It has been over 30 years since Ron Gilbert left the gaming world after two unforgettable games in the Monkey Island series. The series continued but under a new creator. Gilbert suddenly graced us with a surprise comeback in 2022 with the release of Return to Monkey Island. Indeed, the king is back! Return to Monkey Island was developed by Terrible Toybox and published by Devolver Digital.

 The game was first announced in April 2022, with many anticipating its release. The game was then released on macOS, Nintendo Switch, and Windows on 19th September 2022, on Linux on 26th October 2022, and on Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on 8th November 2022. Despite his long absence from the gaming world, Gilbert did not disappoint with this incredible graphic adventure single-player game. 

Guybrush Threepwood Still Maintains His Position As The Protagonist

Return to Monkey Island is a continuation of the earlier games. The game takes place right after the original game and explores what has happened to Guybrush Threepwood and his friends in the years since he defeated LeChuck. 

Guybrush is still our protagonist, which is amazing because I love that guy. When playing the game, you get to control Guybrush Threepwood, who happens to be an adventurous pirate. You can explore different locations, visit many islands, communicate with non-player characters,  and perform numerous missions. As he progresses in his journey, Guybrush must source vital information from the locals on different islands and collect as many items and resources as possible. 

Guybrush Threepwood Gets Tired of Living a Normal Life

It could only take so long before an adventurous spirit gets bored of living a life devoid of adventure or misadventure, as the case may be. The last time we heard from Guybrush, he had defeated his arch-enemy LeChuck, also known as The zombie Pirate. He then moved on with the love of his life, Elaine Marley, to live happily ever after. Judging from their past life and adventures, it wasn’t surprising that happily ever after became boring for the duo. Elaine was no longer interested in governing, while Guybrush kept having that unfulfilled feeling that he couldn’t brush away. Throughout his journey and adventures, he could not uncover Monkey Island’s secrets. 

However, Guybrush and Elaine aren’t the only ones having issues adapting to their new life. The Old Guard has lost powers to The Young Pirate Leaders. Captain Maddison leads this new group. Melee Island is now worse than ever, and our favorite businessman Stan has landed in prison. That wasn’t surprising, as Stan isn’t the most straightforward businessman. 

The User Interface is Different in a Good Way

Return to Monkey Island is a point-and-click adventure game with a beautiful 2D design. The game is more directive than the earlier games. This new improvement is more welcoming for beginners who may have difficulty navigating the map or understanding the gameplay. Return to Monkey Island actively guides the player through every gameplay. You can easily tap on the screen hotspots guide if you get confused when playing the game. Once you move the cursor to an interactive zone, the system will give you different suggestions about the right actions. 

Apart from giving directions, the game now features a drag-and-drop interface that players can use to combine items when playing. Players can easily use their mice and controllers to access and use the features. With this new interface that features a hint system, players will no longer need to look for walkthroughs before playing the game. If the new user interface isn’t helpful enough or the game still feels complicated, you can always play in the Casual Mode, making the gameplay much easier. 

The Puzzles Will Neither Get You Frustrated or Bored

Players must use their wit and ingenuity throughout the game to solve puzzles and progress through the story. The puzzles are designed to be challenging yet accessible, and a lot of humor is injected into the game. Many puzzles require players to think outside the box to solve them, making them even more fascinating and engaging.

The classic music from the original game has been remixed for Return to Monkey Island, giving it a more cinematic feel. It has all the whimsy and fun of the original game but with a bit more gravitas. The score also includes some beautifully orchestrated pieces that help to enhance the emotional beats of the story. The music truly takes the experience to a new level.

The Graphics Aren’t Just Impressive; They Will Blow Your Mind

Return to Monkey Island, the fourth installment of the classic point-and-click adventure series, is an awesome game in many ways. Its visuals are particularly noteworthy, as they successfully recapture the charm of the original games while still bringing something fresh to the table.

The visuals in Return to Monkey Island mix 2D and 3D, with hand-drawn backgrounds and 3D models for characters. The result is a pleasing aesthetic that provides an almost nostalgic feel. The visuals also reflect the game’s unique humor, featuring outlandish characters, ridiculous environments, and plenty of slapstick gags.

The Game Also Features Some Stunning Lighting and Shading Effects

From the soft pink hues of the Caribbean sunset to the deep shadows of the underground caverns, the lighting adds atmosphere and helps bring the world of Monkey Island to life.

Return to Monkey Island’s graphics are nothing short of impressive. They capture the whimsical charm of the original games while still providing something new and exciting for players. It’s clear that much thought and effort went into making this game visually appealing, and it’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of the series.

Conclusion

Return to Monkey Island is a great game for fans of the original classic or newcomers looking to experience the zany world of Guybrush Threepwood for the first time. With its clever puzzles, unique writing, and colorful characters, this sequel captures the original game’s charm and brings it into the modern era. The new voice acting and updated graphics give the game a fresh feel that helps bring the characters and world to life.

Overall, Return to Monkey Island offers hours of adventure and laughs. Whether you’re a fan of adventure games or just looking for a good laugh, you won’t be disappointed with this game.