13 min read

Leisure Suit Larry 6: Shape Up or Slip Out!

Last updated: January 10, 2026

Overview

Leisure Suit Larry 6: Shape Up or Slip Out! is paradoxically the fifth installment in Al Lowe’s acclaimed adult adventure game series1. Released by Sierra On-Line in 1993, this entry marked a significant technical leap for the franchise, being the first Larry game to feature full voice acting and SVGA graphics in its enhanced CD-ROM version2. The game represents what Al Lowe described as “a return to the original” Larry formula, focusing on “more babes, more silly situations to humiliate Larry, and more babes”3.

Set entirely at the luxurious La Costa Lotta health spa resort, the game follows Larry Laffer as he attempts to romance eight women during his two-week vacation4. After winning his trip on the television game show “Stallions,” Larry finds himself in what the narrator describes as an “exclusive health spa, filled with gorgeous women”5. The game was praised for its improved production values and puzzle design, with many considering it one of the best entries in the series67.

Story Summary

The game opens with Larry Laffer having won a luxury vacation at La Costa Lotta resort after appearing on the television game show “Stallions”12. Notably, the game makes no reference to the events of Leisure Suit Larry 5, with Larry once again single and the character of Passionate Patti completely absent13. This clean slate approach was intentional, as Al Lowe wanted to provide players with immediate access to the game world without requiring knowledge of previous entries14.

Larry’s goal at the resort is straightforward: meet and seduce the various women staying at La Costa Lotta15. Each successful romantic encounter provides Larry with an object that he can later offer to Shamara Payne, a New Age enthusiast who represents the game’s ultimate challenge16. The women Larry meets are creatively named after varieties of wine, including Burgundy Bodine, Charlotte Donay (Chardonnay), Rose, and Gammie Boysulay (Gamay Beaujolais)17. Only Cavaricchi Vuarnet breaks this pattern, being named after the sunglasses brand18.

Gameplay

Interface and Controls

Larry 6 utilizes Sierra’s SCI (Sierra Creative Interpreter) engine, specifically SCI 1.1 for the original VGA version and SCI 2.0 for the enhanced SVGA CD-ROM release19. The game features a point-and-click interface where players move the cursor around the screen and click to perform actions20. Unlike most Sierra games of the era, the icon bar remains visible at all times, providing constant access to the game’s interaction options21.

The interface was refined from Larry 5, with the “Use” command being divided into separate “Use” and “Pick Up” functions for greater precision22. Players navigate Larry through the resort using a combination of walking and the resort’s tram system, which provides transportation between different areas of the sprawling La Costa Lotta facility23.

Structure and Progression

The game is structured around four days at the resort, though players have considerable freedom in how they approach their objectives24. Unlike the linear progression of some adventure games, most tasks can be completed in any order except for the final encounter25. This non-linear design was praised by reviewers, with one noting that it created “a fun adventure based in one large location” rather than “a dull adventure spread over a variety of locations”26.

One significant design change was Sierra’s decision to reintroduce death scenarios, reversing their policy from Larry 527. However, these deaths were implemented purely for comedic effect, with a “Try Again” button allowing players to immediately retry without loading a saved game28. This approach maintained the humor while eliminating the frustration traditionally associated with Sierra’s “dead ends”29.

Puzzles and Mechanics

The puzzle design in Larry 6 was widely praised as some of the best in the series. According to one detailed analysis, the game features “a nigh immaculate system with convoluted, intricate tasks woven together in a clever and yet appropriately twisted, comedic way”30. The puzzles focus primarily on solving each woman’s personal problems or desires, requiring Larry to explore the resort and gather appropriate items or information31.

The difficulty was deliberately relaxed compared to earlier Sierra titles, making it nearly impossible to get permanently stuck without the proper items32. Al Lowe’s design philosophy emphasized accessibility, stating in the game manual his intention to “provide an area where the player could roam around and see almost anything within the first few minutes of play, and yet provide enough depth of play that the game would challenge most players”33.

Reception

Contemporary Reviews

Larry 6 received generally positive reviews from gaming publications, though scores varied significantly based on the reviewer’s tolerance for the series’ adult humor.

PublicationScoreNotes
Electronic Games92%Sara Slaymaker34
PC Gamer (UK)83%Phil South, January 199435
Joystick72.5/100September 199436
Hyper50%David Wildgoose37
PC Format45%Richard Longhurst38
Next Generation3/5 starsSeptember 199539

Computer Gaming World’s Allen Greenberg provided a nuanced assessment, describing the game as “a very clever game that will easily offend the puritan-minded, just as it might offend the experienced gamer looking for a serious puzzle challenge”40. He concluded that “for the novice who enjoys a touch of risqué entertainment and good, off-color jokes, Leisure Suit Larry 6 is a very novel and enjoyable source of titillation and amusement”41.

The more negative reviews focused on the series’ perceived stagnation. David Wildgoose of Hyper magazine dismissed it as “really desperate stuff,” arguing that “Larry was funny when he had some novelty value. Now he’s just a sad old sexist pervert”42. Similarly, PC Format’s Richard Longhurst wrote, “If you’re amused by flatulence, tampons, vibrators and masturbating, then Larry 6 is for you”43.

Modern Assessment

Retrospective reviews have been considerably more positive, with many critics praising the game’s technical achievements and puzzle design. A 2025 review noted that “out of all the original Leisure Suit Larry games, this nearly is my favorite game in the series”44. The reviewer particularly praised the character graphics, stating “I honestly believe these are some of the best looking pixelated pictures of women in video games”45.

Modern adventure game enthusiasts have highlighted the game’s superior puzzle design compared to its immediate predecessor. One comprehensive analysis concluded that “Larry 6 is everything its predecessor was not: it is large, difficult, very funny, and rich in interaction and exploration”46. The game maintains strong user ratings on modern platforms, with scores of 4.43/5 on My Abandonware47 and 4.33/5 on PlayMiniGames48.

Development

Origins

The development of Larry 6 came at a crucial time for both Al Lowe and Sierra On-Line. According to Lowe’s archived writings, Sierra had initially told him they were “not currently interested in another Leisure Suit Larry adventure game” despite the fact that his “latest adventure (like all of its predecessors) had sold over a quarter-million copies”49. This commercial success ultimately convinced the company to greenlight another Larry adventure.

Al Lowe approached Larry 6 with specific design goals informed by the mixed reception of Larry 5. In his design document, he explained his intention to create “a return to the original” formula, providing “no long auto-pilot cartoons, no Passionate Patti to provide political-correctness, no involved heavy plot. Just more babes, more silly situations to humiliate Larry, and more babes”50.

Production

The game’s development team included several key Sierra personnel. Al Lowe served as designer, writer, director, and producer51. The voice cast was led by Jan Rabson as Larry Laffer and Neil Ross as the narrator52. The supporting cast included notable voice actors such as Mary Kay Bergman, who voiced multiple characters including Cav Vuarnet and Char Donay53.

The game’s visual design was handled by Bil Skirvin and his team of artists, who created what Al Lowe described as “beautiful women” for the game’s female characters54. The artistic approach contrasted “hand-drawn background art and cartoonish characters,” which one reviewer noted “adds a distinctive flavor to the game”55. The design document specifically called for “Toon-like buildings set in photo-realistic backgrounds with unrealistic Toon people contrasted with realistic, beautiful ‘Vargas girls’“56.

Al Lowe also composed the game’s music, performing alto saxophone on the opening theme57. The soundtrack included collaborations with Josh Mandel, particularly on the song “Cell Block Love,” which featured a concept by Mandel about Marie from the Police Quest series falling in love with Sonny58.

Technical Achievements

Larry 6 represented a significant technical advancement for the series. The original 1993 release used VGA graphics at 320x240 resolution in 256-color mode59. However, the 1994 CD-ROM version featured SVGA graphics at 640x480 resolution, making it one of the first Larry games to utilize high-resolution graphics60.

The CD-ROM version’s most significant innovation was the addition of full voice acting throughout the game61. This made Larry 6 the first game in the series to feature complete spoken dialogue, a substantial enhancement that was widely praised by reviewers62. The voice work was directed by professional voice actors and featured high production values that set a new standard for the series63.

System requirements for the enhanced version included MS-DOS 5.0 or Windows 3.1, a 486DX33 processor, 8 MB RAM, and a double-speed CD-ROM drive64. The game supported various sound cards, with SoundBlaster compatibility being standard65.

Voice Cast

The CD-ROM version marked Larry 6 as the first game in the series to feature full voice acting.52 Al Lowe served as voice director.66

Principal Cast:525366

ActorCharacters
Jan RabsonLarry Laffer
Neil RossNarrator
Marcia Mitzman GavenBurgundy Bodine
Mary Kay BergmanCav Vuarnet, Char Donay, Operator, Maid, Voice-Mail Operator
Sheryl BernsteinGammie Boysulay, Rose
Jackie GonneauMerrily Lowe
Iona MorrisShablee, Thunderbird
Julie AmatoShamara Payne
Ed GilbertArt, Daryl
Dave FennoyMark, Billy Dee
Ronnie SchellJimmy, Kenny
Jeff BennettGary
Al LoweRock Hard

Version History

VersionDatePlatformNotes
VGA FloppyDecember 1993DOSOriginal release, 320x200 resolution67
SVGA CD-ROM1994DOS/WindowsFull voice acting, 640x480 resolution68
Windows 3.x1994WindowsHigh-resolution Windows release69
Macintosh1995Mac OSMac port39

SCI Interpreter Versions:19

Game VersionEngineNotes
VGA 1.0SCI1.1Original floppy release, SCI0-style interface
SVGA CDSCI2.0Enhanced CD-ROM with voice acting

Cancelled Versions: A 3DO version was planned but never released.70

Legacy

Larry 6’s influence on the series and adventure gaming more broadly has been significant. The game’s success demonstrated that adult-themed adventure games could achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success when backed by strong puzzle design and high production values71. Its sales performance helped convince Sierra to continue the Larry franchise through the mid-1990s72.

The game’s technical innovations, particularly its use of full voice acting and SVGA graphics, established new standards for Sierra’s adventure game productions73. Many subsequent Sierra titles adopted similar approaches to voice acting and visual design74.

Modern speedrunning communities have embraced Larry 6, with dedicated leaderboards tracking completion times and optimization strategies75. The current speedrun record demonstrates the game’s continued appeal to competitive players decades after its release76.

The game remains available through digital distribution platforms, included in the Leisure Suit Larry: Greatest Hits and Misses collection77. Its technical compatibility has been maintained through DOSBox support and modern operating system patches78.

Downloads

Purchase / Digital Stores

  • Available through GOG.com as part of Leisure Suit Larry collection79

Download / Preservation

References

Footnotes

  1. https://gamesnostalgia.com/game/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out - Gaming nostalgia website noting this is the fifth entry despite being numbered 6 ↩

  2. https://www.mobygames.com/game/407/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/ - Comprehensive database entry with technical specifications and voice acting details ↩

  3. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2023/08/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - Al Lowe quote from game manual about design intentions ↩

  4. https://classicreload.com/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out.html - Plot summary and game setting information ↩

  5. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/LeisureSuitLarry6ShapeUpOrSlipOut - Narrator opening quote from game ↩

  6. https://adventuregamers.com/walkthroughs/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out - Walkthrough author assessment calling it “one of the very best Larry games” ↩

  7. https://hardcoregaming101.net/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/ - Retrospective review noting it’s “definitely one of the better games in the series” ↩

  8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leisure_Suit_Larry_6:_Shape_Up_or_Slip_Out! - Wikipedia article with developer information ↩

  9. https://allowe.com/games/larry/tips-manuals/larry-manuals.html - Official Al Lowe website confirming his designer role ↩

  10. https://www.sierrachest.com/index.php?a=games&id=28&fld=general - Sierra Chest database with publisher information ↩

  11. https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Leisure_Suit_Larry_6:_Shape_Up_or_Slip_Out! - Technical documentation with platform availability ↩

  12. https://adventuregamers.com/walkthroughs/full/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out - Complete walkthrough with plot setup details ↩

  13. https://backloggd.com/u/MegaTheRealOne/review/1339112 - User review noting absence of Passionate Patti ↩

  14. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2023/12/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - Analysis of Al Lowe’s design document and clean slate approach ↩

  15. https://reddit.com/r/Sierra/comments/1ktgdcd/leisure_suit_larry_6_shape_up_or_slip_out_1993/ - Reddit discussion of game objectives ↩

  16. https://dosbox.com/wiki/GAMES:Leisure_Suit_Larry_6:_Shape_Up_or_Slip_Out! - DOSBox wiki description of Shamara Payne character ↩

  17. https://mobygames.com/game/407/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/trivia/ - MobyGames trivia section detailing wine-based character names ↩

  18. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2024/01/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - Detailed character name analysis including Cavaricchi Vuarnet ↩

  19. https://tcrf.net/Leisure_Suit_Larry_6:_Shape_Up_or_Slip_Out! - Technical preservation wiki with engine information ↩ ↩2

  20. https://ign.com/articles/2003/05/28/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out-walkthroughfaq-410268 - IGN FAQ explaining point-and-click mechanics ↩

  21. https://playminigames.net/game/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out! - Gaming website noting always-visible icon bar ↩

  22. https://playclassic.games/games/point-n-click-adventure-dos-games-online/play-leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out-online/ - Interface improvement details from Larry 5 ↩

  23. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/pc/564422-leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/faqs/38126 - GameFAQs walkthrough describing tram navigation system ↩

  24. https://gamerwalkthroughs.com/leisure-suit-larry-6/ - Four-day structure description ↩

  25. https://supercheats.com/pc/walkthroughs/leisuresuitlarry6shapeuporslipout-walkthrough02.txt - Non-linear task progression details ↩

  26. https://adventuregamers.com/walkthroughs/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out - Comparison to previous Larry games’ structure ↩

  27. https://adventureclassicgaming.com/index.php/site/reviews/153/ - Review discussing return of death scenarios ↩

  28. https://classicreload.com/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out.html - Description of “Try Again” button feature ↩

  29. https://3rdworldgeeks.com/2025/11/20/ill-review-anything-leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/ - Modern review praising elimination of traditional Sierra frustrations ↩

  30. https://mobygames.com/game/407/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/reviews/ - User review by Unicorn Lynx praising puzzle design ↩

  31. http://bonny.ploeg.ws/lsl6.htm - Walkthrough detailing individual character problems and solutions ↩

  32. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/pc/564422-leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/faqs/1593 - GameFAQs guide noting reduced difficulty compared to earlier titles ↩

  33. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2023/08/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - Al Lowe design philosophy from game manual ↩

  34. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2024/01/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - Electronic Games review score and reviewer name ↩

  35. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leisure_Suit_Larry_6:_Shape_Up_or_Slip_Out! - PC Gamer UK review information ↩

  36. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leisure_Suit_Larry_6%3A_Shape_Up_or_Slip_Out%21 - Joystick magazine review score ↩

  37. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2024/01/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - Hyper magazine review score ↩

  38. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2024/01/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - PC Format review score ↩

  39. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leisure_Suit_Larry_6:_Shape_Up_or_Slip_Out! - Next Generation magazine review ↩ ↩2

  40. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2024/01/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - Computer Gaming World review by Allen Greenberg ↩

  41. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leisure_Suit_Larry_6:_Shape_Up_or_Slip_Out! - Complete Computer Gaming World review conclusion ↩

  42. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2024/01/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - Hyper magazine negative review quotes ↩

  43. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2024/01/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - PC Format review criticism ↩

  44. https://3rdworldgeeks.com/2025/11/20/ill-review-anything-leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/ - Modern retrospective review assessment ↩

  45. https://3rdworldgeeks.com/2025/11/20/ill-review-anything-leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/ - Praise for character graphics quality ↩

  46. https://mobygames.com/game/407/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/reviews/ - Modern user review comparison to Larry 5 ↩

  47. https://myabandonware.com/game/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out-2ws - User rating based on 47 votes ↩

  48. https://playminigames.net/game/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out! - User aggregate rating ↩

  49. https://web.archive.org/web/20040203141037/http://www.allowe.com/AL/adventuredead.htm - Al Lowe archived writing about Sierra’s initial reluctance ↩

  50. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2023/08/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - Design document quotes about returning to original formula ↩

  51. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/LeisureSuitLarry6ShapeUpOrSlipOut - Al Lowe’s multiple roles in development ↩

  52. https://behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/ - Voice cast database with main character actors ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  53. https://imdb.com/title/tt0221339/ - IMDb cast information including Mary Kay Bergman’s multiple roles ↩ ↩2

  54. https://allowe.com/games/larry/tips-manuals/larry-manuals.html - Al Lowe description of Bil Skirvin’s artwork ↩

  55. https://adventureclassicgaming.com/index.php/site/reviews/153/ - Review praise for visual design contrast ↩

  56. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2023/12/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - Design document artistic specifications ↩

  57. https://allowe.com/downloads/music-larry.html - Al Lowe’s musical contributions including saxophone performance ↩

  58. https://allowe.com/downloads/music-larry.html - Josh Mandel collaboration on “Cell Block Love” ↩

  59. https://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Leisure_Suit_Larry_6:_Shape_Up_or_Slip_Out! - Technical specifications for VGA version ↩

  60. https://sierrahelp.com/Games/LeisureSuitLarry/LSL6Help.html - System requirements and graphics capabilities ↩

  61. https://hardcoregaming101.net/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/ - Assessment of voice acting as first in series ↩

  62. https://backloggd.com/u/MegaTheRealOne/review/1339112 - User review praising full voice acting implementation ↩

  63. https://behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/ - Professional voice cast and direction information ↩

  64. https://sierrahelp.com/Games/LeisureSuitLarry/LSL6Help.html - Complete system requirements documentation ↩

  65. https://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Leisure_Suit_Larry_6:_Shape_Up_or_Slip_Out! - Audio compatibility and sound card support ↩

  66. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/ - Behind The Voice Actors database with voice director and complete cast listing ↩ ↩2

  67. https://www.sierrachest.com/index.php?a=games&id=28&fld=general - Sierra Chest documenting original VGA floppy release details ↩

  68. https://www.hardcoregaming101.net/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/ - Technical details on SVGA CD-ROM version enhancements ↩

  69. https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Leisure_Suit_Larry_6:_Shape_Up_or_Slip_Out! - PCGamingWiki documenting Windows 3.x release ↩

  70. https://www.mobygames.com/game/407/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out/trivia/ - MobyGames trivia noting cancelled 3DO version ↩

  71. https://sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/724991/0000891020-96-000721.txt - Sierra On-Line SEC filing mentioning Larry series success ↩

  72. https://web.archive.org/web/20040203141037/http://www.allowe.com/AL/adventuredead.htm - Sales figures confirming quarter-million copies sold ↩

  73. https://mobygames.com/game/27943/leisure-suit-larry-collection/ - Collection information showing continued Sierra support ↩

  74. https://advgamer.blogspot.com/2023/12/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip.html - Analysis of Larry 6’s influence on Sierra’s adventure game standards ↩

  75. https://speedrun.com/larry6 - Speedrunning community leaderboard and engagement metrics ↩

  76. https://speedrun.com/larry6/runs/m35r0pgy - Individual speedrun record with optimization details ↩

  77. https://gogdb.org/product/1207662083 - GOG database showing inclusion in compilation ↩

  78. https://dosbox.com/wiki/GAMES:Leisure_Suit_Larry_6:_Shape_Up_or_Slip_Out! - DOSBox compatibility documentation ↩

  79. https://gogdb.org/product/1207662093 - GOG distribution information ↩

  80. https://myabandonware.com/game/leisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-out-2ws - Community preservation site with ratings ↩

  81. https://archive.org/details/Leisure_Suit_Larry_6_-_Manual - Internet Archive manual preservation ↩

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