I’m not going to lie. I’m very impressed that he decided to honour Curse of/Escape from Monkey Island. When I heard he was making this game, I was absolutely convinced he was going to pull a Roland Emmerich and declare that he was returning the series from _where he had left it._ It takes a bigger person to acknowledge the contributions others have made to your original work, contributions the fans were satisfied to have, even if it wasn’t the direction he originally planned.
I feel the same say. I was pretty worried about this because years ago Gilbert had written a list of things he would do if he ever got Monkey Island back and one of the thing was that he would make "Monkey Island 3a" that would effectively pick up immediately after Monkey Island 2 and strike Curse and Escape and Tales from the canon. I got more upset because I saw plenty of youtube comments clamoring for that to happen, asking for the "real" Monkey Island 3, treating the other games as worthless just because Ron Gilbert didn't make them. Initially when this game was announced the expectation was that this game would be "3a" that Ron had talked about, but he soon said that Curse was not going to be removed from canon, which made me relax. Then the expectation was that this might be some sort of "midquel" between 2 and 3, but in the end this is Monkey Island 6. And I love it.
@@Blokewood3 Mood. In todays age where so many "wow 90s creator comes back to MAKE THING REAL AND PROPER" occurences happen... reading this and seeing the video made me actually happy and interested in checking it out
Don't forget Tales, he honored that one too. In any case, I'm certainly glad he didn't follow with his original plan. I understand (as he himself explained) he wrote the list of what he'd do with a new Monkey Island game from a place of anger and inexperience, and he's a more mature person now.
The thing is, those ignored the ending of 2, which had tons of interesting implications. I was hoping that we'd explore those implications. I guess it would be possible while referencing the other games, but now I'm worried that aspect was lost.
@@davidpapai4018 There is a little of fire from Elaine when she faced one of Captain M's henchwoman's and protected her plunderbunny as he went inside the Monkey Island's entrance. I missed her Tales 'ass to the world, sweet to her man' attitude. Aside from that moment, Elaine was too sweet, even as Guybrush's wife.
Honestly, Murray remains one of my absolute favorite characters from any game ever, lol. To this day my family still quotes; "I'LL STRIDE THROUGH THE GATES OF HELL CARRYING YOUR HEAD ON A PIKE!!!" "...Stride?" "ROLL, THEN.. I'LL ROLL THROUGH THE GATES OF HELL - must you take the fun out of everything?" 🤣
To think he was originally supposed to have only one scene in Curse. Thank God people reacted so well to him in the demo that they gave him more to do.
Honestly all this game had to do for me was confirm Guybrush and Elaine were still happily married. I usually don't get wrapped up in fictional romances, but I really love those two together.
I recall reading somewhere that Ron Gilbert never intended for them to get married and wanted their relationship to evolve into a snarky brother/sister kind of dynamic. I believe he was disappointed that the writers of Curse wed them. He's clearly past that now.
So glad you have the ability to get back into recovery. Being a "disabled vet" I've seen people go back multiple times and it's when you don't go back that things get out of hand. IMO, Having a support system is a matter of luck, but using one's a matter of personal strength. So glad you got a game for your wellness, and know you're loved through your work by other feeble humans too. Thanks!
I had no idea they came out with another Monkey Island game! I never actually played the games myself, but I have fond memories of sitting with my mom at the family computer when I was little watching her play and finding the game super funny. I remember her being stuck on a puzzle that involved crossing the hot sand on a beach, and I guess I unknowingly said something that made her realize the solution was to put a wet towel on the sand and she told me I was a genius, while I was very confused what I had said that made her think that 😆
Ah yes, from the Curse of Monkey Island. You should do your mom a favor and ask her to play these games with you. That's what I did back in the day, as a kid, and it was a blast.
I can higly recommend a show called Mostly Walking. Three people involved in game design who play through both old and new adventure games and talk about them in a light-hearted way. One of the cast members is actually a programmer on this game (Leigh Graner).
I was incredibly eager to hear your take, and couldn't agree more now that it's here. 30 years of waiting were not in vain - Return was, and is, absolutely breathtaking, and we're fortunate to be a part of something so special. Edit: You bring a lot of joy and inspiration to people, PUR. We've got your back in return - the war goes on. You got this, dude.
It's absolutely nostalgia done right. Something entirely new that builds on what came before instead of just retconning it. I really appreciate that Gilbert didn't dunk on the games he didn't work on either, that they absolutely were still part of the foundation for the story he'd tell. This is what you get when someone is a creator who actually cares about their work.
@@ljclark2177 I like the art style but to be fair that's entirely subjective. For my part, I binged the game pretty hard so I've finished it, heh. Though I suspect there are completion-type things to go back and so.
Im SHOCK how afraid is everyone to say anything bad about this game. Is a good game, don’t get me wrong, but is not perfect and has lots of sour spots that game reviewers seems to be blind to or are overly positive about everything.
@@lomaurodg Fair, I guess? I loved it top to bottom but I understand it won't hit everyone the same way, even longtime devoted fans. I think possibly collectively we're all so desperate for a game licensed from a major media corporation that ISN'T a microtransactional bug-ridden cash grab, there's a lot of slack to be cut if that might mean more.
As someone who started with the forst game when it sold in stores, I think I agree with the art style being good. It kind of seems like a mashup of the art style of all the previous games I think. The cartooniness of Curse, the angular poly style of Escape, and the whimsical painterly styles of Secret and Lechuck's revenge.
Roses, not sure if you’ll see this, but your old point and click adventure game reviews and let’s plays are my comfort videos. I’ve been watching them for the past 6 years and they always make me feel better if I’m down. Thanks for all you do and for peppering a few point and click reviews in here with your Murder, She Wrote series (which I also love!).
I am so in love with this game. There is so much that i have enjoyed in playing; the art style, the puzzles, the dialogue, the ongoing minigame. It has just the right mix of something new and something nostalgic. I haven't finished it yet as i'm trying to pace myself. I have found one way to "permanently die," but you really have to try.
This Game series is literally my childhood. I used to play the games with my mom. When I started Return to Monkey Island I couldnt help but cry. I am now an adult but this brought me back to my childhood to these cozy hours. I was first a bit skeptical because of the art style, but wanted to play it with my partner. And what can I say, they got me again, the music gave me chills and I really started to love the art style. Feels good to be back after such a long time. Thanks for the video, it was lovely. Your voice is so nice to listen to and the video is made good overall. I left a sub ^^
Unlike a lot of my peers, I didn't grow up with this series and I only got into it last year. I haven't finished all the games yet, but I've been really excited for this one!
I would recommend completing 1 and 2 (in the original pixelart look!!) multiple times, you keep finding new stuff in those first 2 games! especially dialogue options or inventory discriptions that to this day have me in tears from laughing
I hope you eventually do a play through that we can watch! Your enthusiasm for the game definitely comes through and I imagine it would give me even more I have an appreciation for it than I already have!
I played the first two Monkey Island games back in the day on the Amiga 500 in the start of the 90's. I never played 3 or 4 but your glowing review have made me wish for playing the Monkey Island games again. I felt exactly as you doing the inventory puzzles and the dialogue is first class. Good job. Monkey Island 1 and 2 and beside Indy 3 my favourite adventure games.....though I have a soft spot for Labyrinth and Loom. Those were the first adventure games that I completed.
It may be a small thing, but I'm particularly relieved to hear about the hint system. Absolute pants-on-head nonsense like the infamous monkey wrench puzzle always scared me away from the series. It doesn't help that the one LucasArts adventure game I have played, Grim Fandango, stumped me constantly. I can't overstate this, but the simple addition of a few hints to nudge me in the right direction every once in a while... Gosh, it's just a huge relief. I'm looking forward to giving Return a chance.
That's interesting, I think I was one of those strange people that *enjoyed* getting stuck! Grim Fandango is one of my favourite games of all-time, it's mostly easy to figure out but there is ONE puzzle in the big city that is famously challenging - even now I've actually forgotten how to do it lol
Similar thoughts on how this game came at the right time and helped me out mentally. Weirdly enough I got back into point and click adventure games at the beginning of the pandemic, and Return to Monkey Island was a similar destressor to me now like point and clicks were there for me two years ago. This game might have even finally have made a long time friend of mine turn a corner on the genre which is super exciting! Inventory object puzzles 4 lyfe.
Escape From Monkey Island (TM) was one of my earliest memories of video games. I had no idea it was part of a serise and thought it just had really indepth back story. I loved this new game. I was also so surprise by it and played it in one sitting with no regrets. When I have more time I will be going back to see what I missed and try to complete the trivia book.
Wow. I've never even heard of Monkey Island, but now I *desperately* have to play every single video game you've mentioned. Thanks for all the great content and recommendations! Wishing you all the best
I wasn't super into it when I first saw the trailer, but the visuals aren't a distraction at all, and I felt the animations really fit the theme of the game. I loved the style of Curse more than anything, and I'd love a return to that look and feel someday, but I'm really glad they've brought the 2D sprites back.
I'm so glad you liked this! I've always loved hearing you talk about the Monkey Island series and you were the first person I thought of when this newest one got announced. Great video as always.
I'm glad you've found something that gives you such joy! I was excited when I saw the title of this video, because I remember you talking about other titles in the series. Sending you well-wishes for when you're stressed.
A Casual Mode AND a multilayer hint system? This might be a puzzle game that I can actually finish! I'm not being sarcastic, I straight-up suck at these but still enjoy the stories. I'll be checking this one out. :)
I love you enthusiasm for these style of games. I never got a chance to play many of these back in the day but I did get into my own style of CRPGs with the various Dungeons & Dragons games and I have a very similar nostalgia and love for those styles of games. Thank you for letting me experience, even if in some small way, the games I always wanted to play, growing up, but sadly missed.
There was something really nostalgic about seeing you do a Monkey Island review :D Really excited to see, too, that Ron Gilbert came back to the helm! Greatly appreciated this review
Thank you for being open and normalizing ed and therapy ❤️ and this videos great I'm not an adventure type gamer but this looks like fun and the art style is great
I got into the series at Curse too, and then played all the other games except Escape. I should finally play that. I love how this new game pushes the nostalgia buttons but isn't JUST a nostalgia trip. I love what they've done with the interaction system - it just shows a 'no' symbol if you try to use a thing on something it can't be used with. Cuts down on so much clicking and Guybrush saying 'That won't work". You can still get funny results that don't advance the plot if you use a thing in a clever way. Only having one or two options for how to use something is great, and I can see the writers had fun with what sentences to put there. You can 'Listen to the soup', or 'Clear the air with Apple Bob' now, not just 'use soup' or 'talk to Bob'.
I hope you speed through your recovery and come out feeling far less shackled to all of that. I'm happy the game helped you through things in some way; You're awesome!
Love all your content but your gaming videos always hold a special place in my heart. Glad to hear you're doing better Roses 🌹 Always sending you good vibes.
I was a bit let down by how Ron used Murray in this game. When I found out it was gonna be a character I was psyched because I think it's the best post-Ron addition in all the games, and I was very curious to see how Ron wrote such a character, but I think calling it a character in this game is being VERY generous. It's mostly a puzzle piece that throws some (sometimes funny, I have to admit) jokes every once in a while.
One thing I love in this game is how Guybrush leaves a path of destruction throughout his quest he does this in all the games but in this game it’s even more so. From deforestation to plunging a sovereign country into anarchy. Need to go back and play hard mode now!
The art style of this game reminded me to give a huge thank-you towards Roses. I finally played Jenny LeClue and I absolutely loved it. Playing Darkside Detective next!
Was on the fence about picking this up, but you've convinced me! Also, I don't think I've ever commented on one of your videos so I just want to say I think you're really cool and I wish you well!
Ugh, this IS the worst art style yet. It's an insult to the carefully crafted bit-art of the originals. But... I love, love, love, love Monkey Island (I mean...
How nice that this game have relieve you from the clutches of real life for some hours, it helped me too. This is my most beloved videogame franchise and I'm so pleased that Ron Gilbert and Dave Grossman have returned to put his magistral touch and close this unfinished story they left years ago. It's simply beautiful and so authentic. My respects.
This was an amazing game. A true love letter to the series, the genre, and the fans. I hope there's more Monkey Island in the future. But if it's not, this it's the perfect note for an ending.
I have no strong feelings about the art style one way or the other. I'm not clamoring for more of it, but I don't hate it and I wouldn't be bothered playing through the entire games multiple times and having to look at it, either. I played a lot of point-n-click adventure games as a kid, but this one always managed to stay out of my hands, so I don't have the same nostalgia for it that I would for Sierra titles. But the Real Time Reaction 8:05 made me smile and is pushing me towards picking this up. But being the gamer that I am, I might finally (after all the years of saying I would) go back and play through the series from the beginning.
You're the BEST, Roses. I played the OG Monkey Island. Glad to see someone who loves the series like i did & is keeping the flame of pirate lore alive. Get well & Thanks! ❤️🇵🇭🌹
Just got this game, I think I’m halfway thru act 4ish, so good! As a lover of the original monkey island games(when I was much younger) it was great to have a recap and the way the game was made is so far perfect! 👌🥰🍻
I strongly hold the opinion that there’s never been a bad Monkey Island and Return might be the best. I didn’t love the ending, but this series is all about the journey, and the journey is so good.
I love the new art style. Especially those Ren and Stimpy-esque grotesque close-ups. At first I wasn't too sure about the ending but after reading the letter from Ron Gilbert that unlocks in the scrapbook I think it is perfect.
This game gave me such a huge wave of nostalgia, from the music to the dialogue, even the familiar puzzle system hit me with that warm, fuzzy feeling. I genuinely feel like this game was soothing for my soul, I can't say enough good things about it.
It's a good Monkey Island, but it's still the worst of them. It's gone obviously woke, so many woke references, woke dynamics, LGBT flags, pandering to the mob. It destroys the good story and charm from the previous games. Everything woke goes broke and this is no exception
I have become fully addicted to your channel…after a long day at work, I work in tv/film, I put on your playlist and listen to your soothing voice and commentary as I play FF14 and decompress…keep up the good work. You are absolutely fantastic. Also you got me watching Murder She Wrote from season one now…I just got to the episode with Ramon…
Really? I thought it was tedious, like a Disney interpretation of what an adventure game should be. I was incredibly bored, and as a 30+ year MI player that made me sad.
I'll always have a fondness for Escape as that was my first Monkey Island game, having not gotten into PC gaming yet at that time. But all of them are so goofy and fun.
I do not like the art style. Remember Disney's Hercules? Yeah, many don't. Because the art style was a turn off. Many didn't even see it because the style didn't appeal to them. And that doesn't make them wrong.
I've yet to ply the earlier games, but absolutely loved my time with this! I'll admit I didn't understand the ending at first, but reading what you unlock from finishing the story and having the gears click, I can't stop thinking about how much being able to add even a soft ending to this series must have meant to Ron and the other returning devs after so long. I'm sure it would have made me tear up if I had the joy of growing up with this series.
I don't really dislike the artstyle, but i absolutely hate the way they animated it. The actual animation looks lazily tweened most of the time, and gives off that horrible "fake mobile game ad" feel i can't shake off.
I missed your video game reviews, they're my favorite content of yours! I never knew much about point and click games, and it's always a great time learning about them with your videos.
Sorry, but I absolutely despise the art style. I'll probably still play it at some point because I'm curious about the story and I like Gilbert's approach to game design, but my opinion on the art style won't change. It's not the fact they changed the art style that I hate, it's that they changed it into this abomination.
I can’t wait to play this. I’ve been out of the loop so wasn’t even sure when it was coming out, and have been avoiding all possible news to try and get as fresh as possible an experience. PUR is the exception! Will probably buy today and start the journey.
Agreed. IMHO it was the worst in the series, no joke. Weak character writing, weak jokes, weak villains, too focused on subversion and deconstruction to actually tell a proper story, etc. The only thing it accomplished was make me appreciate Escape from MI island more. Madison & Lila WISH they were on the level of Ozzie Mandrill.
Calling people who don't like the art style stupid is pretty stupid. I myself am pretty turned off by the art work and I'm a big fan of the series. The fact you are so upset people voice their opinions is so off-putting
I have to be the Weeeeell aaaaactually guy because I randomly found out that there is actually a way to die in this game including an achievement called "Died for real" but that's all I'm going to say. 😉 I loved this game so much. I played in casual first because I was worried my aging mind would be overwhelmed by the puzzles but now that I'm playing "hardcore" mode I realized the puzzles are as you said very fair and so well made. It's just a wonderful - and so damn beautiful - adventure. I loved the King's Quest reboot a while back I wish we'd get a new King's Quest looking as gorgeous as this does.
I’m so glad you reviewed this game!! Ages ago I played the 3rd and 4th games and liked them, but never fully understood them. Probably because I was not versed in adventure games. But when I heard about the new Monkey Island? Game on!
What a coincidence that you load this video up. I was just thinking about this game earlier this week. Now knowing this is out, I will definitely have to get it and let my nostalgia take me where I belong.
Really enjoyed this review. Your enthusiasm for this game as and the series as a whole really comes through in your review, and it's super infectious. I don't know if I'm going to play the other games first, but I'm definitely picking this one up. Thank you for getting me interested in point-and-clicks. I bought Callahan's Crosstime Saloon because of you, and you've really shown me how much fun these games can be! My best wishes to you during your health recovery.
love your videos and was so excited to see you made one about this game! finished it the other day and it made me cry because i was so happy and touched by the ending
I just finished the game, it was so amazing!!! I did use the hint book a bit in the last puzzle but I tried to avoid it as much as possible and it was fun to finally finsing the solution to a puzzle after a few hours of trying. The artstyle was not what I expected but I don't think it's bad, it actually look very good. It just took me a bit of time to get used to it after I associated monkey island for so long with the style of the second game, which was my favourite (but after this game I am not sure anymore). The end really shocked me a bit when I got to it but it was such a brilliant ending for a great story. P.S. The letter at the end was so heartwarming.
I recently replayed my ps2 remakes of the older games, after my dad and brother were playing sea of thieves and I recognized all the references to the series and got all nostalgia. Didn't even realize they were making this till a few weeks ago, and I'm so happy. I immediately wondered if we'd get a roses vid out of it, and equally happy we did.
Long time viewer, first time commenter. I'm pretty much a newcomer to the Nintendo scene. I purchased a Switch during the pandemic and have fallen in love since. Been looking for some new games to spice up my library recently and found Return to Monkey Island. I was on the fence because of some of the reviews, but I'll be damned if this video didn't have me running to my Nintendo wish list! This game seems to be exactly the kind of thing I've been looking for. Thanks for all the awesome information! Love your videos, keep up the great work!
Not only I'm glad this game turned out amazing, I'm so happy you covered this one your channel. I've been following you since 2014/15 as one of the few people seriously covering adventure games, so your review matters a lot.
Good review! Ron Gilbert tweeted that this is likely not the end of the series, but it very well could be and I'd still be happy. RTMI is one of those games where you watch the credits roll and think "Wow... that was fantastic".
I like to think that Elaine is so nice in this game because Guybrush is telling the story and he couldn't possibly make her sound mean.
Ooh! That is a clever take, I love it
That actually makes sense. I had not considered that ...
Ok that is clever. I still think she TOO nice in this one but yeah makes sense if this is how guybrush sees her.
That’s very sweet.
I took it more as Elaine mellowing out ever since loosing her job in Escape.
"i named mine Jeff. he begs for death!" despite not being a monkey island quote, that is the most monkey island thing I've ever heard anyone say
I’m not going to lie. I’m very impressed that he decided to honour Curse of/Escape from Monkey Island. When I heard he was making this game, I was absolutely convinced he was going to pull a Roland Emmerich and declare that he was returning the series from _where he had left it._
It takes a bigger person to acknowledge the contributions others have made to your original work, contributions the fans were satisfied to have, even if it wasn’t the direction he originally planned.
I feel the same say. I was pretty worried about this because years ago Gilbert had written a list of things he would do if he ever got Monkey Island back and one of the thing was that he would make "Monkey Island 3a" that would effectively pick up immediately after Monkey Island 2 and strike Curse and Escape and Tales from the canon. I got more upset because I saw plenty of youtube comments clamoring for that to happen, asking for the "real" Monkey Island 3, treating the other games as worthless just because Ron Gilbert didn't make them. Initially when this game was announced the expectation was that this game would be "3a" that Ron had talked about, but he soon said that Curse was not going to be removed from canon, which made me relax. Then the expectation was that this might be some sort of "midquel" between 2 and 3, but in the end this is Monkey Island 6. And I love it.
@@Blokewood3 Mood. In todays age where so many "wow 90s creator comes back to MAKE THING REAL AND PROPER" occurences happen... reading this and seeing the video made me actually happy and interested in checking it out
Don't forget Tales, he honored that one too. In any case, I'm certainly glad he didn't follow with his original plan. I understand (as he himself explained) he wrote the list of what he'd do with a new Monkey Island game from a place of anger and inexperience, and he's a more mature person now.
The thing is, those ignored the ending of 2, which had tons of interesting implications. I was hoping that we'd explore those implications. I guess it would be possible while referencing the other games, but now I'm worried that aspect was lost.
@@ZipplyZane Have you not played Return? That's all addressed there.
I liked how supportive Elaine is in this game. It is very different. But I like how it shows us how healthy their relationship is.
She's too supportive, I find. Doesn't really seem as fiery as before, comes across as being boring.
@@Uthic It may be because Guybrush is telling the story, so she is shown the way he sees her.
That's how it came across to me anyways.
@@Garrett42 Maybe, but that changes nothing. I have to react to the story Gilbert is telling me.
@@Uthic I tought the twist will be that she's Guybrush's mom, the way she acts.
@@davidpapai4018 There is a little of fire from Elaine when she faced one of Captain M's henchwoman's and protected her plunderbunny as he went inside the Monkey Island's entrance. I missed her Tales 'ass to the world, sweet to her man' attitude. Aside from that moment, Elaine was too sweet, even as Guybrush's wife.
Honestly, Murray remains one of my absolute favorite characters from any game ever, lol. To this day my family still quotes;
"I'LL STRIDE THROUGH THE GATES OF HELL CARRYING YOUR HEAD ON A PIKE!!!"
"...Stride?"
"ROLL, THEN.. I'LL ROLL THROUGH THE GATES OF HELL - must you take the fun out of everything?"
🤣
To think he was originally supposed to have only one scene in Curse. Thank God people reacted so well to him in the demo that they gave him more to do.
Hahaaa “is it a really evil looking doorstop?” 😂😂
Honestly all this game had to do for me was confirm Guybrush and Elaine were still happily married. I usually don't get wrapped up in fictional romances, but I really love those two together.
They are so adorable together in Return too. Hashtag goals.
I recall reading somewhere that Ron Gilbert never intended for them to get married and wanted their relationship to evolve into a snarky brother/sister kind of dynamic. I believe he was disappointed that the writers of Curse wed them. He's clearly past that now.
“Remind me how long we’ve been married?” Lol
@@BehindTheAddiction please don't "hashtag goals." 🤢
@@BehindTheAddiction Do you say 'hashtag' in normal speech? Are you on medication?
So glad you have the ability to get back into recovery. Being a "disabled vet" I've seen people go back multiple times and it's when you don't go back that things get out of hand. IMO, Having a support system is a matter of luck, but using one's a matter of personal strength. So glad you got a game for your wellness, and know you're loved through your work by other feeble humans too. Thanks!
"I feel better just talking to you"
"Me too"
*tears were shed*
yea, that line got me too. the way they reintroduce characters like Elaine and Carla is spot on. great writing.
I had no idea they came out with another Monkey Island game! I never actually played the games myself, but I have fond memories of sitting with my mom at the family computer when I was little watching her play and finding the game super funny. I remember her being stuck on a puzzle that involved crossing the hot sand on a beach, and I guess I unknowingly said something that made her realize the solution was to put a wet towel on the sand and she told me I was a genius, while I was very confused what I had said that made her think that 😆
Ah yes, from the Curse of Monkey Island. You should do your mom a favor and ask her to play these games with you. That's what I did back in the day, as a kid, and it was a blast.
This is precious and made me smile. Thanks for sharing!
I’m not a huge fan of the art style but that alone is not a dealbreaker for me, long as it’s still fun and enjoyable.
Me too. Wanna "get bent" together?
I thought so at first too, but it turned out to be much more expressive than I originally thought and I learned to appreciate it very quickly.
yeah I wasn't feeling it from the trailers but when I actually played I genuinely fell in love with it!
Thing is once you start playing you're used to it after 5 minutes.
I don't know if you have played it yet, because it is so charming in motion imo.
I initially didn't like the art style, but it really grew on me while playing the game. This game is an awesome comeback for the series, I love it
yay! i'd love to see an old school LGR + PUR let's play of this
Oh yes please! Seconded!
Thirded! Pleaaaaaase? 🥺
Yes, please! ❤️
I can higly recommend a show called Mostly Walking. Three people involved in game design who play through both old and new adventure games and talk about them in a light-hearted way. One of the cast members is actually a programmer on this game (Leigh Graner).
@@Rachenviel yeah I love them! Their Return to Zork playthrough is a classic
I was incredibly eager to hear your take, and couldn't agree more now that it's here.
30 years of waiting were not in vain - Return was, and is, absolutely breathtaking, and we're fortunate to be a part of something so special.
Edit: You bring a lot of joy and inspiration to people, PUR. We've got your back in return - the war goes on. You got this, dude.
Hearing Roses say “Inventory Object Puzzles!” gave me the warmest, fuzziest feeling, like cocoa on a cold night or reuniting with an old friend.
we really need more games with that mechanic expecially with the point&click adventure type
I'm 8 hours in on hard mode. It's new, modern, and nostalgic all at the same time. They did a fantastic job, loving it.
It's absolutely nostalgia done right. Something entirely new that builds on what came before instead of just retconning it. I really appreciate that Gilbert didn't dunk on the games he didn't work on either, that they absolutely were still part of the foundation for the story he'd tell. This is what you get when someone is a creator who actually cares about their work.
Nice! I’m a massive Monkey fan but Gotta say, immediately the art-style is putting me right off...how’s your progress and feelings at this point?
@@ljclark2177 I like the art style but to be fair that's entirely subjective. For my part, I binged the game pretty hard so I've finished it, heh. Though I suspect there are completion-type things to go back and so.
Im SHOCK how afraid is everyone to say anything bad about this game. Is a good game, don’t get me wrong, but is not perfect and has lots of sour spots that game reviewers seems to be blind to or are overly positive about everything.
@@lomaurodg Fair, I guess? I loved it top to bottom but I understand it won't hit everyone the same way, even longtime devoted fans. I think possibly collectively we're all so desperate for a game licensed from a major media corporation that ISN'T a microtransactional bug-ridden cash grab, there's a lot of slack to be cut if that might mean more.
I felt so much nostalgia playing through this game. It was good.
It feels like there was a lot of love and care put into it. Always a good thing
The graphics don't look good, but I am looking forward to it!
@@rpcruz True, the graphics always were the main selling point of Monkey Island
As someone who started with the forst game when it sold in stores, I think I agree with the art style being good. It kind of seems like a mashup of the art style of all the previous games I think. The cartooniness of Curse, the angular poly style of Escape, and the whimsical painterly styles of Secret and Lechuck's revenge.
Roses, not sure if you’ll see this, but your old point and click adventure game reviews and let’s plays are my comfort videos. I’ve been watching them for the past 6 years and they always make me feel better if I’m down. Thanks for all you do and for peppering a few point and click reviews in here with your Murder, She Wrote series (which I also love!).
I am so in love with this game. There is so much that i have enjoyed in playing; the art style, the puzzles, the dialogue, the ongoing minigame. It has just the right mix of something new and something nostalgic.
I haven't finished it yet as i'm trying to pace myself. I have found one way to "permanently die," but you really have to try.
This Game series is literally my childhood. I used to play the games with my mom. When I started Return to Monkey Island I couldnt help but cry. I am now an adult but this brought me back to my childhood to these cozy hours. I was first a bit skeptical because of the art style, but wanted to play it with my partner. And what can I say, they got me again, the music gave me chills and I really started to love the art style. Feels good to be back after such a long time. Thanks for the video, it was lovely. Your voice is so nice to listen to and the video is made good overall. I left a sub ^^
Unlike a lot of my peers, I didn't grow up with this series and I only got into it last year. I haven't finished all the games yet, but I've been really excited for this one!
I would recommend completing 1 and 2 (in the original pixelart look!!) multiple times, you keep finding new stuff in those first 2 games! especially dialogue options or inventory discriptions that to this day have me in tears from laughing
I hope you eventually do a play through that we can watch! Your enthusiasm for the game definitely comes through and I imagine it would give me even more I have an appreciation for it than I already have!
This really feels like a Love Letter to the Monkey Island Series. Good Job Ron
Also *Fitting you fight like a Dairy Farmer*
How appropriate, you fight like a cow!
@@Jayfive276 Fitting, I want you to milk me
I wish someone would make a love letter to Broken Sword. That's a much better franchise.
I played the first two Monkey Island games back in the day on the Amiga 500 in the start of the 90's. I never played 3 or 4 but your glowing review have made me wish for playing the Monkey Island games again. I felt exactly as you doing the inventory puzzles and the dialogue is first class. Good job.
Monkey Island 1 and 2 and beside Indy 3 my favourite adventure games.....though I have a soft spot for Labyrinth and Loom. Those were the first adventure games that I completed.
It may be a small thing, but I'm particularly relieved to hear about the hint system. Absolute pants-on-head nonsense like the infamous monkey wrench puzzle always scared me away from the series. It doesn't help that the one LucasArts adventure game I have played, Grim Fandango, stumped me constantly. I can't overstate this, but the simple addition of a few hints to nudge me in the right direction every once in a while... Gosh, it's just a huge relief. I'm looking forward to giving Return a chance.
That's interesting, I think I was one of those strange people that *enjoyed* getting stuck! Grim Fandango is one of my favourite games of all-time, it's mostly easy to figure out but there is ONE puzzle in the big city that is famously challenging - even now I've actually forgotten how to do it lol
Similar thoughts on how this game came at the right time and helped me out mentally. Weirdly enough I got back into point and click adventure games at the beginning of the pandemic, and Return to Monkey Island was a similar destressor to me now like point and clicks were there for me two years ago. This game might have even finally have made a long time friend of mine turn a corner on the genre which is super exciting!
Inventory object puzzles 4 lyfe.
Escape From Monkey Island (TM) was one of my earliest memories of video games. I had no idea it was part of a serise and thought it just had really indepth back story. I loved this new game. I was also so surprise by it and played it in one sitting with no regrets. When I have more time I will be going back to see what I missed and try to complete the trivia book.
Wow. I've never even heard of Monkey Island, but now I *desperately* have to play every single video game you've mentioned. Thanks for all the great content and recommendations! Wishing you all the best
the art style isnt for me but im here for those returning voices. i definitely will play it like the others
As someone who was also skeptical it's actually really good in motion
I wasn't super into it when I first saw the trailer, but the visuals aren't a distraction at all, and I felt the animations really fit the theme of the game. I loved the style of Curse more than anything, and I'd love a return to that look and feel someday, but I'm really glad they've brought the 2D sprites back.
The art syle has a purpose, it fits with the framing of the story being told. Also, the maps look gorgeous in this style, especially Mêlee
I'm so glad you liked this! I've always loved hearing you talk about the Monkey Island series and you were the first person I thought of when this newest one got announced. Great video as always.
Man, I was burnt out on point-and-click games but 5 minutes in I was in entranced with this. “Joy” is exactly the word I’d use to describe it.
I'm glad you've found something that gives you such joy! I was excited when I saw the title of this video, because I remember you talking about other titles in the series. Sending you well-wishes for when you're stressed.
A Casual Mode AND a multilayer hint system? This might be a puzzle game that I can actually finish! I'm not being sarcastic, I straight-up suck at these but still enjoy the stories. I'll be checking this one out. :)
I love you enthusiasm for these style of games. I never got a chance to play many of these back in the day but I did get into my own style of CRPGs with the various Dungeons & Dragons games and I have a very similar nostalgia and love for those styles of games. Thank you for letting me experience, even if in some small way, the games I always wanted to play, growing up, but sadly missed.
Somehow seeing the reused locations form the first game gave me a ton of nostalgia even though I only played 1 a few years ago
There was something really nostalgic about seeing you do a Monkey Island review :D
Really excited to see, too, that Ron Gilbert came back to the helm! Greatly appreciated this review
Thank you for being open and normalizing ed and therapy ❤️ and this videos great I'm not an adventure type gamer but this looks like fun and the art style is great
I got into the series at Curse too, and then played all the other games except Escape. I should finally play that. I love how this new game pushes the nostalgia buttons but isn't JUST a nostalgia trip. I love what they've done with the interaction system - it just shows a 'no' symbol if you try to use a thing on something it can't be used with. Cuts down on so much clicking and Guybrush saying 'That won't work". You can still get funny results that don't advance the plot if you use a thing in a clever way. Only having one or two options for how to use something is great, and I can see the writers had fun with what sentences to put there. You can 'Listen to the soup', or 'Clear the air with Apple Bob' now, not just 'use soup' or 'talk to Bob'.
I just, I wish I could convey how it felt to see “deep in the Caribbean, the island of melee” I was 9 again sitting at my parents computer.
I hope you speed through your recovery and come out feeling far less shackled to all of that. I'm happy the game helped you through things in some way; You're awesome!
Love all your content but your gaming videos always hold a special place in my heart. Glad to hear you're doing better Roses 🌹 Always sending you good vibes.
I was a bit let down by how Ron used Murray in this game. When I found out it was gonna be a character I was psyched because I think it's the best post-Ron addition in all the games, and I was very curious to see how Ron wrote such a character, but I think calling it a character in this game is being VERY generous. It's mostly a puzzle piece that throws some (sometimes funny, I have to admit) jokes every once in a while.
One thing I love in this game is how Guybrush leaves a path of destruction throughout his quest he does this in all the games but in this game it’s even more so. From deforestation to plunging a sovereign country into anarchy. Need to go back and play hard mode now!
I'm so sorry to hear about your relapse. I hope you're recovering well. Thanks for sharing the joy this game brought you with the rest of us!
The art style of this game reminded me to give a huge thank-you towards Roses. I finally played Jenny LeClue and I absolutely loved it. Playing Darkside Detective next!
They just put a Jenny LeClue art book up for sale, and I grabbed one the moment I knew about it. Pretty excited to get that in the mail.
I hope your recovery is going well, I'm happy a game can really perk someone up. Just happy to see a sweet return in the series!
Now we need another Maniac Mansion Game.
Heck yeah!
Was on the fence about picking this up, but you've convinced me! Also, I don't think I've ever commented on one of your videos so I just want to say I think you're really cool and I wish you well!
The artstyle is a little weird, but it feels like a real monkey island game. 😁
Lets be honest we waited so long for this:
th-cam.com/video/mCfYi7634rU/w-d-xo.html
It's charming
@@roxassora2706 This art style literately has zero charm.
@@shabad0009 To you.
@@shabad0009 i strongly agree
Thank you so much! I had a chance to participate by doing the voice of one of the characters so I’m very happy that people are liking it
Ugh, this IS the worst art style yet. It's an insult to the carefully crafted bit-art of the originals.
But... I love, love, love, love Monkey Island (I mean...
Over a year later: what did you think of the game?
How nice that this game have relieve you from the clutches of real life for some hours, it helped me too. This is my most beloved videogame franchise and I'm so pleased that Ron Gilbert and Dave Grossman have returned to put his magistral touch and close this unfinished story they left years ago. It's simply beautiful and so authentic. My respects.
This was an amazing game. A true love letter to the series, the genre, and the fans.
I hope there's more Monkey Island in the future. But if it's not, this it's the perfect note for an ending.
I have no strong feelings about the art style one way or the other. I'm not clamoring for more of it, but I don't hate it and I wouldn't be bothered playing through the entire games multiple times and having to look at it, either.
I played a lot of point-n-click adventure games as a kid, but this one always managed to stay out of my hands, so I don't have the same nostalgia for it that I would for Sierra titles. But the Real Time Reaction 8:05 made me smile and is pushing me towards picking this up. But being the gamer that I am, I might finally (after all the years of saying I would) go back and play through the series from the beginning.
You're the BEST, Roses. I played the OG Monkey Island. Glad to see someone who loves the series like i did & is keeping the flame of pirate lore alive. Get well & Thanks! ❤️🇵🇭🌹
Just got this game, I think I’m halfway thru act 4ish, so good! As a lover of the original monkey island games(when I was much younger) it was great to have a recap and the way the game was made is so far perfect! 👌🥰🍻
I strongly hold the opinion that there’s never been a bad Monkey Island and Return might be the best. I didn’t love the ending, but this series is all about the journey, and the journey is so good.
I love the new art style. Especially those Ren and Stimpy-esque grotesque close-ups. At first I wasn't too sure about the ending but after reading the letter from Ron Gilbert that unlocks in the scrapbook I think it is perfect.
"If you don't like the art I like, get bent." Interesting position for an artist to take.
Had copies of all the games, across multiple platforms, waiting on this coming out in physical format. Love the review. :)
6:29 Here's your pedantic internet comment for the day: Gavin Hammon actually previously played Stan in Tales of Monkey Island
This game gave me such a huge wave of nostalgia, from the music to the dialogue, even the familiar puzzle system hit me with that warm, fuzzy feeling. I genuinely feel like this game was soothing for my soul, I can't say enough good things about it.
It's a good Monkey Island, but it's still the worst of them. It's gone obviously woke, so many woke references, woke dynamics, LGBT flags, pandering to the mob. It destroys the good story and charm from the previous games. Everything woke goes broke and this is no exception
I have become fully addicted to your channel…after a long day at work, I work in tv/film, I put on your playlist and listen to your soothing voice and commentary as I play FF14 and decompress…keep up the good work. You are absolutely fantastic. Also you got me watching Murder She Wrote from season one now…I just got to the episode with Ramon…
Really? I thought it was tedious, like a Disney interpretation of what an adventure game should be. I was incredibly bored, and as a 30+ year MI player that made me sad.
I know it's late, but thank you for putting into words what I felt playing this. I wanted to quit, but it was a gift so I forced myself to finish it.
I'll always have a fondness for Escape as that was my first Monkey Island game, having not gotten into PC gaming yet at that time. But all of them are so goofy and fun.
I do not like the art style. Remember Disney's Hercules? Yeah, many don't. Because the art style was a turn off. Many didn't even see it because the style didn't appeal to them. And that doesn't make them wrong.
I've yet to ply the earlier games, but absolutely loved my time with this! I'll admit I didn't understand the ending at first, but reading what you unlock from finishing the story and having the gears click, I can't stop thinking about how much being able to add even a soft ending to this series must have meant to Ron and the other returning devs after so long. I'm sure it would have made me tear up if I had the joy of growing up with this series.
I don't really dislike the artstyle, but i absolutely hate the way they animated it. The actual animation looks lazily tweened most of the time, and gives off that horrible "fake mobile game ad" feel i can't shake off.
I missed your video game reviews, they're my favorite content of yours! I never knew much about point and click games, and it's always a great time learning about them with your videos.
Sorry, but I absolutely despise the art style. I'll probably still play it at some point because I'm curious about the story and I like Gilbert's approach to game design, but my opinion on the art style won't change. It's not the fact they changed the art style that I hate, it's that they changed it into this abomination.
So happy to see game reviewer PushingUpRoses back! I loved all of the Monkey Island game and I can't wait to give this one a try!
Its not that it doesn't resemble any prior Monkey Island game, its just that it looks shit.
Started playing this this week! I love it so far. Thanks for the awesome review Roses
I can’t wait to play this. I’ve been out of the loop so wasn’t even sure when it was coming out, and have been avoiding all possible news to try and get as fresh as possible an experience. PUR is the exception! Will probably buy today and start the journey.
Strong disagree. Terrible game.
Agreed. IMHO it was the worst in the series, no joke. Weak character writing, weak jokes, weak villains, too focused on subversion and deconstruction to actually tell a proper story, etc.
The only thing it accomplished was make me appreciate Escape from MI island more. Madison & Lila WISH they were on the level of Ozzie Mandrill.
@@ThePreciseClimber I feel exactly the same; the game is so bad that it made me completely re-evaluate the worth of Escape From Monkey Island.
Yeeaaahh!! PushingUp talking talking about point and click games have me standing on my chair and screaming like sponge bob.
Calling people who don't like the art style stupid is pretty stupid. I myself am pretty turned off by the art work and I'm a big fan of the series. The fact you are so upset people voice their opinions is so off-putting
Wishing you all the best in your recovery and thanks for the great video!
This are style sucks.
Can’t wait to venture back! Love these games, style and just the music and opening screen/scene makes me feel super-nostalgic.
Not a fan of the art. It's too reminiscent of this rushed, generic, oversimplified, corporate, webdev style.
I can't wait to play it. I missed out on the old games, but the humour and charm is so evident.
Hard disagree, huge dissapoitment
I have to be the Weeeeell aaaaactually guy because I randomly found out that there is actually a way to die in this game including an achievement called "Died for real" but that's all I'm going to say. 😉 I loved this game so much. I played in casual first because I was worried my aging mind would be overwhelmed by the puzzles but now that I'm playing "hardcore" mode I realized the puzzles are as you said very fair and so well made. It's just a wonderful - and so damn beautiful - adventure. I loved the King's Quest reboot a while back I wish we'd get a new King's Quest looking as gorgeous as this does.
You're wrong and part of the problem.
I’m so glad you reviewed this game!! Ages ago I played the 3rd and 4th games and liked them, but never fully understood them. Probably because I was not versed in adventure games. But when I heard about the new Monkey Island? Game on!
This was brilliant! Thanks for what you do; it's good to have you back, always.
What a coincidence that you load this video up. I was just thinking about this game earlier this week. Now knowing this is out, I will definitely have to get it and let my nostalgia take me where I belong.
Really enjoyed this review. Your enthusiasm for this game as and the series as a whole really comes through in your review, and it's super infectious. I don't know if I'm going to play the other games first, but I'm definitely picking this one up. Thank you for getting me interested in point-and-clicks. I bought Callahan's Crosstime Saloon because of you, and you've really shown me how much fun these games can be! My best wishes to you during your health recovery.
love your videos and was so excited to see you made one about this game! finished it the other day and it made me cry because i was so happy and touched by the ending
Oh goodie!! I thought of U first right away when I saw this game was a thing. I miss u covering the old games.
I just finished the game, it was so amazing!!!
I did use the hint book a bit in the last puzzle but I tried to avoid it as much as possible and it was fun to finally finsing the solution to a puzzle after a few hours of trying.
The artstyle was not what I expected but I don't think it's bad, it actually look very good. It just took me a bit of time to get used to it after I associated monkey island for so long with the style of the second game, which was my favourite (but after this game I am not sure anymore).
The end really shocked me a bit when I got to it but it was such a brilliant ending for a great story.
P.S. The letter at the end was so heartwarming.
I recently replayed my ps2 remakes of the older games, after my dad and brother were playing sea of thieves and I recognized all the references to the series and got all nostalgia. Didn't even realize they were making this till a few weeks ago, and I'm so happy. I immediately wondered if we'd get a roses vid out of it, and equally happy we did.
It was a small area in the Pirate's Life Tall Tale, but the theme interpretation have me chills.
Oh you've made my day! I love your gane reviews! I love your non-game videos also, but REALLY love the game ones! Thank you!!!!
Long time viewer, first time commenter. I'm pretty much a newcomer to the Nintendo scene. I purchased a Switch during the pandemic and have fallen in love since. Been looking for some new games to spice up my library recently and found Return to Monkey Island. I was on the fence because of some of the reviews, but I'll be damned if this video didn't have me running to my Nintendo wish list! This game seems to be exactly the kind of thing I've been looking for. Thanks for all the awesome information! Love your videos, keep up the great work!
Im really glad I was recommend your channel like a year ago and my gf and I have been hooked ever since!
Not only I'm glad this game turned out amazing, I'm so happy you covered this one your channel.
I've been following you since 2014/15 as one of the few people seriously covering adventure games, so your review matters a lot.
Good review! Ron Gilbert tweeted that this is likely not the end of the series, but it very well could be and I'd still be happy. RTMI is one of those games where you watch the credits roll and think "Wow... that was fantastic".
Glad to see you back with the point and click adventure games i missed them