While Monkey Island's gameplay is debatable, its humor still holds up.
Cons: A handful of convoluted puzzles drag out pacing; Basic controls aren't well explained; New art style isn't particularly attractive; Not much replay value
The Secret of Monkey Island was a pretty impressive game back in the day. Here was a game that had some sharp writing and intelligent puzzles as far back as 1990. Gamers loved it and here we are with a remake. However, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it doesn't hold up over time.
No, the humor is still good. The tale of Guybrush Threepwood's quest to become a pirate and save the governor from the evil LeChuck is still quite funny. Actually, the writing is still better than most games these days, even when it stumbles. Bizarre and humorous lines are thrown out frequently without hesitation, and the adventure as a whole never takes itself seriously. By the end of the game you will have defeated deadly piranha poodles, met calorie-conscious cannibals, and learned the proper response to "You fight like a dairy farmer," among many other, equally weird, activities.
Some of the puzzles are also still enjoyable (key word being some). Operating in classic point-and-click format, Monkey Island challenges you to observe your environment and use items creatively. For instance, you initially see grog as a pirate drink, but upon further observation, it appears to be highly volatile. Using this logic, you can find new use for the beverage, but only if you figure out how to transport it first. Puzzles like these compose Monkey Island's best moments and ensure that you have something enjoyable to do besides read/hear the dialogue.
However, Monkey Island's unconventional logic often comes back to bite it in the back, particularly towards the end of the journey. At times the game falls into the classic adventure game trap of expecting you to think in a way that only the designer could have imagined. For instance, the game expects that, upon discovering that a carrot cake is heavy, you should attempt to open it. Of course! This is made worse by the fact that basic controls aren't ever really explained in game until you finally hit a wall when you must teach yourself to use them.
There is good news though. In this new version of Monkey Island, there's a hint system. I know what you're probably thinking: "oh great, a hint system that I'll never use, because it takes all the challenge out of the game." Here's the thing, though, the hint system is actually quite good. Instead of outright giving you the answer, the hint system gradually guides you towards the solution. At first clues may simply make the objective clear, telling you that you need to do a certain activity next. Then, if you're still stuck (as you often will be), the hints get more specific, initially giving clues about the objects you're seeking out, but eventually telling you outright what to do. Given the game's convoluted logic, the hint system is a must, and luckily, if used sparingly, it won't take out all of the challenge in the game.
The other major update in this new version of Monkey Island comes in the form of new graphics and sound. Instead of using the alternately blocky, then serious-looking original graphics, a new, consistent, comical art style has been implemented. Unfortunately, it's not that appealing-sure the comical exaggerations fit the comedic tone of the game perfectly, but much of the art simply doesn't really pop at all. If you prefer the old style, then never fret, you can switch to it at any time, although you'll lose the voice acting. Which is a shame. Because the voice acting does help make the lines more entertaining in many cases (although it sounds forced and poorly timed occasionally).
All things considered, Monkey Island is still entertaining-more for the writing than for the actual gameplay, but entertaining nonetheless. It's not necessarily a game I'm rushing to recommend, even with all the praise for it over the years, but if you want some light, low-interactivity entertainment, at $10 you can't go wrong with Monkey Island.