The Curse of Monkey Island

 PC
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 398 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 358 out of 398
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 398
  3. Negative: 16 out of 398
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  1. DanT.
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    A piece of gaming history. The Curse of Monkey Island (CMI) featured a pionary graphics engine that redefined the benchmarks of the period with its unique, cartoon-like, yet extrenely appealing style. Hillarity and replayability are a given; even in 2008, 11 years after it's release, this is still a fantastic game that can stand proudly alongside many of the latest releases in the A piece of gaming history. The Curse of Monkey Island (CMI) featured a pionary graphics engine that redefined the benchmarks of the period with its unique, cartoon-like, yet extrenely appealing style. Hillarity and replayability are a given; even in 2008, 11 years after it's release, this is still a fantastic game that can stand proudly alongside many of the latest releases in the collection of any hardcore and casual gamers alike.… Expand
  2. DanielM.
    Jul 22, 2009
    10
    One of the best adventures ever made! The music is great. The humor is hilarious. The puzzles a sometimes hard, but you can solve them, if you think a little crazy...just like in every other Monkey island game. The Graphics are beutiful. I wish a modern adventure would be as great as this, but there are none.
  3. wesker2012
    Jan 2, 2014
    10
    Classic LucasArts point and click adventure masterpiece. Beautiful drawing, hilarious dialogue, great adventure, great puzzles, awesome voice acting, great music.
  4. juricasaravanja
    Oct 30, 2013
    10
    The unbelievable game. So much joy and humor. I love it. It is for me the game which stays in my top 10 list. Bravo again for the Lucas Art team. Superb.
  5. Lecundra
    Jun 21, 2014
    10
    One of the all-time classics of adventure gaming. While some adventure games had challenge and some sought to imbue a sense of wonder (mostly through graphics), Curse of Monkey Island had everything, from humour to adventure while being able to develop characters. Can anyone forget having a banjo shredoff with Edward Van Helgen or tossing logs against Haggis McMutton?
  6. fuzioN
    Sep 8, 2014
    10
    Best game I've ever played (and trust me, I've played a lot). If you love adventure point and click games half as much as I do, please consider playing this wonderful masterpiece. Best chapter of the Lucasart series imo, by far.
  7. tsakiym
    May 21, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.................................… Expand
  8. ThecriticGoD
    Mar 7, 2016
    10
    The definition of perfection in a graphic adventure game. Smooth and intuitive gameplay, very cool graphics, very nice storyline, impressive soundtrack, interesting and sometimes frustrating (but that's the core of graphic adventures) puzzles, great characters, and all that mixed with a very funny sense of humour, definetely a MUST experience for graphic adventure lovers, and for everyoneThe definition of perfection in a graphic adventure game. Smooth and intuitive gameplay, very cool graphics, very nice storyline, impressive soundtrack, interesting and sometimes frustrating (but that's the core of graphic adventures) puzzles, great characters, and all that mixed with a very funny sense of humour, definetely a MUST experience for graphic adventure lovers, and for everyone that likes videogames really.… Expand
  9. kalaptarto
    Mar 27, 2018
    10
    Best point and click adventure game ever made. The characters, writing, graphics are spot on and the voice acting is excellent. This game has an atmosphere to it like no others made before or after. Even though the original creators of Monkey 1 & 2 were not (as) involved in the making of this sequel, It has everything in it from it's legacy and done in the best way possible. Even if youBest point and click adventure game ever made. The characters, writing, graphics are spot on and the voice acting is excellent. This game has an atmosphere to it like no others made before or after. Even though the original creators of Monkey 1 & 2 were not (as) involved in the making of this sequel, It has everything in it from it's legacy and done in the best way possible. Even if you played through this game a dozen times it's fun to pick up and just look at the beautiful graphics, listen to the excellent lines and soundtrack, and explore the rustic charms of Blood Island.… Expand
  10. Totemic
    Oct 16, 2019
    10
    This game is an all-time classic for me. Simple but compelling story with solid, memorable characters and really funny dialogue. Some great clever puzzles with the right amount of difficulty, and you can get hints in-game through dialogue if you're stuck. Amazing soundtrack and excellent voice acting. Endlessly replayable despite its linearity. Wonderful cartoony graphics with charmingThis game is an all-time classic for me. Simple but compelling story with solid, memorable characters and really funny dialogue. Some great clever puzzles with the right amount of difficulty, and you can get hints in-game through dialogue if you're stuck. Amazing soundtrack and excellent voice acting. Endlessly replayable despite its linearity. Wonderful cartoony graphics with charming beautiful backgrounds by Bill Tiller. What's not to love?
    (the rushed ending due to time constraints probably, still an amazing game.)    … Expand
  11. M_Alex
    Mar 26, 2011
    10
    Great adventure game, the pinnacle of a certain style within the genre. I actually prefer it to the second part, and consider it at least just as good as the first one. If someone is into playing the classics of gaming, i do believe this one should be in there.
  12. davenbettridge
    Sep 13, 2011
    8
    While being a departure to the style of the first 2 monkey island games which had a darker tone, The Curse of Monkey is one of the best Lucas Art adventure games of the 90s. Having very memorable game moments, very funny witty humour, great atmospheric music, and beautiful styled graphics - I love the warped environment style and its one of my favourite art styles all of gaming. CurseWhile being a departure to the style of the first 2 monkey island games which had a darker tone, The Curse of Monkey is one of the best Lucas Art adventure games of the 90s. Having very memorable game moments, very funny witty humour, great atmospheric music, and beautiful styled graphics - I love the warped environment style and its one of my favourite art styles all of gaming. Curse really used the pirate theme well, Pirates of the Caribbean clearly borrowed ideas, themes and characters from the Curse of Monkey Island. The music is original, interesting and memorable and the song half way through this game is one of my most beloved moments in video games. Unfortunately like most Lucas Art adventure games - the final act of the game was rushed, did not wrap of the story as it should and had a disappointingly short ending. Nevertheless, The Curse of Monkey Island is one of my favourites! A pirate I was meant to be! Trim the sails and roam the sea!… Expand
  13. Neth3rtwist
    Mar 13, 2014
    10
    I remember being 9 and had already played the likes of Island of Dr Brain, Super Solvers, Eco Quest, Some other Sierra games, and Myst. I wouldn't say I was in love with the adventure genre, as I'd love a good game of Doom or Quake over these titles anyday. Then came along The Curse of Monkey Island. Wow, did my perception of adventure gaming change. Sadly, the game was so good andI remember being 9 and had already played the likes of Island of Dr Brain, Super Solvers, Eco Quest, Some other Sierra games, and Myst. I wouldn't say I was in love with the adventure genre, as I'd love a good game of Doom or Quake over these titles anyday. Then came along The Curse of Monkey Island. Wow, did my perception of adventure gaming change. Sadly, the game was so good and masterful that it raised the bar for adventure gaming tenfold. Not even Monkey Island 4 could capture the masterful artwork and humor of its predecessor. No other point-and-click game would ever challenge this title's illustrious perfection. Find a way to play it. Now.… Expand
  14. Tubey
    Sep 27, 2016
    10
    This, along with Grim Fandango, are two of the greatest games of any generation ever made. But what makes this one just about superior in my book is the fact that, 19 years after it was made, it still holds up as well as the day it was made. The hand drawn 2D style is so timeless that if this came out now, people would not bat an eyelid. It's so good in fact that while other games in thisThis, along with Grim Fandango, are two of the greatest games of any generation ever made. But what makes this one just about superior in my book is the fact that, 19 years after it was made, it still holds up as well as the day it was made. The hand drawn 2D style is so timeless that if this came out now, people would not bat an eyelid. It's so good in fact that while other games in this series have actually required a remaster to be playable to a modern audience (and Day of the Tentacle, come to think of it - all excellent games), this one doesn't.

    What it does need though is a way to be playable on modern systems without a program called ScummVM. If it were re-released on GOG or whatever, this would be an instant buy for me.

    The humour in this title is stunning, the puzzles bizarre yet logical, the characters are exceptional and... it's just perfection, it really is.

    The age of the point and click adventure is long gone sadly, but I am always happy to say that the glut of them we had throughout the 90s raised the bar so high that they couldn't foreseeably have been beaten anyway, so they went out on a high note.

    Eternal thanks to LucasArts from this gamer for both the memories of first playing this with my jaw permanently dropped at the experience, and the fact I have replayed it once every two years on average since release with the same feeling of joy.    … Expand
  15. Techenz
    Jun 28, 2012
    10
    @ DavidD if I met you I would flat out kick you in the balls. Besides that, this game is 100% classic, with a awesome visuals style and atmospheric music this game will never get old... Makes me want to start playing it again >:D
  16. jerrypatel_07
    Oct 17, 2012
    10
    The best monkey island game in my humble opinion. A unique plot involving guybrush and elaine leading to hilarious circumstances. Great performance by Le'chuck in this one
  17. Viperspider
    Feb 28, 2014
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played. For those of you that don't know, The Curse of Monkey Island (CMI or MI3) is a point-and-click puzzle game where the player solves puzzles by collecting and combining items and using those items to do solve a problem.

    The game has an extremely simple control scheme, it's entirely mouse controlled and extremely easy to get used to. The art style is    One of the best games I've ever played. For those of you that don't know, The Curse of Monkey Island (CMI or MI3) is a point-and-click puzzle game where the player solves puzzles by collecting and combining items and using those items to do solve a problem.

    The game has an extremely simple control scheme, it's entirely mouse controlled and extremely easy to get used to. The art style is incredibly charming and pleasing to look at. The art consists of what seems to be beautifully hand-painted environments and cartoon like sprites for objects that move. The game is fully voiced and has some superb dialogue with some great voice acting. There are so many jokes to be heard and laughs to be had. The story is great too, I particularly enjoyed Blood Island, and there is variety in gameplay which stops the game from becoming repetitive somewhere in the middle of the game. The puzzles can be hard, but are satisfying to complete. For those of you who like a challenge there is a game mode with more puzzles (recommended!!)

    CMI is an incredible game, I would recommend this game to anyone.    … Expand
  18. ManiaK
    Apr 6, 2013
    10
    Best adventure game (along with "The Longest Journey"), and one of the best game ever made. This is the funniest game out there: every single line of dialogue is to die for! Characters, situations and puzzles are priceless. It features the most ergonomic interface of the genre. Graphics, animations and art style are still great and always will be, like an old fashioned Disney cartoon.Best adventure game (along with "The Longest Journey"), and one of the best game ever made. This is the funniest game out there: every single line of dialogue is to die for! Characters, situations and puzzles are priceless. It features the most ergonomic interface of the genre. Graphics, animations and art style are still great and always will be, like an old fashioned Disney cartoon. Music, sounds and actors' voicing are really good.… Expand
  19. Valter
    Nov 11, 2019
    10
    It's the best adventure game ever. I'm confused why they haven't release a remastered version of it yet.
  20. Dredd4DoM
    Oct 16, 2017
    10
    It is a must-play classic game , it is the best game of the monkey island series in my opinion , it has nice and unique graphics , there is a huge quality soundtrack for every place you go and characters are beloved , there are great puzzles , funny dialogues and easter eggs from other games too. The audio just fits there wherever you go.
    Voice acting is AWESOME for every character. it is    It is a must-play classic game , it is the best game of the monkey island series in my opinion , it has nice and unique graphics , there is a huge quality soundtrack for every place you go and characters are beloved , there are great puzzles , funny dialogues and easter eggs from other games too. The audio just fits there wherever you go.
    Voice acting is AWESOME for every character. it is by far the best game as you can enjoy the big work from developers in every frame.
    Monkey 4 and 5 have nothing to do with this 2,5D game. I wish more Monkey games like this will be released in the future that are worked in story and puzzles.

    You will love it even if you don't like pirate or adventure games

    LEGEN ... DARY

    Arrrgghhhh... ahhhh... ahhhh... AHHHH...
    CHOOOO!    … Expand
  21. Agathra
    Oct 5, 2019
    10
    LucasArts adventure games were among the first computer games I played (that weren't y'know, Snake or Oregon Trail or played in an arcade...) Monkey Island is still my favorite of all the games, and MI3 my favorite of the MIs. This was some pretty amazing art at the time, jumping from 2 to this, but even today I still love it because I think it matches fantastically well with the brightLucasArts adventure games were among the first computer games I played (that weren't y'know, Snake or Oregon Trail or played in an arcade...) Monkey Island is still my favorite of all the games, and MI3 my favorite of the MIs. This was some pretty amazing art at the time, jumping from 2 to this, but even today I still love it because I think it matches fantastically well with the bright silliness of the MI universe itself. Great dialogue, characters, story, music... I've played this countless times and I never get tired of it.… Expand
  22. szarywilq
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    One of the best adventure games ever made. Great story and humor, music and design. Perfection!
  23. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    9
    'The classic game'. This and its second part are the best graphic adventures I've ever played. A story of pirates with humor and puzzles. What more could you want.
  24. DavidD
    Feb 3, 2009
    0
    This is by far the worst game of all time. Anyone who likes to play this game needs to get a life and grow up, unless your a kid and then I can see that you would like this. It has the worst music of anything I have ever heard and the characters are so freaking retarded they make me want to hurt someone. If I could I would flat out slap the creator in the face.
  25. AC
    Jul 27, 2009
    7
    There is little else to be said about the quality of the remake, graphically and audibly. It is superb. Character animations, voice acting, and backdrops look terrific. The most significant problem with the game is little of the game play was changed. The obscure non-sensical puzzles are all still there. Pixel hunting, interactable environmental objects that do not light up when There is little else to be said about the quality of the remake, graphically and audibly. It is superb. Character animations, voice acting, and backdrops look terrific. The most significant problem with the game is little of the game play was changed. The obscure non-sensical puzzles are all still there. Pixel hunting, interactable environmental objects that do not light up when mouse-overed, annoying 9 action verb selection, and some eye rolling solutions make this an unfortunately poor adventure game that pales in comparison to The Longest Journey, Grim Fandango, and other staples of the series. Maybe nostalgics would complain heresy if the above annoyances were fixed. Which is sad, as a new generation of gamers will miss out on a genre that is begging for a revival.… Expand
  26. TiagoMoreno
    Aug 25, 2011
    10
    LEGENDARY! The BEST game I`ve ever played. Funny, thoroughly enjoyable and clever! Not to mention the great dialogues, amazing songs (the opening theme of the series, in particular) and unique graphics and scenarios!
  27. ShakeelA.
    Mar 6, 2006
    10
    This game is amazing!when i first played this game.i hanged in the 3rd part.but now.I know how to get to the other island but unfortunatly my CD becomes a piece of junk i want this for anything!
  28. Member27
    Jun 24, 2004
    10
    I regularly boot this game up and play through it one more time. It is hilarious, fun and challenging with kick ass cartoon graphics (that have hardly aged; unlike its sub-par sequel), fantastic voice acting and possibly the most memorable music score in gaming history. I honestly believe that everyone should play this game at least once. Adventure games do not get much better than this I regularly boot this game up and play through it one more time. It is hilarious, fun and challenging with kick ass cartoon graphics (that have hardly aged; unlike its sub-par sequel), fantastic voice acting and possibly the most memorable music score in gaming history. I honestly believe that everyone should play this game at least once. Adventure games do not get much better than this folks. I would even go as far to say that it tops the Secret of Monkey Island.… Expand
  29. Alex
    Feb 20, 2005
    10
    There's a reason there are 4 games in the Monkey Island series. they all rule! and CMI is no exception. it may be the best of them all, in fact. if you're into the downright funny (and sometimes random) puzzle game stuff, then why are you even waiting to buy this game?
  30. WillT
    Jul 17, 2009
    10
    If you are an adventure game lover, I would recommend this as one of the shining examples of how great they can be. The art direction is simply spectacular, with so much fine detail that it is impossible to take in in one sitting. The music, composed by Michael Land, is some of the least-instrusive I have ever heard. It fits the game so perfectly and I often find myself humming 'A If you are an adventure game lover, I would recommend this as one of the shining examples of how great they can be. The art direction is simply spectacular, with so much fine detail that it is impossible to take in in one sitting. The music, composed by Michael Land, is some of the least-instrusive I have ever heard. It fits the game so perfectly and I often find myself humming 'A pirate I was meant to be'. The puzzles can be a little difficult at some points on hard, but the payoff jokes are always worth it.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PC Game of 1997
2
#2 Most Discussed PC Game of 1997
2
#2 Most Shared PC Game of 1997

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. PC Gamer
    95
    If this isn't destined to be a classic, I'll swallow a cutlass. [Feb 1998, p.95]
  2. Adventure Gamers
    70
    However good the game is, it must be said that it is far too short, and the ending is a little rushed. Two days of gameplay is simply not enough for a modern adventure game.
    Read full review
  3. Gamezilla!
    95
    Whether you're looking for a good adventure, or just a good laugh, beautiful animation, or great sound, there's something for everyone in this game. It is an excellent value, and will certainly become a gaming classic.
    Read full review
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