The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition

 PC
The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition Image
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 397 Ratings

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  • Summary: As ye venture out onto the docks of Melee Island, there'll be a shock to yer system the likes of which you've never seen. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition gives you the world you remember, yet it be shown to ya like only yer imagination could. It seems Guybrush Threepwood, aAs ye venture out onto the docks of Melee Island, there'll be a shock to yer system the likes of which you've never seen. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition gives you the world you remember, yet it be shown to ya like only yer imagination could. It seems Guybrush Threepwood, a young lad wantin' to be a bloodthirsty pirate is back to relive his hunt fo the fabled riches of Monkey Island. Hilarious swashbuckling misadventures: Embark on a bumbling misadventure in an attempt to become the most infamous pirate in the Caribbean, win the heart of the beautiful governor, Elaine Marley, and confront the evil ghost pirate, LeChuck! High-definition graphics: The game is all-new and re-imagined with a contemporary art style, hand-drawn and presented in 1080p. Complete voice over using original Monkey Island franchise cast members brings the story and characters to life like never before. Renewed music score: Enjoy the re-mastered and re-recorded musical score using live instruments. Special Edition and Classic modes: Scene-for-scene hot swap lets you seamlessly transition between Special Edition and Classic modes at anytime during gameplay. Enhanced gameplay: The all-new intuitive game interface and controls provide a more interactive gameplay experience. Hint system: Not sure what to do next? The in-game puzzle hint system keeps the puzzles fresh and fun. [LucasArts]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. 1UP
    100
    Simply put, this is quite a perfect adventure game that joins a not-as-perfect-but-still-really-damn-good modern adaptation of a perfect adventure game. What we have is a classic game packaged in a way for everyone (PC or console gamer alike) to finally and easily play it, and that's exactly what you should do -- whether you're learning the secret of Monkey Island for the first or 50th time.
  2. Gamers.at
    92
    Monkey Island Special Edition is the well done remake of a classic game. The controls may not be perfect, but the graphics and sound make up for it.
  3. SpazioGames
    91
    The Secret of Monkey Island 2 SE: LeChuck‘s Revenge is a brilliant remake of a great classic. Beautiful graphics, beautiful sound and smooth controls make this game a valuable buy.
  4. Pelit (Finland)
    87
    Shows that the Monkey Island still got what it takes. The new art and musical score are beautiful and voice acting is of good quality. Story and writing are still superb, puzzles are inventive and the game is witty. On the minus side the interface is a little obsolete and there's also a little bit too much running to and fro. Also the imitators of Monkey Island series have eaten away a little bit of the original's magic. Nevertheless the game's still well worth it’s price. [Aug 2009]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. IGN
    87
    Playing this adventure will take you back to a simpler, more innocent time before games needed to bash us over the head with ultra violence to get our attention. They definitely don't make 'em like this anymore.
  6. PC Games
    83
    An almost perfect remake of a timeless classic. It captures the look and feel of the original game while it benefits greatly from decent new graphics and top-notch voice acting. If only Lucas Arts hadn't changed the control scheme! The use of that clumsy Xbox 360 interface in a adventure game (!) for pc is just ridiculous, it really brings down some of the fun.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    70
    The game only lasts about 5-6 hours, and many will find what's on offer exceedingly dull. Still, point-and-click fans and puzzle-adventure buffs should really enjoy it.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 54
  3. Negative: 3 out of 54
  1. Erica
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    One thing many people who've given the game low reviews seem to 'ignore' is the fact that the game is almost 20 years old. It One thing many people who've given the game low reviews seem to 'ignore' is the fact that the game is almost 20 years old. It was not 'reimagined', simply given a makeover and given a voice. A lot of the elements in the game are easy, or in some cases (like myself) played it back in 1990 and somehow remember exactly what to do. So remember, you can't really judge it based on today's standards and call it a fair judgment. For me, it brought back memories of being 7 and watching eagerly as my dad installed the game onto our computer so I could play it.… Expand
  2. AlexC
    Jul 21, 2009
    10
    Certainly brings back memories!!! Bought it cheaply off Steam...having a lot of fun! Get this if you loved the original. Also a great feature Certainly brings back memories!!! Bought it cheaply off Steam...having a lot of fun! Get this if you loved the original. Also a great feature - press F10 and switch between the new graphics and the original graphics.… Expand
  4. Atomsk
    Apr 27, 2013
    10
    Simply brilliant, one of my favourite games as a spotty youth is back for me to enjoy as my hair starts to turn grey. A flawless update to aSimply brilliant, one of my favourite games as a spotty youth is back for me to enjoy as my hair starts to turn grey. A flawless update to a truly classic game. Long live Guybrush Threepwood!… Expand
  5. Mrman7
    Nov 10, 2014
    9
    The classic adventure game Monkey Island receives a make-over. But who is it for? Those of us who remember this game fondly don't need newThe classic adventure game Monkey Island receives a make-over. But who is it for? Those of us who remember this game fondly don't need new graphics sound effects to draw us in, we still like it. For a new generation of gamers accustomed to faster-paced and more graphically intensive titles, I can't imagine that a cartoony make-over such as this is likely to make much of a difference. The option to switch back and forth between the original and new version is really the most interesting thing to do here but it's not something I would have been asking for if it had never been provided. At the end of the day is the game still fun to play? Absolutely, it's one of the best games of all time. Is this the "definitive" version of the game? Nah, find an original copy and boot it up on ScummVm or Dosbox.… Expand
  6. bskierys
    Jun 2, 2019
    9
    I am one of the players who never played the original. I started my adventure with Monkey Island with the remakes. So my score is not a resultI am one of the players who never played the original. I started my adventure with Monkey Island with the remakes. So my score is not a result of nostalgia, but the consequence of how good this classic point&click game is. The thing I liked the most is how funny and light-hearted this game is.
    The absolute must-play for any point&click fan.    … Expand
  7. Thiagodair
    Apr 3, 2023
    9
    This is a classic in every sense of the world, truly a defining game for point-and-clickers and for adventure narrative games
  8. Official3style
    Jul 12, 2020
    0
    Hands down the best remake of the classic monkey island. i would recommend this to ANY point and click fanatics library.

See all 54 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best PC Game of 2009
42
#42 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
36
#36 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

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