Best Adventure of 2008: Sam & Max: Season Two

Whoever said “they don’t make ‘em like they used to” obviously didn’t play Sam & Max: Season Two. While Steve Purcell’s Freelance Police first made a name for themselves among gamers back in the genre’s golden era, the canine shamus and hyperkinetic rabbity thing are now more popular than ever following their latest round of escapades. True, now they’re made in episodic installments, but combined they still make up a truly enjoyable collection that rivals the best adventures of any year. And in 2008, Season Two stands alone as the ultimate Aggie Award winner.

While Max would probably boast that the reason they won is because they took the expression “beat all competitors” literally on their way to the top, the truth is that the second season earned the distinction on merit alone. Even without considering the first episode, which was released in late 2007, the remaining four episodes were consistently wonderful examples of how much fun adventures can be. The season’s finest particular qualities have been acknowledged already, and even those don’t take into consideration the great voice acting, whimsically delightful cartoon graphics, and wildly inventive storylines. Sure they’re short, and easier than some would like, but whether playing them as a monthly dose of adventuring goodness or collectively in the season-long set, the games are simply not to be missed.

Runners-Up: Dracula 3: The Path of the Dragon, Professor Layton and the Curious Village



Readers’ Choice: Sam & Max: Season Two

It's unanimous! Well, except for all the votes for The Lost Crown and A Vampyre Story, and a whopping 31 other games that received nominations for best adventure of 2008. Nevertheless, majority rules, sending Sam & Max to the podium one final time on the readers' behalf as well. How's that for marketplace realities! (Yeah, we know it's petty, but it's never too late to gloat.)



With all awards now presented, there's nothing left but the tears, plus a recap of the guidelines used in determining the winners... and a shocking final revelation about "The Aggie"!