It took their writers a lot of well-invested thinking time to determine the best route around that problem, since it wasn't as simple as deigning the concept. Their methods of scripting dialogue had to be changed, and the scene direction would need to be modified as well. All for the better, judging by what Emily shared with me on the floor. Outside of the publicly playable demo of November's Sam and Max Episode 201: Ice Station Santa, she gave me a glimpse of Episode 202, which won't be hitting virtual shelves till January.
Both episodes 201 and 202 bring to light every thoughtful move Telltale's developers have made. Taking a more Seinfeld-esque approach to their characters, they're giving Bosco and Sybil their own sub-plots, enriching them with tales that will develop separately from (yet eventually tie into) the main, arching storyline. This is made apparent during game play in episode 201 when Sam and Max visit Bosco's together, and discover exactly what he's done with all of the money he'd accumulated during Season One.
Without giving too much away, know that you'll walk into Bosco's store and realize it's not what you remembered. Neither is he. You'll also get to visit the diner, a formerly unavailable location that's gained significance and accessibility in Season Two. Overall, there will be a lot more to explore, which should prove a relief to the gamers who hoped that Telltale's experience would stretch their dollars just a little further.
When I reviewed Sam and Max: The Mole, the Mob and the Meatball, I was one of those players who hoped for more to do while confounded. That episode stopped me cold at a particular puzzle, and there wasn't much for me to do while I mentally sorted it out. In the upcoming Season Two, and without going so far as to alienate the gamers who liked things as they were, they've added a few mini-games that will shake up the experience. One replayable will be driving courses, where the player can pick up upgrades for Sam and Max's trademark DeSoto, and other brief interludes to the usual point-and-click gameplay will pop up from time to time.
During those instances, those who prefer showing off their quick reflexes without a mouse will get to enjoy the newly-added keyboard support. Another bell to go with that whistle is a multitude of resolution options, which will let the gamers with the big rigs and their matching monitors enjoy Sam and Max Season Two in widescreen.
An oft-requested feature set, larger resolutions and widescreen support weren't easily added. Emily pointed out that when Season One was designed, NPCs who walked off-screen would, in fact, still be present. If the player's view was stretched out, they would see motionless characters and artifacts that were supposed to be hidden from them, and those parts of the screen would be inaccessible. That was too much to remedy back then, but it's no longer an issue from the get-go of Season Two.
Telltale's living up to their name and ambition by enhancing and fleshing out the Sam and Max universe. They're giving the players more to experience, while never venturing too far away from the adventure game necessities: accessibility and good storytelling. If the series continues to grow as it has, Telltale will acquire more properties in the future, a matter they're working on but couldn't discuss in detail.
Time will only tell how successful they'll be, but looking at all that's in store for Sam and Max Season Two, their future is bright.
