Manual Samuel

Despite this minor inconvenience though, Manual Samuel remains a must-have on Nintendo Switch, especially if you’ve not already played it. From its brilliant visuals to its utterly unique gameplay, there’s little here that disappoints. It’s a game that you’ll return to time and time again just for the sheer hell of it, and sometimes you’ll drag along a friend and have such a stupid time that your ...

One moment, I’m down in the splits because I couldn’t walk forward using my legs in the proper order, and the next I’m choking to death because I accidentally inhaled and swallowed water at the same time. No, I’m not talking about that time I got sloshed at my cousin’s wedding, I’m talking about Manual Samuel: the game that makes every bodily action a conscious and ridiculous challenge.

So it's clumsy, no doubt, and not always in the ways it's supposed to be. But it's also good fun for the most part. And a completely unique idea. (Cue commenter who explains how the same idea was done on the Amiga in Russia only.) I didn't find the writing funny, but you may well find it hilarious. (Death's attempts to be a skater is a joke that didn't quite last until the end of its introduction ...

The simplest things in life will become a world of pain and frustration after you make a deal with Death for a second chance at life. The protagonist, Samuel, a spoiled rich guy since birth, must make the most of his opportunity if he wants to avoid permanent labor in Hell. A physics-based game with grand adventure and story, coupled with great characters; there's certainly a lot to love in this t...

Madder than a box of frogs, Manual Samuel is surreal, a bit dark and slightly sadistic, but will bring a smile to your face. There are annoying bits, sure, but overall, Manual Samuel is an enjoyable QWOP-alike that will put your dextrous digits to the test. Holy faeces!

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you had to do everything manually? Blinking, breathing, walking: what if your body just decided it wouldn't do them automatically anymore. Well, in Manual Samuel you are tasked with keeping Samuel alive for a whole 24 hours by completing automatic bodily functions manually.

More than most games, I would urge potential purchasers to watch the trailer and see whether the sense of humour in this game appeals before buying. It is a lot of fun while it lasts and it provides a really interesting alternative to the increasingly automatic and cinematic fare of many AAA games, but it’s not for everyone. I can’t think of many more niche games than Manual Samuel, but it’s great...