?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/telltale-talks-sam-and-max-on-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/telltale-talks-sam-and-max-on-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/telltale-talks-sam-and-max-on-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under:

Last week, we reported that Telltale Games was looking for an Xbox 360 programmer with a love of adventure games. Speculation ran rampant (rampant, we say!) that Sam & Max was bound for Xbox Live Arcade. Eurogamer caught up with Telltale to see if they could round up any more info. Telltale didn't outright admit that a Sam & Max game is headed to the 360, but a spokesperson did note that Telltale is a proponent of digital distribution and that the company would "look closely" at a service like Xbox Live Arcade.

So, Telltale is definitely looking to produce something for the Xbox 360, and if they do make something, they would seriously consider releasing it via Xbox Live Arcade. Do with that what you will (not something gross, please).

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqTelltale talks: Sam & Max on Live Arcade? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadelive arcadeLiveArcadesam and maxSamAndMaxsammaxtelltaletelltale gamesTelltaleGamesxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeTue, 27 Feb 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale Games talks Xbox Live Arcade and Sam & Max]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/telltale-games-talks-xbox-live-arcade-and-sam-and-max/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/telltale-games-talks-xbox-live-arcade-and-sam-and-max/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/telltale-games-talks-xbox-live-arcade-and-sam-and-max/#commentsFiled under: ,

A week ago, we brought word that Telltale Games, the folks behind Sam & Max, were looking for a Xbox 360 programmer for an unnamed project. Well, the position is still up in the air and what's more, they're talking about it.

Eurogamer caught up with Telltale to ask about the ominous job listing and while they don't come right out and spill the beans (naturally), they do point out that it has to do with episodic content and Xbox Live Arcade.

Aside from us clawing at our keyboards and screaming like cheerleaders when it comes to Sam & Max, this raises a few questions concerning Xbox Live Arcade. The main one being, Is episodic content even possible in its current state? If Microsoft is just getting by with the skin of their teeth every release, could ongoing content really be delivered in a timely manner?

JoystiqTelltale Games talks Xbox Live Arcade and Sam & Max originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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By now, you should be quite accustomed to seeing clumps of random and completely senseless phrases appearing on Joystiq. However, the one pictured above might be unfamiliar to you, especially if you haven't been following our coverage of Telltale's episodic Sam & Max series. In my review of Episode 3: The Mole, the Mob and the Meatball, I mentioned my highly sophisticated Sam & Max laugh log. You're looking at the one I kept for the latest episode, Abe Lincoln Must Die!

In order to gauge and compare each episode's humor in an unquestionably scientific way, I wrote down a shortened version of every line of dialogue in the game that made me guffaw unmistakably. Worth noting is that this process is entirely separate from jokes that made me giggle, snicker, smirk, snort, smile and titter. As you can see for yourself, my chosen scrap of paper (identical in size to the one I used previously) eventually became a riotous mess of words infringing on personal space and using broken bottles to threaten each other.

The writing in Abe Lincoln Must Die! is by far the sharpest in the series, which automatically makes it the best episode released thus far. My silly scrap of paper is testament to that and it helped me realize that every time I wrote down a hilarious phrase, I was actually writing down one more reason to play the game.

Continue reading Joystiq review: Sam & Max - Abe Lincoln Must Die!

JoystiqJoystiq review: Sam & Max - Abe Lincoln Must Die! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpisodicPCSam and MaxSamAndMaxTelltale GamesTelltaleGamesFri, 23 Feb 2007 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale interested in 360 development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/telltale-interested-in-360-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/telltale-interested-in-360-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/telltale-interested-in-360-development/#commentsFiled under:

Let's keep it simple. There's a job posting over at the Telltale Games website. Said job posting is looking for a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed Xbox 360 programmer. Said programmer is desired to move an existing engine and art assets to the Xbox 360. Finally, said programmer must have a "love of adventure games." Put it all together and you get Sam & Max on the Xbox 360. We'll note (as did Joystiq's lovable Ludwig Kietzmann) that Telltale's current Sam & Max adventures are episodic, making them a good fit for Xbox Live Arcade.

Granted, it's all speculation at this point -- many things are these days -- but it seems like good speculation so far. If nothing else, at least this points to some adventure games coming to the Xbox 360, an idea with which we are thrilled.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqTelltale interested in 360 development originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In this week's installment of our ongoing series, "Is Sam & Max coming to [platform here]?" we examine a job posting for an Xbox 360 programmer that went up last week on Telltale Games' official website. The systems programmer position entails the implementation of Telltale's "core 3D graphics and audio systems on the Xbox 360," as well as the modification and support of existing art and production assets. Furthermore, it's preferred that any applicants have a "love of adventure games."

Now, there's no need to leap to any conclusions here. Indeed, the most desirable conclusion lies at the end of a simple game of hopscotch -- minimal effort is required to reach it. Given their recent success, episodic nature and small file sizes, Telltale's Sam & Max episodes seem like an ideal fit for Xbox Live Arcade. Unfortunately, we live in a world that's far from ideal and with no official announcement, there's no telling what tale Telltale is working on next. We've always been rubbish at the whole waiting and seeing thing.

JoystiqTelltale Games looking to develop for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adventure gamingAdventureGamingGametapPCSam and MaxSamandMaxSteve PurcellStevePurcellTelltale GamesTelltaleGamesXbox-360Wed, 21 Feb 2007 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq review: Sam & Max - The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball (PC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/joystiq-review-sam-and-max-the-mole-the-mob-and-the-meatball/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/joystiq-review-sam-and-max-the-mole-the-mob-and-the-meatball/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/joystiq-review-sam-and-max-the-mole-the-mob-and-the-meatball/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The number three, being quite unimpressive on its own, is generally not associated with the concepts of success or industry progress. Coming third place in a race will net you a thoroughly unspectacular bronze medal. Off the track, we're constantly reminded that three's a crowd and that death comes in threes. The latter often follows the ill-advised consumption of a three-bean salad.

With the release of Sam & Max's latest 66 megabyte-sized adventure, however, the time has come to toss all those clichés and phrases. Telltale's episodic endeavor is the first to even reach its third episode, easily exceeding Valve's trickling of Half-Life 2 games and similar efforts by Ritual Entertainment, just recently absolved from SiN. It would be an empty victory if the three episodes were trivial wastes of time, but thankfully, the opposite holds true. This victory is filled to the brim with sharp writing, engaging gameplay and a level of charm that is quite simply, inescapable.

Those three qualities absolutely permeate The Mole, the Mob and the Meatball, though they're occasionally joined by some minor issues. Having now reached the halfway mark of this season, we're given some perspective as to what exactly those are.

Continue reading Joystiq review: Sam & Max - The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball (PC)

JoystiqJoystiq review: Sam & Max - The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball (PC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PCSam and MaxSamAndMaxTelltale gamesTelltaleGamesWed, 21 Feb 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[3D Realms discusses Steam, episodic games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/30/3d-realms-discusses-steam-episodic-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/30/3d-realms-discusses-steam-episodic-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/30/3d-realms-discusses-steam-episodic-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gamasutra interviews Scott Miller, the head of 3D Realms, about PC game download services, episodic content, and other current industry issues.

Miller wants Valve to spin Steam off into its own company, because he wants to work with a download-only service instead of a competitor. He thinks that an independent service will take Steam's place because he -- and we assume other developers -- don't like giving Valve a cut of the profits and a glimpse into private sales numbers.

Miller also thinks episodic games could work, but they're not yet succeeding because of delays between releases. He prefers spending the time to ship a single game with an ending instead of three short cliffhanger episodes staggered over a year or two.

We think he's spot-on in these assessments. Steam seems to be succeeding because Valve's great games have carried the service. Sure, other developers have signed on -- especially recently -- but Miller makes a simple argument why Valve's company can't dominate the whole download industry.

We're also excited about the potential of episodic games, but few have been released on a regular schedule. And even then, how long can gamers wait between episodes? Sam and Max episodes will be released each month -- is that the right length, or still spaced too far apart?

Joystiq3D Realms discusses Steam, episodic games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Nov 2006 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D Realms3dRealmsEpisodeEpisodicPCSam and MaxSamAndMaxScott MillerScottMillerSteamValveThu, 30 Nov 2006 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max cartoon coming to GameTap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/sam-and-max-cartoon-coming-to-gametap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/sam-and-max-cartoon-coming-to-gametap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/sam-and-max-cartoon-coming-to-gametap/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GameTap users will soon be able to watch The Adventures of Sam & Max: Freelance Police, the animated show that was on Fox Kids back in the late nineties. The first episode will debut this Thursday, October 12, and will percolate at a rate of one episode per week. GameTap TV will also be airing a "Making of Sam & Max" original show.

The Sam & Max show ran for 24 episodes. If GameTap keeps their promise of one episode per week, we'll have something to look forward to every week until March 22, 2007. As for Sam & Max: Season One:
  • The first installment debuts next Tuesday, October 17. GameTap users gloat about their fifteen day exclusivity.
  • On November 1, everyone can get Sam & Max. GameTap users lose bragging rights but still get the animated show.
  • Periods of gloating recommence in December, for 15 days each month, until the end of the season in April.
Sam & Max: Season One, sans GameTap, will be $9 per episode or $35 for a season pass. Those who need a quick Sam & Max fix can check out fr34kystyley's Sam & Max repository on GooTube YouTube -- act now before The Man shuts it down! Continue reading for some artsy craftsy bit of time wasting nonsense.

Continue reading Sam & Max cartoon coming to GameTap

JoystiqSam & Max cartoon coming to GameTap originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game tapGameTapPCsam and maxsam maxSamAndMaxSamMaxtell taleTellTaleTue, 10 Oct 2006 19:55:00 EST