GAME REVIEW: "MONKEY ISLAND 2 - LeChuck's Revenge".
"Monkey Island 2", also known as "LeChuck's Revenge", is a
fitting follow up to the smash hit game of 1990, "The Secret of
Monkey Island". Once again, you take on the role of Guybrush
Threepwood, a hapless young pirate who can't help but get himself
in trouble through his own stupidity. But Guybrush is a likeable
character, and game players will soon find themselves enthralled
with the game and its witty remarks.
The game, a roleplaying adventure, is one of LucasArts'
finest. Although old by recent gaming standards, it still remains
my favourite game for a range of reasons, including the fantastic
music through both soundblaster and pc speaker. Each character has
a distinctive theme, and soon players will be humming these reggae
type tunes everywhere they go!
The story centres on Guybrush's search for the treasure of
"Big Whoop", but once again he finds himself in pursuit of his one
true love, Governor Elaine Marley, while being hunted down by a
furious, back-from-the-dead Ghost Pirate LeChuck and his men.
Guybrush once again must decipher endless puzzles to reach the
game's conclusion.
The background graphics are very realistic, and what the
characters lack in realism is made up for more than enough through
their streamlined movements. There are many interesting places to
visit and explore throughout the game, from the top of a cliff to
the bottom of the ocean.
One of the most endearing features of the game is the clever
storyline. Continuing from where "Monkey Island 1" left off,
familiar characters are back with the new, creating new situations
and predicaments. Hilarious comments by both the lesser characters
and Guybrush have players rolling out of their chairs with
laughter. (I know I was.) Even Moms and Dads will be chuckling
over the often quite sarcastic remarks.
With so much going for it, it is a pity that "Monkey
Island 2" 's ending is so disappointing. It leaves much unsaid,
players wondering, and in my case, quite upset and depressed! Much
scope was left for a "Monkey Island 3" , which sadly doesn't seem
to be likely. Ron Howard, the game's designer, has left LucasArts,
and it seems "Monkey Island" can't be made without him.
Overall, "LeChuck's Revenge" is an entertaining and exciting
adventure. It will take many weeks of serious playing to figure
out all the puzzles, (I was stuck on one particular section for two
months!), but is rewarding if you persevere. All in all, I give
"Monkey Island 2" a 93 out of 100.
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