Sam and Max – Beyond Time and Space Remastered is a point-and-click adventure that reunites players with the titular best friends, Sam and Max, in what is arguably their most outlandish case yet. Among other escapades, players will join them on a trip to the North Pole, where they attempt to convince Santa to cease his assault on his own elves – a seemingly typical day for the freelance detectives.
Sam and Max first appeared in comic book form in 1987. In 1993, four games were released by LucasArts. Then, in 2006, Telltale Games (Walking dead) took the reins and released Sam and Max – Save the World, a five-episode adventure (Season 1). The following year saw the release of season 2, Sam and Max – Beyond Time and Space, also comprised of five episodes. This remastered version is being released under the banner of Skunkape Games, following the closure of Telltale.
As a fan of Telltale Games, I was eager to test Sam and Max – Beyond Time and Space Remastered when I learned of its release for Switch, Xbox One, and PC.
Sam and Max – Beyond Time and Space Remastered delivers a mixed experience on Nintendo Switch. On one hand, it’s an ideal title for gaming on the go, being easy to pick up and put down. The graphics hold up well in both docked and portable modes, with clear visuals and readable text. However, the game’s original design for mouse and keyboard controls presents a challenge. Players must now use the right stick to locate interactive elements, which can be somewhat imprecise. I found myself missing objects at times, which proved to be a frustrating experience.
Furthermore, some of the puzzle solutions are so obscure and illogical that they detract from the enjoyment. This can lead to players becoming stuck and potentially discouraged.
However, once past the most challenging puzzles, Sam and Max – Beyond Time and Space Remastered reveals itself as a genuinely fun and engaging point-and-click adventure. The voice acting is superb, and the signature wit and humor of Skunkape/Telltale Games shines through in the dialogue. The updated graphics are well-executed, effectively masking the game’s original 2007 release date.
In conclusion, I recommend Sam and Max – Beyond Time and Space Remastered to both newcomers and longtime fans of Sam and Max, as well as enthusiasts of Telltale Games.
