Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Sam & Max: Episode 4 – Abe Lincoln Must Die! maintains the classic point-and-click adventure mechanics that fans of the series have come to love. You control Sam primarily with the mouse, guiding him through Washington D.C. and beyond as he interacts with the environment, picks up items, and combines them to solve puzzles. The familiar inventory box at the bottom of the screen remains intuitive and clutter-free, making item management a breeze even for newcomers.

The episode introduces a few fresh twists on the tried-and-true formula. Most notably, an interactive driving sequence throws you behind the wheel of Sam’s cherry-red DeSoto, complete with on-the-fly item usage and honking-based puzzle solutions. This high-octane detour breaks up the traditional walk-and-talk rhythm, injecting a welcome burst of action into the narrative.

Puzzle design in Abe Lincoln Must Die! strikes a balanced challenge level. You’ll still encounter the chain-logic brainteasers that can stump casual players, but generous hinting and the game’s irreverent humor often nudge you in the right direction before you resort to a walkthrough. If you’ve enjoyed the prior three episodes, this installment feels just as sharp, if not a bit more daring in its gag setups and environmental interactions.

Graphics

For the first time in the episodic series, Abe Lincoln Must Die! is rendered entirely in real-time 3D. Character models sport a smooth, cartoony style that captures Sam’s lanky composure and Max’s manic grin in vibrant detail. The shift to full 3D opens up fluid camera movements, letting you admire the exaggerated architecture of Washington’s monuments from new angles.

Environments are richly colored and packed with visual gags that reward the observant player. From the towering three-headed soda pop statue to the bombastic Lincoln mecha, every set piece brims with tongue-in-cheek detail. Animations remain snappy and expressive, ensuring that both major cutscenes and minor NPC interactions retain the signature comedic timing that defines the series.

Load times are minimal, and the game runs smoothly even on modest hardware. Occasional texture pop-in is rare, and the 3D presentation feels more dynamic than the earlier pre-rendered backdrops of past episodes. If you’ve been curious about how the franchise adapts its art style to modern graphics, this episode delivers a polished, visually engaging experience.

Story

Abe Lincoln Must Die! picks up with Sam & Max summoned to Washington by the Commissioner, who reveals that President Lincoln has gone “totally loco” under mysterious hypnosis. Soon enough, the duo discovers the president has been replaced by a life-sized puppet controlled by sinister forces intent on war and political chaos.

The narrative careens through a series of absurd set pieces: Three Soda Poppers-turned-governors squabble over soda-gas tariffs, Sybil Pandemik’s ill-fated carbon-dating service entangles Sam in a freaky romance scandal, and our heroes find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes Mount Rushmore showdown. Meanwhile, Max launches his own presidential campaign against a colossal Lincoln robot, deploying truth serums and holiday proclamations with gleeful abandon.

The writing remains sharp, blending political satire with the series’ trademark surreal humor. Dialogue is packed with witty banter and offbeat one-liners, ensuring that each conversation is as entertaining as it is informative. Plot pacing is brisk, juggling multiple threads without ever feeling overwhelming, and the climactic showdown offers a satisfying payoff to the silliness that precedes it.

Overall Experience

Abe Lincoln Must Die! stands out as one of the more audacious entries in the Sam & Max episodic saga. By leaning into topical political parody while preserving the duo’s anarchic spirit, it offers both new and veteran players a fresh adventure that doesn’t stray too far from the formula that works.

Clocking in at roughly two to three hours for a first playthrough, the episode provides a solid chunk of entertainment for its modest price. Replay value comes from hunting down every hidden gag and exploring dialogue branches you might have skipped, although the linear narrative means there’s little incentive for multiple extended reruns.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Telltale’s point-and-click adventures or simply seeking a humor-driven romp, Sam & Max: Episode 4 – Abe Lincoln Must Die! delivers an engaging, polished package. Its clever puzzles, vibrant 3D visuals, and laugh-out-loud dialogue make it a must-play for anyone curious about where the series is headed next.

Retro Replay Score

8/10