The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition

 PC
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 402 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 350 out of 402
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 402
  3. Negative: 17 out of 402

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  1. Trashware
    Jan 10, 2013
    9
    This is it. To me and I guess to many others. The as yet still unsurpassed (the sequel almost did though) pinnacle of all Adventure Games. It's The Secret of Monkey Island. I cannot give this the full 10 out of 10 because it is a remake relaunch of a classic, but there has been taken a lot of good effort to make it work on the newer gaming systems. I like the new graphics style,This is it. To me and I guess to many others. The as yet still unsurpassed (the sequel almost did though) pinnacle of all Adventure Games. It's The Secret of Monkey Island. I cannot give this the full 10 out of 10 because it is a remake relaunch of a classic, but there has been taken a lot of good effort to make it work on the newer gaming systems. I like the new graphics style, especially since you have the option to seamlessly switch between that and the 'true' pixelated original version. It may be a pretty obvious cash-in, but it's been done with lots of care about the game and consideration of both old and new fans. So yes, take my money, again, for the same game. It's allright, it has been about 20 years anyway.… Expand
  2. AWG
    Jul 7, 2013
    8
    "The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition" is "The Secret of Monkey Island" with a modern set of graphics and sounds. What does this mean? This means that one of the best adventures in the history of gaming got even better.
  3. Rox22
    Feb 7, 2013
    9
    I always regretted never playing the original when it came out, but at the time the whole pirate theme was unappealing. I'm so glad that Telltale games decided to remake this and give me a chance to play such an iconic game. Yes the age of the point and click adventure has come and gone, and yes allot of my feeling towards this game and games like it is fueled by nostalgia, but hey: II always regretted never playing the original when it came out, but at the time the whole pirate theme was unappealing. I'm so glad that Telltale games decided to remake this and give me a chance to play such an iconic game. Yes the age of the point and click adventure has come and gone, and yes allot of my feeling towards this game and games like it is fueled by nostalgia, but hey: I still like it, regardless of the reason. The visuals are top notch, the voice acting is brilliant, the writing and humor are just first rate. Overall: A brilliant game that sparks warm fuzzy feeling of the good old days. A real shame that many of the younger generation can't appreciate this game for what it is: A piece of gaming history, preserved in a 100% loyal remake.… 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 a truly classic game. Long live Guybrush Threepwood!
  5. lach1223
    Nov 12, 2013
    9
    I am really loving this game. The puzzles are challenging, the humor is spectacular and the graphics and sound are top notch. If you get stuck, the game has a great hint system so you can always keep moving forward if you are stumped. Would definitely recommend this game!
  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 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.
  7. ThecriticGoD
    Mar 27, 2016
    7
    The game is really funny and it's where it all starts, it's exciting to meet all the characters and it's really fun at first, however, the puzzles in this Monkey Island are pretty ilogical compared to Curse, Escape, or Tales. Towards the end of the game you'll find yourself spamming the hint button and the worst thing is after pressing it you won't be like "oooh, so it was like that",The game is really funny and it's where it all starts, it's exciting to meet all the characters and it's really fun at first, however, the puzzles in this Monkey Island are pretty ilogical compared to Curse, Escape, or Tales. Towards the end of the game you'll find yourself spamming the hint button and the worst thing is after pressing it you won't be like "oooh, so it was like that", you'll be like "wtf, that didn't make sense", which is what you want to stay away from in an Adventure game. However, this is a very very old game so probably things were seen a different way back then but nowadays I think it's not good to abuse illogical puzzles so much. Anyways, the game is funny and interesting, it's just frustrating at times.… Expand
  8. modimagic
    Sep 11, 2021
    4
    This game has some beautiful hand painted graphics which is so pleasing to look at. The game is nice and fun till our protagonist actually reaches the Monkey Island. On the island, it suddenly becomes so boring. Zzzz... I just could not go on and had to stop.

    I saw the remaining gameplay in fast forward on YouTube. I am glad I took the right decision and did not waste more time just to    This game has some beautiful hand painted graphics which is so pleasing to look at. The game is nice and fun till our protagonist actually reaches the Monkey Island. On the island, it suddenly becomes so boring. Zzzz... I just could not go on and had to stop.

    I saw the remaining gameplay in fast forward on YouTube.
    I am glad I took the right decision and did not waste more time just to complete the game.    … Expand
  9. 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 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 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
  10. GuybrushThreepwood
    Jul 18, 2009
    10
    Monkey Island returns! Relive all the classic comedy/adventure with updated graphics that look stunning, new ambient music and voice acting (from the other games) - this really makes MI come to life again.
  11. JonN
    Jan 5, 2010
    10
    Love it. I had played the original before, and the remake adds some sweet icing to the cake with renewed graphics and stellar voice acting. It's always interesting to see the difference when using the nifty F10 button to transition between the original and remade interface and graphics at ANY time while playing.
  12. AnonymousMC
    Aug 13, 2009
    10
    Perfect remake of a classic game. The option to switch between 'old' & 'new' makes it amazing. Captures the spirit and style of the original perfectly. I hope other developers take notes on how to re-issue a classic. A whole new generation can appreciate MI!! And, if they want to know what it was like before, just hit F10. Love it. More please :-)
  13. davenbettridge
    Aug 11, 2011
    8
    Guybrush Threepwood would perhaps be my favourite video game character and this remake has enhanced everything thats great about him. This is a true and solid remake shinning up one of the best adventure games of all time for a modern play through. The question does have to be asked to if Monkey Island has held up over the years and the answer is most certainly YES! Monkey Island is one ofGuybrush Threepwood would perhaps be my favourite video game character and this remake has enhanced everything thats great about him. This is a true and solid remake shinning up one of the best adventure games of all time for a modern play through. The question does have to be asked to if Monkey Island has held up over the years and the answer is most certainly YES! Monkey Island is one of the greats, its story, witty humour, puzzles, and formula are brilliant and only gamers whom are impatient, have bad taste or short attention spans would disagree. HIGHLY recommended to intelligent gamers.â… Expand
  14. fartheststar
    Jan 12, 2013
    6
    This game has a good humor and likeable characters going for it. I found the going at first fun, but toward the end things got to be a grind, and I had to look up some hints several times. I was glad when it was over, although like I said, I did find the humor entertaining. Overall, I'm not a huge fan of adventures, and while this was entertaining, it also held several of the sameThis game has a good humor and likeable characters going for it. I found the going at first fun, but toward the end things got to be a grind, and I had to look up some hints several times. I was glad when it was over, although like I said, I did find the humor entertaining. Overall, I'm not a huge fan of adventures, and while this was entertaining, it also held several of the same frustrations that adventure games inexplicably fall into - that make you think "how would I have ever thought to do that - and I'm not even sure why I would want to do that even knowing I should do it?" But that taken, it was entertaining with likeable characters. Play it if you have interest, but I'd guess you can find other things that would be similarly or more enjoyable.… Expand
  15. ChoicestGames
    Mar 3, 2012
    9
    A great way for the younger generation of gamers to discover the charm of classic adventure games. What better way to do that by introducing them to Ron Gilbert's classic Monkey Island?
  16. lucdre
    Apr 15, 2012
    10
    Great game, never get bored even if its from 1990, I just love it, the sound, the storyline, everything! I recommend it to everyone who just wanna play an amazing game
  17. Gnii
    Dec 15, 2012
    10
    I hadn't played the original game. At first, the graphics and animation surprised me. But when you play it, you just forget everything. The whole plot is hilarious, as well as the puzzles. They are not illogical, you just need to think like the main protagonist would. And let me tell you, this is a great experience. The only thing I've been disappointed with is the way they re-designedI hadn't played the original game. At first, the graphics and animation surprised me. But when you play it, you just forget everything. The whole plot is hilarious, as well as the puzzles. They are not illogical, you just need to think like the main protagonist would. And let me tell you, this is a great experience. The only thing I've been disappointed with is the way they re-designed Guybrush; the Monkey Island 2: SE version is much better in my opinion. Anyway, I believe The Secret of Monkey Island is a hilarious adventure classic, and this Special Edition is a great way to make people discover it if they didn't get to play it before.… Expand
  18. MartinL
    Jul 20, 2009
    10
    Great game! I hope they'll remake Lechuck's revenge and maniac mansion too!
  19. 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 - press F10 and switch between the new graphics and the original graphics.
  20. MartinI
    Jul 26, 2009
    10
    Sweet. never played this game, started off with Monkey island 2 in 1992. So it was fun to play this game in a new design, got it cheap att steam. well worth the money.
  21. MattA
    Jul 26, 2009
    10
    Fantastic to see this back and with a vengeance too because its a top seller. Awesome graphics, fantastic sound and the best storyline ever in any adventure game...ever.. cant wait to see if they remaster MI2 or something else... they didn't rerelease MI2, Maniac Mansion or Zak McKracken.. so lets see if one of those 3 come out remastered.. my money is of course on MI2.
  22. MaxieD.
    Sep 12, 2009
    10
    One of the best adventure games ever!! Graphic, sounds and all things inside the game are amazing! I play all 4 Monkey's adventure... this is the best! I hope that Lucasarts convert all Monkey Island adventures with this style!!!
  23. BasR
    Jul 19, 2009
    9
    I really like this game and hope that lucasarts wil remake more of this classic adventure games.
  24. MichaelE.
    Aug 18, 2009
    9
    It is an amasing game. very Nolstalgic. it stays true to the origonal. and the "F10" Key reverts it back to a perfect rendition of the original. graphics and all. why not a 10? the interface for the new graphic vertion of this game is so outstandingly bad. Although a good concept it doesn't really work.
  25. SteveL.
    Sep 25, 2009
    10
    I love this game.
  26. MicheleL
    Nov 21, 2009
    10
    I love the Monkey Island games as well as most of the old adventure games from that time. It makes me sad that there aren't more games like this coming out all the time, but I'm glad to see that enough people love them that they're still hanging on out there among all the 1st person shooters. Monkey Island is one of the best of these types of games and I am thrilled that I love the Monkey Island games as well as most of the old adventure games from that time. It makes me sad that there aren't more games like this coming out all the time, but I'm glad to see that enough people love them that they're still hanging on out there among all the 1st person shooters. Monkey Island is one of the best of these types of games and I am thrilled that this classic was remade with new graphics. Long live Monkey Island!… Expand
  27. MatteoS
    Jul 18, 2009
    10
    Incredible. Just Secret of Monkey Island back with a wonderful high quality graphic, new wonderful effects and an amazing sounds.
  28. RobR
    Jul 19, 2009
    10
    Wonderful remake of an masterpiece in gaming history! Excellent game, superb voice-acting and real funny! Its cheap and RECOMMENDED!!!
  29. [ANONYMOUS]
    Sep 18, 2009
    9
    I have few memories of the original game, but I think this is as fantastic as it was in 1990. I purchased it on steam for 4.49 euros and I have been playing for 5 hours no-stop this afternoon. Really worth the price. Brilliant.
  30. Tarkus
    Sep 27, 2009
    5
    This remake is wonderfully done: the new graphic is just great, and the voices aswell. The problem is that it is too, too, very short. It lasts like 5/6 hours or so, and in the end you feel disappointed, because you would have expected more. Honestly, I don't think it was even worth buying it, even if it's just at a very cheap price. (P.S: Don't use H key!!! The help key: This remake is wonderfully done: the new graphic is just great, and the voices aswell. The problem is that it is too, too, very short. It lasts like 5/6 hours or so, and in the end you feel disappointed, because you would have expected more. Honestly, I don't think it was even worth buying it, even if it's just at a very cheap price. (P.S: Don't use H key!!! The help key: the adventure is already so damnit short, you don't want to make it even shorter and easier than it is already...)… Expand
  31. FiveAirtonic
    Jul 29, 2009
    9
    Absolutly free 3D flash game. The best! Must play! Tanki Online
  32. spikeq
    Dec 12, 2014
    10
    Monkey Island is a classic that breathes new life into the original from the 90 's. It has great humour, well done music and is one of the most memorable games I have ever played. It has the option to switch between the retro and new graphics, which appeals to both old and new people to the genre. However, the old graphics leave more room for imagination and the game technically has aMonkey Island is a classic that breathes new life into the original from the 90 's. It has great humour, well done music and is one of the most memorable games I have ever played. It has the option to switch between the retro and new graphics, which appeals to both old and new people to the genre. However, the old graphics leave more room for imagination and the game technically has a built-in walk-through which ruins the game as it is to hard to resist, and should not be pressed until you are truly stuck. Regardless, The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition is definitely worth full price.… Expand
  33. Dco326
    Oct 15, 2021
    6
    Samo je okej, meni se ne dopadaju neke stvari i ne mogu zat oda je igram jebiga. 6 je okej nisam ni hteo da je zavrsim.
  34. damaso7
    Mar 23, 2022
    7
    Muy buenos escenarios y ambientación. Además el humor en su punto fuerte. El problema es su duración, que es corta.
  35. 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.
  36. PictoPirate
    May 17, 2017
    9
    Beautiful, fun and down right hilarious it is easy to see why The Secret of Monkey Island is one of the most beloved adventure games of all time. Some of the gameplay may be a little old fashioned but the characters, humour and situations are timeless and with the new lick of paint the game doesn't show it's age. If you've never played it before buy it now; if you haven't played it for aBeautiful, fun and down right hilarious it is easy to see why The Secret of Monkey Island is one of the most beloved adventure games of all time. Some of the gameplay may be a little old fashioned but the characters, humour and situations are timeless and with the new lick of paint the game doesn't show it's age. If you've never played it before buy it now; if you haven't played it for a while this is the perfect package to get back in the saddle and give Guybrush another run out.… Expand
  37. 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 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. TheThe 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
  38. ciscotn
    Jul 26, 2014
    10
    The best adventure game ever!
    Great story, great characters, and this special edition version add a beautiful graphics.
    All player must buy it and finish it!
  39. ComandanteCobra
    Oct 21, 2021
    10
    i played it ...ages ago...in it's original floppy disc version with the dial-a-pirates wheel.
    A piece of gaming history.
    Try this Enchanced version or the Original one or The Amiga version or Android versions...t's worth it
  40. SrPepe
    Feb 23, 2019
    8
    Un juegazo de principio a fin, el remake esta perfectamente hecho, es un juego increíble con una historia super divertida y personajes entrañables, aventura pura.
  41. brendo214
    May 22, 2019
    9
    The Secret of Monkey Island is sooo hilarious. Not many other games have even come close to how much this game made me laugh.
  42. B-Bog
    May 21, 2022
    6
    If you want nothing more than a faithful remaster of the first Monkey Island game with enhanced graphics, sound, and added voice acting, you are going to be very pleased with this. However, I played through Tales of Monkey Island right before playing this, and the original game's design reeeeaaally shows it age, with puzzles that can be obtuse or even downright nonsensical at times andIf you want nothing more than a faithful remaster of the first Monkey Island game with enhanced graphics, sound, and added voice acting, you are going to be very pleased with this. However, I played through Tales of Monkey Island right before playing this, and the original game's design reeeeaaally shows it age, with puzzles that can be obtuse or even downright nonsensical at times and lots and lots of tedious, slow traversal that completely ruins the pacing. Waiting for Guybrush to walk across a giant map screen that is 99% useless, empty space really tends to lose its charm after the 30th time or so...

    The awkward puzzle design is somewhat offset by the hint system, but I still resorted to looking stuff up in a guide towards the end of the game, because I knew that not doing so would just mean engaging in lots and lots of tedious trial-and-error, only to arrive at a solution that would make me go : "How tf was I ever supposed to figure this one out?" Maybe even worse is when you're really going down the right route, but there's no indication that you're doing so. Like, you see a monkey, you have a banana in your inventory, you think to yourself "Hey, monkeys like bananas, I bet giving the banana to the monkey is going to advance the game in some way!" Then you do so, and absolutely NOTHING happens. In this scenario, is your first thought "Hmmm, I bet I have to feed this monkey FOUR more bananas and then something good will happen!" If it is, congratulations, your logic perfectly aligns with that of the game and you're probably going to have a grand old time.

    I also think the game would've greatly benefited from a more streamlined interface than the old-school SCUMM engine with the 9 different verbs. The process of selecting these actions is even more tedious than in the original, because you have to press extra keys to bring up the verbs and your inventory.

    So, in summary, I think this game would've been a perfect candidate for a proper remake or even reimagining, that doesn't only improve the presentation, but also addresses the flaws in the game's design. As it is, it's a great nostalgia trip for people already familiar with the original, but if you evaluate it on its own for what it is today, it really doesn't hold up all that well.    … Expand
  43. fake_nikpap
    Jul 14, 2022
    10
    This game is an amazing adventure game filled with humor and character. The remaster is also well done with the voice acting add on being a very good addition in my opinion. But it's nice that you can switch back to the original and have a look at it.
  44. Babutto
    Nov 25, 2020
    10
    Classic quest from classic developers.

    Pros.:
    - Humor.
    - Style.
    - Story.
    - Music.
    - Romantic and mystical environment.
    - Gameplay.
    - Tips.

    Cons.:
    - None.
  45. Archvile-UT
    Nov 28, 2021
    4
    Решил ознакомиться с одним из самых популярных представителей золотой классики квестов. Не знаю, что в нем нашли ТАКОГО что прямо одни хвалебные оды везде. Простенький сюжет и персонажи, нелепые задачки, отсутствие интересных головоломок, местами забавные фразы, серая музыка, скучный геймплей. Перерисовано все тоже как-то аляповато и простенько. О пиратской атмосфере не стоит даже иРешил ознакомиться с одним из самых популярных представителей золотой классики квестов. Не знаю, что в нем нашли ТАКОГО что прямо одни хвалебные оды везде. Простенький сюжет и персонажи, нелепые задачки, отсутствие интересных головоломок, местами забавные фразы, серая музыка, скучный геймплей. Перерисовано все тоже как-то аляповато и простенько. О пиратской атмосфере не стоит даже и мечтать – пересмотрите лучше Пиратов Карибского моря.… Expand
  46. Erty-8
    Feb 12, 2022
    10
    A comedical masterpiece. Everyone should play it. Yeah I mean everyone. One of the best games of all time.
  47. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    9
    This remake is just perfect. Same as the original with a renewed technical section. Essential.
  48. bancandrei
    May 14, 2020
    6
    This game didn't look good when I first played it on Windows 3.1 and it doesn't look good now. This is such a missed opportunity of a remake. The humor and sense of adventure make this one of the all time greats. This is the game the put PIRATES on the map
  49. emilyratesgames
    Jul 21, 2020
    9
    Score: 9
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
  50. Frozn
    Dec 19, 2020
    10
    I think, this is my favorite game of the Monkey Island series. The graphics in the Special Edition don't just look nice and clean, they really give a different experience of the game than playing it in the old classic look. Apart from one little bug i had and the kinda weird hinds, this is an absolute classic any point and click-fanatic should play!
  51. widhie75
    Oct 10, 2021
    10
    Great high quality visual, totally improve from DOS version, great sound, great remake game.
  52. BuddyGamer1000
    Dec 13, 2021
    10
    Excelente. La saga Monkey Island es la mejor en toda la historia de las aventuras gráficas clásicas. Los millones de fans quisiéramos que Ron Gilbert y Tim Schaffer realicen una nueva entrega.
  53. 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
  54. NLForkNL
    Sep 10, 2023
    10
    Absolute beauty this one. Not even Metacritic can silence me here. Get wrecked.

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpy
    90
    If you cut your teeth on, say, Telltale's various Sam & Max or Strong Bad series, you're about to find out exactly what a hardcore adventure game plays like.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »