the voices need to go

[Alucard]

I haven't been on the site in a while and figured e3 would be as good of a time as any for an update. I must say that telltale has dropped the ball on the voices. They really just don't sound right. I haven't played Sam&max for years but the moment I heard the trailer I knew it just wasn't right. Sure the game looked great but for a comedy adventure geme it is critical for it to sound great.
Time for a petition maybe?

[SamNmaX88]

Honestly, I think you're over reacting a bit. The voices seem alright to me, i actually thought they were pretty good. Then again, TellTale has already said they don't have the final voices down yet, so we'll see what happens. Inevitably though they won't be able to make everyone happy...

[Emily]

No need for a petition! :)) We are paying close attention to people's reactions to the trailer, don't worry. SamNmaX88 is right, though, that there's no way we can please everybody -- even if we DID get Bill Farmer and Nick Jameson, there are some people who would complain that we should be using Harvey Atkin and Robert Tinkler from the cartoon show...

May I ask what it is that you don't like about the voices? Is it just that they don't sound like the originals to you, or do you have a specific gripe with one (or both) of them? (Also - you mentioned you haven't played the game in a while. It might be an interesting experiment to load it up again and see if they really sound the way you remember them sounding. :D)

[Cheeseness]

May I ask what it is that you don't like about the voices? Is it just that they don't sound like the originals to you, or do you have a specific gripe with one (or both) of them? (Also - you mentioned you haven't played the game in a while. It might be an interesting experiment to load it up again and see if they really sound the way you remember them sounding. :D)

I haven't watched much of the TV show, but out of all the actors for Sam (including the trailer here), I think Bill Farmer had the best delivery (speed perhaps?). The fellow who did the bits of the TV show I saw sounded way too much like Guy Smiley to me.
The one from the trailer did manage to get through "Holy jumping saints a plenty riding sidewise on a candy-pink fat-boy" admirably (if a little fast).

Max in the trailer isn't too bad (Neither of them are). The voice is less ummm 'rough', and a little more 'cudley' (lol, I don't think I'm very good at describing voices - compare the "Bonzai!!!" from the Freelance Police trailer with "I got it! I got it!" from this one) than Jamison's, but I don't know if that's good or bad.

When you guys announced neither of the previous pairs of actors were going to be playing the voices, I was expecting something far worse than what's in the trailer.
It sounds to me like they're doing their best to imitate Farmer and Jamison's performance from Hit The Road, and on the whole, it's not too far off.

If these guys were to take on the roles permanently, I think they wouldn't be too hard to get used to, and maybe a little time in the characters might help as well (one and a half minutes isn't much for us to form an opinion on or them to get a feel for their characters).

On a side note, was the term "Lagomorph" around before Purcel (and Sam and Max) joined LucasArts?

[cooljammer00]

See, I have the Floppy Disc version of Sam and Max. I never had voice acting. I did watch the cartoon, but I don't remember what they sounded like.

Wasn't there going to be alternate reality Sams and Maxes with the voices of the cartoon voice actors?

[thedigitalmonkey]

even if we DID get Bill Farmer and Nick Jameson, there are some people who would complain that we should be using Harvey Atkin and Robert Tinkler from the cartoon show...

Farmer and Jameson were just excellent, and it was the delivery that really made them perfect for the role. The Sam/Max banter was consistently casual, and they managed to say those ridiculous things without stuttering or laughing.

In terms of intonation, I agree that the current actors are attempting to imitate the voices from Hit The Road and not quite hitting the mark- the Max voice is closer though.

It might just be because whatever you see first seems the most right to you, but I always thought the voices in the television cartoon sounded wrong and miscast.

So...wait...were you implying there IS some chance of snagging Bill Farmer and Nick Jameson?

[Cheeseness]

So...wait...were you implying there IS some chance of snagging Bill Farmer and Nick Jameson?


Because that would be awesome.

[HieroHero]

Can telltale reveal why they couldn't get the voices who did hit the road? considering they were able to get them for freelance police u would think they'd be available? If u asked the fans i'd say 90-95% would prefer the hit the road voices than the cartoon voices.. those guys absolutely killed it on the talkie version of sam and max... as far as the trailer.. i think max is okay.. sam is all wrong tho.. he has sort of got the sound of the voice down..but the delivery is all wrong.. it sounds like he's focusing more on gettin the sound right and is missing out on delivering the line right with the right comic intonations.. Either this guy needs to be recast or he has to start delivering the lines better than that..so they are funny.. just listen to the hit the road stuff to hear how its done..

[Junkface]

I really see no glaring problems with the voices in the trailer. They may not be quite at the level of the Hit the Road guys, but I'm sure becoming comfortable with the characters, and, you know, speaking more than five lines or whatever each, will go a long way. Regardless of any quirks they may have I really see nothing so catastrophic that we need to petition Telltale to recast... In any event, if Telltale can't get, or don't want to use, the Hit the Road guys, I really hope we don't end up with soundalikes.

[Alucard]

Ok maybe I'm being a bit harsh. Like most people I really want to see Bill Farmer and Nick Jameson do the voices. When I first saw the cartoon I didn't like it because the voices were different... I'd like to say that I got over it but I really didn't and it bugged me everytime I saw that cartoon. Anyway, it would be like doing a sequel to Day of the Tentacle and not having the same voice for the purple tentacle.

[shmargin]

Bah, you guys are crazy, ok, let me clear this up.

Reason they dont have the voices from the video game?

Cause Nick Jameson (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0417068/) is a big star now, appearing in "Lost" & "24" on TV, and a few upcoming movies.

Bill Farmer (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267724/) is still mainly doing random cartoons and video games, but come on, you cant have one without the other, it just wouldnt be as cool.

The voices from the TV series?

Harvey Atkin (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0040539/) is playing a Judge on Law & Order, so he probably doesnt feel like being a 6 foot dog in a suit.

And Robert Tinkler (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0863999/) is doing some random voice acting still, but just like with the point and click Sam & Max, you cant have one without the other.

So what about these new guys?

I think theyre fine. Max sounds perfect, like Max, no complaints at all. Sam sounds a little different from his previous incarnations, but he still sounds like he can deliver a good "You crack me up little buddy."

I mean, I can be honest, when I think Sam and Max, I think of the CD Rom Talkie version from Hit the Road, but dont let the voice of the characters hold you back from these games, I think its going to be great, and I think after you play a few episodes, youll forget about the voices ever sounding different cause you'll be too busy laughing at Max biting people and Sams sarcastic wit.

[Edit 2] Can we get the names of the guys in the trailer? I mean come on, its pretty obvious theyre doin the games, just tell us!

[AmorphousTom]

I have to agree with a few dissenting voices here in that I think the Sam in the trailer doesn't sound right. All the other successful Sams have had a naturally avuncular drawl, but this guy sounds more like he's putting it on, and it sounds too much like a deliberate comedy voice. To my mind, Bill Farmer's the perfect bet, and if Telltale haven't given a reason that they can't get him, I'd advise them to do so. He just nailed it. From him, I could even bear hearing 'I can't use these two things together' for the 600th time.

Max in the trailer's doing a fine job, though. But, I mean, if you got Bill, you might as well go for Nick... ;)

[Emily]

So...wait...were you implying there IS some chance of snagging Bill Farmer and Nick Jameson?

No.

[Gildedtongue]

The voices aren't too bad, really. The only thing I might suggest is that Sam's voice needs to be a little darker, and Max needs to sound a little more like the 1930's Daffy Duck on a mix of speed, PCP, and Crack. But, honestly, the voices are fine.

The script is where it's at, anyway. The lovely rapid banter of a dog and his lagomorphic rabbity thing.

[bigbrother]

Why can't a big star do voice acting for a game?

The Dig featured Robert Patrick (T2 fame).

Full Throttle had Mark Hamill (Star Wars).

The voice acting is a quality point to players (especially as an element throughout the entire gameplay). I don't see why you can't match the quality of a game made 13 years ago.

As for the TV actor argument, the connection is too weak. When people think about a Sam and Max video game, they're more likely to remember Hit the Road than the cartoon.

If you can't get the original actors, please include an option to turn the voices off. I would prefer reading subtitles.

[Alucard]

I'm surprised to see that some people think max sounds right. I thought max was the weaker impersonation of the two. I have to agree with bigbrother if nothing can be done to get the proper actors then a subtitled option without the voices of sam and max might be some consolation.

[shmargin]

Why can't a big star do voice acting for a game?

The Dig featured Robert Patrick (T2 fame).

Full Throttle had Mark Hamill (Star Wars).

The voice acting is a quality point to players (especially as an element throughout the entire gameplay). I don't see why you can't match the quality of a game made 13 years ago.

As for the TV actor argument, the connection is too weak. When people think about a Sam and Max video game, they're more likely to remember Hit the Road than the cartoon.

If you can't get the original actors, please include an option to turn the voices off. I would prefer reading subtitles.

The Dig and Full Throttle are both excellent games, and yes, Mark Hamill and Robert Patrick appear in those titles.

But theres one thing, both of them, are made by LUCASARTS!

They are owned by the owners of the Star Wars series, the Indiana Jones series, and about 10 years of successful video games releases prior. Meaning they have $$$$$.

TellTale, while Im sure theyre capable of creating awsome games, is still young, so they dont have alot of $$$$ yet, so thats why its BETTER if they go with un known voice actors, because then they dont have to pay them 90% of their game budget, and more money can goto the game design and writing, which is way better than having so and so do the voice of some one.

The games will be awsome guys, I have forseen it in my dreams.

Dont worry.

[Udvarnoky]

Once you replace the voices, it's impossible to win with everybody, or even with a majority. Even if Farmer and Jameson were in Purcell's mind the worst representation of the characters ever, the fact is that they're, in the minds of everyone who's played Hit the Road and to most Sam & Max fans, the only correct voices. I think the trailer's voices are good, and I'll admit that most of my problem with them is simply that they're not Farmer and Jameson. That's just unavoidable. I think there's room for improvement, too, so I'll be interested in seeing how Telltale handles it; it's up to them to decide which criticsms are helpful and which are just from people who can't be pleased. In the end Purcell will be approving whatever voices they pick, so in a way we really won't be able to say the voices aren't true to the characters and be correct.

[ben_ethus]

As the voices stand, now they're not bad. Much better than I was expecting, but not perfect.

Max needs the most work, I reckon. The pitch seems right, but the voice is lacking the underlying sense of malice that Max needs. As someone noted above, he comes across as too *cuddly* presently. Max should sound as cuddly as a pillow-sack full of rusty knives.

Sam is pretty decent, actually. I don't have that big of a beef with his voice. It approximates the previous versions of the voice, but there's still something slightly off. Not quite sure what it is. Once again the pitch and whatnot seem pretty good, it's just the delivery that's a tad off.

If they were to fix Max's tone, and kept Sam's the same as in the current trailer, I would be happy with the end result.

[jp-30]

So, around 1/3 of people who comment like the voices (albiet suggesting some tweaks to delivery), about 1/3 like Sam's and dislike Max's, and the other third like Max's and dislike Sam's.

Sounds about right...


Regarding Sam's deadpan delivery - it's a great Film Noir gumshoe voiceover nod. You guys ever watchd a Bogart flick? I like the monotone, and it also provides contrast to Max's asylum-inmate tone.

[Linque]

That's precisely the thing that I find wrong in the trailer - the film noirish monotone sound of Sam. If you read the comics or play Hit the Road, you'll see that Sam is a much more lively character than what he sounds in the trailer. The voice doesn't fit the profile, plain and simple.
I'll give you an example. Can you imagine Sam, sounding like that, uttering this line (from the new webcomic): "They really need to liven up the scenery around here. A few well-placed circus chimps merrily capering alongside the road could save a life!"
I for the life of it can't. I am afraid that it could ruin the whole experience. I'm not saying that it will, I'm just saying that it might. I wouldn't rely on that voice to deliver the goods.

EDIT1:
For good contrast, you can watch the old trailer here. Pay attention to the liveliness here:
Trailer of the cancelled Freelance Police (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyi8pOYGoT0&feature=PlayList&p=6F4C7DFC2F08D4C7&index=94)

EDIT2:
There's also been a hint of arrogance in Sam's character that is absent in the new incarnation. Both of the characters have been pretty ragged and uncivilised. I guess Max could use a bit of arrogance as well.

[Udvarnoky]

It's a different take on it than in Hit the Road, certainly, but I also think that the private eye sounding voice really does fit Sam.

[salmonax]

That's precisely the thing that I find wrong in the trailer - the film noirish monotone sound of Sam. If you read the comics or play Hit the Road, you'll see that Sam is a much more lively character than what he sounds in the trailer. The voice doesn't fit the profile, plain and simple.
I'll give you an example. Can you imagine Sam, sounding like that, uttering this line (from the new webcomic): "They really need to liven up the scenery around here. A few well-placed circus chimps merrily capering alongside the road could save a life!"


Actually, I can totally hear that. It almost sounds funnier with the deadpan. The film noir voice doesn't mean he's not lively. Just means he has a mannered way of speaking. And Sam does... he's very long-winded and dramatic. (Alongside sarcastic and slightly twisted, of course.)

[jp-30]

Exxxxxxxactly!

Sam & Max are the creation of Steve Purcell, not of Farmer and Jameson. Really, I think his whole "the voice(s) must go" attitude is silly.

Anyway, as we've seen time and time again, Telltale do listen to the fanbase and make adjustments accordingly, so no doubt this is all being taken on board.

[HieroHero]

That's precisely the thing that I find wrong in the trailer - the film noirish monotone sound of Sam. If you read the comics or play Hit the Road, you'll see that Sam is a much more lively character than what he sounds in the trailer. The voice doesn't fit the profile, plain and simple.
I'll give you an example. Can you imagine Sam, sounding like that, uttering this line (from the new webcomic): "They really need to liven up the scenery around here. A few well-placed circus chimps merrily capering alongside the road could save a life!"
I for the life of it can't. I am afraid that it could ruin the whole experience. I'm not saying that it will, I'm just saying that it might. I wouldn't rely on that voice to deliver the goods.

EDIT1:
For good contrast, you can watch the old trailer here. Pay attention to the liveliness here:
Trailer of the cancelled Freelance Police (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyi8pOYGoT0&feature=PlayList&p=6F4C7DFC2F08D4C7&index=94)

EDIT2:
There's also been a hint of arrogance in Sam's character that is absent in the new incarnation. Both of the characters have been pretty ragged and uncivilised. I guess Max could use a bit of arrogance as well.

I completely agree with this.. the sound of the voice is fine.. I just dont think the way he's delivering the lines is right..

[Junkface]

The Sam as canine Philip Marlowe angle is one I like. I particularly enjoy the delivery of "good thing I know a shortcut though the murky stuff of the human psyche. Careful not to get any on ya." . Can you imagine Sam, sounding like that, uttering this line (from the new webcomic): "They really need to liven up the scenery around here. A few well-placed circus chimps merrily capering alongside the road could save a life!" About the only thing seperating that from the Sam of the trailer is the exclamation mark, and I think that's more about making the joke work in text form. A more sardonic delivery would be more effective in audio, I think. Besides, Sam's definitely not constantly like that in the comics or Hit the Road, and we haven't heard Sam from the trailer called upon to speak a line like that yet. He may well be fine. Actors generally don't treat every line in exactly the same way.

[Pvt._Public]

I don't think the voices are bad. Sam sounds like a typical movie style detective and Max sounds like a Bunny with Attention Defecit Disorder. Obviously it would be all manner of kick ass if you guys could get the voice actors from the first game to do the game but otherwise I don't think they're too bad.

The only thing I found stuck out in the trailer was that the Desoto (or Sam and Max's car if you don't know what I'm talking about) is looking quite different. Call me picky but I liked the old one better. It was a character in its own right. It was in the comic and the game and possibly the show. Although I don't really know about the show. Because I barely remember anything about the show. The point is that although it seems like a small thing that left me feeling somewhat... how does one say annoyed but only slightly?

[Nimdok]

Come the Hell on. Those voices are pure rubbish. I really hope those were just throw-togethers for the trailer and not the actual VAs. They just sound WRONG.

The best thing Telltale could do would be to hunt down either Harvey Atkin and Robert Tinkler, or Bill Farmer and Nick Jameson, or some combination of the four. Maybe Farmer's Sam and Tinkler's Max.

Just, really, ANYTHING but the two from the trailer. Just no. I might be fickle, but I really have doubts about playing the game if those'll be the voices used. I'd have to turn off the voices, and while I played Hit The Road my first time without voices, I couldn't do it again.

[Cheeseness]

Come the Hell on. Those voices are pure rubbish. I really hope those were just throw-togethers for the trailer and not the actual VAs. They just sound WRONG.

As the nice lass from TellTale asked, what is it that you don't like about the voices in the trailer?
("They just sound wrong" isn't very descriptive)

[bigbrother]

In Hit the Road, the voices made the game for me. Even though I read the comic before the game, Farmer and Jameson brought the characters to life and it can't be Sam and Max without them. While the actors didn't "create" the characters, the quality of their performances set certain expectations.

The cartoon is a different story (and to some extent, the comic), but the fact is that there was ALREADY a Sam and Max game made (an adventure game at that) and it will be the natural point of comparison. No game reviewer will play the Telltale SM and say it didn't stay true to the cartoon.

Hearing two guys imitating the original voices and reading classic lines doesn't do it for me. No sense of nostalgia here.

[jp-30]

Farmer and Jameson brought the characters to life and it can't be Sam and Max without them.

I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous.

[Rowne]

I'm really beginning to think that I'm one of the only people who really likes Sam's voice, as I said elsewhere, the voices could use a little more emotion (they're slightly flat) but aside from that, I thought Max was good but Sam was nearly perfect. After all, Sam is a very noir-ish detective, he's always come over that way. If you aren't as old as I am, Tex Murphy will do as a near simile.

The voice-actor for Sam does a damned good job of parodying noir and it amuses me greatly. It's very similar to the cartoon version, as I'd said before but perhaps with a little more noir thrown in.

I really don't think it's that bad, at all. In fact, as those voice actors get some more practice and more emotion into their lines, I think the voices will grow on people. That and I don't think simply being attached to previous names in an obsessive-compulsive way is going to be helpful in objectively viewing the new efforts.

After all, this is a new generation of Sam and Max, things change, one has to move on. To the detractors, try feeling your way through the voices as they are and point out what you don't like from a thespianic stance rather than comparing them to what was.

[Emily]

I'm really beginning to think that I'm one of the only people who really likes Sam's voice, as I said elsewhere, the voices could use a little more emotion (they're slightly flat) but aside from that, I thought Max was good but Sam was nearly perfect.

You're not the only one (but you're one of the few who's being vocal about it on this forum ;)). I've seen a lot of comments on other forums, too... some who say Max is perfect but Sam isn't, and others who say Sam is spot on but Max needs work!

[bigbrother]

I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous.

I love how you clipped my quote mid-sentence. If you understood the context, you would know that I was talking about an opinion I formed from my personal experience with the original game. Making such a judgmental call only shows your ignorance.

To the detractors, try feeling your way through the voices as they are and point out what you don't like from a thespianic stance rather than comparing them to what was.


You've got it backwards. It's the company's job to produce something that pleases me enough to part with my money. It's not my job to try to like what they make.

In the same way, this forum is to gather feedback from potential customers to make a better game. It is not a free service that Telltale has generously provided for people to praise their efforts.

[tedmilk]

This is my first post - I just had to make my opinions known since the original game is so dear to me.

The voices in the trailer definately lacked on the delivery side - Sam in particular sounded too monotonous. While I know he's supposed to sound quite film noire-ish, it doesn't sound natural or casual enough. Consider the delivery of a particular line from the original game: "I don't think the icepick will remove the cork". While it's certainly not a praticularly memorable line, the delivery is anything but monotanous. A whole game of the new guy's take on Sam could get irksome to sayt he least.

While I'm sure we can all appreciate the fact that securing the original voice actors isn't an option, I think Telltale should have no shame (or trouble) in finding voice actors who can immitate the originals almost flawslessly.

Why fix it if it ain't broken? Surely the best way to please fans is to give them what they want - and although not everyone is agreement, most of us want Sam & Max to sound like they did in the original game. When you consider that the majority of people who are interested in this game are huge fans of the first, surely it's a no-brainer?

[jp-30]

I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous.

I love how you clipped my quote mid-sentence. If you understood the context, you would know that I was talking about an opinion I formed from my personal experience with the original game. Making such a judgmental call only shows your ignorance.

OK, here's your unclipped sentence;

"Even though I read the comic before the game, Farmer and Jameson brought the characters to life and it can't be Sam and Max without them."

My comment on that one sentence still stands.

[Rowne]

You've got it backwards. It's the company's job to produce something that pleases me enough to part with my money. It's not my job to try to like what they make.

Either I have it backwards or you completely missed the point I was trying to make. Both are viable viewpoints depending on how my post is interpreted.

In the same way, this forum is to gather feedback from potential customers to make a better game. It is not a free service that Telltale has generously provided for people to praise their efforts.

Er, right. Now see, this is precisely the point I was making.

Referring back to what I said (the exact quote) ...

"To the detractors, try feeling your way through the voices as they are and point out what you don't like from a thespianic stance rather than comparing them to what was."

By this I mean that instead of detracting through comparison, you should provide constructive criticism by objectively, clearly and concisely detailing what it is you dislike about the voices. Taking the voices in comparison to previous efforts isn't going to get us anywhere because we're never going to get the original voice actors back, that's written in stone.

So why don't we do something positive and think on how we can help the current voice actors become better instead?

My take on this was that I think they could use more punch. There were areas where certain quotes just didn't feel punctuated enough. Like the candy-pink fatboy comment. It lacked a little oomph. Now I think that if lines like that were provided with a little more fervour, then it'd be good.

That's how I'm providing constructive criticism in regards to the voices.

Now then, what don't you like?

some who say Max is perfect but Sam isn't, and others who say Sam is spot on but Max needs work!

Yup! That's why we need more folks saying what they do and don't like about the current voices in my opinion. Anything else is just superfluous.

-- Edit --

In addition to what I've said about the voices, with Sam's delivery, I think his voice could've been a little more snarky about how he was now episodic. What might help (I don't know, I have no idea about how these things work) is prompting the voice actors with emotion queues. Perhaps that will be done in the final game and for the trailer, they just read out some lines without (augh, the cliché) knowing their particular motivations. That I can understand.

[ciantic]

I didn't knew that they were changed and I liked them. I read that the actors been changed and listened the trailer again, still, i think they work very well.

Especially on the green twirl they sound authentic for the characters. Sam has this a bit blues a like sound and Max has it's furry high (but not too high) pitched sound that expected. Very well.

[boo]

I need to chime in. My problem with the voices is that they sounded detatched from the characters and the action. It was really an issue of timing for me, their interplay seemed to lag, or jump the gun. It was missing the "beat". Like they weren't in the same room together. Those two actors need to go out on a roadtrip and bond over lizard tails and dune buggies, something, anything to develop a bond. Were they funny at the table read? I can't imagine so.

The voices they chose sound fine. Maybe Sam is a bit too over-the-top but it works.
but PLEASE, find that comic beat, which with S&M is actually quite OFF-beat.

[Rowne]

Don't want to post-whore here but good one Boo, that's precisely what I was seeing, I took it as more of an emotion thing than a timing thing but it just might be the timing. It did seem that they were just reading it off and not really acting and I think that's my only problem. I think the accents and the voices are bloody perfect. That's why I know ith more work they'll get better.

Heh, anyway, good job at providing a good example of constructive criticism.

[ciantic]

Those two actors need to go out on a roadtrip and bond over lizard tails and dune buggies, something, anything to develop a bond.

Now that I listened it again, and i must admit that the timing is wrong, they drop out the lines a bit too late after another or something... but could you say that it is improved in the end?

"Shall we trash the place Sam? -Can't think of a reason not to" looks like that line is only one which feels right. Also the last lines are much better in overall from the beginning.

[HieroHero]

This is my first post - I just had to make my opinions known since the original game is so dear to me.

The voices in the trailer definately lacked on the delivery side - Sam in particular sounded too monotonous. While I know he's supposed to sound quite film noire-ish, it doesn't sound natural or casual enough. Consider the delivery of a particular line from the original game: "I don't think the icepick will remove the cork". While it's certainly not a praticularly memorable line, the delivery is anything but monotanous. A whole game of the new guy's take on Sam could get irksome to sayt he least.

While I'm sure we can all appreciate the fact that securing the original voice actors isn't an option, I think Telltale should have no shame (or trouble) in finding voice actors who can immitate the originals almost flawslessly.

Why fix it if it ain't broken? Surely the best way to please fans is to give them what they want - and although not everyone is agreement, most of us want Sam & Max to sound like they did in the original game. When you consider that the majority of people who are interested in this game are huge fans of the first, surely it's a no-brainer?

Yeah good post.. I also agree about the comic timing..Theres ways to say a line that makes it sound hilarious..and theres ways not to.. Sams delivery in the trailer just had no comic punch at all.. very flat... even tho he has a very film noir sound..he is making a joke most of the time.. so you need that edge to him

[jp-30]

Like a less-stupid "Maxwell Smart" type delivery? (in pacing / timing, not in vocal tone)

[PsyHam]

I've never seen the cartoon, but my sister and I played Hit the Road to death, so the original voices are ingrained in my head. I've been trying to nail down what it is about the new voices that isn't working for me. Like others have said, I don't believe it is the voices, but more like the timing and intonation that doesn't seem quite right. The way Max delivers his lines is somehow too childish and cheerful (for example, "What's this? Are we dead?"). I think his voice fluctuates from high range to low range a little too much, making it seem stage-y, whereas Sam could use a little less monotony.

Sam also suffers from the "run-on syndrome" where it seems as though he's just trying to make it through an extraordinarily long line of dialogue instead of actually talking (the button mashers line, or underachieving art directors, for example). I know Hit the Road also had some overly verbose dialogue, but I think the voice actor was more successful at making it seem spontaneous instead of rehearsed. It may just be a matter of including more ups and downs in the voice, or varying the timing. I think some of the lines are done perfectly, like the commissioner line and shortcut line.

From an animation standpoint, I think it looks awesome! It's very snappy, I like the style. A couple of times it looks like the lip sync is off though. Like when Sam answers the phone, his nose bobbles a few frames too late after the word "Yes?" But that's just me being picky. It really does look great. :)

*EDIT* I also think it's telling that a lot of responses on this thread are from "Yaklings" who probably joined the forum specifically to comment on the voice acting. It shows me just how much people care about getting a good gaming experience from this new S&M game, every little detail from props to acting to editing and animation. Hit the Road is a tough game to live up to. But I think Telltale can pull it off!

[ShadowKunakari]

Hey, since i never actually pllayed the original sam and max I think the voices are great. But i do agree about the delivery being a bit long it sounds a bit re-hearsed.

[Emily]

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful feedback. It's extremely helpful for us to hear not only if you like the voices, but if not, why not. Keep the comments coming! :)

[Junkface]

The more I watch the trailer and compare it to the Hit the Road voices, the more I really like Sam. I think he's perfect, except for the candy pink fat boy line, which could use a little more fervour, as has been previously said. Max neither particularly impresses me or irritates me, though I lean towards liking him. The main thing I hope is that he doesn't become too generic wacky cartoon character sounding, which could happen quite easily.

[laimlame]

The way Max delivers his lines is somehow too childish and cheerful (for example, "What's this? Are we dead?").

Good call. The line "Are we dead?" should be played with a hint of excitement (also laced with a scary cuteness) because Max's reaction needs to out of the ordinary.

And, yes it been said, but Sam's voice might just cut it if it sounded a little less "put on". If I try to copy Bill Farmer's voice, I end up with pretty much the same result.

New voices aren't going to ruin the project, but Telltale knows damn well that the Sam & Max following is big and that reaction like this goes to show that some players are going to not have a position reaction.

Put it this way, if you'd seen the trailer and it had Nick Jameson and Bill Farmer's voices, do you honestly think there would be a thread titled "the voices need to go"?

[Cheeseness]

The way Max delivers his lines is somehow too childish and cheerful (for example, "What's this? Are we dead?").

Good call. The line "Are we dead?" should be played with a hint of excitement (also laced with a scary cuteness) because Max's reaction needs to out of the ordinary.



Personally, I really like the "What's this? Are we dead?"
lol
It makes me laugh.
Much as did lines like "I'd love to make a tennis racket out of him" and "Oooh! Oooh! I have an idea!" (when you use Max on the cat with the orders - I might have the first line wrong there)

I feel that Sam's "Can't think of a reason not to" sounds strained, really forced and as far as the intonation goes, out of place (I'll agree that the timing's good for that line, but the delivery's a bit off in my opinion).

[manveruppd]

Psyham's got it right: I also registered just to comment on the voices :D
I watched the trailer quite a few times and I can't say I noticed any timing issues. In fact, the co-ordination between the actors was much better than it is in other games, where you have those awkward half-second pauses while the next line's sound file loads. I'm guessing you guys got both actors in the recording studio at the same time, rather than have them each record his lines on his own as is standard practice elsewhere? If not

I also found Max's voice a bit too childish and innocent, though I'm not going to rant as he only has half a dozen lines in the trailer and it's hard to judge - it could turn out to be a funny contrast to his ultraviolent tendencies. However, I'd prefer a delivery closer to the original game's, with a slight psychopathic edge to the way he says even the most innocuous line. Sam was pretty good, the Bogart-style suits him, though he is a bit too deadpan overall: a few moments of enthusiasm would enliven his character immensely.

[JustADecoy]

I brought my Brand Spankin' New Sam & Max T-Shirt into the office this morning. It caught the attention of another gamer and I noticed the new trailer while showing him where I got the shirt. We watched it together. Throughout the trailer, I felt a little embarrassed.

The first time I saw the S&M2 trailer, I thought it was 'right'. It made my day. My initial reaction to this was "Shoot, Windows Media Player is broken again -- there's no video!" Maybe I'm the only one...

Comparing the voice actors in the trailer with Sams and Maxes of the past is simply inevitable. I have spent a lot of time with the voices of Farmer and Jameson and they get to be the standard. I'm going to try and explain why their voices work and why the new ones don't hit that standard. Remember, I'm basing this on the Freelance Police trailer on YouTube and my memories of Hit the Road. Your mileage may vary.

Specific (constructive?) criticisms:

The voices aren't loud enough. The sound effects and music stomp all over the actors. Listen to Max's shuffling feet in the FP trailer while he says his line. Compare with Sam's "Good thing I know a shortcut" line in the Gametap trailer.
On second thought... Maybe it's not about being loud but full. I like the deep and rich tone of Farmer's Sam. He's BIG and furry and so is his voice and those qualities make him come off as "kindly shamus". The almost normal one.
Because Sam's voice isn't as strong in the trailer, his unwieldy lines lack directness -- the matter-of-fact delivery you expect to get out a cop. I think the button-mashers line is a little weak (and the classic S&M 'is that a word?' comeback was bobbled <sigh>). It's a line that wants to be funny but isn't. So deliver it directly, wait a proper half-beat, and then have Max come in with his comeback.
I just can't shake the feeling that if Sam's lines were read slower and with a little emphasis (less flat), they'd sound better. The words need to sink in, even if they're silly. ("episodic sociopathic lagomorph" continues to make me cringe when I know it's a great S&M line)
If Sam isn't going to have a deep, full voice like Farmer's, just clear out the low end for him -- don't make him share space with car's engine, he'll sound weak in comparison.
And now, Max. He sounds like a child. That ain't right. Max may be adorable, but he's an adult. He may be psychopathic, energetic, and fun, but he's an adult. The weakness in his voice is literally that -- he sounds as if he's pleading, like a child, putting all his energy into reaching the high end where he hopes he can be heard. His S's sound lispy, again like a mushmouthed child. Max is supposed to be very confident in his utterly insane actions, even the cute ones.
Grab your copy of Hit the Road, watch the intro, and listen to Jameson's delivery of "Should I confront, subdue, and pummel the suspected perpetrator Sam?" That's psychopathic, energetic, and fun and it's a line from an adult who knows what he's doing -- violence. His child-like glee that comes from his violent acts is what I find funny and even adorable, and it should not be confused with the idea of a childish character inflicting violence. I know this distinction gets blurred when you contrast Max with Sam, as Sam is more fatherly without the whole thing being dragged down by him being a father figure. <sigh> I feel like I'm losing you... Let's try the short form:
Get the 'child' out of Max's voice. His lines are less "Kids say the darnedest things" and more "Hannibal Lector is surprisingly likable!"


Sam & Max actively defy description. The best parts of Max start well beyond "Hyperkinetic Rabbity Thing". I expect other fans will disagree with my labels above. I am interested in hearing why I'm wrong from everyone. :D

[zifnab]

I've been listening to the trailer in the background while I've been reading through this whole thread. Here's what I've come up with:

Sam sounds alright to me. I can live with his voice. It's not the one from the old game, but it's not enough to make me not want to get this game. Max's, however, just gets on my nerves. I think JustADecoy got it right, Max comes across as a little kid you just want to punch to get to shut up. He's suppose to be crazy not a 6 year old trying to annoy you. As I said I've been listening to this video for a bit now and I'm pretty sure I think I've hit upon what annoys me.

First, seems like Sam's setting up the jokes and Max is trying to finish them, however the timing seems to be all off. The jokes are set up and then just not finished when they should be; it's hard to say what's wrong with the timing, it's just that it doesn't seem to flow.

Secondly, the pitch doesn't seem to work. I'm not saying the pitch isn't that of the old game, that's not my beef. My problem is that both Sam and Max seem to be going up in pitch as they say their lines. When Max says "So, where are we heading this time, Sam?" is a prime example of this. It makes him come across as less of a crazed killer bunny and more of J. Random Sidekick, age 6, and prone to not shutting up when he should.

Thirdly, it’s just not that funny. Now I really can't say if this will reflect the game, but the movie that I saw didn't make me laugh. However, when I saw the LucasArts one while reading through the thread, I laughed. I think it's partly the voices, more of the timing, and possibly the fact that TTG (wanting to drop an L in there) is trying to mention something of a plot.

I'd also like to say, Please Do Not Use the Announcer in the Game. He gets me even more annoyed than Max.

[StrayGator]

Cant think of a reason not too - I think this line in the original game is a good example of Sam's voice pitch and inflection that people find lacking in the new trailer. When Sam says this in the new trailer it sound distinctly flat!!

However, this isnt an ingame trailer I dont think, so I strongly feel they will be working on the voices more anyway.

[Steve2000]

I was extremely disappointed when I first heard that the voice actors from Hit the Road were not voicing Sam and Max in the Telltale version of the game.

Then... I watched the trailor. It was great. Of course not the same, but I breathed a sigh of relief. I was excited again.

Then I read this thread and realized that those may not even be the eventual voices, and was again disappointed.

My final comment is this: Whoever you get to do the voices should NOT try to create their own thing. They should listen to the voice track from Hit the Road and try to do their best to copy the voices.

[Udvarnoky]

My final comment is this: Whoever you get to do the voices should NOT try to create their own thing. They should listen to the voice track from Hit the Road and try to do their best to copy the voices.

How would that yield the better result?

[SirLemming]

I wish I had time right now to read everything in this thread. But for now, my verdict is:

These voice actors will work as Sam & Max -- if they figure out how to get the delivery just right. I think they have the right tone of voice, and they sound like they have enough skill.

Certainly I feel ungrateful to pick on such things, but it's better than everyone keeping quiet and being unsatisfied. There's still time to fix it.

[xChri5x]

Besides the voices....

I also think Max's facial expressions are too stiff. when he smiles the sides of his mouth should reach all the way to the side of his head filling pretty much all of the lower half of his face.
His mouth seems too deep into his head making him have fat lips.
It needs to be shallower like in this picture so it can almost wrap around his face instead of being deep in there.

http://itpro.no/images/articles/samnmax2004.jpg

[Crayotic]

Thought I'd sign up just to add my 2cents to the matter since everyone else already has.. but firstly I'll say that I hope Telltale doesn't take the voices too lightly.. while there is more important things for a game, what made S&M (and many other LucasArts adventure games) a classic with such replay value was because of the excellent voice work it had in it.

The only way I'm going to wind up playing an adventure game more than once (and want to cycle through all the different dialogue branches) is if it provides me with an entertaining experience outside of the gameplay.. and that's where it all lies in the voice work. Now with that said...

If you can't get the original VA's from Hit The Road then yeah there is always going to be some issues, but lets put that aside any just focus on do they do the job, entertainment wise? And unfortunately that's a no at this stage

Firstly Sam.. his voice probably isn't quite as 1950's (40's, 30's whatever) detective as you'd ideally want but it's not too bad. The real killer is that the delivery is just plain off. I don't know if it's because it just sounds too clinical like reading lines off a cue-card or if it's just a lack of comical timing, but the lines just don't have that instant quotability that the original game had (and it's not for a lack of writing).

Actually to go back to the 1950's detective thing.. that may tie in.. coz when you think of all those guys.. and even just the actors in that kind of black & white period of movies, their delivery was always really interesting (possibly due to all the over-enunciation going on back then as well).

And then there's Max.. his delivery and comic timing doesn't seem too off, but the actual voice is the problem here. It wasn't easy to pick out at first but the more you listen to it, the more it grates. Most likely the reason is what these guys here are saying, because he comes off more like an irritating kid. Max is definately more of a problem than Sam.

[CousinSven]

Firstly Sam.. his voice probably isn't quite as 1950's (40's, 30's whatever) detective as you'd ideally want but it's not too bad. The real killer is that the delivery is just plain off. I don't know if it's because it just sounds too clinical like reading lines off a cue-card

If you watch any 1950's detective movie, the detectives always sound as if they're reading lines of a cue-card. Just watch The Maltese Falcon: they're cramming huge lines into only a couple of seconds... exactly like Sam is doing.

By the way, when I first heard Sam, he sounded -exactly- like George Lowe when he does Space Ghost. Weird.

Although the voices here aren't perfect (if Max lost his lisp, that would already be a huge improvement), but I like them a lot better than the voices in the cartoon show. All in all, I'm happy with the voices, but if they could get the original Hit The Road voices, that would be even more awesome.

[Algotsson]

It was a while ago I played Hit the Road, so I may remember it incorrectly.

But don't you see spit coming out of Max's mouth when he's talking? In my head, Max should be lisping. Not necessarily like a kid though.

[Crayotic]

Firstly Sam.. his voice probably isn't quite as 1950's (40's, 30's whatever) detective as you'd ideally want but it's not too bad. The real killer is that the delivery is just plain off. I don't know if it's because it just sounds too clinical like reading lines off a cue-card

If you watch any 1950's detective movie, the detectives always sound as if they're reading lines of a cue-card. Just watch The Maltese Falcon: they're cramming huge lines into only a couple of seconds... exactly like Sam is doing.

No it's still not right.. Even though those guys may not have been huge on emoting, their delivery was really *interesting* This is just too flat and sterile for my liking. Like someone else said, in the original S&M you could listen to Sam say "I can't use those two things together" for hundreds of times and not get sick of it. It's an intangible thing, but once you hit it, you've got gold

[CousinSven]

Hmm. No, I can't say that there's anything interesting or lively about the deliverance in 50's detective movies. Watch The Big Sleep, or The Maltese Falcon. Bogie just drones on and on at exactly the same tone and volume, and at far too high a speed to convey any emotion.

And I don't really think it's fair to compare indefinitely repeated dialogue from the original game to the teaser. First of all, this is just a teaser, and we really need a lot more dialogue than these five lines to come to an established opinion. Secondly, this is new. Hit the Road is a classic. You've played that over and over and thus, managed to grow familiarity with it. You've loved every aspect of the original game for years. That makes it really hard to form an objective opinion on something 'new'.

When the MI3 demo came out, I was incredibly disappointed when Guybrush first spoke. He didn't sound at all like what I had come to know as Guybrush's voice in my head. He sounded like a whiny nerd. Turns out that Dominic Armato's performance was absolutely perfect.

[mikdog]

I think I know what it is...

The voice actors in the trailor SOUND like voice actors trying to BE Sam & Max.

In the original HIT THE ROAD game, Jameson & Farmer WERE Sam & Max...

There's a big difference...much like when the voice actors from THE SIMPSONS went on strike and demanded higher wages; the producers tried getting other similar voice-actors on board, but somehow something wasn't quite right. (The result was the original voice actors had their demands met).

[Vark]

Its sort of a weird situation.

I will say the new voices lack some character right now. I'd argue most of that is because, like stated previously, they're trying too hard to mimic the original voices and are too focused on that instead of putting character into well.. their characters.

There has to be a line where fans accept the fact that the new voices will be different. Trying to have them sound like the original voice actors won't work because they never will.

They need to sound like Sam and Max, not necessarily like Farmer and Jameson.

As long as the new voices get into it, and stay true to the character, they can be completely effective. Different sure, but you get over that. I'm afraid if they spend the entire time trying to appease fans by sounds like the original guys, its just going to fall flat.

[Crayotic]

Hmm. No, I can't say that there's anything interesting or lively about the deliverance in 50's detective movies. Watch The Big Sleep, or The Maltese Falcon. Bogie just drones on and on at exactly the same tone and volume, and at far too high a speed to convey any emotion.

And I don't really think it's fair to compare indefinitely repeated dialogue from the original game to the teaser. First of all, this is just a teaser, and we really need a lot more dialogue than these five lines to come to an established opinion. Secondly, this is new. Hit the Road is a classic. You've played that over and over and thus, managed to grow familiarity with it. You've loved every aspect of the original game for years. That makes it really hard to form an objective opinion on something 'new'.

When the MI3 demo came out, I was incredibly disappointed when Guybrush first spoke. He didn't sound at all like what I had come to know as Guybrush's voice in my head. He sounded like a whiny nerd. Turns out that Dominic Armato's performance was absolutely perfect.

All a matter of opinion I guess. I can listen to guys in noir movies for days (i can't speak for Bogart tho because ironically I haven't heard any of his performances (for shame)), and yes i realize that Sam didn't sound exactly like Bogart or whoever.. because it was a still a comical take on the stereotype. And also I loved the delivery in the original Sam & Max instantly -- there wasn't no matter of coming to love it. You could put that down to there being nothing to compare it to back then, and while this is true, I don't believe that's the be and end all of the matter

The fact is that from the dialogue we have been given (and that's the point of the thread.. not to speculate and predict what the final product will be like) doesn't hold up for me. Not necessarily in a "oh they don't sound like the original guys" sense (although that will always be at play subconsciously for any of us), but just in a "will these performances entertain me if this is the final standard?"

Obviously they're good enough for you, and that's fine. But not everyone shares those views unfortunately :/

Also, it's hard to tell, but I think the guy doing Sam may be dropping out of character ever so slightly during some sentences. Which would go in line with the whole argument that they're focusing too much on imitating the original VAs and not enough on being true to the character.

[Lazerus]

OK heres my take on this argument.

Max doesnt sound zany enough and Sam doesnt sound sarcastic enough.
In the first section Max really should sound more desperate with the "I got it, I got it!!" It should be far more insistant and frantic. Ironically this is the part that the person doing Sam does well on. However from there on in though the voices are SOLID the delivery lacks.
Max is too.... sedate and Sam just isnt punchy enough.

[mikdog]

If SAM & MAX's maws opened faster and more rapidly, we'd get more of a 'slapstick' effect rather than the lazy, somewhat delayed, somewhat lethargic response we're currently witnessing. In that trailer, in a couple scenes, Sam's really gunning the speech really fast, and if his mouth opened further and quicker, the effect would be far more satisfying. In fact, it might resolve the whole 'voices' issue.

Try it for yourself - play the trailer and listen to just the music and imagine their jaws really slapping together, rather than them carefully mouthing each vowel and consonant.

The audio is actually perfect. Just need the mouths to be more 'rubber-bandy'. I just listened to the audio again - it's really awesome. The mouths need to snap and close shut, open a bit wider, give MAX a bit of spittle when he pronounces 'TH, F/V, and K' , almost like 1 frame animation mouth positions with no inbetweens. Think 'Sock-puppet' and you're almost there.

[CousinSven]

And also I loved the delivery in the original Sam & Max instantly -- there wasn't no matter of coming to love it.

That's not what I meant. What I meant was that you've spent so much time enjoying the original games, that the original voices became the de facto standard that all other Sam & Maxes have to live up to. That makes it disproportionately hard for any new voices to be likable.. They have to stand up to a certain test that other media (which you haven't spent so much good time with) don't.

[jp-30]

Given one of the questions in the Telltale Survey regarding making games based on TV licenses, and given the feedback on the 2 female characters in the CSI game, and all this feedback on Sam & Max...

I do feel sorry for Telltale when they can't get the original actors to voice the lines for their games. We know they tried to get Famer / Jameson / Fox / Helgenberg but things just didn't work out.

This discussion is going to reoccur regularly, isn't it, with each new non-original IP that they sign up?

Heck, even Bone, which had never been voiced before still drew concerns from those whose mind's voices didn't gel with the game's voices. Of course 2 voices were recast for Bone 2 and Thorn is still a contentious issue for some, but on the whole by Episode 2 pretty much everyone was used to the voices and there seemed to be very little negative feedback at all on the Cow Race in that regard.

So, I'm wondering if both the actors AND the audience will settle into the voices by the time the 2nd Sam & Max episode rolls off the production line...

[laimlame]

I do feel sorry for Telltale when they can't get the original actors to voice the lines for their games. We know they tried to get Famer / Jameson / Fox / Helgenberg but things just didn't work out.

Good to see another Kiwi... :)

Anyway, I really (really) respect Telltale Games. I simply refuse to look at LucasArts since they cancelled S&M to focus on MORE boring Star Wars games and have pledged to never buy another one of their products. So when Telltale games picked up the licence, it was a great day for all adventure gamers. I must've played Hit the Road over a thousand times (just finished it 2 weeks ago on my PDA) and it remains my all time favourite game.

So this is big for me. I really want to help Telltale games to make the game as good as it can be, because I know people still love adventure games (and i'd love Telltale to stick it to LucasArts [>:)] )

So get Farmer. Get Jameson. Call the agents, find out what it will take and make it happen. If they cost too much, tell us and we'll get Bone selling like hotcakes to make it work.

Let's help make Telltale Games big. They need our support and they need our input. I think complacency and indifference are the biggest threats to this project, so the sooner we let them know our thoughts, the more likely S&M will be the adventure game we all want it to be :D

[Udvarnoky]

So, I'm wondering if both the actors AND the audience will settle into the voices by the time the 2nd Sam & Max episode rolls off the production line...

Of course they will. I mean look at the comments in this thread. Nobody really knows what they mean when they say that Sam's voice is too deadpan or that Max's voice is trying too hard. The only problem with the new voices is that they're not the old ones. Fans don't know what they want., and I'm not just talking about voices here. Telltale pays attention to what the fans say, but in the end they have a plan and they're going to do what they see is fit for the series and within their own constraints, and I'm sure it's going to be great. I'm more inclined to trust the judgment of game building veterans, and, you know, Steve Purcell himself, about how to handle a Sam & Max game than my own whims as a forumer. As has been said, the fact that so many people are offering their suggestions is a great sign about the vitality of the license, but as to how the company should respond, well, this article (http://www.idlethumbs.net/display.php?id=177) seems more true everytime I read it. ;)

* Of course Telltale should listen to the fans and they do, but it's not like they're going to restructure the game fundamentally based on every suggestion/criticism/command.

So get Farmer. Get Jameson. Call the agents, find out what it will take and make it happen.

They said they can't. Not "We can't unless the following conditions are met."

[shmargin]

Ok everyone, lets all come to some common conclusions here:

I dont care what anyone here says, i bet you, with 99.9% certency, that those voices in the trailer will be the voices of Sam & Max in the new game series, so we can all quit saying "I think so and so should do so and so".

As for things like timing and volume of voices. Well, it was pretty obvious by watching that trailer, that it was made to be a trailer.

Those graphcis were more than likely gameplay, but I dont think any of it was actual game play footage. So to say the timing was off there, is kinda pointless, it was something put together to have something to show for the game. Final timing and script writing in the game, I'm sure is something more easily improved upon.

Again, if you really think, that having different voice actors than the ones that were in the game 13 years ago, is going to totally ruin it for you, then I'm sorry to say you miss the point of the game. Sam & Max are comic book characters, they didnt even have a voice at their conception, and the fact that its different now, shouldnt take away from the game.

Besides, the voice actors from 13 year ago would probably sound different to you all by now anyways. 1) theyre 13 years older and 2) They probably dont even remember how to sound right

For example, Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers, great game, excellent, Tim Curry did an amazing job as the voice of Gabriel. Second game came out in the "live action" era, and kinda sucked, mainly cause it lacked the same feel as Sins of the Fathers did. Then, Blood of the Sacred, Blood of the Damned, the 3rd game, came out, and Tim Curry reprised his role. He still did an excellent job, but as someone who played Sins of the Fathers for probably 100 hours, I could tell the voice sounded a little different, BUT THE GAME WAS STILL GOOD.

My point is, alot of you are whining like the game is going to suck because your choice for a voice actor isnt in it.

Hate to say it, but too bad, watch the trailer, and get used to em, cause thats what youll be hearing. And I think its still going to be great, if you dont...well then....

Lucas Arts has a new Indiana Jones game in the works full of puzzles that involves throwing people at cars and beating them with objects, maybe thatll be more your style.

[HieroHero]

Fans don't know what they want., and I'm not just talking about voices here. Telltale pays attention to what the fans say, but in the end they have a plan and they're going to do what they see is fit for the series and within their own constraints, and I'm sure it's going to be great. I'm more inclined to trust the judgment of game building veterans, and, you know, Steve Purcell himself, about how to handle a Sam & Max game than my own whims as a forumer.

* Of course Telltale should listen to the fans and they do, but it's not like they're going to restructure the game fundamentally based on every suggestion/criticism/command.




I agree I definitely trust Steve Purcell overseeing this to ensure a sam and max game isn't put out that isn't quality.. but if a lot of the fans are saying the same thing it pays to take notice..especially since these people will be the ones paying for the game..

I don't agree with that article.. Yes some fans will be resistant to change..Yes some will complain about everything.. but I think if you take a balanced view of what everyone is saying you can pick up some good points. I think the improvement from Bone 1 to Bone 2 showed what good feedback can do and how telltale was able to use it and still make the game they wanted. B-)

[tarasis]

sam is all wrong tho.. he has sort of got the sound of the voice down..but the delivery is all wrong.. it sounds like he's focusing more on gettin the sound right and is missing out on delivering the line right with the right comic intonations.. Either this guy needs to be recast or he has to start delivering the lines better than that..so they are funny.. just listen to the hit the road stuff to hear how its done..

I just wanted to say that I agree fully with this description of Sam's voice in the trailer. Max worked well and I am more than happy with that but Sam's just left me cold and uncaring for the character.

[CousinSven]

As for things like timing and volume of voices. Well, it was pretty obvious by watching that trailer, that it was made to be a trailer.
...
it was something put together to have something to show for the game.
...
Again, if you really think, that having different voice actors than the ones that were in the game 13 years ago, is going to totally ruin it for you, then I'm sorry to say you miss the point of the game.
...
the fact that its different now, shouldnt take away from the game.
...
THE GAME WAS STILL GOOD.


Amen.

[StrayGator]

Ok everyone, lets all come to some common conclusions here:

I dont care what anyone here says, i bet you, with 99.9% certency, that those voices in the trailer will be the voices of Sam & Max in the new game series, so we can all quit saying "I think so and so should do so and so".

As for things like timing and volume of voices. Well, it was pretty obvious by watching that trailer, that it was made to be a trailer.

Those graphcis were more than likely gameplay, but I dont think any of it was actual game play footage. So to say the timing was off there, is kinda pointless, it was something put together to have something to show for the game. Final timing and script writing in the game, I'm sure is something more easily improved upon.

Again, if you really think, that having different voice actors than the ones that were in the game 13 years ago, is going to totally ruin it for you, then I'm sorry to say you miss the point of the game. Sam & Max are comic book characters, they didnt even have a voice at their conception, and the fact that its different now, shouldnt take away from the game.

Besides, the voice actors from 13 year ago would probably sound different to you all by now anyways. 1) theyre 13 years older and 2) They probably dont even remember how to sound right

For example, Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers, great game, excellent, Tim Curry did an amazing job as the voice of Gabriel. Second game came out in the "live action" era, and kinda sucked, mainly cause it lacked the same feel as Sins of the Fathers did. Then, Blood of the Sacred, Blood of the Damned, the 3rd game, came out, and Tim Curry reprised his role. He still did an excellent job, but as someone who played Sins of the Fathers for probably 100 hours, I could tell the voice sounded a little different, BUT THE GAME WAS STILL GOOD.

My point is, alot of you are whining like the game is going to suck because your choice for a voice actor isnt in it.

Hate to say it, but too bad, watch the trailer, and get used to em, cause thats what youll be hearing. And I think its still going to be great, if you dont...well then....

Lucas Arts has a new Indiana Jones game in the works full of puzzles that involves throwing people at cars and beating them with objects, maybe thatll be more your style.

The second Gabriel Knight game was the best!

[mikdog]

Ok everyone, lets all come to some common conclusions here:

I dont care what anyone here says, i bet you, with 99.9% certency, that those voices in the trailer will be the voices of Sam & Max in the new game series, so we can all quit saying "I think so and so should do so and so".

As for things like timing and volume of voices. Well, it was pretty obvious by watching that trailer, that it was made to be a trailer.

Those graphcis were more than likely gameplay, but I dont think any of it was actual game play footage. So to say the timing was off there, is kinda pointless, it was something put together to have something to show for the game. Final timing and script writing in the game, I'm sure is something more easily improved upon.

Again, if you really think, that having different voice actors than the ones that were in the game 13 years ago, is going to totally ruin it for you, then I'm sorry to say you miss the point of the game. Sam & Max are comic book characters, they didnt even have a voice at their conception, and the fact that its different now, shouldnt take away from the game.

Besides, the voice actors from 13 year ago would probably sound different to you all by now anyways. 1) theyre 13 years older and 2) They probably dont even remember how to sound right

For example, Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers, great game, excellent, Tim Curry did an amazing job as the voice of Gabriel. Second game came out in the "live action" era, and kinda sucked, mainly cause it lacked the same feel as Sins of the Fathers did. Then, Blood of the Sacred, Blood of the Damned, the 3rd game, came out, and Tim Curry reprised his role. He still did an excellent job, but as someone who played Sins of the Fathers for probably 100 hours, I could tell the voice sounded a little different, BUT THE GAME WAS STILL GOOD.

My point is, alot of you are whining like the game is going to suck because your choice for a voice actor isnt in it.

Hate to say it, but too bad, watch the trailer, and get used to em, cause thats what youll be hearing. And I think its still going to be great, if you dont...well then....

Lucas Arts has a new Indiana Jones game in the works full of puzzles that involves throwing people at cars and beating them with objects, maybe thatll be more your style.

The second Gabriel Knight game was the best!

I reckon the voice actors will ease into it. I'm beginning to think SAM's spot on, and maybe MAX's voice could be a little more sharp. Geez, I'm holding my gonads waiting for this game. Ouchies.

[Emily]

Funny you should bring up Gabriel Knight. I was just thinking of that myself. Tim Curry's GK1 is noticeably different than his GK3, and there were only about five years between those two games. I wouldn't envy Farmer and Jameson if they DID have to try to reprise their roles after this long. They're not Sam & Max -- they're two guys who voiced Sam & Max 13 years ago, with a lot of other voice work in between!

(And as an aside - GK2 is my favorite of the series, also. :))

[Udvarnoky]

I wouldn't envy Farmer and Jameson if they DID have to try to reprise their roles after this long. They're not Sam & Max -- they're two guys who voiced Sam & Max 13 years ago, with a lot of other voice work in between!


Well, didn't they kind of do it with Freelance Police? Not just the trailer, voice sessions for game dialog were held.

[Jake]

I wouldn't envy Farmer and Jameson if they DID have to try to reprise their roles after this long. They're not Sam & Max -- they're two guys who voiced Sam & Max 13 years ago, with a lot of other voice work in between!


Well, didn't they kind of do it with Freelance Police? Not just the trailer, voice sessions for game dialog were held.

And you've heard them and can judge them? I know I haven't (though I'd love to out of curiosity). But, for all intents and purposes those don't exist. :p

[Udvarnoky]

Nono, for all I know they're complete shit, I'm just pointing out that they did have to try to reprise them, so Emily's pity doesn't have to be theoretical. :)

[shmargin]

Funny you should bring up Gabriel Knight. I was just thinking of that myself. Tim Curry's GK1 is noticeably different than his GK3, and there were only about five years between those two games. I wouldn't envy Farmer and Jameson if they DID have to try to reprise their roles after this long. They're not Sam & Max -- they're two guys who voiced Sam & Max 13 years ago, with a lot of other voice work in between!

(And as an aside - GK2 is my favorite of the series, also. :))

GK2 the best? Uh oh, now I'm scared ;)

I'm just not a fan of live action games I guess, I thought the first one was the best, and the 3rd was good, and I played and beat 2, but it was my least favorite of the 3.

Great story telling in that series though, its a shmame Seirra only makes SWAT games now.

[bigbrother]

Didn't the original actors do the voices for the Freelance Police trailer? If it was them, the 13 years passing argument is bull. If not, Telltale should hire those guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dAK8mNoMoQ

Unless by some odd method, LEC was able to piece together the voices from Hit the Road.

[Linque]

Unless by some odd method, LEC was able to piece together the voices from Hit the Road.

Hey! Isn't it possible to synthetisize someone's voice from two minutes of recorded speech nowdays? Let's rip their voices from the original game and generate the dialogue on computers! :D

[Udvarnoky]

Stupidest idea ever

[Linque]

Why thank you, I'll add that to my resume if you don't mind. B-)

[ShadowKunakari]

hehehe

[mikdog]

Why thank you, I'll add that to my resume if you don't mind. B-)

Ha ha ha

[jp-30]

Didn't the original actors do the voices for the Freelance Police trailer? If it was them, the 13 years passing argument is bull. If not, Telltale should hire those guys.


It was the 'original voices' in the Freelance Police trailer, and yess, they still sounded like Sam & Max 11 years later.

As far as getting Farmer & Jameson back, I'd hazard a guess that the money sitting in the Lucas Empire vault is a tad more than in the coffee jar at Telltale.

Also it's a huge commitment for an established actor (especially one as busy as Jameson seems to be, what with his role on LOST, etc) to be available every month or so to record a new game dialogue. So maybe it wasn't money, but simply scheduling impossibilities that has meant the former voice actors are unavailable this time around.

If Telltale could have got them, they would have.

[artwking]

If Telltale do end up casting actors who don't work out so well, at least we know they're not squeamish about giving them the axe before the next episode is out! [>:)] :))

[HieroHero]

Hey JP why can't telltale tell us why they couldnt get farmer & jameson tho? if it was because of scheduling conflicts..or didnt have the budget to include them..you wouldn't think it would hurt to let everyone know :-/

[mikdog]

Maybe Farmer & Jameson just didn't want to do it?

[jp-30]

There's always a reason behind why someone does or doesn't want to do something...

But, HieroHero, depending on the reasoning, it could/would be unprofessional of Telltale to publish details of the negotiataions with Farmer & Jameson.

And everything I'v eseen so far from the company shows me they would and do not deal in anything less than a totally professional manner at al times.

[mikdog]

Maybe...they were busy

[TextureGlitch]

I figured the silent majority should speak up here too ;)

I will admit to my own initial disgust at the voices in the trailer, but that was purely because they weren't the voices I was used to hearing. The ones in my head were apparently from the TV show, because I reinstalled "Hit the Road" and they sounded wrong too.

So I took a while to think, paced around for a few hours and then listened to the trailer again with a more open mind and I have to admit that Sam's voice is right on.

But as more people have pointed out in this thread, Max still needs a bit of work. I think what sells the little rabbity thing in the previous incarnations is that he speaks faster and in a higher pitch, it kinda suits his smaller size. Like how small dogs yap in a higher tone than the big ones.

I also have to say that I love the kind of...slobbering quality that Max' voice has in "Hit the Road". It really does sound like he's spitting out the words and I love the juxtaposition of the inherent cuteness in that tone of voice to the threats of doom and death in the actual words he says.

In my mind, Max is supposed to look and talk cute and cuddly, but actually act more like the Killer Rabbit from Monty Python.

[mikdog]

That Killer Rabbit was funny. I see a toy company (can't remember who) recently made a plush toy of the killer bunny. It looked like a lame old plush toy, but when you opened its gaping mouth it had all these huge teeth and a flippen' HUGE cavity for a mouth.

[SirLemming]

Ok everyone, lets all come to some common conclusions here:

I dont care what anyone here says, i bet you, with 99.9% certency, that those voices in the trailer will be the voices of Sam & Max in the new game series, so we can all quit saying "I think so and so should do so and so".

As for things like timing and volume of voices. Well, it was pretty obvious by watching that trailer, that it was made to be a trailer.

Those graphcis were more than likely gameplay, but I dont think any of it was actual game play footage. So to say the timing was off there, is kinda pointless, it was something put together to have something to show for the game. Final timing and script writing in the game, I'm sure is something more easily improved upon.

Again, if you really think, that having different voice actors than the ones that were in the game 13 years ago, is going to totally ruin it for you, then I'm sorry to say you miss the point of the game. Sam & Max are comic book characters, they didnt even have a voice at their conception, and the fact that its different now, shouldnt take away from the game.

Besides, the voice actors from 13 year ago would probably sound different to you all by now anyways. 1) theyre 13 years older and 2) They probably dont even remember how to sound right

For example, Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers, great game, excellent, Tim Curry did an amazing job as the voice of Gabriel. Second game came out in the "live action" era, and kinda sucked, mainly cause it lacked the same feel as Sins of the Fathers did. Then, Blood of the Sacred, Blood of the Damned, the 3rd game, came out, and Tim Curry reprised his role. He still did an excellent job, but as someone who played Sins of the Fathers for probably 100 hours, I could tell the voice sounded a little different, BUT THE GAME WAS STILL GOOD.

My point is, alot of you are whining like the game is going to suck because your choice for a voice actor isnt in it.

Hate to say it, but too bad, watch the trailer, and get used to em, cause thats what youll be hearing. And I think its still going to be great, if you dont...well then....

Lucas Arts has a new Indiana Jones game in the works full of puzzles that involves throwing people at cars and beating them with objects, maybe thatll be more your style.

You're being unfair. A lot of us have given good reasons why we don't like the voice acting, on the basis of comedic performance. It's not just that they're different.

[Tim333]

I made an account just to make this post - I just want to say that I was very pleased with the trailer. It made me laugh - not very hard, but then, neither did the LA trailer. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the voices. They sound right for Sam and Max, to me. Sam sounds like a noirish detective and Max sounds like a deceptively cute rabbity thing. I'm not being blinded by wishful thinking, here - I honestly like them.

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I only played through Hit the Road for the first time quite recently, so for me this has nothing at all to do with nostalgia. I liked the voices from Hit the Road a lot, but I like the new ones too. The new Sam is about on par with the old one for me. Max isn't quite as good - it could do with a little more venom - but it still works. I'm astonished to see people saying they wouldn't buy the game because of Max's voice - do you really think it's that bad?

[Myzer]

After watching the trailer a few times, it wasn't really the voice tone that bothered me. Yes they where 'off' from what I know of the cartoon and the game, but they where not so off that it ruined it.

They where just different.

What I caught me the most was the timing, and that it sound like a script being read instead of words being said. Of course that could be explained by saying that the people doing the VOs in the trailer are new to doing the voices of Sam & Max and have not yet 'worked out' the characters, and theye may not have been multiple takes (or lots of practice) of the VOs done due to getting the trailer done for E3.

On the whole, I though the trailer was pretty good, especially the "shoot up the place" bit, as that felt right. :)

[TheGreyMatter]

I actually quite like the new sam&max voices, they are a bit more 'edgy' than HTR, which can only make good to the franchise.

[mikdog]

I think the inclusion of guns will also put S & M back on the map a bit.

[renedrivers]

Ok, not having played the original games and not knowing what he voices sounded like I went on the web and found a clip. This is the voices from the trailer for freelance police:
http://www.lucasarts.com/products/freelancepolice/images/movies/trailer_1.mov

and here is them from hit the road:
http://ia300202.us.archive.org/1/items/012181/012181.asf

Now if you compare the voices to what is in the new trailer, the new one is much much better. The quality is better. The voices have much more style to them. It's like going from listening to something on a scratchy old record to cd.

Keep the old voices in your head as good memories. Let the new people behind it create something updated.

[Linque]

:D Over 100 posts in one thread! HIGH FIVE! :D

PARTY!

[mikdog]

Keep the old voices in your head as good memories. Let the new people behind it create something updated.

I suppose you're right. Renedrivers for president, Renedrivers for president - 'Don't change horses midstream', that's what I say.

[renedrivers]

Keep the old voices in your head as good memories. Let the new people behind it create something updated.

I suppose you're right. Renedrivers for president, Renedrivers for president - 'Don't change horses midstream', that's what I say.

The problem is that it's not midstream. The stream has dried up and telltale is attempting to dig it again. So much in the same way you could never have the exact stream again, you can't ever have Sam and Max the exact same way again. The best you can hope for is that the stream runs as nice and has as clean water as before. :D

[mikdog]

You got my vote, baby

[Gildedtongue]

Alright, there really isn't going to be much production done if people whine too much. 1) the Hit the Road and Freelance Police actors are off to bigger and better things, God Bless them, and hope they have many fullfilling and lucrative endevours. 2) screaming at Telltale isn't going to get much done, constructive criticisms do. Be very thankful that TTG is a small enough company that they can take the time to listen to their fans and take notes. Trust me, if we said something to LucasArts or other huge companies, they'd take the comment and toss it right into the refuse bin. 3) The actors in the trailer have already been given a cheque from TTG, and are more likely to accept another one from them, thus, rather than try to throw out what has been built, let's try to give helpful suggestions.

I'll admit, I only heard the Hit the Road voices once or twice, as I could never get the sound and the game working at the same time, thus, most of the voices were merely mental images projected to the characters. I also only have seen a few episodes of the cartoon, and mostly dismissed it as Steve Purcell not sure who his audiance was, the twenty something geeks who read The Adventurer, or the little snot nosed kids that Fox was trying to sell to. So, I guess I'm more concerned over script, which looks like it'll be as bizarre as the comics I remembered, "Hey Max, you know when they said not to shower and blowdry your hair at the same time? They weren't kidding!"

Anyhoo, I seem to be rambling now.

[mikdog]

Gildedtongue, you got my vote baby.

[Pvt._Public]

Keep the old voices in your head as good memories. Let the new people behind it create something updated.

But my psychiatrist told me to stop listening to the voices in my head! Ever since the "accident"...

[leon101]

Ok, not having played the original games and not knowing what he voices sounded like I went on the web and found a clip. This is the voices from the trailer for freelance police:
http://www.lucasarts.com/products/freelancepolice/images/movies/trailer_1.mov

and here is them from hit the road:
http://ia300202.us.archive.org/1/items/012181/012181.asf

Now if you compare the voices to what is in the new trailer, the new one is much much better. The quality is better. The voices have much more style to them. It's like going from listening to something on a scratchy old record to cd.

Keep the old voices in your head as good memories. Let the new people behind it create something updated.

Oh, now I'm sad :(( . Well, can't do anything with the cancelation of a game. There have been a few more cancelled games I would have liked to play. I see what you mean with the voices. The freelance trailer made me laugh more then any of the other trailers for sam & max though. :))

[insanemime]

I loved the first Sam and Max game and for some reason anyone else doing the voice of Sam other than who did it in the origional game just seems wrong...just the way the voice actor delivered the lines. I don't think he talked as fast as the actor in the toons, I guess thats why I did not like the toons as much as the game. I really did not like the actor in the e3 trailer. His voice acting is TOO flat and at times sounds like he is reading from a script in monotone. Sam has to have that edge of boredome in his voice but it can be taken way too far. I wish I could be more clear.

[SirLemming]

I think the people who think we're whining too much and not being constructive need to go to some other forums for just a minute or two and then report back to us. This is nothing.

[mikdog]

Oh my gosh, guys, I just heard the most perfect MAX voice ever: listen to VINCE VAUGHN'S voice in DODGEBALL.

Just the way he speaks normally is PERFECT for MAX'S voice! If Telltale could nab him to do voices, they'd have struck GOLD! GOLD, BABY!

WOOHOO!

[DoubtedEdwardo]

Back when I first played Sam and Max it came on floppy disks and you didn't even get any voices, except at the beginning with the mad scientist. The fact that I didn't hear Sam and Max all the way through didn't stop me enjoying the game and it's not going to stop me enjoying the new one if they don't sound just like I want them to. I think what they say is more important than how they say it and if the voices are really that bad you can just read the subtitles.

After saying that I do think the voices in the trailer do need more confidence. Then they'll stop pretending to sound like Farmer and Jameson and start sounding like Sam and Max.

[Haggis]

After saying that I do think the voices in the trailer do need more confidence. Then they'll stop pretending to sound like Farmer and Jameson and start sounding like Sam and Max.
Yeah, that's a really good point you brought up there. The problem with these voice actors is that they try too hard to sound like the Hit the Road voices. I loved those, but I also loved the cartoon voices, so if they just give it their best shot without forcing it, the voices should end up being good.

[Linque]

Oh my gosh, guys, I just heard the most perfect MAX voice ever: listen to VINCE VAUGHN'S voice in DODGEBALL.



I guess when Telltale is a multi-billion company and the episodic games are more popular than Lost and Prison Break, they could get Vince Vaughn. [=D>]

[mikdog]

For all you know Vince Vaughn really likes Sam & Max. Maybe he'd do it for 2 donuts and free coffee.

[AmorphousTom]

Sam's problem is the delivery. People have been saying that it's more deadpan, or that it's a movie gumshoe voice... but that's ALWAYS been Sam's schtick. The only difference now is that it's much more of a bland reading. Hit the Road worked because you had a sardonic deadpan, but with killer timing. Get this guy to work on his act or hire someone... well, funnier.

[Linque]

For all you know Vince Vaughn really likes Sam & Max.


He does? The man has taste.
Then again, there is something similiar in the Frat Pack movies and Sam & Max.

[SirLemming]

"for all you know" = "maybe"

[Linque]

Ah that's right, but that sentence is flat out wrong then. It's missing "may" or "might" or some other conditional, as in "For all you know Vince Vaughn might like Sam & Max". You can't write 'for all you know' without a conditional.
The above information is incorrect and written by a stupid person

"for all you know" = "maybe"

The absence of that word got my non-native english speaking self all confused. :(|)

[mikdog]

Linque, you are wrong. Go hit yourself with a piece of steel.

[Linque]

Done. b-(

[mikdog]

Done. b-(

:D

Your self-depricating humour goes a long way in warming my icy heart.

[DoubtedEdwardo]

Your self-depricating humour goes a long way in warming my icy heart.

What about your flaming heart of eternal vengance?

[EGOvoruhk]

I signed up just to agree with the original poster

After watching the trailer, I feel like the new voices lack inspiration and feeling. Maybe the voice actors can warm up and do a better job, but I just wasn't feeling it

Also, hopefully it was just because it was a teaser, but it felt really empty and dull. From what I remember of the old game, it was full of colorful and all kinds of objects

I love Sam and Max, and I'll be ordering the first episode no doubt, I just hope it pleases me

[mikdog]

Your self-depricating humour goes a long way in warming my icy heart.

What about your flaming heart of eternal vengance?

Yes, yes, I like that too. Add a bit of spice and curry, mix well, drop in 2 eggs and stir until dissolved. Heat for approx. 5 - 10 mins of FULL, look at, make funny noise, return to heat source for at least another 15 days, remove from cover and laugh like a weasel. Serve cold.

[pennstat]

Just to put my two hundreths of a U.S. dollar here (convert to your currency as necessary), I like Max's voice. That seems to be the closer of the two in comparison to HTR and the TV episodes.

Sam's, however, seems dull and unlively. It doesn't have the nasal yet joyfully sardonic tone and inflection of HTR and TV series. Even the "Can't think of a reason not to" sounds unenthusiastic as though he's simply reading a line, not actually trying to speak the voice.

I don't think that it will ruin the game for me, but it will take some adjustment. I will admit, however, that he has some pretty big shoes to fill. We'll see.

[Alucard]

It is good to know that I am not alone on this one and that telltale has seen the vast response to the topic. I believe that this friendly push will help to make a great game even better.

ps: On a side note, does telltale have any other voice samples laying around we could listen to? Maybe we could give our feedback to see if they are any better. It will tough to find voices that work for everyone though...... hmmmm How about we have a bunch of samples and we could vote on which ones sound most like sam and max... just a thought.

[HieroHero]

I'm not sure Telltale would want any more feedback from us regarding the voices :))

[bundybear1981]

I agree that the voices arent quite right yet, but give them some time. Its big shoes that they are trying to fill, and once they settle in I believe that they will do us all proud. Its more of a case they need to get to 'own' their characters, then they will get back to their zaney old selves :)

[Linque]

You did notice this thread has practically been dead for the past 2 months already, didn't you? :)

[IronCladChicken]

Maybe Sam & Mac should just mime everything instead?

[mikdog]

I'm going for the text version myself.

Jokes.

[gargar]

the voices have no... soul.

[Squinky]

These forums have no soul.

[mikdog]

The world is devoid of any soul.

[Haggis]

My shoes both have a sole.

[HieroHero]

why wont this thread just.... dieeeee!!

[Linque]

This thread is an intricate plot from Nigel the Hook to get rid of Sam & Max once and for all!

[Guybrush_Threepwood]

The voices aren't that bad!!! Farmer and Jameson are still my favourite actors, that doesn't mean the new ones suck! They're fine, go on this way, Telltale!!! ;)

[mikdog]

why wont this thread just.... dieeeee!!

It's people like us that keep it alive.

[fco.]

Just to put my two hundreths of a U.S. dollar here (convert to your currency as necessary), I like Max's voice. That seems to be the closer of the two in comparison to HTR and the TV episodes.

Sam's, however, seems dull and unlively. It doesn't have the nasal yet joyfully sardonic tone and inflection of HTR and TV series. Even the "Can't think of a reason not to" sounds unenthusiastic as though he's simply reading a line, not actually trying to speak the voice.



I have to agree. I don't know if it's the voice itself, or the combination of voice and face (voice to serious/inexpressive witha a too friendly/smiling face), but definetly there's something lacking in there.

[fco.]

PS: Can we make polls in this forums?

[Pvt._Public]

This thread is still going strong? Far out, it's like some never ending beast attempting to eat all the other posts belonging to all the other threads in this forum. Come on guys, the other threads are hungry too! This one is old and fat. It needs no more.

[Linque]

Sorry to disappoint you but it isn't going that strong really. Mostly it's been re-animated on behalf of new people arriving to these mighty forums. Which is actually good news, now that I think of it!

[fco.]

Sorry to disappoint you but it isn't going that strong really. Mostly it's been re-animated on behalf of new people arriving to these mighty forums. Which is actually good news, now that I think of it!

Indeed. I know I didn't say anything that hadn't been said before, but I wanted to give another vote to the "cause" anyway.

[Pvt._Public]

Sorry to disappoint you but it isn't going that strong really. Mostly it's been re-animated on behalf of new people arriving to these mighty forums. Which is actually good news, now that I think of it!

Ah. See what important information you miss when you don't visit these forums for a few months. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times and I'll kill you.

[mikdog]

Woah. Don't wanna fool you. Especially not 3 times.

Sapafrachkin.

[SMNMX]

Uh oh. I really don't want to jump on the Damn The Voices bandwagon, but the new videos... the actors definitely have the ability, but Sam sure is soft and under-emotional while partnered with an extra high and squeaky Max. I'm not expecting the exact voices of HTR or the show, I'm flexible enough for that, but changes are really in order. Sam just lacks any kind of energy and Max comes out as annoying on more than a few lines, which is a shame as the dialogue I've heard so far is actually hilarious.

Closer Analysis:

Blog video 1: Pretty good. Sam's voice lulls into the deeper gruff undertones a few times, which sounds excellent, although a bit more would be nice. Max's voice is also good, although when he slides into the squeakier higher octaves it becomes occasionally irksome.


Blog video 2: Starts out pretty good, but Sam's "How about an autograph for my pal" is far too soft and nowhere near gruff enough. Max's "You can sign my butt!" is very excitable and squeaky, but thankfully the hilarious "Make it out to Squinky" line covers for it by eliciting some real laughter.


Blog video 3: This is the one that gets me, and also the one I watched first, which is probably why the others sounded better after I rewatched them with video 3 out of my head. First off, I'd just like to say that the crashing sound effects are really soft, not all that well timed, and don't seem to appear a few times. They're just not all that exciting. Also, I really hope that you're not forced to replay and replay the driving sequences in order to buy from Bosco. I'm fine playing them while there are still new dialogue options and such to try, but once it becomes rehashed, I'll lose interest fast.
Anyway, the first line to critique is Sam's "Hello. Know why we stopped you?" He sounds far to calm, nice, and un-gritty it hurts. Sam's remaining lines are alright, but still not spot on, but he kills it with the final "Tata." This suffers the same problem as his greeting, and the two make painful bookends to an otherwise acceptable delivery of well written lines.

Gamespot Video 1: Ah, here it gets good. Sam's voice is softer but not unemotional, and Max's is an enjoyable new take on the character. No excessively high squeaking here! Also, I love Bosco's voice, although his skin seems a little freakishly grey for my tastes. Maybe it's shadows, maybe it's art direction, but it's not my number one part of the video. It's not an actual problem, though, so great job on this scene! :D

Gamespot Video 2: Sam's voice is of the same caliber as GSV1, and by that I mean it's not as gruff as I might like, but almost puts a more intelligent and equally likeable spin on Sam's character. Sadly, Max's voice gets into the higher tones again, especially with "I'll do it!" and "I hope he enjoyed it as much as I did!" Seriously, the second one has hints of grandma in there. Don't ask me how, but that's what I thought of.


Complaints aside, the game looks great (although I still have concerns about the driving sequences), hilarious, and the voices for all the new characters are all spot on. I just hope that the voice actors will be working on editing the voices a little for the next time round. In fact, I might say I preferred the voices in the trailer... Max's was definitely less squeaky (sorry that I say that so much, that's all I can think of), although Sam's has gone from trying to ape the HTR voice to being its own unique entitiy, which I appreciate.

On the whole, high fives [=D>] for Telltale! You guys are doing a great job, and here's hoping that some parts of the voices will be fine tuned before the second episode. Hell, it might already be fixed for the first one, I notice that I mainly only had problems with the older videos.

[Emily]

While I admire everyone's tenacity, I think this thread has run its course.

Go watch the new gameplay videos (http://www.telltalegames.com/blogs/telltale/?permalink=0C4C005775808375976991672B7D7FED.txt&smm=y), gaze at the image of Max behind the world (http://www.telltalegames.com/resources/assets/maxworld.jpg), and revel in the Sam & Maxiness of it all. And if you *really* want to pick apart the voice actors after you've done that... well, start a new thread then. :D