Really cool game. Nice riddles.

But forcing focus to be active for the game not to pause is such a nonsensical decision. Essentially needs third party tools like nofocusloss to be playable.

Just replayed Curse of Monkey Island a few months ago so that game, and this franchise, was fresh in my memory for my playthrough of this game.

Coming from CMI, I loved all the quality-of-life improvements here - from an in-game hint book (that ensures you'll never need to alt+tab out to visit a walkthrough), to fast traversal through maps, to no pixel hunting, to relatively logical puzzles - this is a great update of the classic point-and-click style. The game engine works great and I'd be happy to play more games in this style.

I have a lot of love for the Monkey Island franchise and I was eager to see what Ron Gilbert would do here. He did a good job... but not a *great* job. It's hard to articulate why the game wasn't a home run, it does everything fine, but the story, the jokes, the environments, they didn't feel as imaginative and charming as in previous games. Re-playing CMI decades after I first played it I was reminded how creative and special it is, and that "something special" isn't present here. If you're a fan of the franchise, or adventure games in general, you'll have a fun time here, but a couple hours in you'll be eager to just get it over with and end.

Lastly, regarding the art style, my first impression wasn't great, as with everyone else, it seems. But I'm pleased to report it looks and feels much better when you see it in action. I went from finding it unsightly to thinking it was a strong choice once I'd got into the game. I think people aren't being open-minded enough and are being too cruel to this artistic choice. This works just fine - give it a chance. It's a distinctive and fun way of viewing this world and I welcome the attempt at trying something fresh.

As for the ending of the game, it's nothing TOO crazy, and it's very in-line with the way Gilbert ended Monkey Island 2. I appreciate the nostalgic / reflective tone he takes here, and if anything, I wish he'd pushed it harder. If he really wanted to say something about what it's like to grow old with a character/world, then have at it - let's really see your heart in this thing, let's see your blood, Ron. As it stands we get a sweet, melancholic conclusion without a strong exploration of the feelings he was trying to comment on.

If you like this franchise and want to return to this world, play this game - you'll have a fun time!

72/100