A Rum-Fuelled, Rowdy Adventure (The Secret of Monkey Island)

Member Name: joeytomtom

Product:	The Secret of Monkey Island
Date:	01/11/09 (12 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Impeccable graphics and unforgettable characters

Disadvantages: loading times on the old disk-based Amiga systems were long

The Secret of Monkey Island was first released on the Commodore Amiga home computer in 1990. The game genre is commonly known as a "point and click" adventure, championed by the likes of Lucasarts and Sierra in the early days. The gameplay mechanics, though simple in theory, basically make the player explore scenarios and surroundings, involving the character (or characters) in the plotline which unfold in a narrative style. The player interacts with the world via an interface which contains verbal commands and an inventory system. Onscreen characters can be moved around the gameworld by a few simple clicks of the mouse, hence the "point and click" monicer) and further advancement dependent on unlocking new scenarios via puzzles or similarly contexed means.

Monkey Isand itself is one of the most memorable and fondly remebered games of this kind for many reasons. Lush handpainted backdrops really drew the player into the world; everything from exotic ship-wrecked scenes to the depths of the voodoo ruled swamps. Rowdy pirate taverns to spooky, brooding graveyards. Secondly, the characters are expertly crafted and unforgettable.

Monkey Island tells the story of Guybrush Threepwood, young pirate wannabe and hapless adventurer in his quest to become a pirate, and defeat the evil ghost pirate Le Chuck. On your journey you will meet a host of hilarious, scary and mostly rowdy cast, each with a punchline and an agenda all their own. From location to location, an exasperated Threepwood sneaks, fights and plots his way though an adventure full of colour, laughter and danger as he finally attempts to uncover the secret of Monkey Island.

Summary: excellent, timeless adventure that has not lost it's touch.