bit-tech News: Sam and Max: Moai Better Blues

[Chierin]

The main problem with Sam & Max Season Two: Moai Better Blues is one of length.

No matter what others may tell you, length is everything and with the game only lasting two or three hours, the fun is over just as you're starting to get into the game. This was a problem with Season One and it's still a problem with Season Two. I suppose it's not really a criticism as such, more testament to the quality of the game that you don't really want it to end when it does. There's a trade-off to be made between the episodic nature of the game and length of the game though, and this time the episodic argument won.

Despite Telltale Games having made some changes to the games based on user feedback, the main niggle still exists: Sam still walks like he should be using a walking stick. While it is possible to make him run, this doesn't work on every screen and more often than not, you're left twiddling your thumbs while Sam ambles from one side of the screen to the next.

Sam & Max: Moai Better Blues is still an adventure game at heart, and as such doesn't really bring anything new to the genre, but it still shines on so many levels that you're willing to overlook the few flaws. If you're really bothered about the length then you could always grab the seasonpack in a few months time.

Telltale Games are to be applauded for both showing us at the adventure game isn't dead and that episodic gaming can be successful. Ultimately, its biggest flaw is also its biggest advantage: the game is short enough to be enjoyable but not so long that it drags on.

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