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. MartinL
    Jul 20, 2009
    10
    Great game! I hope they'll remake Lechuck's revenge and maniac mansion too!
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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!!!
  8. 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
  9. SteveL.
    Sep 25, 2009
    10
    I love this game.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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!!!
  13. 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 :-)
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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!
  17. 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!
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. Babutto
    Nov 25, 2020
    10
    Classic quest from classic developers.

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

    Cons.:
    - None.
  22. 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.
  23. 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!
  24. widhie75
    Oct 10, 2021
    10
    Great high quality visual, totally improve from DOS version, great sound, great remake game.
  25. 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.
  26. NLForkNL
    Sep 10, 2023
    10
    Absolute beauty this one. Not even Metacritic can silence me here. Get wrecked.
  27. BasR
    Jul 19, 2009
    9
    I really like this game and hope that lucasarts wil remake more of this classic adventure games.
  28. 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.
  29. FiveAirtonic
    Jul 29, 2009
    9
    Absolutly free 3D flash game. The best! Must play! Tanki Online
  30. [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.
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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

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
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