LucasArts returns to Monkey Island
By
Brendan Sinclair, Senior Editor
E3 2009: Original game receiving high-definition face-lift for 360, PC as Telltale Games readies all-new Tales of Monkey Island episodic series on Wii, PC.
LOS ANGELES--In 2000, LucasArts released Escape from Monkey Island for the PC, putting the saga of Guybrush Threepwood (and in many ways the company's legacy of adventure gaming) behind it. Nearly a decade later, the publisher is returning to the shores of Monkey Island, and it's bringing a friend with it. LucasArts announced today that it will release The Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition, a PC and Xbox 360 remake of the original 1990 game, and is teaming up with Telltale Games to produce all-new episodic installments in the series for PC and Wii.
This summer, the Special Edition version of the original game will give a new generation of gamers the chance to experience the humor-driven adventure game with a handful of alterations. First and foremost, the game is being given a high-definition 2D visual overhaul. (It's optional, though, so players can switch between new and original graphics on the fly.) Additionally, LucasArts is including a new hint feature to prevent gamers from getting stuck, and it's reinserting some "deleted scenes."
Whereas the Special Edition revisits the original game, Tales of Monkey Island will contribute new chapters to the seminal simian adventure series. Starting later this year, five monthly chapters will tell yet another yarn about the ghost pirate LeChuck's undying feud with Threepwood. The game is in familiar hands, with a number of the development team having had experience on previous Monkey Island games. Telltale is also no stranger to the episodic adventure game format, having produced Bone, Sam & Max, StrongBad, and most recently Wallace & Grommit series.
For more on the games, check out GameSpot's preview coverage of both Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition and Tales of Monkey Island.
By
Brendan Sinclair, Senior Editor
Brendan Sinclair has been a games journalist since 1999. His tastes are eclectic, though he has a definite affinity for games with arcade roots. He's Canadian, but has also been at home in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco.
56 comments
who remembers 'the dig'? it came out too late and was let down by its dated graphics but the atmosphere and music was of very high production rates.. and it was an intriging story. i say LucasArts should bring back that game, perhaps modifying the story to be played out better..seeing how popular Startrek became.
Finally Monkey Island is being resurected and I couldn't be happier. Can't wait for the new episodic stuff to come out!
Thank God that Lucasarts finally realized what it needs to do to win back over its true fans...wish they would re-release Grim Fandango *crossing fingers*
Forgot to mention it would also be nice for them to remake some other classics I remember. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis as well as Loom come to mind. Similar style of gameplay to the original Monkey Island.
Used to play this game back in the day and recently online I was able to replay it via some website. Glad to see the series get a overhaul but also leave the option to keep it old school. Might have to pick this up if it's the right price and I'll definitely have a look at any new installments to the series.
Nice to see LucasArts rekindling an old flame, as opposed to yet another Star Wars based game. Fantastic, i cant wait!
One of my all time favorites, and I am glad they are bringing these games back. Broken sword is coming back as well, and the newer Sam and Max games are decent... now, we just need the Quest games (King's, Space, maybe even Police) and Kyrandia.... ahh Kyrandia.
Very cool. This was a big game series back in the 90's. Glad to see LucasArts finally taking a second look at their previous games. I'd like to see them release their adventure titles like Grim Fandango onto Steam or GoG.com or something.
That's Good........... It's also coming for WII....................
E3 Live Show Schedule on Gamespot (Click Here)
OK first Sam & Max and now Monkey Island episodes for the PC and the Wii but not PSN or XBLA. Does LucasArts seriously think point-and-click adventure fans moved on to the Wii? Which consoles do you think those who played Monkey Island on Amigas and PC's as teenagers fire up when they sit in a couch today?
Great. Now I get to play one of many games that I have always wanted to play but never did.
Hmmmm interesting.... Too bad I've never had a chance to play the first I would probably be excited if I know what the game was about besides its well odd title... Either way its from LucasArts soo maybe it might be good...
It is so heartwarming to see Monkey Island making a comeback. I have nothing but fond memories of LucasArts' golden age adventure games. Welcome back Guybrush!
wow....i've been waiting to play this game for a loooong time and now in HD mode with extras....man i cant wait....errrrrrr,,,what about the PS3 version..hehehe
To anyone that didn't play the last two monkey island games, they are totally worth playing even today! This is awesome news, I hope they are just as creative.
bwahahah....the return of the monkey, soon we will reveal ourselves to the monkeys, soon we will have our revenge!!!!
so they are releasing it on 360 and making the sequel on Wii?! Thats a brilliant idea (sarcasm)...
Wow, this is awesome news! I was complaining earlier today that there was no new Monkey Island, then this happens. I'm so happy! :D
Finally, Monkey Island bursts back onto the scene.. This is the Graphic Adventure Resurgence I've been waiting for!
Glad to hear Monkey Island is coming back to life. Sad to hear Telltale Games is going to ruin it with easy difficulty and splitting it up into short self-contained portions. A 1080p face-lift of the original would be excellent, especially if done in the same style as Curse of Monkey Island.
Glad to hear that this is coming to the Wii. The wii has perfect controls for these types of games; I'm surprised they don't have more of them.
This is an awesome announcement! Hopefully more point and click LucasArts games will come out (Full Throttle, especially)
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