The Secret of Monkey Island Collection

Name of Game: The Secret of Monkey Island Collection

Style of Game: Point ‘n’ Click

Story: The tales of Guybrush Threepwood, on a crazy path to become a famous pirate. The games consist of a series of riddles with complex, nonsensical solutions. The whole story is carried along by the amazing humour from Ron Gilbert (who also worked on Deathspank).

Graphics: Both games have the option to play with the retro graphics they had when they were first released over 20 years ago, or with re-skinned graphics. The updated graphics are markedly improved from the original but are nothing outstanding and still cartoon-like… then again, these games rely on gameplay and humour as opposed to great visuals.

Sound: Not a great deal of sound present but dialogue is voice acted fairly well.

Difficulty: The difficulty of these games greatly depends on the individual players’ ability to solve the riddles/puzzles. Hints are always available – though sometimes well hidden – and the solutions always make sense based on the information provided, even though illogical (unlike some point ‘n’ click games).

Achievements: The difficulties of the achievements come mostly from the difficulty of the games themselves. If a player can finish both games they can probably attain all of the achievements. Both games do include achievements for not using hints and completing the game within a certain time - however, if players take their time with a first run-through these achievements should be easily enough cleared up in a second run of the games.

Brief thoughts: In my opinion The Secret of Monkey Island series are my favourite point ‘n’ click games. I enjoy the humour and working out what to do next won’t strain your brain compared to other games of this type. I do feel that The Secret of Monkey Island is very cleverly designed compared to the sequel, which has a lot of loops and a more linear feel to it. Although I feel the first game is the superior of the two, the second is still definitely worth playing if you enjoy the first. It’s also worth noting that these games can be purchased separately for 800MSP on XBLA, or as retail disc containing both games.

Rating:
The Secret of Monkey Island: 8/10
Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge: 6/10

Overall Score: 7/10

Good review chap. I love these games, think i might have to play through them both again soon, I keep meaning to.

good work mate.

Point and click leaves me cold though, although Walking dead is an exception.

Great review as ever Slayer! I have to disagree with your comment about Monkey Island 2 being the worst of the two but I'd be bias as I jumped in at no 2 rather than 1 and actually ended up playing Day of the Tentacle before Monkey Island one in fact so I was more used to the wackier side of point n clicks!

@Kent - I agree The walking Dead is so unique for the genre it doesn't even feel like playing a Point 'n' Click. I'd say Monkey island feels more like a puzzle game which is why I enjoy it. Many point 'n' clicks I feel find boring with dull humour.

@Tenlo - Day of the Tentacle is a game I heard about a few years ago and was quite intrigued to try it out. Due to it being a PC game though I tend to always say i'll get round to it later. Thanks for the reminder

Great stuff mate!

These games have been dear to my heart for years! I do prefer no 2 myself though, I must say!

I really hope we get Monkey 3 and 4 on Live Arcade! I would love that!

Nice work mate

@Tenlo - Day of the Tentacle is a game I heard about a few years ago and was quite intrigued to try it out. Due to it being a PC game though I tend to always say i'll get round to it later. Thanks for the reminder

IMHO The Day Of The Tentacle was the best adventure ever...an absolute masterpiece.