Sam & Max: The Penal Zone (G&P)

For as great as the first two seasons of Sam & Max were, Telltale Games needed to mix things up with the third to prevent the series becoming stale. The Penal Zone, the first episode in five-parter The Devil’s Playhouse, proves that they’re doing just that.

The joy of experimenting with new mechanics and soaking in a new, grittier world is enough to balance a few unavoidable and minor issues. The Penal Zone does more than just whet appetites for the coming season, but — as with all good Telltale episodes — it nevertheless should leave fans hungering for the next installment.