It's one of the best point and click games ever made. And It's one of the finest games ever made, regardless of genre.
Sam and Max, our intrepid protagonist are given their assignment over the phone by the Commissioner (with the hilarious and iconic phone fight, still cracks me up). They're sent to a carnival to investigate the disappearance of their main attraction, a frozen big foot named Bruno. The story is weird, strange and thoroughly bizarre but I love it for all those reasons. The game is so well remembered because of the story, the wickedly funny script and memorable characters. Once again, I'm no story spoiler so fret not, I won't spoil it for you at all.
The game can be played entirely by mouse and it's an absolute doddle to play. The left mouse button is the action button and the right mouse button cycles through the various action icons (a hand to pick things up, a stress toy to use things etc). That's it. No complicated or convoluted system, just fludicity throughout.
The puzzles are one of the many highlights in this game because you have to follow the game world's idea of logic. In order to solve the outlandish puzzles you do have to think like a twisted, perhaps deranged inhabitant of Hit The Road's US of A. Of course the criticism here is that most solutions won't jump right out at you or may be a bit to convoluted to understand, but I say just go with the flow.
There's also a few mini games to collect and play such as a great version of battleships and one of my favourite all time mini game, "Sam and Max dress up dolls" I spent countless hours on that, incredible fun.
The game visuals still stand the test of time. They're bright, vivid, colourful, bold - the list goes on! It may look a little pixallated now, but that's the only real blemish and believe me, it doesn't damage the game in anyway. So it's not much of a real blemish.
The sound compliment the visuals and everything else superbly. Lucasarts was well known for having, and pioneering, quality voice acting in games and Sam and Max Hit the Road is no different. Outstanding dead pan delivery from Sam, superb casting for Max, memorable and just as excellent support roles. Superb, superb and brilliant. The music is just as wonderful, so are the sound effects. Oh hell, I can't find anything wrong with the game's sounds at all.
The game is reasonably lengthy. It'll probably take between over a dozen hours to complete. But the beauty of the game is it's replayable. Yes, there's things to discover such as the many hidden easter eggs and other surprises. Then there's the mini games to collect and play, which are just as good and memorable as the main game.
Should you buy this game? Yes, no hesitation to that. Buy it, you'll never regret it. Even if point and click games aren't your thing, you should still give this game a try for it's outlandish and geniunely funny script, characters and story. Just buy it :)