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CRITIK

Return to Monkey Island

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Return to Monkey Island
Item: Return to Monkey Island
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Comedy, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Point & Click, Casual, Single Player

AvailableSep 19, 2022

PlatformXbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperTerrible Toybox

Overview

Return to Monkey Island, the long-awaited follow-up to the legendary Secret of Monkey Island and Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge by Ron Gilbert's Terrible Toybox in collaboration with Devolver Digital and Lucasfilm Games, coming 2022.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Return to Monkey Island for its engaging narrative, nostalgic elements, and humorous tone. Critics like Hey Poor Player and Softpedia appreciated the blend of classic elements with new additions, providing an authentic and heartwarming Monkey Island experience. The game was commended for its exploration of themes such as nostalgia, growing older, and legacy-reckoning, as highlighted by Hooked Gamers and NME. The inclusion of familiar characters and references to previous games, along with clever writing and amusing Easter eggs, added depth and charm to the storytelling, resonating well with fans of the series. While the story of Return to Monkey Island received overall positive feedback, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks. Destructoid found the story to be inconsequential, relying heavily on self-references and callbacks to previous games, which may hinder its ability to stand on its own. New Game Network highlighted issues with the latter half of the story, mentioning unfocused narrative progression, interruptive cutscenes, and an abrupt ending that, while fitting, could be unsatisfying for some players. GameSpew and Switch Player noted that the heavy reliance on fan service and references to past games might alienate newcomers who are unfamiliar with the series, potentially causing them to miss out on key punchlines and moments. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Return to Monkey Island. The game successfully captures the essence of the original series while introducing new elements and themes that resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers. Critics like Press Start Australia and Twinfinite appreciated the closure provided to the trilogy and the continuation of Guybrush Threepwood's adventures in a satisfying and harmonious manner. The blend of humor, engaging narrative, memorable characters, and well-written dialogues, as highlighted by Worth Playing and COGconnected, contributed to a delightful and enjoyable storytelling experience that pays homage to the franchise's legacy while offering a fresh take on the beloved Monkey Island universe.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics laud Return to Monkey Island for its engaging narrative, nostalgic charm, and humorous tone, blending classic elements with new additions for an authentic Monkey Island experience. The story explores themes of nostalgia, aging, and legacy, resonating well with fans. However, some critics found drawbacks like reliance on self-references and an abrupt ending. Overall, the majority of critics praise the game for capturing the essence of the original series while introducing fresh elements, providing closure to the trilogy in a harmonious manner.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Return to Monkey Island, highlighting its positive aspects. Critics like Adventure Gamers and GamingTrend appreciated the enjoyable point-and-click mechanics, clever puzzles, and intuitive interfaces that provided a good mix of challenge and fun. Worth Playing and PlayStation Universe also commended the game for its modernized controls, engaging puzzles, and compelling stakes, creating a cohesive and rewarding gameplay experience. The inclusion of a hint system, multiple difficulty modes, and well-designed puzzles that flow nicely without feeling illogical or impossible were also noted positively by critics like Game Informer and COGconnected. On the downside, some critics mentioned a few negatives regarding the gameplay of Return to Monkey Island. VG247 pointed out struggles with puzzle design perfection, while TheGamer highlighted that some puzzles can be frustrating, although ultimately rewarding. Hey Poor Player noted that while the puzzles are more manageable compared to earlier games in the series, some may still be tricky for players unfamiliar with adventure games. These criticisms indicate that while the majority of critics found the gameplay to be very good, there were still some areas that could be improved or may pose challenges for certain players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards the gameplay of Return to Monkey Island. Critics from various platforms, such as GRYOnline.pl, GamePro Germany, and Push Square, praised the game for its traditional point-and-click adventure gameplay, engaging puzzles, and innovative features like hint systems and multiple difficulty modes. The game successfully combines old-school charm with modern elements, offering a cohesive and enjoyable experience for both newcomers and fans of the series. Despite some minor criticisms, the general sentiment is that Return to Monkey Island delivers a satisfying and well-crafted gameplay experience that stays true to the franchise's roots while introducing improvements to enhance player enjoyment.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praise Return to Monkey Island for its engaging point-and-click gameplay, clever puzzles, and modern features like hint systems. While some critics note minor drawbacks such as puzzle design struggles, the consensus remains highly positive. The game successfully blends old-school charm with contemporary elements, offering a cohesive and enjoyable experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The critics generally praised the graphics and visual design of Return to Monkey Island for its vibrant colors, detailed environments, and charming character designs. Critics like Push Square appreciated the richly detailed art style that eliminated the need for pixel hunting, while Gamepressure highlighted the charming warmth and detailed animations that brought the game to life. The Independent also commended the new art direction for capturing the curious spirit and outlandishness of Monkey Island, modernizing the appearance while maintaining simplicity. Additionally, GamingBolt praised the gorgeous, vibrant aesthetic with eye-popping visuals and detailed environments, contributing to a visually appealing experience. On the other hand, some critics expressed negative feedback on the art style of Return to Monkey Island. GAMES.CH mentioned mixed reactions from players, with some negative feedback on the style and quality of the graphics. New Game Network criticized the drastic change in art style, mentioning that characters looked like paper cutouts and Threepwood differed significantly from his original self, making the game visually unappealing at times. Impulsegamer was not a fan of the cubist approach to the art style, particularly disliking the character designs. Despite these criticisms, some critics like COGconnected mentioned that the new art style was divisive but eventually grew on them, enhanced by the wonderful sound design and voice acting. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the graphics and visual design of Return to Monkey Island leans towards a positive reception with some mixed reactions. While some critics had reservations about the art style, particularly the character designs and departure from pixel art, many appreciated the vibrant and colorful aesthetics, detailed environments, and charming character animations that brought the game world to life. Critics like GamePro Germany highlighted the polished technical aspects and touch support, while Generación Xbox praised the impeccable graphics that modernized the classic style while staying true to the original charm of Monkey Island. The game's art style may not appeal to everyone, but it effectively conveys emotions, storytelling, and maintains the essence of the Monkey Island series, ultimately providing a visually appealing and engaging experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have praised the vibrant colors, detailed environments, and charming character designs in Return to Monkey Island for capturing the essence of the series. While some critics had reservations about the art style, many appreciated the visually appealing aesthetics and detailed animations that brought the game world to life. Despite some mixed reactions, the consensus leans towards a positive reception with the art style effectively conveying emotions and storytelling while modernizing the classic style of Monkey Island.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Return to Monkey Island, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like Hey Poor Player and Generación Xbox appreciated the delightful Caribbean music that enhanced the pirate atmosphere of the game. Softpedia and Player 2 commended the excellent voice acting, with Dominic Armato's performance as Guybrush Threepwood standing out. The use of iconic tunes, such as LeChuck's theme song, and the incorporation of classic sounds like catchy Caribbean beats were noted by Gamepressure and GRYOnline.pl, adding a soothing tone to the overall experience. Additionally, the return of original composers and voice actors, such as Dominic Armato, contributed to the game's charm and authenticity, as emphasized by TheGamer and Vandal. While the overall sentiment towards the sound design and music of Return to Monkey Island was overwhelmingly positive, a few critics raised minor concerns. New Game Network mentioned that some jokes in the dialogue did not land effectively, and the abundance of references to previous games at times weighed down the experience with nostalgia. However, these criticisms were overshadowed by the general consensus of the exceptional quality of the sound design and music in the game. In conclusion, the critical reception of the sound design and music in Return to Monkey Island was highly favorable, with critics across various platforms praising the game for its outstanding soundtrack, excellent voice acting, and the ability to capture the essence of the original series. The seamless blend of classic and new tracks, along with the return of iconic voice actors and composers, contributed to creating a nostalgic and immersive experience for both series traditionalists and newcomers. The positive reception from critics like Adventure Gamers, PC Gamer, and Worth Playing indicates that the sound design and music were integral in enhancing the overall gameplay and storytelling, making Return to Monkey Island a must-play for fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about Return to Monkey Island's exceptional sound design and music, praising the Caribbean tunes, voice acting, and nostalgic elements. While some minor concerns were raised, the overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive. The seamless blend of classic and new tracks, along with the return of original composers and voice actors, created a nostalgic and immersive experience. Critics hailed the game for capturing the essence of the original series, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Return to Monkey Island has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers praised the performances of the voice actors, particularly Dominic Armato, who reprises his role as Guybrush Threepwood. COGconnected noted that the voice acting perfectly captures the pirate theme, while Hey Poor Player highlighted Armato's portrayal of Guybrush as sweet, innocent, and sardonically humorous, making him a well-rounded comic protagonist. Additionally, GameSpew mentioned that Dominic Armato's voice work was excellent, and Adventure Gamers described the voice acting as top-notch, bringing unique personalities to the characters and making them feel real and engaging. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Return to Monkey Island excels in enhancing the characters and narrative with strong performances. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there were a few minor criticisms regarding the voice acting in Return to Monkey Island. New Game Network mentioned that the dialogue could be verbose at times, which might affect the pacing for some players. PC Gamer noted occasional minor timing issues in the voice acting performances, although they still found the overall quality to be outstanding. These criticisms, however, were relatively minor compared to the widespread acclaim for the voice acting in the game. In conclusion, the voice acting in Return to Monkey Island has been widely praised by critics for its exceptional performances that bring the characters to life and enhance the overall charm and humor of the game. Critics such as The Independent, who mentioned the returning cast delivering their roles with gusto, and Press Start Australia, who found Dominic Armato's return as Guybrush Threepwood terrific, highlight the positive impact of the voice acting on the game. Despite a few minor issues noted by some reviewers, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics commending the voice actors for their contributions to making Return to Monkey Island an immersive and enjoyable experience for players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the voice acting in Return to Monkey Island, with Dominic Armato's performance as Guybrush Threepwood standing out. The voice acting perfectly captures the pirate theme, adding depth to the characters and narrative. Minor criticisms include verbose dialogue and occasional timing issues, but these do not overshadow the overall outstanding quality of the voice acting. Critics commend the voice actors for bringing the game to life and making it an immersive and enjoyable experience for players.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Return to Monkey Island received positive feedback from the majority of critics. Push Square praised the smooth gameplay on the PS5, highlighting the intuitive controls. Softpedia also commended the PS5 version, noting its polished experience free from bugs or crashes. GamePro Germany appreciated the polished technical aspects on the Nintendo Switch, mentioning bug-free gameplay and touch support in handheld mode. XboxEra lauded the stability on PC, emphasizing zero bugs and fast loading times, while Stevivor highlighted the clean user interface and full controller support on PC. On the flip side, some minor issues were reported by critics on specific platforms. Xbox Tavern mentioned minor problems with clicking on items in tight spaces on the Xbox Series X. GamingBolt noted some minor issues on the Switch, despite praising the modernized and organic controls. PC Gamer pointed out surface-level issues like clunky inventory interactions and back-and-forth puzzles on the PC version. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the technical performance of Return to Monkey Island across various platforms. The game was widely praised for its stability, lack of bugs, intuitive controls, and smooth gameplay experience. Despite some minor issues reported on specific platforms, such as Xbox Series X and PC, the majority of critics found the technical performance to be very good, catering well to both longtime Monkey Island fans and newcomers. The game's overall technical polish and performance seem to have left a strong impression on the reviewers, making it a recommended choice for players across different gaming platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Return to Monkey Island impresses critics with smooth gameplay and intuitive controls on PS5, polished experience on Nintendo Switch, and stability on PC. Minor issues reported on Xbox Series X and PC, but overall, the game is praised for its lack of bugs and enjoyable experience. Recommended for Monkey Island fans and newcomers alike.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Return to Monkey Island are overwhelmingly positive. Many reviewers highlighted the various elements that contribute to the game's replayability, such as multiple difficulty modes, collectibles like trivia cards, hidden puzzles, and achievements. Hey Poor Player praised the game for offering multiple endings, in-jokes, and references to past games, providing plenty of reasons for both long-time fans and newcomers to revisit the game. PlayStation Universe and Xbox Tavern also noted the puzzles, branching dialogue, and different puzzle difficulties as factors that encourage replay value. Additionally, the inclusion of a hint system, quirky puzzles, and engaging gameplay were mentioned by Finger Guns and Stevivor as aspects that contribute to the game's replayability. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks that may impact the game's replay value. Metro GameCentral mentioned repeated puzzle templates and busywork towards the end that could affect the overall replayability. TheXboxHub expressed that the callbacks and in-jokes in the game may feel cliquey for newcomers, potentially limiting their desire to replay the game. Additionally, Shacknews noted that veterans may find the puzzles too easy for replay value, while GameGrin mentioned that the endings were not well-received by some reviewers. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Return to Monkey Island offers a significant amount of replay value for both fans of the series and newcomers. The game's blend of nostalgic elements, engaging puzzles, multiple difficulty modes, collectibles, and hint systems provide a rich and varied experience that encourages players to revisit the game multiple times. Critics like Player 2 and Ragequit.gr appreciated how the game caters to both longtime fans and new players, with engaging gameplay and nostalgic storytelling. Despite some minor criticisms regarding puzzle repetition and accessibility for newcomers, the general sentiment is that Return to Monkey Island successfully delivers on its promise of providing an enjoyable and replayable experience for players across different skill levels and familiarity with the series.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Return to Monkey Island's replay value, praising its diverse elements like multiple difficulty modes, collectibles, hidden puzzles, and achievements. The game's multiple endings, in-jokes, and references to past games make it a hit among both old and new fans. While some critics mention drawbacks like repeated puzzle templates and potential cliqueiness for newcomers, the consensus is that the game's mix of nostalgia, engaging puzzles, and varied gameplay ensures an enjoyable and replayable experience for players of all levels.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Return to Monkey Island has garnered widespread praise from the majority of critics, who found the game to be a delightful return to the beloved franchise. Critics such as WellPlayed and Gamepressure appreciated how the game successfully captured the magic and charm of the original titles, incorporating modern elements while staying true to its identity. The game was commended for its well-crafted point-and-click adventure elements, engaging gameplay, and nostalgic story that appealed to both longtime fans and newcomers. The humor, clever design, and attention to detail in the dialogue, puzzles, and art style were highlighted as standout features by critics like Metro GameCentral and GamePro Germany. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in Return to Monkey Island. GAMES.CH noted that the game's reliance on prior knowledge of the series might hinder its appeal to a broader audience, potentially affecting its objective ratings. New Game Network highlighted issues with linearity and a weaker second half, suggesting room for improvement in terms of pacing and puzzle variety. Additionally, Destructoid mentioned that while the game excelled in puzzle design, charm, and humor, it heavily leaned on callbacks and might not stand out as strongly on its own, indicating a potential lack of originality in certain aspects. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Return to Monkey Island being praised as a successful return to the series that blends nostalgia with fresh elements. The game is celebrated for its witty writing, engaging puzzles, distinctive art style, and humorous narrative that resonated with fans of the franchise. Critics such as IGN and VG247 highlighted the game's ability to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers, offering a satisfying and enjoyable experience that pays tribute to the series' legacy while introducing new ideas. Return to Monkey Island is described as a must-play for fans of the series, delivering a heartfelt adventure that combines the best elements of classic point-and-click adventures with modern sensibilities, ultimately earning high acclaim and recognition as a worthy addition to the Monkey Island legacy.

TL;DR

Return to Monkey Island impresses critics with its nostalgic charm and engaging gameplay, blending classic elements with modern twists. While some note its reliance on prior knowledge and lack of originality, the game is overall celebrated for its witty writing, engaging puzzles, and humorous narrative that resonates with fans old and new. A must-play for Monkey Island enthusiasts seeking a heartfelt and enjoyable adventure.

CRITIK

Reviews

141 reviews found

100

NME

Sep 20, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A masterclass bursting with metatextual mischief, delivering heart, laughter, and adventure.

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100

Adventure Gamers

Oct 4, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Return to Monkey Island is a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a delightful adventure experience with top-notch storytelling, gameplay, graphics, and sound design.

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100

Ragequit.gr

Oct 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Return to Monkey Island is a nostalgic and self-aware adventure that pays homage to the series' legacy while offering accessible gameplay and polished presentation, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

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100

GameGrin

Dec 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a triumph that lives up to expectations and is highly recommended.

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100

Player 2

Sep 19, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Return to Monkey Island is praised as an impeccable return to the franchise, capturing the essence of the series while providing closure and contentment to fans. It is described as perfect and everything it could have been, living up to high expectations.

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100

GamesHub

Sep 19, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Return to Monkey Island is a comforting and charming game that stays true to its identity, offering great characters and amusingly esoteric puzzles. The return of Gilbert and Grossman makes it an attraction worth exploring.

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Impulsegamer

Oct 19, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer recommends the game to fans of the original game/s, describing it as a nostalgic joy that will warm the heart.

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WellPlayed

Sep 23, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Return to Monkey Island captures the magic and charm of the original games while incorporating modern elements. It proves that traditional adventure games can still be captivating today.

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PC Gamer

Sep 20, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Return to Monkey Island delivers a funny, captivating, superbly paced, and contemporary experience, fulfilling the expectations of longtime fans with neat ideas and eccentric characters.

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Game Informer

Nintendo Switch

Sep 28, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Return to Monkey Island as a profoundly nostalgic and relentlessly funny game, particularly appealing to fans of the original series.

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