Return to Monkey Island: A Swashbuckling Trip Down Memory Lane

Point & Click

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Return to Monkey Island Evil Le Chuck with red eyes

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Title: Return to Monkey Island
Type of Game: Adventure, Point-and-Click
Developer: Terrible Toybox
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Released: September 19, 2022
Platforms Available: PC Game, Mac Game, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Android,
Platform Reviewed: Mac Game, Android
Level of Maturity: Teen

Story of Guybrush Treepwood

The Monkey Island series is a true breakthrough in point-and-click adventures, hailing from a distant era. Back in 1990, when the game graced Amiga computers and early PCs with pre-VGA graphics, it wasn’t exactly a visual masterpiece. The CGA and EGA versions were, let’s face it, pretty ugly. But graphics weren’t the game’s selling point. What made it stand out was the sheer love poured into its creation and the strength of its characters – even the most comical ones left an indelible mark.

I remember when it first came out. I fell head over heels for Guybrush Threepwood, the perfect anti-hero. He was this awkward, adolescent wannabe pirate with a geeky charm and a knack for witty banter. Those legendary insult sword fights? Pure gold. While nothing was revolutionary in the strictest sense, the fun factor was off the charts from the get-go. It was a beautiful mix of pure love and subtle mystery, wrapped in layer upon layer of humor.

The challenges were mostly logical, though sometimes they veered into the realm of the absurd. You’d find yourself chatting up every character in sight, trying to piece together solutions that often defied conventional logic. But that was part of the charm. You’d love the characters, curse them when stuck, and you would never, ever forget good ol’ Guybrush Threepwood. So that’s how the game was, a perfect blend of humor, mystery, and engaging puzzles that kept you coming back for more.

The Prodigal Pirate Returns

Fast forward to today, and we’ve got a new Monkey Island game on our hands. What’s really interesting is that this game is from Ron Gilbert, the original mastermind behind the Monkey Island series. The franchise took a bit of a detour with Monkey Island 3, which is actually a great game, but it wasn’t by Ron Gilbert. Then we had the Telltale series on the iPads, which worked quite okay, but the charm was already gone, and the game was like some other games on the platform – you wouldn’t notice anything very spectacular about them. But this new game? It’s come back like a direct sequel, and that’s great. Yeah, it’s really great.

Gilbert knows he’s dealing with a whole new generation of gamers, maybe even a generation and a half away from the original. But he still very charmingly introduced the characters and their funny sides, cleverly and smartly adapting them for the new audiences of today’s gaming world. And actually, they’ve done a good thing, because you can play the game everywhere – on your mobile, on your iPads, on your computer, on your Mac, you can play it on your PC, of course. I’m not quite sure if Monkey Island is on the consoles, but if it is, that’s worth mentioning too.

The story evolves from where it left off – I don’t want to do any spoilers, but the mysterious tale of Guybrush and LeChuck continues to unfold. What’s new is that they’ve made it easier for you by adding a hint system along the way, which wasn’t possible in the original games. But now it is, because everybody’s used to that kind of help these days. So it’s not like the hardcore version of the original games, but that’s what contemporary times require from games. Still, it’s quite challenging – sometimes even the hints might get you stuck, and you have to think it out.

I need to mention that you can play it in two modes: an easy version and the full version of the game. Definitely go for the full version at first. If you struggle, then you can switch to the easier mode. But trust me, the full experience is worth it.

Art and Senses of the Monkey

Graphically, the game is lovely. It’s art, yeah, it’s an art style that’s like hand-drawn graphics. The sceneries are very classic – nothing has fundamentally changed, just the fidelity of the graphics. There are no sprites anymore, but more complex personas moving around in a more graphical world. Still, it has this cubist feel to it. The faces aren’t realistic; they’re very cartoonish and stretched out a little. It looks like something between Picasso and Salvador Dalí – you know, that other guy who had these melting clocks and things. So it’s somewhere between these two famous Spanish painters, I’d say.

It’s like a handmade game. You can get it for about 20 bucks, and the price isn’t going down much since it’s still relatively new. But yeah, you can have it – maybe do some checking on where to get it and how much you can get the game for in your area.

Sound-wise, the audio reminds you of the old days, but it’s still fresh and engaging. I think the story will be engaging for the new audience for sure. What’s great is that you can see through this old Monkey Island, piracy stuff that Pirates of the Caribbean definitely had a very strong inspiration here. The comparison between Jack Sparrow and Guybrush Threepwood is interesting – although Guybrush is a wannabe pirate at heart, and Sparrow is a real pirate. But still, that charming, fairytale-y, super funny, point-and-click adventure of Monkey Island is here with us again.

The Magic Lives On

I’m happy to see Ron Gilbert and Dave Grossman are doing the games again, and that they really, really enjoyed this and their previous Thimbleweed Park project, which actually was even more classic because of the pixels being used, like in games from the early ’90s. It was their previous work, and I really enjoyed that game too.

You know, although the graphics in Return to Monkey Island aren’t what you’d call top, super-contemporary graphics, it’s made, again, with love. I think the soul of the original game is there, and yeah, the guys are still with us, doing great fun and enjoying the game-making process. That’s what we love to see.

We’re definitely thrilled to see another game from the studio, Terrible Toybox, which will hopefully be coming out with something very soon. The team has proven once again that they have the magic touch when it comes to creating games that surprise, delight, and leave us wanting more.

Return to Monkey Island bridges the gap between nostalgia and modern gaming sensibilities, offering something for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series. Whether you’re revisiting the world of Monkey Island or stepping into it for the first time, you’re in for a treat – a game that’s as much a labor of love as it is a rollicking good time. So grab your grog, sharpen your wit, and set sail for adventure – Guybrush Threepwood and the gang are waiting for you!

Where to Buy Return to Monkey Island

Steam (PC): Available for $24.99. You can purchase it directly from Steam.
Epic Games Store (PC): Available for $24.99. Purchase it from the Epic Games Store.
Nintendo Shop (Switch): Available for $24.99.Purchase it from the Nintendo Shop.
PlayStation Store (PS5): Available for $24.99. You can find it on the PlayStation Store.
Xbox Store (Xbox Series X/S): Available for $24.99. Check it out on the Xbox Store.
Play on you IOS , download Return to Monkey Island on Appstore.
Play on your Android , download Return to Monkey island on Play Store
Official Page: Visit the official Return to Monkey Island page for more information.
Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Monkey Island Subreddit.

Bear and Breakfast: Free on Epic Games Store this Weekend

Freebie Deal

By

Mat

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5 October, 2024

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

This weekend, Epic Games Store is offering “Bear and Breakfast” for free, a charming management adventure that puts you in the paws of Hank, a bear with entrepreneurial aspirations. Normally, this is 19.99$ game as on Steam

Developed by Gummy Cat, this laid-back game tasks you with transforming an abandoned shack into a thriving bed and breakfast for unsuspecting tourists. As you expand your woodland hospitality empire, you’ll uncover forest mysteries and engage with quirky characters.

Key features:

Build and customize your inn
Manage guest happiness and reputation
Complete quests to unlock new items and perks
Explore a story-rich world full of interesting characters

“Bear and Breakfast” offers a unique blend of management simulation and adventure, all wrapped in a cute, bear-themed package. Originally released on July 28, 2022, it’s now available for free on the Epic Games Store until [end date].

Grab your free copy of Bear and Breakfast on Epic Games Store and don’t miss this chance to become the forest’s best ursine hotelier!

Another Blow to Ubisoft: Star Wars Outlaws Sales Not Going Well

Star Wars

By

Mat

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1 October, 2024

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

As we all could feel in our guts, Star Wars Outlaws isn’t gonna be the blockbuster Ubisoft was banking on. Shit’s getting real, folks. Insider Gaming’s spilling the tea, saying Ubisoft only pushed a measly 1 million copies! That ain’t gonna cover the rent, let alone turn a profit. Financially speaking, this is a proper kick in the nuts for Ubisoft, and it’s gonna leave ’em limping for months to come.

Meanwhile, Black Myth Wukong’s over there flexing with its estimated 20 million copies sold in a month after 10 million in just 3 days. Ken Kutaragi confirmed on Tokyo Games Slow. Talk about salt in the wound, right? You just know the suits at Ubisoft HQ are green with envy, probably drowning their sorrows in overpriced lattes.

Don’t get me wrong, Star Wars Outlaws ain’t a total dumpster fire. It’s still worth a shot if you’re into that whole star-warsy cowboy vibe ways… If they actually bother to polish it up, it might even go down in history as a decent game. But let’s face it, being “decent” ain’t gonna save Ubisoft’s ass from the financial shitstorm they’re brewing.

The game industry’s a cruel mistress, and right now, she’s giving Ubisoft the cold shoulder. Let’s see if they can pull a Jedi mind trick and turn this mess around, or if they’ll end up as another cautionary tale in the ever-growing graveyard of overhyped flops.

Assetto Corsa EVO is Coming in Junary 2025 and we got New Trailer from Kunos

Sim Racing

By

Mat

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30 September, 2024

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

KUNOS Simulazioni has confirmed Assetto Corsa EVO will launch in Early Access for PC on January 16, 2025. Along with this announcement, today, September 30, they’ve just dropped a brand-new official trailer, giving fans their first real glimpse of what’s to come. For sim racing fans, this date and trailer together signal the next evolution in realistic racing, building on the success of Assetto Corsa and Assetto Corsa Competizione.

Kunos Simulazioni Youtube Channel – New Assetto Corsa EVO Announcement Trailer

Marco Massarutto’s statement was clear: KUNOS is focused on delivering high quality. They’ve taken their time to ensure EVO meets the high standards set by the community, as seen with their past titles. The new trailer showcases the attention to detail and the leap forward in technology we’ve come to expect.

The standout feature of Assetto Corsa EVO is its diverse range of cars, from road and race cars to hypercars and classics, all modeled with precision. Like Assetto Corsa, this new game pushes realism even further. The new proprietary engine enhances accuracy, refining the mechanical and aerodynamic performance.

With this trailer, it’s clear EVO continues the competitive spirit seen in Assetto Corsa Competizione. The variety of vehicles, each with unique handling, ensures an immersive racing experience for all, just wait a bit till January to feel it on our own wheels.

PS5 Pro: Another Gamer’s Take on Sony’s Latest Console

PlayStation

By

Mat

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15 September, 2024

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

So, let’s talk about the PlayStation 5 Pro, the newly announced version from Mark Cerny. This reveal has already stirred up some waves in the gaming community, and I’ve got to say, the expectations were maybe a bit higher than what we got. But hey, at least the console seems to be quite expensive – ha, of course, that’s irony for you.

A Hardware Upgrade with Familiar Twists

What do we know so far about the PS5 Pro? In general, it’ll be faster, as you’d expect after four years of technological advancements. It’s got a bigger hard drive, better ray tracing technology, and overall performance should be more stable. Sounds like a bunch of boring, expected stuff, right? Well, let’s dive a bit deeper.

First off, that 2TB hard drive is actually a pretty handy addition. As a gamer, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to delete some of my games just to make room for new ones. It’s a real pain, and plenty of gamers have resorted to swapping out their drives for 4TB ones just to keep up. So yeah, 2TB is quite a good addition, but here’s the kicker – you’re losing the drive to read disks. Now you have to buy it separately, along with the stand. Come on, Sony! You’d expect these little handy gadgets to be included in the pack for a premium console, but nope. It’s another little rip-off from PlayStation, but let’s be honest, we kind of know this game by now, don’t we?

Strategy and the Portal’s Influence

Now, let’s talk strategy. Sony’s being pretty smart about this whole thing. They know the power of the PlayStation brand, the infrastructure, and the community they’ve built. We saw it with the Portal – it’s just a remote handheld without its own processing power, but it was quite successful. People like it, and with a good internet connection, it’s actually quite playable and enjoyable. I’ve got to admit, after spending some time with it, it’s grown on me.

Price and Performance: A Console vs. PC Dilemma

When you look at the price, the PS5 Pro is actually pretty close to an Nvidia 4070 Ti graphics card. Some experts are saying the PS5 Pro’s performance is roughly on par with the 4070. So, if you wanted to build a comparable PC, you’d be looking at maybe $200 more. Sony knows they can’t go much higher than this price point, but they’re still pushing it.

Here’s the thing, though – the approachability of a console compared to a PC is another asset Sony’s counting on. Not everybody has the time or inclination to tune up a computer. They just want to plug and play, get into their games without the hassle. Sony knows this, and they know they’ll likely be successful with the PS5 Pro, just like they were with the PS4 Pro, which is still an amazing console that plays titles very well.

Remakes, Ray Tracing, and the Next Gen Prep

Looking at the games situation, Sony’s only saying that 50 games at launch will have enhanced features for the Pro. Yeah we can imagine that even the resource-hungry games will run a little smoother. We can expect better ray tracing and all that jazz. But here’s where it gets interesting – this allows Sony to bring some remakes of their recent games. They can recycle their own stuff, giving us some luxury, super remastered, remade versions of their successful brands like The Last of Us. It’s a smart move, even if it feels a bit like double-dipping.

Looking Towards 2027 and Beyond

Now, let’s talk timeline. I think we shouldn’t be looking at a PlayStation 6 hitting shelves before 2027, or even 2028. The PS5 Pro should be enough to keep good gaming going for a while. Another thing to consider is how this will help PlayStation VR. The future will tell us how much of a boost PS VR games will get from this hardware upgrade.

As for the market reaction, we’re definitely monitoring the situation. While we’re not exactly thrilled for consumers who have to shell out this much money, we shouldn’t worry about demand. There will be plenty of it, and it wouldn’t surprise me if shelves are empty pretty soon after launch. We might see another wave of online shopping mayhem, with scalpers trying to make a quick profit.

The Design: Subtle Yet Significant

Let’s not forget about the design. There are two new stripes on the top of the console. It’s a small detail, but it does help differentiate it from the base PS5. Whether that justifies the price hike is another question entirely.

The Long Game: Future-Proofing the PlayStation Ecosystem

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Is this really necessary? My PS5 still works great!” And you’re not wrong. The base PS5 is still a powerful machine, and most games run beautifully on it. But Sony’s playing the long game here. They’re looking at the next few years of game development and trying to future-proof their platform.

One thing that’s got me a bit concerned is the potential for fragmentation in the PlayStation ecosystem. We saw this a bit with the PS4 Pro, where some games had “Pro Enhanced” features. It wasn’t a huge deal then, but as the performance gap widens, we might see more significant differences between base PS5 and PS5 Pro versions of games. This could lead to some frustration for base PS5 owners who feel like they’re getting a subpar experience.

Developers’ Playground: Pushing Boundaries with Power

On the flip side, this could push developers to really push the boundaries of what’s possible in console gaming. With more power to play with, we might see some truly spectacular games in the coming years. Just imagine what studios like Naughty Dog or Santa Monica could do with this extra horsepower.

The Price Debate: Worth the Cost?

But let’s be real for a second – the price is going to be a sticking point for a lot of people. $699.99 is a lot of money, especially when you consider that many people struggled to get their hands on a base PS5 not too long ago. It feels a bit soon for such an expensive upgrade. And in the current economic climate, with inflation and financial uncertainty, it’s a tough ask for many gamers.

That said, there will always be enthusiasts who want the best of the best. For them, the PS5 Pro will be a day-one purchase. And hey, if you’ve got the cash and want the best possible PlayStation experience, more power to you.

The PS5 Pro: A Smart Yet Conservative Move

In the end, the PS5 Pro is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s an impressive piece of hardware that will undoubtedly deliver some fantastic gaming experiences. But it also feels like a product of its time – a time when companies are trying to squeeze every last drop of profit from their existing platforms. It’s not quite the revolutionary leap some might have hoped for, but it’s a solid iterative improvement that will keep the PlayStation platform competitive for years to come.

The Console Wars Continue: Will Xbox Respond?

As we look to the future, it’ll be interesting to see how Microsoft responds. The console wars are far from over, and this move from Sony is sure to elicit a response. Could we see an Xbox Series X Pro in the near future? Only time will tell.

For now, we’ll keep our eyes on the PS5 Pro as we get closer to its release. There’s still a lot we don’t know, and I’m sure Sony has a few surprises up their sleeve. Whether it’s worth the upgrade will ultimately come down to individual gamers and their priorities. But one thing’s for sure – the next few years of PlayStation gaming are going to be interesting.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to drop $700 on a PS5 Pro, or are you happy sticking with your current setup? Whatever your take, it’s an exciting time to be a gamer. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some games to play… and maybe some pennies to start saving. Stay tuned, fellow gamers – the future of PlayStation is looking mighty interesting.