The Devil's Playhouse Episode 2: The Tomb of Sammun-Mak
Rating: E-10+ - Everyone 10+

Now, that wasn't too long a wait was it? In this episode you get to go through old movie reels - four of them, and after the first one you can pretty much choose which ones to play. A little player freedom is always appreciated. The episode starts with Sam and Max being sucked into the movie. They find themselves in an Egyptian Tomb being shot at by Chris Kringle wanting the Devils Toybox. The movie has had them step back in time - both in location and as characters - here we have Sam mustachioed and Max in a peaked hat and a sweater, looking rather cute.

Max's astral powers are varied, depending upon the movie reels, but in all cases he maintains the ability to transport the duo back into the projection room. As in the previous episode - Max's powers are accessed from a separate screen and moved to where they are to be used.

It's not enough that Max has astral powers - he is also recognized as "Nut Boy" and holds some sort of revered place in the Mole peoples tradition. And so the adventure continues, chases, a train episode redolent of Hercule Poirot, vampires, romance, glued together with clever bits and pieces. And isn't this why you are playing this game?

Some lines stay in your mind - "fut, snek squeegle, squeegle, burd", is a keeper.

The game is currently out on the iPad the PC and Mac and you can subscribe upfront for the total five series adventure plus a final disk copy for $34.95 at http://www.telltalegames.com/store/samandmax-thedevilsplayhouse.

Fun Factor: Clever and amusing
Female Factor: Mole woman - ugly but powerful.
Player Friendly: Could use an informational sheet or something in the intro.

Reviewed by: Editor - May/10