View source for Sam & Max Save the World

{{short description|2006-2007 episodic video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Sam & Max Save the World
| image = Sam & Max Save the World artwork.jpg
| caption = Promotional artwork for ''Sam & Max Save the World''.
| developer = [[Telltale Games]]{{efn|Remastered version developed by Skunkape Games.}}
| publisher = Telltale Games{{efn|Windows and Wii physical versions published by [[The Adventure Company]]. Xbox 360 version published by [[Microsoft Game Studios]]. Remastered version published by Skunkape Games.}}
| designer = {{ubl|[[Brendan Q. Ferguson]]<ref name="Mojo">{{cite web |url=http://mixnmojo.com/news/Brendan-Q-Fergusons-tales-all-told |title=Brendan Q. Ferguson's tales all told? |publisher=[[The International House of Mojo]] |date=April 28, 2010 |access-date=October 30, 2012 |archive-date=December 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226080111/http://mixnmojo.com/news/Brendan-Q-Fergusons-tales-all-told |url-status=live }}</ref>|[[Dave Grossman (game developer)|Dave Grossman]]<ref name="Mojo" />|[[Steve Purcell]]|Jeff Lester|[[Chuck Jordan (game designer)|Chuck Jordan]]|Heather Logas}}
| programmer = Randy Tudor
| artist = David Bogan
| writer = {{ubl|Brendan Q. Ferguson|Dave Grossman|Steve Purcell|Jeff Lester|Chuck Jordan|Heather Logas}}
| composer = [[Jared Emerson-Johnson]]
| series = ''[[Sam & Max]]''
| engine = [[Telltale Tool]]
| released = '''Microsoft Windows'''{{collapsible list|title={{nobold|2006 – 2007}}|''Episodes''|October 17, 2006<br/>– April 26, 2007|''Season One''|July 18, 2007{{efn|Collector's Edition}}|August 7, 2007{{efn|Retail}}|''Remastered''|December 2, 2020}}{{ubl|'''Wii'''{{vgrelease|NA|October 14, 2008<ref>{{Cite web |author=I. G. N. Staff |date=2008-10-14 |title=Sam & Max Season One for Wii Now Shipping to Retail in North America |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/14/sam-max-season-one-for-wii-now-shipping-to-retail-in-north-america |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142923/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/14/sam-max-season-one-for-wii-now-shipping-to-retail-in-north-america |url-status=live }}</ref>|EU|December 2, 2008}}|'''Xbox 360'''|June 17, 2009<ref>{{cite news|title=Starting June 17, Sam & Max Save the World on Xbox Live Arcade|publisher=Telltale Games|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/company/pressreleases/id-86|access-date=November 5, 2009|date=June 11, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091129104305/http://www.telltalegames.com/company/pressreleases/id-86|archive-date=November 29, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref>|'''Nintendo Switch'''|December 2, 2020|'''Xbox One'''|August 10, 2021|'''PlayStation 4'''|September 29, 2022}}
| genre = [[Graphic adventure game|Graphic adventure]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[Wii]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[PlayStation 4]]}}
}}

'''''Sam & Max Save the World''''' is a [[graphic adventure game|graphic adventure]] [[video game]] developed by [[Telltale Games]]. The game was originally released as '''''Sam & Max: Season One''''' before being renamed in early 2009. ''Save the World'' was developed in an [[episodic video game|episodic]] fashion, comprising six episodes that were released for [[Microsoft Windows]] over the course of late 2006 and early 2007. The episodes were initially distributed online by [[GameTap]] and Telltale Games themselves, although the later retail releases of the game were published by [[The Adventure Company]]. A [[Wii]] port of the game was published in late 2008, and an [[Xbox Live Arcade]] version was released in mid-2009. A [[Remaster#Video games|remaster]] of the game by Skunkape Games was released in December 2020 for [[Nintendo Switch]] and [[Microsoft Windows]], in August 2021 for [[Xbox One]], and in September 2022 for [[PlayStation 4]].<ref name="Remastered">{{cite web|last=Klepek|first=Patrick|title=Why a Group of Ex-Telltale Developers Are Bringing Back Sam & Max|date=November 9, 2020|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-a-group-of-ex-telltale-developers-are-bringing-back-sam-and-max/|access-date=November 9, 2020|publisher=Vice|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003140/https://www.vice.com/en/article/akdgke/why-a-group-of-ex-telltale-developers-are-bringing-back-sam-and-max|url-status=live}}</ref>

Based on [[Steve Purcell]]'s comic book series ''[[Sam & Max]]'', the game follows the title characters Sam and Max—self-styled vigilante [[private investigator]]s, the former an [[anthropomorphic]] [[dog]] and the latter a "hyperkinetic [[rabbit]]y thing"—through several cases involving a [[hypnotism]] conspiracy. Each episode features one case with a contained story, with an underlying plot running through the series. The game was announced by Telltale Games in 2005 following the cancellation of ''[[Sam & Max: Freelance Police]]'' by [[LucasArts]] in the preceding year; many of the employees at Telltale Games were members of the ''Freelance Police'' development team.

The game received a positive response from critics, with praise bestowed on the game's humor, graphics and gameplay, but concerns were voiced over the low difficulty of the puzzles, repetition in design between episodes and the effectiveness of the story. Opinions dissented across the Atlantic; some British reviewers did not appreciate the writing in the way that American critics did. Nevertheless, the game has won several awards and is often cited by commentators as the first successful application of episodic distribution. The game was accompanied by a number of short [[machinima]] videos set between each episode. The game was followed by two episodic sequels: ''[[Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space]]'' in 2007 and ''[[Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse]]'' in 2010.

==Gameplay==
''Sam & Max Save the World'' is a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[graphic adventure game]] in which the player controls the character of Sam.<ref name="EuroG" /><ref name="PCZ">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149224|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 1: "Culture Shock"|work=[[PC Zone]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|location=United Kingdom|date=November 15, 2006|access-date=May 12, 2009|archive-date=June 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623044738/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149224|url-status=live}}</ref> The player has Sam explore the environments of the game and solve a series of puzzles using a simple [[point-and-click]] interface.<ref name="PCZ" /> The game's puzzles have logical solutions, although a number of them have far-fetched solutions due to the game's cartoon setting.<ref name="NYTimes">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/19/technology/19game.html?_r=1&ex=1161921600&en=9f9dc82f0cb9dac8&ei=5070&emc=eta1|title=Dog and Rabbit Redux, and a Kiler to Search Out|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Charles|last=Herold|date=October 19, 2008|access-date=February 23, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003134/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/19/technology/19game.html?_r=1&ex=1161921600&en=9f9dc82f0cb9dac8&ei=5070&emc=eta1|url-status=live}}</ref> Depending on the type of in-game entity a player selects using the [[Cursor (computers)|cursor]], the player can have Sam walk around an area, look at and comment on objects, pick up certain [[item (game)|items]] or otherwise try to use them. Sam may also engage in conversation with [[non-player character]]s; when this occurs, the game presents a [[dialog tree]] with several subjects to pick from. Topics of conversation may directly involve the story or provide assistance with the game's puzzles, while others may be entirely unconnected. In some cases, the player may be able to choose dialog for Max to speak as well.<ref name="PCGCS" />

The game implements an inventory system to allow Sam to store any items that the player picks up during the course of the game.<ref name="EuroG">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_samnmax1_pc|title=''Sam & Max'': Episode 1 – "Culture Shock" Review|first=Kristan|last=Reed|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=October 17, 2006|access-date=April 23, 2009|archive-date=January 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127111353/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_samnmax1_pc|url-status=live}}</ref> The player may select any of the items in the inventory and can then attempt to use them on objects in the game world or give them to other characters simply by clicking on the desired target.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/sammaxep1/review.html|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 101: Culture Shock Review|website=[[GameSpot]]|first=Jeff|last=Gerstmann|date=October 18, 2006|access-date=May 13, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008063928/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/sammaxep1/review.html|archive-date=October 8, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Unlike ''Save the World''{{'}}s predecessor, ''[[Sam & Max Hit the Road]]'', inventory items are context specific, and cannot be used together or combined to create new items.<ref name="IGN" /> Typically, Sam carries a gun that may be used to solve several puzzles.<ref name="PCGCS" />

The characters can travel between a variety of locations in the game using their black and white 1960 [[DeSoto Adventurer]],<ref>{{cite book|title=Sam & Max: Freelance Police Series Bible|first=Steve|last=Purcell|date=October 1, 1995|chapter=The Concept|page=2|publisher=[[Shout! Factory]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,690/|title=''Sam & Max'': Episode 1 – Culture Shock|publisher=[[Adventure Gamers]]|first=Evan|last=Dickens|date=October 16, 2006|access-date=May 13, 2009|archive-date=July 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727133054/http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,690|url-status=live}}</ref> which, when selected, will present the player with a list of available destinations. The DeSoto is also used for several driving sequences, usually involving pursuing or fleeing criminals in other vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/sam-and-max/743796p1.html|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 1: "Culture Shock"|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|first=Allen|last=Rausch|date=November 2, 2006|access-date=April 23, 2009|archive-date=July 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711072428/http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/sam-and-max/743796p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In these driving sequences, the player can use Sam's gun, the car's horn, or have Max attempt to communicate with other vehicles via a megaphone. In addition, special inventory items may be used to complete specific puzzles within these sequences.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/739/739781p1.html|title=''Sam & Max''—Season 1 Episode #1: Culture Shock Review|website=[[IGN]]|first=Steve|last=Butts|date=October 17, 2006|access-date=April 23, 2009|archive-date=March 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303073308/http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/739/739781p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Driving sequences are also used for several [[minigame]]s, such as pulling innocent drivers over for fabricated felonies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/review/sam-max-episode-1-culture-shock/a-200610241077829011|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 1: Culture Shock|publisher=[[GamesRadar]]|first=Mikel|last=Reparaz|date=October 24, 2006|access-date=May 13, 2009|archive-date=June 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616042904/http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/review/sam-max-episode-1-culture-shock/a-200610241077829011|url-status=live}}</ref> In keeping with the developer's heritage from the [[LucasArts adventure games]], ''Sam & Max Save the World'' is designed so that the player characters cannot die or reach a complete dead-end.<ref name="Entdepot" />

==Synopsis==
===Characters===
''Sam & Max Save the World'' is set in a universe that parodies [[Culture of the United States|American popular culture]], and it follows the title characters of Sam and Max, the Freelance Police, a pair of vigilantes and private investigators. Sam is a level-headed but enthusiastic [[anthropomorphic]] [[dog]] who wears a blue suit and fedora. He is inquisitive, knowledgeable in obscure areas and tends to prefer the logical solution to problems, but he is not above using force.<ref>{{cite book|title=Sam & Max: Freelance Police Series Bible|first=Steve|last=Purcell|date=October 1, 1995|chapter=Sam – Large, somewhat sincere dog|pages=4–5|publisher=[[Shout! Factory]]}}</ref> Max is described as a "hyperkinetic [[rabbit]]y thing"; cunning, uninhibited and reveling in violence and mischief. His reactions to situations usually incorporate force but often with a seeming disregard for his own personal safety.<ref>{{cite book|title=Sam & Max: Freelance Police Series Bible|first=Steve|last=Purcell|date=October 1, 1995|chapter=Max – Short, maniac lagomorph|publisher=[[Shout! Factory]]|pages=6–7}}</ref> Together, the Freelance Police operate out of a dilapidated office block in a dangerous [[New York City]] neighborhood, where they receive cases over the telephone from an unseen [[police commissioner]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Sam & Max: Freelance Police Series Bible|first=Steve|last=Purcell|date=October 1, 1995|chapter=Locations|publisher=[[Shout! Factory]]|pages=21–22}}</ref>

There are several supporting characters that consistently appear throughout the episodes.

Roscoe Bosco is the proprietor of the nearby [[convenience store]] and supplies the Freelance Police with a number of items across the game. Driven paranoid by repeated shoplifting, Bosco is obsessed with conspiracies, believing that nearly every US government agency, as well as many criminal outfits, are after him. As such, his store is overwhelmed with security devices and contraptions created by Bosco himself. He regularly attempts to disguise himself as a variety of [[foreign national]]s, but to little effect.<ref name="ep1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/community/blogs/id-78|title=Meet the Neighbors – Bosco's Inconvenience|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|first=Jake|last=Rodkin|date=August 10, 2006|access-date=February 28, 2009|archive-date=March 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308164507/http://www.telltalegames.com/community/blogs/id-78|url-status=live}}</ref>

Further down the neighborhood is Sybil Pandemik, who owns a small office across from Sam and Max. Sybil is unable to keep a consistent job and regularly changes her career choices. Introduced as a [[psychotherapy|psychotherapist]] and former [[tattoo artist]], she later becomes a [[tabloid (newspaper format)|tabloid]] [[journalist]], professional [[witness]], professional [[Matchmaking|matchmaker]], [[Software testing|software tester]], and [[Monarchy of Canada|Queen of Canada]] over the course of ''Save the World''.<ref name="ep1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/community/blogs/id-84|title=Meet the Neighbors – Sybil Pandemik|first=Emily|last=Morganti|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|date=September 12, 2006|access-date=February 28, 2009|archive-date=October 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012095724/http://www.telltalegames.com/community/blogs/id-84|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a hole in Sam and Max's own office resides Jimmy Two-Teeth, a rat who works as a petty criminal, confidence trickster and [[fence (criminal)|fence]]. He profusely dislikes Sam and Max, who he sees as always interfering with his work.<ref name="ep3" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/community/blogs/id-132|title=Meet the Neighbors – Jimmy Two-Teeth|first=Emily|last=Morganti|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|date=November 20, 2006|access-date=February 28, 2009|archive-date=July 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725065756/http://telltalegames.com/community/blogs/id-132|url-status=live}}</ref>

Other characters include the Soda Poppers, a group of three former child stars from the 1970s. The three, each with their own trademark catch-phrase, first appear as victims of hypnosis in the first episode, later acting as the judges on a ''[[Idol series|Pop Idol]]'' parody in the second episode. By the fourth episode, they are elected the governors of the [[The Dakotas|Dakotas]] and plunge the region into civil war over ownership of [[Mount Rushmore]].<ref name="ep1" /><ref name="ep2" /><ref name="ep4" /> Also making sporadic appearances is Hugh Bliss, an eccentric magician and leader of the Prismatology cult, a parody of [[Scientology]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/sam-max-season-1-episode-6-bright-side-of-the-moon/784293p1.html|title=''Sam & Max'': Bright Side of the Moon|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|first=Allen|last=Rausch|date=April 27, 2007|access-date=April 23, 2009|archive-date=July 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711072435/http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/sam-max-season-1-episode-6-bright-side-of-the-moon/784293p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He is often seen attempting to promote his [[self-help]] guides based on Prismatology.<ref name="ep2" /> Sam finds Bliss irritating, while Max almost idolizes him.<ref name="ep2" /> Minor characters include Agent Superball, a [[United States Secret Service|US Secret Service]] agent with a penchant for guarding doors;<ref name="ep4" /> Chuckles, the [[Pit Manager|pit manager]] in a mafia-run casino;<ref name="ep3" /> Harry Moleman, a police [[Mole (espionage)|mole]] who switches sides;<ref name="ep3" /> and the Computer Obsolescence Prevention Society (COPS), a group of outdated computers attempting to find purpose in the technologically advanced world.<ref name="ep5" />

===Plot===
The game opens with Sam and Max, the Freelance Police, lounging in their office, awaiting a new case after a long hiatus. Eventually, the commissioner sends them out to investigate a group of former child stars, the Soda Poppers, who have been causing trouble in the neighborhood. The Soda Poppers are attempting to promote a self-help video called ''Eye-Bo'', which (when watched) hypnotizes the viewer. After seeking assistance from Sybil to reverse the hypnotism on the Soda Poppers by knocking them unconscious, the Freelance Police learn that the scheme has been devised by one Brady Culture, another former child star who owes his fall from popularity to the rise of the Soda Poppers. Sam and Max and the Soda Poppers confront Culture, who hypnotizes the Soda Poppers again. However, Sam manages to fool Culture into ordering the Soda Poppers to attack himself, subduing the threat.<ref name="ep1">{{cite video game|title=[[Culture Shock (Sam & Max)|Sam & Max Episode 101: Culture Shock]]|developer=[[Telltale Games]]|publisher=[[GameTap]]|date=October 17, 2006|platform=Windows}}</ref> The next case the Freelance Police get involves liberating a studio audience held hostage by a deranged [[Talk show|TV talk show]] host, Myra Stump. At the TV station, Sam and Max deduce that Myra has been hypnotized and, after using other shows in the studio to become celebrities, they convince her to let them become guests on her show. Once on the show, Sam notes a strange toy bear on the host's desk, the source of the hypnotism. Using the studio sound system, Sam electrocutes both Myra and the bear, allowing the audience to leave.<ref name="ep2">{{cite video game|title=[[Situation: Comedy (Sam & Max)|Sam & Max Episode 102: Situation: Comedy]]|developer=[[Telltale Games]]|publisher=[[GameTap]]|date=December 20, 2006|platform=Windows}}</ref>

[[File:Save the World office.jpg|thumb|left|210px|Sam and Max in their office; the game's environments were designed to feel more coarse and dangerous than those in {{nowrap|''Sam & Max Hit the Road''}}|alt=An anthropomorphized dog and rabbit in an office. The office is dilapidated, the windows are boarded up and the walls strewn with bullet holes.]]

The commissioner then tasks Sam and Max with infiltrating the Toy Mafia, a criminal organisation operating from a [[casino]]. The commissioner's mole in the organisation has gone quiet; he wants the Freelance Police to find out what happened to the mole. Sam and Max quickly discover that the Toy Mafia are responsible for the toy bear that hypnotised Myra. As they gain the Mafia's trust, they ascertain that the mole has switched sides and is now leading the outfit. After discovering that the casino is a front for a factory producing the hypnotizing bears for mass distribution, the Freelance Police sabotage the factory and destroy the operation.<ref name="ep3">{{cite video game|title=[[The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball|Sam & Max Episode 103: The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball]]|developer=[[Telltale Games]]|publisher=[[GameTap]]|date=January 25, 2007|platform=Windows}}</ref> Soon after, the [[United States President|US President]] starts bringing in bizarre policies; Max is particularly concerned about the introduction of gun restrictions, while Sam believes the President has been hypnotized. At the [[White House]], Max beheads the President, revealing him to be a mechanical puppet designed to hypnotize the nation through TV broadcasts. The President's bodyguard, none other than the now-fallen Toy Mafia's pit boss, activates a giant robot disguised as the statue at the [[Lincoln Memorial]] to run in an emergency election against Max. Sam discredits Lincoln's campaign, resulting in Max winning the presidential election. Lincoln begins a destructive rampage through [[Washington D.C.]], but is neutralized when Max fires an [[intercontinental ballistic missile]] at him.<ref name="ep4">{{cite video game|title=[[Abe Lincoln Must Die!|Sam & Max Episode 104: Abe Lincoln Must Die!]]|developer=[[Telltale Games]]|publisher=[[GameTap]]|date=February 22, 2007|platform=Windows}}</ref>

The next case given to Sam and Max involves dealing with a computer crisis that is causing the world economy to collapse. They discover the problem is a [[virtual reality]] program called Reality 2.0, powered by the Internet (which has gained sentience), which is hypnotizing people so they never want to leave the program. Sam and Max access the program themselves and introduce a computer virus that crashes Reality 2.0 and deletes the digital embodiment of the Internet. Prior to expiring, the Internet reveals that it was following the plans of one [[Roy G. Biv]].<ref name="ep5">{{cite video game|title=[[Reality 2.0|Sam & Max Episode 105: Reality 2.0]]|developer=[[Telltale Games]]|publisher=[[GameTap]]|date=March 29, 2007|platform=Windows}}</ref> Sam eventually deduces that Roy G. Biv is actually Hugh Bliss, a character seemingly in the background of all their previous cases. The Freelance Police travel to Bliss' Prismatology retreat on the [[Moon]], where Bliss is preparing a device to hypnotize the entire planet. Bliss reveals himself as a colony of sentient bacteria that feeds off of the [[endorphin]]s produced by human happiness; by hypnotizing the planet, Bliss assures himself of a permanent supply of nourishment. Bliss activates the device, but is killed when Sam tricks him into a tank of water and boils it using the rocket engine of a [[Apollo Lunar Module|lunar lander]]. Returning to Earth, Max takes great pleasure in reversing the hypnotism by personally knocking everyone on the planet unconscious.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Bright Side of the Moon|Sam & Max Episode 106: Bright Side of the Moon]]|developer=[[Telltale Games]]|publisher=[[GameTap]]|date=April 26, 2007|platform=Windows}}</ref>

==Episodes==
{| class="wikitable" width="100%"
|- style="text-align: center;"
! rowspan="2" | Episode
! rowspan="2" | Designer/Writer
! colspan="2" | Release date
|-
! | GameTap release
! | General release 
|-
| colspan="4" bgcolor="#C5F3C6"|   
|-  bgcolor="#F2F2F2" align="center"
| "Culture Shock"
| Brendan Q. Ferguson<br>[[Dave Grossman (game developer)|Dave Grossman]]<br>[[Steve Purcell]]
| October 17, 2006
| November 1, 2006
|-
| colspan="4" style="border: none; vertical-align: top;"|
* A group of former child stars, the Soda Poppers, are hypnotized into causing trouble in Sam and Max's neighborhood.
|-
| colspan="4" bgcolor="#DDF3C5"|   
|-  bgcolor="#F2F2F2" align="center"
| "Situation: Comedy"
| Brendan Q. Ferguson<br>Dave Grossman<br>Jeff Lester<br>Steve Purcell
| December 20, 2006
| January 5, 2007
|-
| colspan="4" style="border: none; vertical-align: top;"|
* Sam and Max must deal with a talk show host who has taken her audience hostage.
|-
| colspan="4" bgcolor="#F3E1C5"|  
|-  bgcolor="#F2F2F2" align="center"
| "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| Brendan Q. Ferguson<br>Dave Grossman<br>Jeff Lester<br>Steve Purcell
| January 25, 2007
| February 8, 2007
|-
| colspan="4" style="border: none; vertical-align: top;"|
* A mole in a nearby mafia outfit has gone quiet, so Sam and Max are tasked with finding out what happened to him.
|-
| colspan="4" bgcolor="#ECC5F3"|   
|-  bgcolor="#F2F2F2" align="center"
| "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| Brendan Q. Ferguson<br>Dave Grossman<br>[[Chuck Jordan (game designer)|Chuck Jordan]]<br>Steve Purcell
| February 22, 2007
| March 9, 2007
|-
| colspan="4" style="border: none; vertical-align: top;"|
* Believing that the US president has been hypnotized, Sam and Max journey to Washington to save him.
|-
| colspan="4" bgcolor="#C5CDF3"|  
|-  bgcolor="#F2F2F2" align="center"
| "Reality 2.0"
| Brendan Q. Ferguson<br>Dave Grossman<br>Heather Logas<br>Chuck Jordan<br>Steve Purcell
| March 29, 2007
| April 9, 2007
|-
| colspan="4" style="border: none; vertical-align: top;"|
* An Internet craze is hypnotizing people across the world, so Sam and Max try to destroy the Internet.
|-
| colspan="4" bgcolor="#9CB6F0"|  
|-  bgcolor="#F2F2F2" align="center"
| "Bright Side of the Moon"
| Brendan Q. Ferguson<br>Dave Grossman<br>Heather Logas<br>Chuck Jordan<br>Steve Purcell
| April 26, 2007
| May 10, 2007
|-
| colspan="4" style="border: none; vertical-align: top;"|
* Having discovered what is behind the hypnotism cases, Sam and Max travel to the Moon to save the world.
|}

==Machinima==
For the release of each episode, Telltale Games released three corresponding [[machinima]] shorts. These shorts are set between the episodes; fifteen were released in total.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/11_30_06_10_12AM.htm |title=Gametap and Telltale spread more ''Sam & Max'' mayhem with original machinima shorts and episode 2 news |publisher=GameZone |date=November 6, 2005 |access-date=April 23, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604141414/http://www.gamezone.com/news/11_30_06_10_12AM.htm |archive-date=June 4, 2009}}</ref> The first short, "Frank Discussion", released on November 30, 2006, has Sam and Max share a discussion regarding [[Hot dog|frankfurters]] and their [[preservative]] properties in Bosco's store.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/frankdiscussionmachinima|title="Frank Discussion"|date=November 30, 2006|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> The short was followed on December 7 by "Trainspotting", in which Sam ponders the meaning of life while Max questions the sensibility of being outside, away from the comforts of their office.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/trainspottingmachinima|title="Trainspotting"|date=December 7, 2006|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> On December 12, Telltale released "A Painstaking Search": having misplaced the keys to their office, Sam and Max return to Brady Culture's hideout in an attempt to retrace their steps.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/painstakingsearchmachinima|title="A Painstaking Search"|date=December 12, 2006|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> The first short of 2007, "Reality Blights", was released on January 4 and sees Max volunteer the duo to appear on a [[reality television]] show, ''Four Freaks in a Terribly Cramped Office''.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/realityblightsmachinima|title="Reality Blights"|date=January 4, 2007|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> "Egregious Philosophy Platter" was released seven days later on January 11 and features Sam and Max as host the hosts of television show ''Egregious Philosophy Platter'', discussing the philosophers [[Socrates]] and [[René Descartes|Descartes]].<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/egregiousphilosophymachinima|title="Egregious Philosophy Platter"|date=January 11, 2007|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> The final short relating to television shows, "Kitchen Consequential", was released on January 18 and follows Sam and Max hosting ''Fun in the Kitchen With Sam and Max'' where they showcase a few recipes of [[special effect]]s.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://files.telltalegames.com/samandmax/videos/machinima/machinima6.flv |title="Kitchen Consequential" |date=January 18, 2007 |publisher=[[Telltale Games]] |format=Flash Video |medium=Machinima |access-date=April 23, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928013654/http://files.telltalegames.com/samandmax/videos/machinima/machinima6.flv |archive-date=September 28, 2007}}</ref>

"Interrogation" was released after the game's third episode on February 1, in which Sam and Max demonstrate how to properly interrogate a suspect.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/interrogationmachinima|title="Interrogation"|date=February 1, 2007|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> This was followed by "Coffee" on February 8; in the short, Sam and Max experiment with [[telekinesis]] on coffee cups.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/coffeemachinima|title="Coffee"|date=February 8, 2007|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> On February 15, "The Blank Blank Blank" was released, where Sam and Max discuss with Bosco a government agency so secret, the acronym is classified.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/blankblankblankmachinima|title="The Blank Blank Blank"|date=February 15, 2007|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> Following episodes relate to Max's tenure as US president after "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"; "War Games", released on March 1, has Sam and Max engage in military activities from the White House's war room under the pretense that they are mere simulations.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/wargamesmachinima|title="War Games"|date=March 1, 2007|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> It was followed by "The Teapot Drone Scandal" on March 15, in which Max orders a Secret Service agent to recite "[[I'm a Little Teapot]]" over the telephone.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/teapotdronemachinima|title="The Teapot Drone Scandal"|date=March 15, 2007|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> "Saving the Economy" was released on March 22, showing a broadcast by Max outlining his plans to make the economy more efficient by irrationally extending [[daylight saving time]].<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/savingtheeconomymachinima|title="Saving the Economy"|date=March 12, 2007|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> On April 5, "Artichoke" was released, in which Max holds a press conference where he is unwisely questioned about his gun control policies.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/artichokemachinima|title="Artichoke"|date=April 15, 2007|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> The penultimate short, "Bosco", was released on April 12, and shows Max starting a [[negative campaigning|negative campaign]] against Bosco for the presidential election, despite the fact that he is not running.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/boscomachinima|title="Bosco"|date=April 12, 2007|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> "A Fireside Chat", the final episode, was released on April 19, depicting a broadcast by Max to the state of [[Idaho]] in the hopes of getting them to vote for him.<ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.telltalegames.com/videos/firesidechatmachinima|title="A Fireside Chat"|date=April 19, 2007|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|format=Flash Video|medium=Machinima|access-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref>

==Development==
===Production===
[[File:Telltale Games Team - 920448657 - barret.jpg|thumb|right|Telltale Games consisted of developers from ''[[Sam & Max: Freelance Police|Freelance Police]]'', as well as other former LucasArts alumni such as [[Dave Grossman (game developer)|Dave Grossman]] (third from left).|alt=Five men and a woman in a convention booth for Telltale Games. A variety of Sam & Max merchandise is on the table in front of them.]]
''Sam & Max Save the World'' originates from ''[[Sam & Max: Freelance Police]]'', a graphic adventure game that was developed by [[LucasArts]] from 2002 to 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/08/27/sam-max-are-back|title=''Sam & Max'' Are Back!|website=[[IGN]]|first=Newsey|last=McNewserson|date=August 27, 2002|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142917/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/08/27/sam-max-are-back|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Freelance Police'' was a sequel to the 1993 title ''[[Sam & Max Hit the Road]]''. However, LucasArts ceased production on ''Freelance Police'' in March 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/03/sam-and-max-cancelled|title=Sam and Max Cancelled|website=[[IGN]]|first=Steve|last=Butts|date=March 3, 2004|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=April 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413141012/http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/496/496351p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the subsequent weeks, LucasArts underwent major restructuring; many of the developers who worked on past [[LucasArts adventure games]] were made redundant.<ref name="Edge">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/short-history-lucasarts|title=A Short History of LucasArts|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=August 26, 2006|access-date=February 2, 2009|archive-date=August 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813202111/http://www.edge-online.com/features/short-history-lucasarts|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/lucasarts-undergoing-major-restructuring/1100-6104775/|title=LucasArts undergoing "major restructuring"|website=[[GameSpot]]|first=Curt|last=Feldman|date=August 13, 2004|access-date=January 21, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004231619/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/lucasarts-undergoing-major-restructuring/1100-6104775/|archive-date=October 4, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Some of the former ''Freelance Police'' development team consequently formed [[Telltale Games]] in June 2004 to continue developing the sort of adventure games that LucasArts no longer wished to produce.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/95334/Sam__Max_2_Developers_Form_New_Studio.php | title = ''Sam & Max 2'' Developers Form New Studio | website = [[Gamasutra]] | date = October 4, 2004 | access-date = January 21, 2021 | first = David | last = Jenkins | archive-date = December 30, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131230232259/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=4372 | url-status = dead}}</ref> ''Sam & Max'' creator [[Steve Purcell]], who described himself as disappointed and frustrated with LucasArts' decision,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://adventuregamers.com/news/view/19341|title=Steve Purcell comments on ''Sam & Max 2''{{'}}s cancellation|publisher=[[Adventure Gamers]]|first=Jake|last=Rodkin|date=March 5, 2004|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=February 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212230614/http://www.adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=463|url-status=live}}</ref> took the ''Sam & Max'' franchise to Telltale after the LucasArts license expired in mid-2005. Telltale Games announced the new series of ''Sam & Max'' games in September 2005.<ref name="announce">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sam-and-max-resurrected/1100-6133326/|title=''Sam & Max'' resurrected|website=[[GameSpot]]|first=Brendan|last=Sinclair|date=September 15, 2005|access-date=January 21, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717221302/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/sammaxep1/news.html?sid=6133326&mode=all|archive-date=July 17, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Brendan Q. Ferguson, who worked on ''Freelance Police'' as a programmer, designer and writer; [[Dave Grossman (game developer)|Dave Grossman]], one of the project leaders on ''[[Maniac Mansion: Day of the Tentacle]]''; and Purcell primarily led the development of the project.<ref name="Grossman interview">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130274/telltale_tells_all_pt_1__an_.php|title=Telltale Tells All (Pt. 1) – An Interview with Dave Grossman|website=[[Gamasutra]]|first=Frank|last=Cifaldi|date=July 26, 2006|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=August 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823173938/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130274/telltale_tells_all_pt_1__an_.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Unlike ''Freelance Police'', ''Save the World'' was developed in [[episodic video game|episodic]] form, with episodes being released in quick succession, to allow for reduced development time between titles and quicker delivery of content to consumers.<ref name="announce" /> Telltale launched a website for ''Sam & Max'' in November to accompany their new series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news111105samandmx|title=Sam and Max site launches|website=[[Eurogamer]]|first=Rob|last=Purchese|date=November 11, 2005|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301122056/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news111105samandmx|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, Purcell began publishing a ''Sam & Max'' [[webcomic]] entitled "The Big Sleep" on the site;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/12/13/sam-max-comic-debuts-online|title=''Sam & Max'' Comic Debuts Online|website=[[IGN]]|first=David|last=Adams|date=December 12, 2005|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142918/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/12/13/sam-max-comic-debuts-online|url-status=live}}</ref> the webcomic ran for twelve issues and concluded in April 2007. Purcell won an [[Eisner Award]] in 2007 for the webcomic.<ref>{{cite web |title=2000s |url=https://www.comic-con.org/awards/2000s |website=Comic-Con International: San Diego |access-date=22 January 2021 |language=en |date=2 December 2012 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141006153947/http://www.comic-con.org/awards/2000s |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2006, Telltale acquired {{currency|825,000|US}} in funding from a group of private investors, to help sustain growth until its next round of [[Equity investment|equity funding]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/telltale-games-secures-funding/1100-6145209/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722032440/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/sammaxep1/news.html?sid=6145209&mode=all|url-status=live|archive-date=July 22, 2012|website=[[GameSpot]]|title=Telltale Games secures funding|date=March 1, 2006|first=Brendan|last=Sinclair|access-date=March 12, 2009}}</ref>

Telltale released the game's trailer for the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] in May 2006,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news160506samandmax|title=New ''Sam & Max'' Trailer|first=Tom|last=Bradwell|website=Eurogamer|access-date=January 21, 2021|date=May 16, 2006|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224171035/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news160506samandmax|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/videos/sam-and-max-working-title-official-trailer-1/2300-6151343/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715194129/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/sammaxep1/video/6151343|url-status=live|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=''Sam & Max'' (working title) Official Trailer 1|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=January 21, 2021}}</ref> showing the new voice actors for Sam and Max: David Nowlin and William Kasten respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/sam-max-season-one/credits|title=Game Credits for ''Sam & Max: Season One''|publisher=[[MobyGames]]|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142918/https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/sam-max-season-one/credits|url-status=live}}</ref> However, [[Kid Beyond|Andrew Chaikin]] voiced Max in the first episode, but was unable to continue in the role for health reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://community.telltale.com/discussion/comment/14865/#Comment_14865|title=Andrew Chaikin won't be playing Max in episodes 2 or 3|first=Jake|last=Rodkin|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|date=November 30, 2006|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142918/https://community.telltale.com/discussion/comment/14865/#Comment_14865|url-status=live}}</ref> While at the convention, Telltale revealed that the first episode was forecast for release towards the end of 2006, via the distribution service [[GameTap]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/18/sam-max-re-debuts-while-turkey-cooks|title=''Sam & Max'' Re-Debuts While Turkey Cooks|website=[[IGN]]|first=David|last=Adams|date=May 17, 2006|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142925/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/18/sam-max-re-debuts-while-turkey-cooks|url-status=live}}</ref> Telltale announced a release date of October 17 over GameTap in early September, with the note that each episode would be made available from Telltale themselves within fifteen days of release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/07/sam-max-set-a-date|title=''Sam & Max'' Set a Date|website=[[IGN]]|first=Daemon|last=Hatfield|date=September 7, 2006|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142927/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/07/sam-max-set-a-date|url-status=live}}</ref> Development on the first episode was completed on September 25,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/26/sam-max-wrap-things-up|title=''Sam & Max'' Wrap Things Up|website=[[IGN]]|date=September 25, 2006|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142919/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/26/sam-max-wrap-things-up|url-status=live}}</ref> and from October 10, GameTap began hosting the [[The Adventures of Sam & Max: Freelance Police|''Sam & Max'' animated series]] as promotional material for release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/11/sam-max-animated-series-re-aired|title=''Sam & Max'' Animated Series "Re-Aired"|website=[[IGN]]|first=David|last=Adams|date=October 10, 2006|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142922/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/11/sam-max-animated-series-re-aired|url-status=live}}</ref> The first episode, "Culture Shock", was released on-time on October 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.games.ign.com/articles/739/739782p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713005137/http://uk.games.ign.com/articles/739/739782p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 13, 2011|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 1: "Culture Shock" Premieres Today|website=[[IGN]]|date=October 17, 2006|access-date=March 12, 2009}}</ref> The next five episodes were released over short intervals until the series finale in April 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sam-and-max-season-1-finale|title=''Sam & Max Season 1'' finale|website=[[Eurogamer]]|first=Rob|last=Purchese|date=April 17, 2007|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226181838/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sam-and-max-season-1-finale|url-status=live}}</ref> The series debuted on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] on June 15 the same year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://community.telltale.com/discussion/49579/sam-max-season-1-now-on-steam|title=''Sam & Max: Season 1'' now on Steam!|first=Emily|last=Morganti|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|date=June 15, 2007|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142923/https://community.telltale.com/discussion/49579/sam-max-season-1-now-on-steam|url-status=live}}</ref> Telltale began shipping a special collectors edition of the game in July,<ref name="S1DVD">{{cite web|url=https://community.telltale.com/discussion/49588/season-one-bonus-dvd-is-now-shipping|title=''Season One'' bonus DVD is now shipping!|first=Emily|last=Morganti|date=July 18, 2007|access-date=January 21, 2021|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142919/https://community.telltale.com/discussion/49588/season-one-bonus-dvd-is-now-shipping|url-status=live}}</ref> while the retail version of the game was published in August.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://community.telltale.com/discussion/49598/sam-max-at-retail-right-now|title=''Sam & Max'' at retail! Right now!|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|first=Emily|last=Morganti|date=August 15, 2007|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142920/https://community.telltale.com/discussion/49598/sam-max-at-retail-right-now|url-status=live}}</ref> January 2008 saw a significant update to the game, upgrading the game engine and ensuring compatibility with [[Windows Vista]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://community.telltale.com/discussion/49647/sam-max-season-one-games-have-been-updated|title=''Sam & Max Season One'' games have been updated|first=Emily|last=Morganti|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|date=January 29, 2008|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003116/https://telltale.com/community/discussion/49647/sam-max-season-one-games-have-been-updated/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Three months later, Telltale announced a [[Wii]] version of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sam-and-max-report-for-wii-duty/1100-6188738/|title=Sam and Max report for Wii duty|website=[[GameSpot]]|first=Brendan|last=Sinclair|date=April 3, 2008|access-date=January 21, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301185207/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6188738.html|archive-date=March 1, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Telltale reported that an email campaign and Internet rumors of a port had stirred up interest within the company for producing a Wii version.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/04/sam-max-hit-the-wii|title=''Sam & Max'' Hit the Wii|website=[[IGN]]|date=July 1, 2008|first=Daemon|last=Hatfield|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142926/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/04/sam-max-hit-the-wii|url-status=live}}</ref> They redesigned the game's point-and-click interface to accommodate the [[Wii Remote]], the primary controller for the console.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/01/hands-on-sam-max-season-one|title=Hands-On: ''Sam & Max'' Season One|first=Daemon|last=Hatfield|date=July 1, 2008|access-date=January 21, 2021|website=[[IGN]]|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142918/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/01/hands-on-sam-max-season-one|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was initially forecast for release in North America on October 7, 2008,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/17/release-date-for-sam-max-wii-set-for-october-7-in-north-american-retail-stores|title=Release Date for ''Sam & Max'' Wii Set for October 7 in North American Retail Stores|website=[[IGN]]|date=September 17, 2008|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142928/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/17/release-date-for-sam-max-wii-set-for-october-7-in-north-american-retail-stores|url-status=live}}</ref> but was released a week later on October 14.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/14/sam-max-season-one-for-wii-now-shipping-to-retail-in-north-america|title=''Sam & Max Season One'' for Wii Now Shipping to Retail in North America|website=[[IGN]]|date=October 14, 2008|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142923/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/14/sam-max-season-one-for-wii-now-shipping-to-retail-in-north-america|url-status=live}}</ref> The European version was published later in December.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://community.telltale.com/discussion/49759/sam-max-season-two-coming-to-retail-wii|title=''Sam & Max Season Two'' coming to retail, Wii|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|first=Emily|last=Morganti|date=December 2, 2008|access-date=December 10, 2008|archive-date=February 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224051536/http://www.telltalegames.com/community/blogs/id-404|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2009, Telltale Games renamed the game from its initial release title of ''Sam & Max: Season One'' to ''Sam & Max Save the World''. Telltale's public relations spokeswoman, Emily Morganti, explained that while ''Season One'' was thought to communicate the game's episodic nature to potential consumers, the company felt that it was nondescript in relation to the game's story.<ref name="rename" /> The message accompanied the announcement of an [[Xbox Live Arcade]] version of the game, which had been subject to media speculation since February 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sam-and-max-for-xbla|title=''Sam & Max'' for XBLA?|website=[[Eurogamer]]|first=Kristan|last=Reed|date=February 27, 2007|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302163047/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sam-and-max-for-xbla|url-status=live}}</ref> Both Windows and Wii versions of the game were republished using the new title.<ref name="rename">{{cite web|url=https://community.telltale.com/discussion/49780/sam-max-coming-to-xbla-with-new-and-improved-names|title=''Sam & Max'' coming to XBLA with new and improved names|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]|first=Emily|last=Morganti|date=February 26, 2009|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142918/https://community.telltale.com/discussion/49780/sam-max-coming-to-xbla-with-new-and-improved-names|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Design===
[[File:Max 3D model diagram.jpg|thumb|right|Series creator [[Steve Purcell]] was involved in ensuring that the characters and environments of the game conveyed the same feel as the comics|alt=A screenshot of an anthropomorphized rabbit in a 3D model viewer. The image is annotated in pencil, with modifications drawn over the character to indicate required changes to ear position, arm length and feet shape.]]
According to Dave Grossman, the objective for Telltale Games with ''Sam & Max Save the World'' was to create a game with a "lot of story and character in it".<ref name="Grossman interview" /> Grossman explained that the ''Sam & Max'' franchise was therefore most ideally suited to the graphic adventure genre; while [[action game|action]] was thought to be possible with the source material, it "would be kind of wrong".<ref name="Grossman interview" /> Still, designers decided to introduce action moments such as car chase scenes, wanting players to "feel like [they] are these crazy Freelance Police officers" and "just be involved in all this sort of mayhem" presented in the original comic strips.<ref name="cgwfeature">{{cite magazine|title=Cover Story: ''Sam & Max'' - In the Hot Seat with Telltale Games|author=Scott, Ryan|date=August 2006|magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]]|page=69|issue=265|issn=0744-6667|oclc=8482876}}</ref>  Like in previous ''Sam & Max'' games, ''Sam & Max Save the World'' used a point-and-click gameplay system, itself a variation of the control scheme used by Telltale in their preceding adventure game series, ''[[Bone: Out from Boneville|Bone]]''; the action sequences implemented in the game still maintained the point-and-click interface.<ref name="Grossman interview" />

Very little of the design from ''Freelance Police'' was carried over into ''Save the World''; LucasArts still held onto the assets created for use in ''Freelance Police'', and Telltale was wary of using similar design patterns.<ref name="Grossman interview" /> While Ferguson and Purcell had both been involved with the canceled LucasArts project, Grossman had not. The team decided to just start from fresh, and pursue a different treatment of the game's subject.<ref name="Grossman interview" /> Purcell himself wanted to ensure that the game conveyed the "gritty" feel of the original comics—something he felt was lacking from the LucasArts renditions of the franchise. Grossman stated that "we wanted to get a little bit more of that dirt on the streets, and the paper cups and people being mean and nasty".<ref name="Grossman interview" /> This "gritty" feeling also influenced artistic design. For instance, on Purcell's suggestion, the sky was changed from blue to yellow in the street outside Sam and Max's office, instantly making the environment feel "filthy and disgusting".<ref name="Grossman interview" />

===Audio===
Bay Area Sound, a company set up by [[Clint Bajakian]], who had worked extensively on composition and sound production on LucasArts games since 1994, produced the soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basound.com/pages/credits_main.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050216044127/http://basound.com/pages/credits_main.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2005|title=Credits|publisher=Bay Area Sound|access-date=March 21, 2009}}</ref> The ''Save the World'' soundtrack was composed by [[Jared Emerson-Johnson]], Bajakian's former protégé, whose previous work included composition and sound editing for LucasArts. Emerson-Johnson's scores used live performances as opposed to synthesized music often used elsewhere in the video games industry;<ref name="IGN music" /> a small team of five musicians, including Emerson-Johnson and a recording engineer, produced the soundtrack.<ref name="soundtrack1" /> The score is primarily grounded in [[film noir]] [[jazz]], inspired by the work of [[Henry Mancini]] and [[Charles Mingus]].<ref name="IGN music" /> However, Emerson-Johnson noted that as the ''Sam & Max'' universe is "open-ended",<ref name="Mojo music">{{cite web|url=http://www.mixnmojo.com/features/read.php?article=telltaleinterview&page=1|title=Gabez does Bay Area Sound|publisher=LucasArts Fan Network, LLC|work=The International House of Mojo|access-date=March 21, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011043904/http://mixnmojo.com/features/read.php?article=telltaleinterview&page=1 |archive-date = October 11, 2007}}</ref> he had the chance to explore into other musical genres in some episodes, such as "a song-and-dance [[Charleston (dance)|Charleston]] number, faux [[Philip Glass]], an ode to [[Nina Rota]]'s music from ''[[The Godfather]]'', and even some inspired retro [[8-bit (music)|8-bit game music]]".<ref name="IGN music">{{cite web|url=http://uk.music.ign.com/articles/799/799862p1.html|title=Playing it Cool: ''Sam & Max'' Swing a Record Deal|website=[[IGN]]|first=Alex|last=Van Zelfdendate|date=June 27, 2007|access-date=December 4, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514213327/http://uk.music.ign.com/articles/799/799862p1.html|archive-date=May 14, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Several songs were incorporated into the soundtrack, performed by Emerson-Johnson or Peter Barto, the voice actor for Agent Superball. Purcell later commented that Emerson-Johnson had seamlessly blended a "huge palette of genres and styles",<ref name="soundtrack1">{{cite book|last=Purcell|first=Steve|date=June 2007|title=Sam & Max: Season One Soundtrack|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]}}</ref> while Ferguson stated that he believed that it was Emerson-Johnson's scores that created the vital atmosphere in the games, noting that prior to the implementation of the music, playing the games was an "unrelenting horror".<ref>{{cite book|last=Ferguson|first=Brendan Q.|date=September 2008|title=Sam & Max: Season Two Soundtrack|publisher=[[Telltale Games]]}}</ref> The soundtrack to ''Sam & Max Save the World'' was published in July 2007.<ref name="S1DVD" />

{{track listing
| headline        = ''Sam & Max Season One Soundtrack'' disk one track list
| extra_column    = 
| total_length    = 1:11:46
| title1          = Opening Credits
| length1         = 0:44
| title2          = The New Case
| note2           = from "Culture Shock"
| length2         = 0:58
| title3         = The Office
| note3          = from "Culture Shock"
| length3        = 3:18
| title4         = Fuzzy White Butterfingers
| note4          = from "Culture Shock"
| length4        = 0:54
| title5         = City Streets
| note5          = from "Culture Shock"
| length5        = 3:12
| title6         = Bosco's
| note6          = from "Culture Shock"
| length6        = 4:06
| title7         = Eye-Bo Unveiled
| note7          = from "Culture Shock"
| length7        = 1:07
| title8         = Sybil's
| note8          = from "Culture Shock"
| length8        = 3:03
| title9         = Behind the Poppers
| note9          = from "Culture Shock"
| length9        = 1:15
| title10         = I Can See You
| note10          = from "Culture Shock"
| length10        = 0:32
| title11         = Cruisin{{'-}}
| note11          = from "Culture Shock"
| length11        = 1:28
| title12         = More Than Jerks
| note12          = from "Culture Shock"
| length12        = 1:31
| title13         = The Black Hole
| note13          = from "Culture Shock"
| length13        = 3:14
| title14         = Master Plans
| note14          = from "Culture Shock"
| length14        = 1:40
| title15         = Attack the Dog
| note15          = from "Culture Shock"
| length15        = 4:00
| title16         = Attack Me
| note16          = from "Culture Shock"
| length16        = 0:59
| title17         = High Noon Hostage Crisis
| note17          = from "Situation: Comedy"
| length17        = 0:32
| title18         = Skinbodies Rule the Streets
| note18          = from "Situation: Comedy"
| length18        = 0:31
| title19         = Quiet on the Set
| note19          = from "Situation: Comedy"
| length19        = 6:58
| title20         = Mad Dog
| note20          = from "Situation: Comedy"
| length20        = 0:38
| title21         = ''Midtown Cowboys''
| note21          = from "Situation: Comedy"
| length21        = 0:07
| title22         = ''Cooking Without Looking''
| note22          = from "Situation: Comedy"
| length22        = 0:54
| title23         = ''Who's Never Going to Be a Millionaire''
| note23          = from "Situation: Comedy"
| length23        = 0:15
| title24         = Time Out for Number Two
| note24          = from "Situation: Comedy"
| length24        = 0:42
| title25         = ''Myra!''
| note25          = from "Situation: Comedy"
| length25        = 1:01
| title26         = Electrotalk Therapy
| note26          = from "Situation: Comedy"
| length26        = 1:06
| title27         = Cirque De Molé
| note27          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length27        = 1:33
| title28         = Ted E. Bear's Mafia-Free Playland and Casino
| note28          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length28        = 4:34
| title29         = Just You and Me (and Ted E. Bear)
| note29          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length29        = 1:21
| title30         = Bear Arms
| note30          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length30        = 0:22
| title31         = One-Armed Bandit
| note31          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length31        = 0:46
| title32         = Whack Da Ratz
| note32          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length32        = 0:21
| title33         = Don Ted E. Bear Waltz
| note33          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length33        = 2:39
| title34         = Tactit Approval
| note34          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length34        = 0:59
| title35         = Ketchup Deception
| note35          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length35        = 0:56
| title36         = New Recruits
| note36          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length36        = 0:16
| title37         = Initiation Confrontation
| note37          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length37        = 1:21
| title38         = Behind the Door
| note38          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length38        = 1:20
| title39         = Cogs in Motion
| note39          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length39        = 5:55
| title40         = Death of a Lagomorph
| note40          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length40        = 1:42
| title41         = Critical Mass
| note41          = from "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"
| length41        = 1:51
}}

{{track listing
| headline        = ''Sam & Max Season One Soundtrack'' disk two track list
| extra_column    = 
| total_length    = 1:13:36
| title1          = Wrong Number
| note1           = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length1         = 1:25
| title2          = Lincoln vs. Max
| note2           = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length2         = 3:52
| title3         = Consecutive Officer
| note3          = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length3        = 8:21
| title4         = Rise of the Emancipator
| note4          = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length4        = 1:54
| title5         = Regime Change
| note5          = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length5        = 1:26
| title6         = Неудобство
| note6          = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length6        = 0:43
| title7         = Monumental Scandal
| note7          = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length7        = 1:01
| title8         = Inaugural Distress
| note8          = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length8        = 0:35
| title9         = Sore Loser
| note9          = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length9        = 4:35
| title10         = Rushmore, Lush, War
| note10          = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length10        = 1:20
| title11         = Good for Me (Good for You)
| note11          = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length11        = 2:42
| title12         = The War Room
| note12          = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length12        = 3:04
| title13         = Pounding Fathers
| note13          = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"
| length13        = 1:05
| title14         = Computer Crisis
| note14          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length14        = 1:18
| title15         = Useful to Boot
| note15          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length15        = 2:35
| title16         = Sybil's 2.0
| note16          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length16        = 3:03
| title17         = City Streets 2.0
| note17          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length17        = 3:06
| title18         = Bosco's 2.0
| note18          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length18        = 2:03
| title19         = Lefty's 2.0
| note19          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length19        = 1:12
| title20         = Jimmy 2.0
| note20          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length20        = 0:30
| title21         = The Office 2.0
| note21          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length21        = 1:39
| title22         = Combat Begin!!
| note22          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length22        = 0:57
| title23         = Crusin' 2.0
| note23          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length23        = 1:31
| title24         = Cookin' the Books
| note24          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length24        = 0:24
| title25         = 404
| note25          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length25        = 1:01
| title26         = Item Get
| note26          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length26        = 0:04
| title27         = Roy G. Biv
| note27          = from "Reality 2.0"
| length27        = 1:22
| title28         = Moonscape
| note28          = from "Bright Side of the Moon"
| length28        = 5:28
| title29         = Prismatology Retreat
| note29          = from "Bright Side of the Moon"
| length29        = 5:02
| title30         = Hugh's Inner Sanctum
| note30          = from "Bright Side of the Moon"
| length30        = 4:01
| title31         = World of Max
| note31          = from "Bright Side of the Moon"
| length31        = 4:32
| title32         = Good for You (Good for Me) Instrumental reprise
| note32          = from "Abe Lincoln Must Die"
| length32        = 1:30
}}

==Reception==
{{VG series reviews
|game1=Culture Shock
|mc1=81/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/samandmaxepisode1cultureshock|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 1: "Culture Shock" (PC: 2006) Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-date=June 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621071905/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/samandmaxepisode1cultureshock|url-status=live}}</ref>
|gr1=81%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/930015.asp|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 101: "Culture Shock" Reviews|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-date=December 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220072932/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/930015.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game2=Situation: Comedy
|mc2=79/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/samandmaxepisode2situationcomedy|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 2: "Situation: Comedy" (PC: 2006) Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-date=June 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624041644/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/samandmaxepisode2situationcomedy|url-status=live}}</ref>
|gr2=79%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/937093.asp|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 102: "Situation: Comedy" Reviews|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-date=January 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110024500/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/937093.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game3=The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball
|mc3=74/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/samandmaxepisode3themole|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 3: "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball" (PC: 2007) Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-date=June 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624041649/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/samandmaxepisode3themole|url-status=live}}</ref>
|gr3=74%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/937737.asp|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 103: "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball" Reviews|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-date=January 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120032938/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/937737.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game4=Abe Lincoln Must Die!
|mc4=80/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/samandmaxepisode4abelincolnmustdie|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 4: "Abe Lincoln Must Die!" (PC: 2007) Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-date=June 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621072104/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/samandmaxepisode4abelincolnmustdie|url-status=live}}</ref>
|gr4=81%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/937738.asp|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 104: "Abe Lincoln Must Die!" Reviews|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-date=January 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120033712/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/937738.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game5=Reality 2.0
|mc5=82/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/samandmaxepisode5reality20|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 5: "Reality 2.0" (PC: 2007) Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-date=June 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624113113/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/samandmaxepisode5reality20|url-status=live}}</ref>
|gr5=83%<ref name="GR">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/937739.asp|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 105: "Reality 2.0" Reviews|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-date=January 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120032943/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/937739.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game6=Bright Side of the Moon
|mc6=79/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/samandmaxepisode6brightsideofthemoon|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 6: "Bright Side of the Moon" (PC: 2007) Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-date=June 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624112757/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/samandmaxepisode6brightsideofthemoon|url-status=live}}</ref>
|gr6=81%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/939029.asp|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 106: "Bright Side of the Moon" Reviews|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=January 24, 2009|archive-date=January 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120033716/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/939029.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game7=Save the World PC version
|mc7= — 
|gr7=88%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/938652-sam-and-max-season-one/index.html|title=''Sam & Max: Season One'' Reviews|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=March 3, 2009|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209013445/https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/938652-sam-and-max-season-one/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game8=Save the World Wii version
|mc8=74/100<ref name="MC Wii">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/samandmaxseason1|title=''Sam & Max: Season One'' (Wii: 2008) Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=July 17, 2009|archive-date=May 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507030028/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/samandmaxseason1|url-status=live}}</ref>
|gr8=75%<ref name="GR Wii">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/945731-sam-and-max-season-one/index.html|title=''Sam & Max: Season One'' Reviews|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=March 3, 2009|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209014608/https://www.gamerankings.com/wii/945731-sam-and-max-season-one/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game9=Save the World Xbox 360 version
|mc9=74/100<ref name="MC XB360">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/samandmaxsavetheworld|title=''Sam & Max Save the World'' (Xbox 360: 2009) Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=June 19, 2009|archive-date=July 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703052036/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/samandmaxsavetheworld|url-status=live}}</ref>
|gr9=78%<ref name="GR XB360">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/960924-sam-and-max-save-the-world/index.html|title=''Sam & Max Save the World'' Reviews|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=July 17, 2009|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209015352/https://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/960924-sam-and-max-save-the-world/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game10=Save the World Remastered PC version
|mc10=82/100<ref name="MC RemPC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sam-and-max-save-the-world-remastered/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=''Sam & Max Save the World Remastered'' for PC Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=2020-12-03|archive-date=December 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202095836/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/sam-max-save-the-world-remastered|url-status=live}}</ref>
|gr10= —
|game11=Save the World Remastered Switch version
|mc11=75/100<ref name="MC RemSwitch">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sam-and-max-save-the-world-remastered/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=''Sam & Max Save the World Remastered'' for Switch Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=2020-12-03|archive-date=December 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202095836/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/sam-max-save-the-world-remastered|url-status=live}}</ref>
|gr11= —
|game12=Save the World Remastered Xbox One version
|mc12=84/100<ref name="MC RemXONE">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sam-and-max-save-the-world-remastered/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one|website=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=December 4, 2021|title=''Sam & Max Save the World Remastered'' for Xbox One Reviews|archive-date=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204165347/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/sam-max-save-the-world-remastered|url-status=live}}</ref>
|gr12= —
}}
''Sam & Max Save the World'' received positive critical reaction from reviewers. Aggregate review scores on [[GameRankings]] and [[Metacritic]] rank the fifth episode, "Reality 2.0", as the critical favorite, while the third episode, "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball" received the lowest scores. The entire season holds a score of 88 percent on GameRankings. In addition to receiving several editor choice awards, the game has been recipient to publisher awards for the best adventure game of 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/achievement/index.html?page=12|title=Best and Worst Games of 2006: Funniest Game|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=December 5, 2006|access-date=March 27, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070124212507/http://uk.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/achievement/index.html%3Fpage%3D12|archive-date=January 24, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.bestof.ign.com/2006/pc/2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105140948/http://uk.bestof.ign.com/2006/pc/2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 5, 2008|title=The Best of 2006: Best Adventure Game|website=[[IGN]]|date=January 5, 2007|access-date=March 27, 2009}}</ref> As Telltale Games had managed to release a steady stream content with only small time gaps, journalists in the video game industry had considered ''Sam & Max Save the World'' to be the first successful application of [[Episodic video game|episodic gaming]]. Previous unsuccessful implementations of the distribution model included attempts by [[Valve Corporation|Valve]] with the [[Half-Life (series)|''Half-Life'' series]], [[Ritual Entertainment]] with ''[[SiN Episodes]]'' and Telltale themselves with ''[[Bone: Out from Boneville|Bone]]''.<ref name="episodic">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/samandmaxseason1/news.html?sid=6189014&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;2|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102210645/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/samandmaxseason1/news.html?sid=6189014&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;2|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 2, 2013|title=Q&A: Telltale tells why ''Sam & Max'' works|website=[[GameSpot]]|first=Brendan|last=Sinclair|date=April 10, 2008|access-date=December 7, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3163746|title=Why is Episodic Gaming So Hard?|website=[[1UP.com]]|first=Philip|last=Kollar|date=October 17, 2007|access-date=April 19, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104114907/http://www.1up.com/news/episodic-gaming-challenges|archive-date=November 4, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/more-companies-will-move-into-episodic-games-telltale|title=More companies will move into episodic games – Telltale|publisher=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]|first=Phil|last=Elliott|date=March 16, 2009|access-date=April 19, 2009|archive-date=August 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829145947/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/more-companies-will-move-into-episodic-games-telltale|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/962/962852p1.html|title=Are Episodic Games the Future?|website=[[IGN]]|first=Ryan|last=Geddes|date=March 16, 2009|access-date=April 19, 2009|archive-date=January 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131081119/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/16/are-episodic-games-the-future|url-status=live}}</ref>

The debut episode, "Culture Shock", was recipient to a mostly optimistic response from critics. The episode was thought to adequately follow 1993's ''[[Sam & Max Hit the Road]]'',<ref name="Euro101"/> with the introduction of the new 3D engine and gameplay being positively received.<ref name="Yahoo101">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/85119/sam-max-episode-1/|title=Review: Sam & Max: Episode 1|magazine=[[GamePro]]|date=November 2, 2006|access-date=August 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206210405/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/85119/sam-max-episode-1/|archive-date=February 6, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://videogames.yahoo.com/pc/sam--max-season-1-episode-1--culture-shock/review-488421 |title=''Sam & Max: Season 1'', Episode 1 – "Culture Shock" |publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Games]] |first=Mike |last=Smith |access-date=August 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201142119/http://videogames.yahoo.com/pc/sam--max-season-1-episode-1--culture-shock/review-488421 |archive-date=February 1, 2008}}</ref> Criticisms of "Culture Shock" focused on the story; while the humor in the writing was praised,<ref name="Yahoo101"/> the plot was seen as a "thin excuse for the jokes"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3154466|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061126215151/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3154466|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 26, 2006|title=Sam & Max Episode 1: "Culture Shock" Review|website=[[1UP.com]]|first=Charles|last=Ardai|date=October 17, 2006|access-date=August 22, 2009}}</ref> and the episode's primary antagonist was described by [[IGN]]'s Steve Butts as "a bit of a letdown".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/739/739781p1.html|title=Sam and Max: Episode One, "Culture Shock" Review|website=[[IGN]]|first=Steve|last=Butts|date=October 17, 2006|access-date=August 22, 2009|archive-date=March 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303073308/http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/739/739781p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The humorous writing and characters had done enough to compel the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] to nominate ''Culture Shock'' for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Story|Outstanding Achievement in Story and Character Development]]" at the [[10th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGame=856 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Sam & Max Episode 1: Culture Shock |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=7 November 2023}}</ref> The second episode, "Situation: Comedy", was thought to produce a better antagonist than "Culture Shock",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/753/753004p1.html|title=''Sam & Max'': Episode 2, "Situation: Comedy" Review|website=[[IGN]]|date=January 3, 2007|first=Steve|last=Butts|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=March 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317054205/http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/753/753004p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> with the puzzles linking in well to the story.<ref name="GamePro102">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/95068/sam-max-episode-2-situation-comedy/|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 2: "Situation: Comedy"|magazine=[[GamePro]]|date=January 30, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206030744/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/95068/sam-max-episode-2-situation-comedy/|archive-date=February 6, 2009}}</ref> However, critics described the puzzles as too easy,<ref name="GamePro102"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/review/sam-max-episode-2-situation-comedy/a-20070108103741142004/p-2|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 2: "Situation: Comedy"|publisher=[[GamesRadar]]|first=Mikel|last=Reparaz|date=January 9, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003141/https://www.gamesradar.com/sam-max-episode-2-situation-comedy-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> and expressed disappointment at the reuse of lines from the first episode.<ref name="GamePro102"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3156693&sec=REVIEWS|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116073434/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3156693&sec=REVIEWS|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 16, 2013|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 2: "Situation: Comedy" Review|website=[[1UP.com]]|first=Ryan|last=Scott|date=January 24, 2007}}</ref> The next episode, "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball", was the lowest rated episode amongst reviewers. Although the episode received compliments for its dialogue and humor,<ref name="AdvGamers103">{{cite web|url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,722/|title=Review: ''Sam & Max'': Episode 3 – "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"|publisher=[[Adventure Gamers]]|first=Evan|last=Dickens|date=February 7, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003117/https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Stocks |first=JanaLee |title=We play ''Sam & Max'' Episode 3... |url=http://www.strategyinformer.com/pc/sammaxepisode3/review.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219170631/http://www.strategyinformer.com/pc/sammaxepisode3/review.html |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |access-date=August 23, 2009 |publisher=Strategy Informer}}</ref> it was criticised for its easy puzzles and short length.<ref name="AdvGamers103"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sam-and-max-ep3-the-mole-the-mob-and-the-meatball-review|title=''Sam & Max'' Ep3: "The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball"|website=[[Eurogamer]]|first=Kirsten|last=Reed|date=January 27, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003120/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sam-and-max-ep3-the-mole-the-mob-and-the-meatball-review|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=158154|title=PC Review: Sam & Max: Episode 3 - The Mole, the Mob and the Meatball|work=[[PC Zone]]|first=Jon|last=Blyth|date=February 27, 2009|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003142/https://www.gamesradar.com/?id=158154|url-status=live}}</ref>

The fourth episode, "Abe Lincoln Must Die!", was held by critics to be one of the series' best episodes.<ref name="IGN104">{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/769/769639p1.html|title=''Sam & Max'': Episode 4, "Abe Lincoln Must Die!" Review|website=[[IGN]]|first=Steve|last=Butts|date=March 2, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=March 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317054214/http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/769/769639p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GameSpy104">{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/sam-max-episode-4/768776p1.html|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 4 – "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|date=February 27, 2007|first=Allen|last=Rausch|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003140/http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/sam-max-episode-4/768776p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The episode's story of [[political satire]] was subject to praise,<ref name="IGN104"/><ref name="GameSpy104"/> whilst the increased length was also appreciated.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/130568/sam-max-episode-4-abe-lincoln-must-die/|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 4: "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"|magazine=[[GamePro]]|date=August 22, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206030648/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/130568/sam-max-episode-4-abe-lincoln-must-die/|archive-date=February 6, 2009}}</ref> Puzzles were felt to be more difficult and satisfying to solve.<ref name="IGN104"/> Detractors of the episode, however, felt that the episode suffered from the need to constantly move between locations<ref name="IGN104"/> and from the reuse of old characters and locations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sam-and-max-episode-4-abe-lincoln-must-die-review|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 4 - "Abe Lincoln Must Die!"|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=February 22, 2007|first=Kirsten|last=Reed|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019110608/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sam-and-max-episode-4-abe-lincoln-must-die-review|url-status=live}}</ref> "Reality 2.0", the fifth episode, was the critical favorite of the series. The game's puzzles were cited as stronger than in "Abe Lincoln Must Die!",<ref name="GameSpy105">{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/sam-max-episode-5/777048p1.html|title=''Sam & Max'' – Episode 5: "Reality 2.0"|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|first=Allen|last=Rausch|date=March 29, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111142931/http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/sam-max-episode-5/777048p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IGN105">{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/776/776884p1.html|title=''Sam & Max'': Episode 5, "Reality 2.0" Review|website=[[IGN]]|date=March 29, 2007|first=Steve|last=Butts|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=March 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317054218/http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/776/776884p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> with a fitting tribute to [[Interactive fiction|text adventure games]] towards the end.<ref name="AdvGamers105">{{cite web|url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,735/|title=Review: ''Sam & Max'': Episode 5 - "Reality 2.0"|publisher=[[Adventure Gamers]]|first=Evan|last=Dickens|date=April 16, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=February 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222043525/http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,735/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the script was thought to be inferior to the preceding episode.<ref name="GameSpy105"/><ref name="AdvGamers105"/> The season finale "Bright Side of the Moon" received a more reserved response than the two previous episodes, with criticisms directed at the length of the game<ref name="GameSpot106"/> and the depth of character interaction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/review/sam-max-episode-6-bright-side-of-the-moon/a-20070501121617639028|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 6: "Bright Side of the Moon"|publisher=[[GamesRadar]]|first=Mikel|last=Reparaz|date=May 2, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=June 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616051143/http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/review/sam-max-episode-6-bright-side-of-the-moon/a-20070501121617639028|url-status=live}}</ref> Nevertheless, reviewers felt that the episode had reasonable puzzle design<ref name="NYT106">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/03/technology/03game.html?_r=1&ex=1178769600&en=b439972916c735c7&ei=5070&emc=eta1|title=Let's End the Nightmare of Peace and Tranquillity|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Charles|last=Herold|date=May 7, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003218/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/03/technology/03game.html?_r=1&ex=1178769600&en=b439972916c735c7&ei=5070&emc=eta1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AdvGamers106">{{cite web|url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,740/|title=Review: ''Sam & Max'': Episode 6 – "Bright Side of the Moon"|publisher=[[Adventure Gamers]]|first=Evan|last=Dickens|date=May 11, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003158/https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18037|url-status=live}}</ref> and that it was a respectable end to the series.<ref name="GameSpot106">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/samandmaxepisode6brightsideofthemoon/review.html|title=''Sam & Max'' Episode 106 Review|website=[[GameSpot]]|first=Jeff|last=Gerstmann|date=May 1, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010072410/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/samandmaxepisode6brightsideofthemoon/review.html|archive-date=October 10, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="NYT106"/><ref name="AdvGamers106"/>

Critics gave positive reviews towards the overall gameplay mechanics, although they often presented some reservations. Several reviews praised the simplicity of the game interface. Andre Thomas of GamePlasma described the game's learning curve as "incredibly simple" and the gameplay mechanics as logical extension of those from the adventure games of the 1990s,<ref name="Plasma">{{cite web|url=http://www.gameplasma.com/reviews/index/view/id/15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719142739/http://www.gameplasma.com/reviews/index/view/id/15|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 19, 2011|title=''Sam & Max: Season 1'' Review|publisher=GamePlasma|first=Andre|last=Thomas|date=August 7, 2007|access-date=April 8, 2009}}</ref> while GamingTrend reviewer Ron Burke praised Telltale's "intuitive" point-and-click system.<ref name="Trend">{{cite web |last=Burke |first=Ron |title=''Sam & Max: Season One'' review |url=http://www.gamingtrend.com/Reviews/review/review.php?ReviewID=991 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100909050543/http://www.gamingtrend.com/Reviews/review/review.php?ReviewID=991 |archive-date=September 9, 2010 |access-date=April 10, 2009 |publisher=GamingTrend}}</ref> Mark Smith of Game Chronicles, however, stated that the streamlined mechanics eliminated "a lot of the exploration and discovery we normally associate with these types of games".<ref name="Chronicles">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamechronicles.com/reviews/pc/sammaxs1/sammaxs1.htm|title=''Sam & Max: Season One'' Review|publisher=Game Chronicles|first=Mark|last=Smith|date=September 4, 2007|access-date=April 8, 2009|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003201/http://www.gamechronicles.com/reviews/pc/sammaxs1/sammaxs1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Some reviews directed criticism towards puzzle design; according to Smith, the game is "certainly accessible to kids and younger teens", but the adult audience "will find these games way too easy".<ref name="Chronicles" /> Reviewing for [[Adventure Gamers]], Evan Dickens felt that the puzzles took "a bit of thought and consideration, but never to a point of consternation", believing that the low difficulty was intended by Telltale to allow players to "proceed through the story with minimum frustration".<ref name="AdvGamers">{{cite web|url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,771/|title=''Sam & Max: Season One''|publisher=[[Adventure Gamers]]|first=Evan|last=Dickens|date=August 30, 2007|access-date=April 8, 2009|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003230/https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18065|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Hyper (magazine)|''Hyper''{{'}}s]] Tim Henderson commends the game for being "highly accessible [and] almost as funny as the original", but criticises it for its episodic content being a "tease".<ref>{{cite journal|last=Henderson|first=Tim|date=December 2006|title=Sam and Max: Culture Shock |journal=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]|publisher=[[Next Media]]|issue=158|pages=76, 77|issn=1320-7458}}</ref>

In relation to the story and writing, critics felt that the overall plot was ineffectual. Al Giovetti of JustAdventure felt the plot was lacking,<ref name="Just">{{cite web|url=http://www.justadventure.com/reviews/SamMaxS1/SamMaxS1.shtm |title=''Sam & Max: Season 1'' Review |publisher=JustAdventure |first=Al |last=Giovetti |date=August 22, 2007 |access-date=April 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101163110/http://www.justadventure.com/reviews/SamMaxS1/SamMaxS1.shtm |archive-date=January 1, 2009}}</ref> while Burke considered the episodic nature to be detrimental to maintaining plot cohesion between the episodes,<ref name="Trend" /> a point with which Dickens agreed.<ref name="AdvGamers" /> Despite this, several reviewers thought that the individual episode stories and the presentation and development of the characters were good.<ref name="Chronicles" /><ref name="Zone">{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r32068.htm |title=''Sam & Max: Season 1'' Review – PC |publisher=GameZone |first=Anise |last=Hollingshead |date=August 27, 2007 |access-date=April 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223020701/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r32068.htm |archive-date=December 23, 2008}}</ref> Reviewers considered the writing for each episode as one of the best features of the game; they also praised the level of humor in the game,<ref name="Entdepot">{{cite web|url=http://www.entdepot.com/pc/article_3112.php|title=''Sam & Max Season One''|publisher=The Entertainment Depot|first=Tim|last=McGowan|date=March 11, 2008|access-date=April 8, 2009|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110003202/http://www.entdepot.com/pc/article_3112.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Plasma" /><ref name="Chronicles" /> although Dickens felt that it was not until the fourth episode that the writing properly established itself.<ref name="AdvGamers" /> In addition, they directed some skepticism towards the reuse of scenes and characters, with critical opinion divided on the degree of success in this regard.<ref name="Entdepot" /><ref name="Trend" /><ref name="AdvGamers" /> A point of contention rose between British and American reviewers over the story and setting, exemplified in ''[[PC Gamer]]''; whilst positive towards the first and fourth episodes, the British edition of the magazine felt this repetition was a severe failing of ''Save the World'', and that the writing did not work well.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=''Sam & Max'' The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=April 2007|page=89|location=United Kingdom}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=''Sam & Max'' Situation: Comedy|magazine=PC Gamer|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=February 2007|page=70|location=United Kingdom}}</ref> In contrast, the American edition rated each episode highly, stating that the quality of the series was "excellent".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=''Sam & Max'' The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball|magazine=PC Gamer|publisher=[[Future US]]|date=April 2007|page=54|location=United States}}</ref>

Critics commended ''Sam & Max Save the World''{{'}}s graphics and art direction; Dickens commented that "the cartoonish, absurdist nature of Steve Purcell's characters is captured perfectly" within an "enthusiastically colorful world that is at its best the stranger it gets",<ref name="AdvGamers" /> while GameZone reviewer Anise Hollingshead praised Telltale for successfully upgrading the characters' graphics "without losing any of their cartoon appeal".<ref name="Zone" /> Kristen Reed, writing for [[Eurogamer]], felt that the graphics reflected a "great degree of care and attention to everything from the locations to the standard of character modelling and animation".<ref name="Euro101">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_samnmax1_pc|title=''Sam & Max'': Episode 1 – Culture Shock Review|website=[[Eurogamer]]|first=Kristen|last=Reed|date=October 17, 2006|access-date=April 10, 2009|archive-date=January 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127111353/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_samnmax1_pc|url-status=live}}</ref> They also praised the game for its sound, voice acting and music. In a review for The Entertainment Depot, Tim McGowan complimented Emerson-Johnson's soundtrack as "being quite excellent and listenable on its own",<ref name="Entdepot" /> and IGN's Alex Van Zelfdendate described it as a "breath of fresh air".<ref name="IGN music" /> In contrast, ''PC Gamer UK''{{'}}s Alec Meer felt that the opening theme tune was "so busy trying to hint at [the theme for ''Sam & Max Hit the Road''] that it forgets to have a memorable melody of its own".<ref name="PCGCS">{{cite magazine|title=''Sam & Max'' Culture Shock|magazine=PC Gamer|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=December 2006|pages=92–93|issue=168|first=Alec|last=Meer|location=United Kingdom}}</ref> Nowlin and Kasten's voicework also received a positive response.<ref name="Chronicles" /><ref name="AdvGamers" /><ref name="Just" />

The Wii version of the game garnered a more reserved view from critics than the PC version; GameRankings and Metacritic gave aggregate review scores of 75 percent and 74 percent, respectively.<ref name="MC Wii" /><ref name="GR Wii" /> For better or worse, reviewers felt that the game had not changed much from the PC version in terms of gameplay, story or overall content.<ref name="1UP Wii">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3170651&p=44|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116000555/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3170651&p=44|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 16, 2013|title=''Sam & Max: Season One'' Review|website=[[1UP.com]]|first=Jennifer|last=Tsao|date=October 14, 2008|access-date=April 11, 2009}}</ref><ref name="IGN Wii">{{cite web|url=http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/924/924194p1.html|title=''Sam & Max: Season One'' Review|website=[[IGN]]|first=Daemon|last=Hatfield|date=October 27, 2008|access-date=April 11, 2009|archive-date=February 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216004519/http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/924/924194p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Informer Wii">{{cite magazine|url=http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/CED1AEAF-6526-476D-91A0-3FFFA77639BE.htm |title=''Sam & Max: Season One'' |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop Corporation]] |first=Matthew |last=Kato |access-date=April 11, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208041815/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/CED1AEAF-6526-476D-91A0-3FFFA77639BE.htm |archive-date=December 8, 2008}}</ref> While ''Sam & Max'' was thought to be a "perfect, naturally cartoony fit for the Wii",<ref name="Informer Wii" /> the critics noted a number of technical issues with the release. Several critics cited minor issues with using the imprecise [[Wii Remote]] for puzzles requiring accuracy,<ref name="1UP Wii" /><ref name="GSpot Wii">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/wii/adventure/samandmaxseason1/review.html|title=''Sam & Max: Season One'' Review|first=Carolyn|last=Petit|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=November 11, 2008|access-date=April 11, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801005440/http://uk.gamespot.com/wii/adventure/samandmaxseason1/review.html|archive-date=August 1, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> while observations were made that lines of dialogue could be cut short and that the frame rate could slow significantly, especially in action sequences.<ref name="GSpot Wii" />

==''Remastered''==
Following the closure of Telltale Games in 2018, the rights to their ''Sam & Max'' games were acquired by Skunkape Games, a studio founded by Telltale co-founder Dan Connors and made up of original development team members [[Jake Rodkin]], Jonathan Sgro, and Randy Tudor; the studio is named in reference to General Skun-ka'pe, a character from ''[[Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse]]''. Skunkape retrieved the games' original assets and source code from Telltale's archives, intending to update them with a software patch to improve compatibility with newer PCs. However, the original material's age proved difficult to work with in many regards, leading to the decision to fully remaster ''Save the World'' instead. The team consulted with Purcell on the remaster, who contributed additional artwork. Several members of the original development team outside of Skunkape also contributed to the remastering effort, including locating original assets that could not be retrieved from Telltale's archives. The ''Remastered'' release runs on the most recent version of the [[Telltale Tool]] and features updated character models and lighting, controller support, and new music by original composer Jared Emerson-Johnson. Other changes made include updated cutscene cinematography and re-recorded dialogue for Bosco, with [[Ogie Banks]] replacing previous actor [[Joey Camen]]. ''Sam & Max Save the World Remastered'' was released on [[Nintendo Switch]] and Windows on December 2, 2020; on [[Xbox One]] on August 10, 2021; and on [[PlayStation 4]] on September 29, 2022.<ref name="Remastered"/><ref>{{cite tweet|number=1425133968907595778|user=skunkape|title=Great grinning head of John the...|date=August 10, 2021}}</ref> The original ''Save the World'' episodes were later released as free [[downloadable content]] for the Steam version of ''Remastered'' in February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2021 |title=Sam & Max Save the World - Old-school Sam & Max Season One is now free DLC |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1440440/view/3023573021317693525 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831060404/https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1440440/view/3023573021317693525 |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |website=Steam News}}</ref> Following ''Save the World'', Skunkape began work on remasters for the other Telltale ''Sam & Max'' games, with ''[[Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space|Beyond Time and Space]]'' and ''The Devil's Playhouse'' released in December 2021 and August 2024 respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2020/12/04/skunkape-games-already-working-on-remastering-seasons-2-3-of-sam-and-max/393378/|title=Skunkape Games Already Working on Remastering Seasons 2, 3 of Sam and Max|last=Davis|first=Wes|website=Hardcore Gamer|date=December 4, 2020|access-date=December 4, 2020|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416141109/https://hardcoregamer.com/2020/12/04/skunkape-games-already-working-on-remastering-seasons-2-3-of-sam-and-max/393378/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==External links==
* {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618102254/http://telltale.com/series/sam-and-max/|date=June 18, 2018|title=Official website}}
* {{official website|url=https://skunkapegames.com/samandmax/season1/index.html|name=Official website (''Remastered'')}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Sam & Max}}
{{Telltale Games}}

{{Good article}}

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[[Category:2006 video games]]
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