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The gaming industry has seen a resurgence of classic franchises, breathing new life into beloved titles dormant for decades. From shooters like Doom and Wolfenstein to RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Torment: Tides of Numenera, the trend of revisiting the past has proven incredibly successful. Amidst this revival wave, the point-and-click adventure genre has also experienced a renaissance, with classics like Deponia and Grim Fandango finding new audiences. Among the most anticipated returns is undoubtedly Monkey Island, with Guybrush Threepwood embarking on one last hilarious adventure after 30 years. Return to Monkey Island promises to finally unveil the secret of Monkey Island and resolve the cliffhanger ending of Monkey Island 2. But does it live up to the legendary status of its predecessors? Let’s delve into the swashbuckling world of Return to Monkey Island and find out.

Guybrush Threepwood in Return to Monkey Island

Classic Gameplay, Modern Tweaks

Return to Monkey Island refines the classic Monkey Island formula while staying true to the core gameplay that defined Lucasfilm Games (formerly LucasArts) adventure titles. Players control Guybrush Threepwood, exploring environments, collecting items, and solving puzzles to progress the narrative. The primary gameplay loop involves going to location A, interacting with object B, combining B with object C or character D, and watching the story unfold. While this sounds simple, developer Terrible Toybox cleverly iterates on this formula, preventing repetition and maintaining a consistently engaging experience.

Each puzzle varies in length and complexity, offering diverse solutions beyond simple fetch quests. Players might find themselves mopping floors, persuading characters, or even outsmarting the nefarious pirate LeChuck. The puzzles are intricately woven into the narrative, providing context for both Guybrush and the player. Solutions feel logical and consistent within the game world, avoiding the illogical leaps of faith found in some older adventure games.

Gameplay screenshot of Return to Monkey Island

For instance, early in the game, Guybrush attempts to sneak onto LeChuck’s ship. The game subtly introduces necessary clues before presenting the puzzle, then playfully misdirects the player with a cleverly named “Misleading Woods” while simultaneously advancing LeChuck’s story.

While accessible, Return to Monkey Island offers a degree of complexity. Puzzles like the shipwreck require extensive exploration and information gathering before piecing together the solution. These larger puzzles often serve as narrative milestones, summarizing and concluding significant story arcs.

Guybrush Threepwood exploring in Return to Monkey Island

To assist players, the game introduces two valuable additions: the Hint Book and the To-Do List. The Hint Book, provided by a fortune teller to the perpetually hapless Guybrush, offers subtle hints without spoiling the story. The To-Do List provides a clear overview of current objectives, allowing players to focus their efforts and utilize the Hint Book effectively.

Guybrush Threepwood holding the Hint Book

The Hint Book even provides clues for various tasks, not just the main objective, making it a truly helpful tool. Return to Monkey Island masterfully balances challenge and accessibility, offering a satisfying puzzle experience grounded in its captivating narrative and vibrant world.

A Visual and Narrative Delight

The success of Return to Monkey Island‘s puzzles hinges on its environment and story design, and thankfully, Terrible Toybox delivers on both fronts. Penned by Ron Gilbert, the creator of Monkey Island, the game’s humor resonates with longtime fans while charming newcomers.

Guybrush Threepwood and Elaine Marley

Returning characters like the stern Governor Carla, Guybrush’s wife Elaine, the slippery salesman Stan S. Stanman, and the grumpy skull Murray join a colorful cast of new characters. The locksmith Locke Smith, weary of her pun-tastic name, and the rival pirates Lila, Trent, and Madison all contribute to the vibrant world.

The interplay between characters, both old and new, fuels a sharp and witty script. Each character possesses a distinct personality, with Guybrush serving as the heart of the ensemble. His enduring kindness and clumsiness endear him to everyone (except LeChuck). The game cleverly weaves its central narrative with glimpses into Guybrush’s life after his seafaring adventures, adding depth and charm to the protagonist.

Return to Monkey Island screenshot

The game’s visual style complements its narrative perfectly. Departing from traditional animation, Return to Monkey Island embraces a more modern, abstract aesthetic. This allows for visually stunning surreal sequences and enhances the humor and emotional impact of key moments. The soundtrack retains the Caribbean folk music inspiration, creating an authentic atmosphere for the pirate setting, while incorporating electronic elements for more dramatic scenes.

Return to Monkey Island screenshot

Conclusion

Return to Monkey Island successfully captures the spirit of the original games while introducing modern enhancements. The engaging puzzles, witty writing, and charming characters make it a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. It’s a hilarious and heartfelt adventure that lives up to the legacy of Monkey Island.