I still remember the first time I stumbled onto Monkey Island back in the early '90s. It wasn’t the graphics or even the puzzles that stuck with me - it was the humor, the ridiculous characters, and the fact that it never took itself too seriously. Now, the Special Edition brings that same charm back but dresses it up with hand-drawn art, a full orchestra soundtrack, and actual voice acting that makes the characters feel alive in a whole new way.
One of the coolest touches is the ability to flip between the original pixel version and the modern update anytime you want. It’s a small thing, but it’s pure fan service. Sometimes I find myself switching back just to see how far games have come, then flipping forward to enjoy the smooth animations and polished sound.
The game still follows Guybrush Threepwood, a wannabe pirate who’s more awkward than intimidating. His quest to become the most infamous pirate in the Caribbean takes him through sword fights, insult battles, and run-ins with the ghost pirate LeChuck. The jokes still land, the romance with Governor Elaine Marley still works, and the puzzles still make you feel clever when you finally crack them.
What makes The Secret of Monkey Island stand out, even now, is that it’s just fun. The Special Edition doesn’t erase the old game - it celebrates it. Whether you’re a first-time player or someone who grew up pointing and clicking on Mêlée Island, it’s worth setting sail again.