Resolution writes: Episode four of The Devil’s Playhouse feels like a step backwards compared to the ingenious dramatic devices used in the past two episodes. That’s not to say that episode four isn’t enjoyable, it certainly is. It just doesn’t feel as fresh and exciting as the brilliant earlier instalments. This time round it’s a return to solid point and click territory, albeit with the typically zany Sam & Max twist.
PC Gamer: "This penultimate episode offers a fantastic opening and ending to Sam & Max Season 3, linked by an oddly unfulfilling middle. The action starts with psychopathic toy-hunting clones of Sam rampaging through the city, and the series’ main players holed up and defending themselves. As for the ending, it’s one of Telltale’s best set-pieces so far."
VGC writes: "Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse: Beyond the Alley of the Dolls is the start of a very dark turn for the ending the Sam & Max: Devil’s Playhouse story arch. Events told in this chapter are truly shocking and nothing that I would have expected to take place in this story. Telltale Games has definitely surpassed the greatness of the past two seasons with this stunning piece of storytelling."
IB writes, "Phew, part 4 down, and the reviews get tougher: crazier shenanigans and ever more convoluted plot threads litter our latest chapter, with extra Cthulhu references and finally a feeling that all story elements are coming together. But I digress."
It's a good game, but can't help feeling the series is a little stuck.