Overview
A purple tentacle drinks toxic sludge and decides to conquer the world. LucasArts’ sequel to Maniac Mansion split three playable characters across past, present, and future, creating puzzles where actions in one era affected others. Tim Schafer’s writing sparkled with cartoon logic and historical absurdity.
Fast facts
- Developer: LucasArts.
- Director: Tim Schafer, Dave Grossman.
- Predecessor: Maniac Mansion.
- Innovation: Multi-timeline puzzles.
Time periods
| Era | Character | Setting |
|---|
| Past | Hoagie | Colonial America |
| Present | Bernard | Mansion |
| Future | Laverne | Tentacle rule |
Timeline puzzles
| Mechanic | Example |
|---|
| Cause and effect | Plant tree → climb in future |
| Item transfer | Flush through time |
| Historical figures | Manipulate founding fathers |
Characters
| Character | Personality |
|---|
| Bernard | Nerdy, anxious |
| Hoagie | Laid-back roadie |
| Laverne | Eccentric, strange |
| Purple Tentacle | Megalomaniac |
| Green Tentacle | Friendly sidekick |
Writing quality
| Element | Achievement |
|---|
| Dialogue | Sharp, quotable |
| Puzzle logic | Cartoon sense |
| Historical jokes | Anachronistic humour |
| Character voice | Distinct personalities |
SCUMM engine
| Feature | Refinement |
|---|
| Interface | Streamlined verbs |
| Animation | Cartoon quality |
| Inventory | Improved management |
Critical reception
| Recognition | Status |
|---|
| Best adventure | Frequent citation |
| Writing praise | Acclaimed |
| Puzzle design | Celebrated |
| Remaster | 2016 release |
See also