THE PENAAAALLL ZONE!

Alright, gents, we sit right back and we will tell you, about something so extraordinary, and so beyond the mind's comprehension that your mind will either break and or turn to mush. 'What?', you may ask, 'Will cause our brains to turn to mush?". I shall tell you friends, it's a familiar tale of two friends who...erm...actually, I'm not really sure what they do. But, I'm pretty sure it's amazing, 'What is this?' you ask? Well, I shall tell you. It's SAM & MAX: THE DEVIL'S PLAYHOUSE!

Ooh, Did that sound creepy enough? No? Well...dang. Anyway, on to the review of the first episode of The Devil's Playhouse, THE PENAL ZONE... ON THE PS3!

Alright, let's get this thing started.

A lot of the story and things have been revealed by Mr. Ribs, so for this review I'm basiccaly going to sum it up shortly on the story and then give you my thoughts on the PS3 version of the game. Tee hee!

The Detective Duo are back, and this time, they are being attacked by a big, giant monkey head! We learn that they are being held captive and must defeat General Skunka'pe.

Alright this is going to be tough, and I hate being tough on something I love so much especially Sam&Max, but I have to be honest.

Let me start out by saying, I love the first episode. The story was funny, the timing of the comedy was right, but, there was one thing that bothered me, and, well, I'm not going to lie, but it was the controls they bugged me to death. From what some of the staff was saying, it was meant for the console controls, I honestly just do not see it. I love the controls in the PC version, but I'm just not fond of them here. My main gripe about them isn't the movement, but the way you have to select what you interact with, that was what bugged me the most! Let's say you are interacting with an object; okay, then you have to take the left thumbstick, and select the object manually, and then press the square button. Now, am I saying that because the controls are wonky it's a bad game? Oh no, far from it.

The graphics look shiny and smoother, and the characters have more reactions in the face and that, for the most part, adds to the humor of the game. Also, the texturing in this game is brilliant. You can see the pattern in Sam's suit, and the character modeling was just so much more detailed, and I'm glad they took their time with this game because it really shows the love that the developers have for Sam & Max, which is awesome!

Overall, there isn't much different from the PS3 version and the PC version other than the controls, and the cardboard item box was substituted by a simplistic inventory system other than that on the PS3 version. Sam & Max's first episode for the PS3 is a good effort, and a wise business choice by Telltale, and, hopefully, the success of Sam & Max for the PS3 may bring some of the other Telltale titles to the PS3. I see this as making a great effort, to breathe new life into the adventure game genre for the Home Consoles, and, dear friends, it was a blast, and I shall be back.

Till we talk again,

Adios!

Games, Gold, and Glory is not affiliated with Telltale Games in any way, shape, or form. For more information regarding Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse and related products, visit http://www.telltalegames.com/samandmax/thedevilsplayhouse. Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse is available on the Playstation Network for $34.95, €19.99, or £17.99, depending on your region."

Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse: The Penal Zone: Review - Ribs' Take

'No, Max! Not the Chrysler Building!' - Sam

They're back, and as good as ever, if that wasn't enough of a clue.

Now, I love the dog and rabbit duo. They are hilarious, from their days as a comic book, to a year of saturday morning programming, and to their saga as the star of adventure games. Due to an evil flash star who looks sort of like a professional wrestler, a diabolical english inventor with a fetish for cheese, and most recently, a no good dirty rotten pirate, our favorite dog and rabbit detective duo (we all know the heavy competition in this market) has been gone for nearly two whole years. That's 428 days and 12 hours. But, alas, they're back. With this, they're better than ever.

Enter the world of General Skun'kape. He's a power mad space gorilla bent on destroying anything between him and some magical artifacts. We know this clear and simple from the absolutely amazing opening of the game. Now, we don't think we'd want to share too much about the opening, so we'll instead focus on another aspect that also happens to be great.

Enter 'The Narrarator'. This mysterious entity pauses time to give you an overview of exactly what is going on. He even stops from time to time to show various important details from the past, present, and future. This character, voiced by 'Culture Shock Max' Andrew Chaiken, is mysterious and hilarious in his very monotonous delivery and clever dialogue. We don't find out much about this character, besides that he has a desk in a blackness and that he has a pretty 'Schindler's List' vibe with the red flower. This is one bit of the story I can't wait to see explained in future chapters.

Like the rest of the Sam and Max seasons and episodes developed by Telltale, this one is only a fraction of the story. Small details in this episode may pan out to be massive plot focuses in the coming months. But things have changed at Telltale, and now they are much more one giant story, rather then loosely connected stories that all come together at the end. I was a bit saddened to think we'd never see another episode like Ice Station Santa or Abe Lincoln Must Die! again, but after completing this episode, I can safely tell everyone reading this that the story feels much more genuine. Sam and Max get more connected with the story this way, and I really felt like this was one epic comedy opera for the ages.

But who cares about story, right? Everyone plays games like Sam and Max for the gameplay, right? No? Only .00003% of the players? Well, I guess I should explain it anyway for those new to the franchise or those who want to know about the key changes.

Using the above screenshot as a reference, let's note the top right corner's three icons. The one to the far left in the notebook, a guide to the world of Sam and Max. When any character is introduced, the game highlights key personality factors in a clever way. The game then puts them in the notebook. Using the notebook, you can view the Case, the Suspects, and Max's newfound psychic abilities, which I shall get to in a minute.You play as the six foot tall dog, Sam. You move using the WASD or arrow keys, or the click and drag system used in Tales of Monkey Island. You click around hoping to find leads on your latest case, affectionately reffered to as 'The Penal Zone'.

In the middle of the three icons lays the inventory box. If you pick up an item, it goes here. You can take items out and try to use them with things, but most things don't go together. You may also click a button to have Sam describe the item. A new feature is a third button that let's you just activate the item. For example, if it were a remote control, you would turn it on by hitting the activate button, and not using the remote control with the television. This makes puzzles a tad bit simpler to understand and solve in some spaces.

Lastly, on the far right, there is the Max button. Inside the barbaric, sociopathic maniac's brain, there lie many secrets and rather scary things. However, due to some mysterious artifacts Max found, his mind now holds a frightening new element: Psychic Powers. Some people reacted to this with a 'What? No! This ruins the franchise! I'm a generic stereotype of a purist!', however, these abilities actually provide for some inventive and witty puzzles. For the record, Max does not make things spontaneously combust and force all his minions to do his bidding, which is a definite option for an epilogue, if you're reading, Telltale. Instead, he can have vague visions of the future, read minds, teleport, and other wacky fun. Overall, I think this is definately an addition for the best.

In addition, graphics have significantly improved, as is obvious. Unfortunately, this reviewer could not have a good experience on anything higher then graphics setting three of nine. However, the game was still a much bigger improvement over Seasons One and Two.As always, sound is top notch thanks to one Jared Emerson Johnson, who's music is fast-paced and fit the settings one-hundred percent. Voice Acting is great, especially William Kasten and David Nowlin, who reprise their roles as Max and Sam. Each character is unique, and they made sure of that both in the modeling and the voice acting.

Other than that, the majority of my opinion would spoil the game. I love the series, and nothing short of ruthlessly murdering all the main characters except for someone like Harry Moleman would make me hate it. Buy it. Love it. If not, you're missing out on the five chapter adventure of a lifetime.

Games, Gold, and Glory is not affiliated with Telltale Games in any way, shape, or form. For more information regarding Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse and related products, visit http://www.telltalegames.com/samandmax/thedevilsplayhouse

Welcome to Samurai Jack 4|1

We at Games, Gold, and Glory have a stunning new announcement! We have decided to fire and remove all the writers but myself! In addition, we are going to be redesigning the site with a hot pink color scheme. Plus, we are changing the name of the site to 'Samurai Jack 4|1', as we announce our new subject: Reviewing the classic episodes of Samurai Jack, seen on Cartoon Network! For more information on this, hit me up, 'Master Samurai', by sending an email to gamesgoldandglory@yahoo.com. Until then, tata, true believers!

Final Fantasy III? VI? Eh, call it what you will Review.

Well, well...look what got released today, why, it's Final Fantasy XIII! hmmm... perhaps I should look back about 16 years, and do something special...I think I shall review FINAL FANTASY III/VI* Alright, sit down lads, and I will tell you a tale of magic, corruption and power... well, it sounded good.

Back in the year 1994, I was a mere 11, and I had one of my favorite systems infront of me. "What?" you ask and I shall tell you. It was my Super Nintendo.

Now, I remember this quite exactly. I had done all my chores for the day, and I had helped my mom clean my house, which means it was present time.

So, my dad took me to a toy store, where I found a game that caught my eye, the box read 'Final Fantasy III'.

Now, when I got home, I attacked the game box as only a child shall, and put the game into the SNES, and at this time, I was spell bound to the game. The rich story, the beautiful music, and, well, one of my favorite female characters ever, Terra.

But now, on to the story.

The story takes place in a steampunkish setting, a mix with the vicotorian era, and the beginning of industrial, with a little bit of fantasy thrown in...I know right?

Fantasy in a Final Fantasy game?

The opening credits play, and we see three magitek suits marching towards a little town called Nashe, and the music that plays is beautiful, it gets to me everytime. As the suits start marching they are met with resistance members from Nashe, and you are introduced to the combat system. Which I still think should be in Final Fantasy games, in my opinion it's the best Turn-based combat in the series. It combines turn base, and button actions, which have a soft spot in my heart.

Well to move a little farther into the story you learn that magic has been declared dead. Your character is the only one that can use it, and you find out later why. This is when you meet the villain Kefka, who I personally believe to be the best final fantasy villain ever. Yes even better than Sephiroth. With out giving too much of the story away.

You quickly learn of Kefka's plans, and your party forms, and you set off in one of the epic quests that have bestowed on Final Fantasy ever.

Final Fantasy III/VI has to be my personal favorite, and I know some you are asking " Why the hell isn't Seven your favorite?" Well, I do like seven and it's a good game. But, to me it lacks what six brought us. An epic story, character bondings, and, well, something most games haven't had in a real long time, a villain you can hate.

I know a lot of people are asking "Where can I find it?" Well, it's a rare game now, as it was on the SNES, and if you go on Amazon you're looking to fork over at least $100. I know, thats steep, right? But do not fear, fellow FF lovers, you can find the GBA version for about 30 and it's essentialy the same game, but with a few tweaks and, if you ask me, and even if you can't find it...I suggest you look for the PSX version, which is the most widely available at used game stores and it comes with FFV too! You can usually find that for about twenty, and now dear readers I must part from this lovely story for which I have told you, and now I must go and work on something new and grand for this wonderful site we have called Games, Gold, and Glory.

Take Care readers, and remember to Game On!

*To me it will be Three but I know some of people insist it be called six, and I leave it to each their own. 

INCOMING TRANSMISSION

......Kelvin 6, do you read?

Waiting for response...

> I'm here, Newton 13. Do you have a status update?

Oh, thank the lord. I was afraid it worked.

Waiting for response...

>What do you mean, Newton 13? The time portal?

Yes, sir. I thought it worked, I was sure of it!

Waiting for response...

>Clarify, Newton! What led you to believe this?

There are new Final Fantasy, Mega Man, Pokemon, and Command and Conquer games all coming out!

Waiting for response...

>That's not out of the ordinary, Newton. Sequels are oh-so-common these days.

That's just it, sir! They're all coming out within the timespan of week!

Waiting for response...

>God save us all. We need to recruit some talented writers to interpret if these series are worth resurrecting.

Well, I do have a friend, Icedhope 11, who can handle some of it. Then there's this mysterious disappearing person named Tom...

Waiting for response...

>What about you, Newton? Why don't you do it?

Well, sir, to do that, I would need to have a less ridiculous name.

Waiting for response...

>It's nice to see you on the team, Ribs. Let's go write some reviews.

I said less ridiculous.

The Games, Gold, and Glory Biweekly What's Update! 2/16/10

Why, hello there again! This is Ribs with the lowdown on this throwdown! We here at GGG have been amazingly busy with thousands* of emails coming in from developers all around the world! I am (finally) going to put up my Left 4 Dead review this week, after weeks of planning. Tom is busy being our supreme overlord (Editor's Note: ALL HAIL TOM), but if you have an idea for a story or would like to hook us up with review copies, hit him/us up at gamesgoldandglory@yahoo.com. Icedhope is cracking away at that Uncharted: Drake's Fortune review, but be sure to check out his interview with Vince Desi of Running With Scissors. We also have our biggest giveaway yet, that ends tommorow as opposed to today due to an unspecified retail game store chain's error. We are also in the planning stage of something bigger, better, and more badass for next month. We're still alive (most of us are, anyway)!

*Number not accurate.

Iced vs Aliens vs Predator: Giveaway.

So here it is, everyone else has been giving stuff away and I do too. Well at least I think... Yes, yes I do..alright here we go!

I will be giving away one copy of AvP and AvP classic.

Alright, this is all you guys have to do. This Tuesday will be the release of Aliens vs Predator, and since I'm a huge fan of both franchises, this is my little present to you guys; I am awesome.

So here is how you enter: on Tuesday night I will be playing a deathmatch. I won't tell you guys what I'll be playing as, 'cause then you all might laugh. I digress, so here is what you have to do; during this deathmatch, guess what species will be first. That's it. Easy as cake! And If you win, you will get one copy of Rebellion's new game, AvP! That's easy, right? Second place winner will receive a copy of AvP Classic, so you can still have some old school fun.

Now remember all you have to do is email us, and guess what species will be in first place. If you forgot the email address, you reply with your picks at Twitter.

www.twitter.com/gamesgoldglory

Gamesgoldandglory@yahoo.com

*The Copy of AvP will be purchased through Steam and Gifted to the winner.