There aren’t many popular game franchises with a release schedule as inconsistent as that of Monkey Island. The original game, a LucasArts classic, released way back in 1990. Since then, new iterations seem to come in waves, with many years stretching between. It’s been more than a decade since the last game, but finally, fans will be able to play the next adventure of Guybrush Threepwood soon. Return to Monkey Island boasts a new art style, which you can see today in its first-ever gameplay trailer.
Return to Monkey Island is the sixth game in the series, and ol’ Guybrush has yet to figure out the secret of the titular island. However, the trailer suggests that he’s edging closer to the mystery. The gameplay in Return to Monkey Island looks about the same as ever. Like its predecessors, Return is a graphic point-and-click adventure game, bookended by hilarious cutscenes and 2D swashbuckling. There will no doubt be plenty of puzzles to solve, as well as wacky characters to meet — and sometimes fight.
Graphically, Return to Monkey Island sports a different art style than previous games. I, personally, think it looks great; a hand-drawn storybook look. Characters have exaggerated features like large heads and shorter limbs. Some of the YouTube comments appear divisive, but if the gameplay holds up, Return to Monkey Island could still be a winner.
A long-held secret, apparently
The game continues the story left by The Secret of Monkey Island and Monkey Island 2. Guybrush once more clashes with his age-old foe, LeChuck, but he’s joined by friends such as Elaine Marley. Some of the original voice actors behind the games are also making their return. There are also some new faces in the form of young pirate captains, who show up to “spoil the party.”
Return to Monkey Island doesn’t have a solid release date just yet, but it’ll arrive on PC later this year.
