Manual Samuel Reviews
Manual Samuel is a fun little diversion. The control scheme perfectly reflects the absurdity of the premise, and the various objectives keep the game from becoming redundant. Not everything clicks as much as it could, but it's endearing in its own way. This is also the kind of game that's probably at its best when played with friends. If there were more levels, better written characters, and funnier dialogue, this would be a much easier recommendation.
Manual Samuel is an adventure game for a specific type of player, who is fond of dark humor with a huge dose o absurdity. With brilliant dialogues and unique characters set in a grotesque world, the game manages to give some good laughs throughout its very short game time. Entertaining local co-op makes Manual Samuel a perfect addition to games for Switch.
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Given the likely polarizing nature of the game's controls, Manual Samuel gets a highly conditional recommendation. If you're willing to roll with the punches, there's definitely a unique good time to be had here, just be very aware of its intent to make controlling just about anything more challenging than you'd ever imagine.
Manual Samuel remains a must-have on Nintendo Switch, especially if you've not already played it. [OpenCritic note: Richard Seagrave separately reviewed the XB1 (9) and Switch (8) versions. His scores have been averaged.]
There are a few animation quirks, but for the most part the 2D style looks great and the games simple control scheme means almost anyone can pick it up. It’s just unfortunate that the momentum Manual Samuel builds in its earlier levels can’t be maintained for the entire course of the game.
Manual Samuel sets out to make sure you have an unusual but highly amusing time, and at that it succeeds every step of the way.
What story there is over the handful of hours you’ll play tends to be odd as well, but the strange characters and the ever-present narrator commentating on what you’re doing (complete with celebratory hashtags for mundane achievements like taking a leak) do a good job of rewarding your continued efforts. If you can see the amusement of nearly killing yourself while simply trying to drink some water or narrowly avoiding running over little old ladies while struggling to control your car (of course complete with a manual transmission) the experience has its silly rewards. Given the likely polarizing nature of the game’s controls Manual Samuel gets a highly conditional recommendation. If you’re willing to roll with the punches, there’s definitely a unique good time to be had here, just be very aware of its intent to make controlling just about anything more challenging than you’d ever imagine.
Manual Samuel has some enjoyable moments and for the first hour or so, you will really enjoy it. The combat ultimately becomes the games downfall. The great humor, clean visual style or the madness of having to control body functions manually can’t be saved by how terrible the combat is. The game quickly goes from fantastic to frustrating. Although I had a lot of fun at first, I really couldn't recommend this game to anyone.