Sam & Max Episode 3: The Mole, the Mob and the Meatball has our heroes investigating the disappearance of a police mole working undercover at Ted E. Bear's Mafia-free Casino and Playground. Coincidentally, or not, it was the toy mafia that created the hypnotic teddy bear that was at the heart of the mystery in Episode 2, but that’s about the only tie-in story-wise to the first two episodes. Bosco is still trying to lay low and avoid the latest fringe group that has it in for him and Sybil has launched yet another new career, of course, but pop culture, specifically television, is given a break this time out as the game sets its sights on gambling. Unfortunately the game takes it relatively easy on America’s obsession with gambling and tendency to candy-coat the vice that preys on the mathematically impaired and there’s not much bite to the story.

Also disappointing is the game’s brevity. There is only one location beyond Sam’s and Max’s now familiar neighborhood and it’s the rather small (three screen) Ted E. Bear's Mafia-free Casino and Playground. Making a short game feel even shorter are the puzzles, which are pretty much simple and straightforward.

If you played and enjoyed the first two episodes in the series you’ll probably find yourself a bit disappointed in Episode 3. It will be over too quickly and far too long before it has a chance to hit its stride. Hopefully Episode 4 will be able to recapture the momentum started by Episode 2 and push the series towards an interesting and enjoyable climax.

In The End, This Game Hath Been Rated: 70%. Not a bad game, but not up to the usual Sam & Max standards.