Review of The Curse of Monkey Island by Kelop

I have first finally played through this game when I was 28 years old. I wrote finally, because I remember this game from computer game magazines around the time when I entered the world of computer gaming at age of thirteen and somehow I never got around to playing this game before. The reason why I am saying this is because this game has a somewhat sentimental value to me on one side and it may be aimed to a different age group than me on the other side.

Generally, my impressions of this game are positive. High production value (as can be expected from Lucas Arts) and the puzzles are just right, not too challenging and not too easy. The nature of the puzzles is usually inductive and makes sense even if in a bit crazy and funny way. On the other hand, the interaction mechanics are unvaried offering mostly, if not only, the puristic point and click approach. The graphics are very pretty, sort of an apex for 2D adventure games which was reached around that time in late 90s and the music is nice. Nothing more or less than that. What I like about this game especially is the climate and setting during the first part of it which takes place in the pirate port city. What I liked less are the following locations. It’s been a year since I’ve played it and I can’t remember those locations too well. That means that they weren’t memorable enough too me.

Another characteristic worth mentioning here is the relaxed fun humor that has it’s good and bad sides. It’s good if you are looking for a fun, light spirited game and it’s bad if you are looking for a deep immersion as the are some funny fourth wall breakers present in the game. Overall this game was pleasant to play but failed to leave any lasting impression. It’s aimed toward any age group with a mild indication at the younger audience maybe due to the simple story and the type of humor.

Try it if you are looking for a comedic pirate game.
Skip it if you want a serious and/or deep story.

Story: 2.5/5
Puzzles: 4/5
Setting/Climate: 4/5
Aesthetics: 4/5

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Time Played: Over 20 hours
Difficulty: Just Right