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
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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

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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.
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  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.
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  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.
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