Home / News /This 9-year-old hidden gem is getting an overhaul this spring ByKim Snaith 24 January 202524 January 2025
Have you ever played Manual Samuel? If not, you’re absolutely missing out. We wax lyrical about this hilarious adventure game whenever we can, and despite it being nine years old this year, we still think about it regularly. This spring will be the perfect time to jump in if you’re yet to play: Manual Samuel is getting a comprehensive overhaul.
Called Manual Samuel Overhaul, it’s expected to land on consoles and PC at the end of April. It’s sort-of a remaster, we suppose: publisher Curve Games is promising quality of life updates, smoother controls, a boost to performance, enhanced visuals and new game modes. Phew.
It also means that Manual Samuel will be launching on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S for the first time — previously it was only available on PS4 and Xbox One. While we don’t expect the game to be radically different, some of the changes do sound welcome. Streamlined mechanics, for example, may help the game be more accessible to more players. And new game modes and better visuals are always welcome.
Related: Death and Kickflips – an interview with the creators of Manual Samuel
For those unacquainted, Manual Samuel tells the story of Samuel, an unfortunate (but spoiled) chap who’s just been run over. He isn’t ready to die, though, and so the Grim Reaper — a rather natty chap called Death who spends his time trying to do kickflips on his skateboard — makes a deal with him. If he can spend a full day doing everything manually, he can have his life back. That means driving himself around, cooking for himself, and well, doing everything for himself.
For you, the player? That means going through arduous button presses just to get Samuel to stand up straight. You’ll need to think about him putting one foot in front of the other, moving his arms — heck, you’ll even need to press buttons for him to breathe. It sounds arduous, and in a way it is. But that’s what makes Manual Samuel so hilarious. To find out more, read our original review.
Keep an eye out for more information on Manual Samuel Overhaul. Expected in April, we’re certainly excited for an excuse to jump into this indie classic again.