buddy1065's Full Review: Escape from Monkey Island for Windows, Mac
One thing for sure; this is one of the most asexual, non violent games to hit computer land, yet succeeds at keeping you interested. The dialog is comical, and perfect for all ages but the very, very young, who might become bored with the pirate missions, as some parts may be hard to figure out. As a matter of fact, adults can find the game difficult without a guide; at least I did. Fortunately I stumbled on an excellent and free internet guide which gives solutions hint by hint, and saw there were other net sources as well. However, the game has so far become so complex that I must rely on this guide for practically every scenario, which is definately not good. Maybe I am just stupid.
Graphics: Top notch in environmental graphics with my system; a 500 Mhz Powerbook G4 with 256 MB of RAM and 8 MB Video RAM. Many MAC systems should have no problem with this games graphics. The actual game play looks almost as good as the games movie sections, which is saying a lot. It's almost like looking at a TV cartoon which you can control, but I'm talking about those modern cartoons that kinda look 3D. The characters have small, sawtoothed, jagged edges, however, and do not look as smooth or as well defined as their surroundings, but they look good nonetheless.
Sound: This game has music tunes that will echo persistantly inside your skull even after you have put the game down; the tunes are that catchy. Music, voice and sound effects can be individually adjusted. All sound areas are superb and leave little to complain about.
Gameplay: I used a Gravis Gamepad, which gave good control. I found the only way to make the character run was to tap-tap and hold the walk button, which is not in the manual. Controls are easy to learn, and can be entirely operated from the gamepad, contrary to the manual, which says it is necessary to hit the keypad "I" button to open inventory.
Shooters and "quick fix" action lovers be warned; this game is mostly about exploring, talking with other characters and using items to solve puzzles. To me it is like going on a "gaming vacation"; there is no continual fear that my character will be shot or eaten up like in Capcom's "Dino Crisis", although the two games are similar, both being 3rd person and both using 2 dimensional scenery that looks 3 dimensional. I suppose the best way of describing the environment is from the game "Final Fantasy"; a roll playing game which I loved, but with the characters looking much more real and having better character movement, which is a joy to behold and control. Still, my controller had the character running, walking automatically at times for no reason. I am not sure whether this is the fault of the game or my controller.
Storyline: You play as Threepwood Guybrush, a pirate who thinks "modern day" and must figure out by using items how to reinstate his newlywed wife as governor of Melee island, which has been taken over by sinister authorities in the government. You must use aquired items you pick up along your travels to find solutions to situations you encounter. Sometimes you must combine these items for them to work.
All in all I am glad to have this as my only game for my new Powerbook, and am looking forward to hours of entertainment before finishing what has so far been proven to be an excellent game from Aspyr and Lucas Arts. I only wish there were things in it I could figure out for myself instead of having to rely every five minutes on a guide. Don't say I didn't warn you...
Update: When you use the second CD your system may seem like it has run out of memory. Don't run out and buy memory like I did! Instead download the software fix from the Aspyr website.
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