Joystiq

Ron Gilbert imagines a new, independent Monkey Island game

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST

Ron Gilbert is not making another Monkey Island game - we repeat, Gilbert is not making another Monkey Island game - but if he did, he has a few ideas for what it would look, feel and play like. In his latest Grumpy Gamer blog post, Gilbert lists upgrades and changes he'd want in a new Monkey Island game, including "enhanced low-res" visuals, hardcore adventure mechanics with minimal hand-holding, a huge inventory and dialogue puzzles.

Gilbert would want to rebuild the SCUMM language, in terms of its ability to rapidly iterate new ideas: "SCUMM lived and breathed adventure games. I'd build an engine and a language where funny ideas can be laughed about at lunch and be in the game that afternoon. SCUMM did that. It's something that is getting lost today."

Gilbert's wish list includes a team of 10 people or fewer, a boxed game, full voice acting, and a title of Monkey Island 3a, since "all the games after Monkey Island 2 don't exist" in his universe. He's even envisioned a Kickstarter free of frills or fancy videos, one that doesn't attempt to break any money-making records. Gilbert would need to own and control every aspect of the IP, meaning he wouldn't look for a publisher, and Kickstarter would indeed be an option.

Most shocking, though, is number 14 on Gilbert's list: "The press won't get advanced copies." Why do you tease so good, Gilbert?

Ron Gilbert imagines a new, independent Monkey Island game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steam Autumn Sale adds LA Noire, Fallout: New Vegas, Monkey Island and more

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST

Before you venture over to Steam's Autumn Sale page, quietly recite your honed mantra of resistance: "I do not have time to play these games. I haven't even finished Skyrim. All these small charges add up in the long run."

Alright, now that you've done that and shown yourself a vague, minute attempt at adhering to frugality, you'll feel less guilty when you buy everything. L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition wants $24.99, Fallout: New Vegas is five bucks and the Monkey Island Special Edition bundle is cut down to $5.09.

ACE Team's bizarro brawler, Zeno Clash, enters the sale at $3.74, and topsy-turvy adventure VVVVVV costs $1.24 until tomorrow afternoon. That's less than 21 cents per V.

Steam Autumn Sale adds LA Noire, Fallout: New Vegas, Monkey Island and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Telltale Games having 50% off sale until January 3

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:45:00 EST

Okay, so you can't go Back to the Future or have a Poker Night at the Inventory, but you can point and click your way through most of the Telltale Games' catalog for 50 percent off until January 3, 2011.

That means you can listen to some Tales of Monkey Island, help Sam & Max with some freelance police work, invent a reason to hang out with Wallace & Gromit, or man up with Strong Bad (but only if you're attractive) at a significant discount on the Telltale site.

Telltale Games having 50% off sale until January 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unlock Guybrush Threepwood in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

As a fun exercise for the afternoon, you could try coming up with a canon-friendly explanation as to how nigh-mighty pirate Guybrush Threepwood -- spindly physique and all -- could become an inhabitant of the Star Wars universe. A bizarre curse wrought by the dreaded LeChuck? A mysterious inter-dimensional rift inside a mystical reef? LucasArts wizards looking to include a neat, unlockable model in next month's action-packed sequel, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2?

No matter the nature of your narrative, you'll have to make up the specifics for now. According to a winking LucasArts representative, "we're going to keep how it's unlocked a secret." We suspect "secret" is right -- as in, have a Secret of Monkey Island or Monkey Island 2 save file nearby. If it's not that, it's probably destroying one hundred flooring inspector droids.

I couldn't help but ask Monkey Island designer (and new Double Fine employee) Ron Gilbert what he thought of Guybrush's journey across the universe. "'Hi, my name is Guybrush Threepwood and I want to be a Jedi.' That was the original opening line in Monkey Island but they made me change it to 'pirate' and I had replace all the Stormtroopers with buccaneers and the Millennium Falcon became a pirate ship. Nice to see it's come back full circle," Gilbert said via email.

"I first heard about this last night and I wasn't sure what to think of it, but now that it's settled in, I think it's very cool. It says a lot about the strength of Monkey Island and Guybrush in that he can go toe-to-toe with Star Wars."

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 (Guybrush)

Unlock Guybrush Threepwood in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monkey Island 2 Special Edition enacts LeChuck's Revenge on iPhone, iPad tomorrow

David Hinkle — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Like your lulz on the go? Then you'll be interested to know that Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge will be available on the iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch. Even better: the iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch versions of the game will be available tomorrow.

The updated sequel sports an interchangeable graphics filter (switch between updated and original on the fly), full dialogue voice-over and even a new developer commentary mode. How's that for tickling your Threepwood?

Monkey Island 2 Special Edition enacts LeChuck's Revenge on iPhone, iPad tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monkey Island 2 Special Edition coming to PSN on July 6, XBLA and PC on July 7

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Microsoft has announced that rejuvenated point-and-click classic Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge will launch on Xbox Live Arcade next Wednesday, on July 7th, for 800 MS Points. We've confirmed with LucasArts that the PC version -- distributed via Direct2Drive and Steam -- will also become available on July 7th, with the US PlayStation Network getting it one day sooner on July 6th. All versions will cost $10.

In this Special Edition, the Monkey Island milieu been instilled with all the modernity LucasArts could muster, including new high-definition art, fully voiced dialogue and ~~16-player Voodoo Doll Deathmatch~~ a neat developer's commentary mode. As with the The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, you'll be able to switch between the new version and the game's original form at any time. We find the pixelated Zombie Pirate LeChuck to be more unsettling, but actually hearing him describe the "Screaming Chair" this time may change our minds.

Gallery: Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: Lechuck's Revenge

Monkey Island 2 Special Edition coming to PSN on July 6, XBLA and PC on July 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tales of Monkey Island on PSN June 15, Sam & Max Episode 3 a week later

JC Fletcher — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

PS3 owners who have recently seen the light of adventure games, thanks to Telltale's Sam & Max releases, now have another reason to load their PSN wallets: Telltale and Lucasarts will release the entire first season of Tales of Monkey Island -- all five episodes -- as a downloadable PS3 game on June 15.

Even if you won't be playing Monkey Island on PS3, this news likely benefits you. To celebrate the PSN release, Telltale is temporarily knocking down the price of the collection to $20 across all platforms -- not just PSN. The PC and Mac versions will also be sold at this discount price on Telltale's website through June 30. Obtaining the episodes this way is easier than hijacking a boat carrying shipments of Monkey Island games -- and actually cheaper, too.

Additionally, and especially if you prefer your Telltale protagonists anthropomorphic, you'll be pleased to know that Sam & Max's third episode of the third season, "They Stole Max's Brain!," will be available via (the North American) PSN and for PC and Mac on June 22; and the Euro PSN release will follow on June 23. And, hey, Sam & Max is on sale too! You can get the full season on PSN for $25.

Gallery: Sam & Max: Devil's Playhouse: Episode 3: They Stole Max's Brain!

Tales of Monkey Island on PSN June 15, Sam & Max Episode 3 a week later originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox Live deal of the week: Monkey Island for $5

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00:00 EST

Here's another opportunity to find out The Secret of Monkey Island -- and at a discount before LeChuck has his high-def revenge this summer. The classic advent-arrr game is a mere 400 ($5) this week on the Xbox Marketplace -- that's less than a rubber chicken with a pulley in the middle.

A couple Monkey Island Avatar items are also on sale this week. The Cotton Swab is ready to clean 80 ($1) out of your account, while those on Team LeChuck can show it by picking up LeChuck Pirate Hat for 40 (50¢). To see the discounts, you'll have to be logged into an Xbox Live Gold account.

Xbox.com: Add The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition to your Xbox 360 download queue ($5)

Gallery: The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition (PC, XBLA)

Xbox Live deal of the week: Monkey Island for $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grab the Secret and Tales of Monkey Island games for $20

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 04 May 2010 10:45:00 EST

You know that phrase, "out with the old, in with the new?" Telltale recently put together a sweet little bundle that allows you to obtain the new while also obtaining (the renovated version of) the old, all for a reasonable price. Until this Friday, you can grab Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition and all five chapters of Tales of Monkey Island for $19.99. If only the bundle included something borrowed and something blue -- then you could easily use it to satisfy all of your nonsensical pre-wedding rituals.

[Via Big Download]

Grab the Secret and Tales of Monkey Island games for $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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InstantAction streaming service launches: play Monkey Island in this post

JC Fletcher — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:50:00 EST

InstantAction's new streaming service has debuted, allowing select games to be played not only in a browser window, but in an embeddable applet if desired (for those of you running Windows, anyway). The selection of games is currently limited to just one, The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition. The service allows the game to be played for 20 minutes for free, with the option to buy it for $9.99.

Does it work? See above. You know. The Monkey Island game running directly above this text. Did you realize when you opened Joystiq this evening that you'd be clicking your way into the future?

[Update: We mistakenly called the service "Gaikai-powered," which is inaccurate. Gaikai will provide some limited functionality in certain use cases; however, the embedded game above uses InstantAction's "chunking" technology to feed the actual executable to your computer. How and when will Gaikai be used? Look for our interview with InstantAction CEO Louis Castle later today.]

[Thanks, Matthew!]

InstantAction streaming service launches: play Monkey Island in this post originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gaikai and InstantAction team up for streaming, embeddable games

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST

If InstantAction.com's CEO Lou Castle is to be believed, we're apparently going to be playing games pretty much wherever we want in the not-so-distant future. He's just revealed plans (via IndustryGamers) to relaunch his site with a new business/distribution model and a partnership with game streaming service Gaikai. In addition to the already existing model of a quick download (a claimed 4 - 5 minutes) that still somewhat relies on your computer power to process the game's graphics, IA will now offer a streaming option for those who'd prefer a quicker, less hardware reliant gaming experience. "It's the perfect implementation of a thin client solution because when it's available it's brilliant and when it's not available it's ok ... you only have to wait a couple minutes."

The aforementioned streaming option (employing Gaikai) will also be embedabble on the web, as demonstrated with Assassin's Creed (not to mention to us earlier today) "Now if people are reading a review of a game, they don't have to go find it ... they can play it right then and there in the browser."

And that's just the beginning -- Castle clearly has an eye on digital distribution services when he talks about employing Facebook as "InstantAction's Xbox Live." IA's new distribution model essentially promises to developers/publishers the ability to release games with a variety of payment methods (pay as you go, free-to-play, one-time charge, etc.) while incorporating the aforementioned embed and streaming functionalities.

So far, the company has inked one deal for distribution (with LucasArts for The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition) and Castle claims to be pursuing others right now. And apparently it won't be too long before we get to check out the new system ourselves, as the revamped digital platform is said to be "launching soon."

Gallery: InstantAction (GDC 2010)

Gaikai and InstantAction team up for streaming, embeddable games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monkey Island Home costumes allow for Dread Pirate Quincy

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:20:00 EST

Does your dead-eyed Home avatar lack a bit of that buccaneering spirit? LucasArts has a sure-fire way to fix your lack of nautical flair: During its pirate-themed party at GDC, the company announced that Monkey Island costumes (pictured above) would soon make their way to PlayStation Home.

Now, we rarely get excited over virtual duds for our virtual manifestations -- but Stan's coat could really add a certain savoir-faire to our terrifying craft.

Monkey Island Home costumes allow for Dread Pirate Quincy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Monkey Island SE coming to PSN, Mac, Telltale, InstantAction

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:12:00 EST

At a GDC 2010 event, LucasArts announced that The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition is headed to a plethora of new platforms and services. First and foremost, it's been ported for both the PlayStation Network and Mac OS. Furthermore, the game is also making the jump to the Telltale games store as well as InstantAction.com. There are currently no details as to when the game will hit the services mentioned above, but rest assured we're following up with LucasArts right now.

It's worth noting that InstantAction.com is currently down for "maintenance," with the site's blog mentioning some "exciting announcements" in the near future. Regardless of when the game does show up, it's definitely good news for adventure fans that have been deprived of the remake thus far.

First Monkey Island SE coming to PSN, Mac, Telltale, InstantAction originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Telltale porting its games to Mac, hints at iPad

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:40:00 EST

According to Mac|Life, Telltale will begin supporting the Mac platform starting on Febrary 8 with Tales of Monkey Island -- and, as what can only be described as a great idea, gamers will be able to download both the Mac and PC versions of Telltale's games for one price. In other words, you won't have to worry about which version you buy, because you'll be getting both. Tales of Monkey Island is to be the first title to receive Mac support, with Sam & Max, Wallace & Gromit and Strong Bad to follow (supposedly in that order, by the way). Both seasons of Sam & Max should arrive within "several weeks" of Tales of Monkey Island, with the others arriving in the following months, the site writes.

The report also mentions that Telltale plans to convert its entire catalog -- with the exception of Bone and Texas Hold 'Em -- according to Mac|Life. Its Telltale source declined to confirm if ports are on their way to the iPhone or iPad as well, though he did reiterate Telltale's desire to expand to as many platforms as possible.

When reached for comment by Joystiq, a Telltale representative called the report "totally unconfirmed," adding that potential iPhone or iPad support is "total speculation" at this point. According to the Mac|Life report, Telltale will be showing off its Mac titles at the Macworld Expo on February 11, so you can bet we'll be stopping by to find out.

Report: Telltale porting its games to Mac, hints at iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best of the Rest: Xav's Picks of 2009

Xav de Matos — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Upon release, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars immediately found its way on my top five games of 2009. With its style, humor and variety it's clear Rockstar was trying to shine a new light on the popular franchise. Not only that, Rockstar took chances in hopes to attract a similar audience to a handheld GTA as it has on consoles. From a new class of criminal, fighting for honor and turf in Liberty City to an addictive (albeit, mostly cloned from Drugwars) illegal narcotic mini-game, Chinatown Wars felt like a breath of fresh air. Sadly, the game was a commercial disaster, relative to its console-based siblings. Be that as it may, Chinatown Wars was not only my favorite on-the-go game of the year, it was easily one of the best games to release across any platform in 2009.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Xav's Picks of 2009

Best of the Rest: Xav's Picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone Secret of Monkey Island half off, soundboard app free

JC Fletcher — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:45:00 EST

We're delighted to report that the iPhone version of The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition has been discounted 50% for the holidays. It's available for just $3.99 from now through January 4. If you didn't get it at half-price on Xbox (or even if you did), now you can enjoy savings on this version!

Our delight comes only partially from being able to tell you about a great price for a wonderful portable adventure game, but mostly from what we learned when we went to verify the price on the App Store: There's been a free, official Monkey Island soundboard app (iTunes link) available since September! We would never have known had the game not gone on sale.
The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition ($3.99):

iPhone Secret of Monkey Island half off, soundboard app free originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today's Xbox Live deal: 50% off Secret of Monkey Island: SE

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST

Yearning for a hearty adventure, but struggling to get by on the pathetic wages of a Caribbean flooring inspector? If so, today's advertised Xbox Live Deal of the Day (part of an ongoing promotion) should float your cup of tea -- right onto the shores of Monkey Island. The Xbox Live Arcade version of The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition has been marked down by 50 percent to 400 MS Points ($5).

Some readers reported having some difficulty obtaining yesterday's deal at the advertised price. If the reduced price doesn't reflect on the Xbox Live Marketplace yet, be sure to try again later today. And if you're the good sort that's already completed this classic bout of pirating, perhaps you should join us later today as we taste pies and assign numerical scores to them.

Add The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition to your Xbox 360 download queue

Gallery: Monkey Island Special Edition

Today's Xbox Live deal: 50% off Secret of Monkey Island: SE originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Direct2Drive slashes prices on LucasArts games

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:15:00 EST

Direct2Drive is offering some pretty good deals on LucasArts games this week. Three bundles are on offer, one catering to the adventure gamers out there, another for Star Wars afficionados, and a third that combines the first two into a massive LucasArts love fest. The bundles include the likes of Dark Forces, Indiana Jones, KOTOR, Jedi Knight, Monkey Island, Armed and Dangerous, and plenty more. The smaller bundles have been discounted from $49.99 to $24.49, while the massive bundle has been reduced from $99.87 to $39.95. Not bad for LucasArts fans. The sale ends November 23 at 10:00am PT.

See details of each bundle after the break.

Continue reading Direct2Drive slashes prices on LucasArts games

Direct2Drive slashes prices on LucasArts games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monkey Island: Special Edition team unearths lost dialogue

Justin McElroy — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST

As designer Adam Bormann dug through old code and notes while making Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, he made a curious discovery. Along with notes from Ron Gilbert, Tim Schafer and crew, he also unearthed dialogue that didn't appear in the original game. Though the lines didn't make it into the special edition, Bormann, like a comedy archeologist, dusted off some of the best bits and collected them on the LucasArts Workshop blog.

Though we can see why some of it was left out, we can't help but feel a little wistful about how close we came to being able to ask Meathook for a sample of stump balm. And yes, now that you mention it, Meathook's Stump Balm would make a very good name for a band.

Monkey Island: Special Edition team unearths lost dialogue originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attend Tales of Monkey Island's Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood on Oct. 30

JC Fletcher — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:40:00 EST

Tales of Monkey Island's fourth chapter will be available for download on this Friday, October 30. The Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood features Guybrush stuck on Flotsam Island with a bunch of poxed pirates (including a greenish, poxed Elaine). Will he be tried and executed? Our guess is yes. The middle of this episodic game series seems like the right time to kill off the beloved protagonist of a long-running franchise. Why not?

In addition to a probably-dead Guybrush, Trial marks the return of Stan, the fast-talking salesman from the original games! Ever the classy businessman, Stan appears to be selling souvenirs at Guybrush's trial.

Gallery: Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 4

Attend Tales of Monkey Island's Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood on Oct. 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh, the huge manatee! Monkey Island Episode 3 on WiiWare this Monday

JC Fletcher — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:15:00 EST

Telltale just announced that the third chapter of Tales of Monkey Island, called Lair of the Leviathan, will arrive on WiiWare this Monday, October 26. Given the success that the series has seen so far, it's sure to attract interest despite taking place in "the guts of a giant sea manatee". And not, we suppose, inside the rare land manatee.

Leviathan's PC version was released on September 29, giving it roughly a month of lead time over the WiiWare release. That means if you know any avid PC adventure gamers, you should stay away from them or risk being totally spoiled. They'll understand.

Oh, the huge manatee! Monkey Island Episode 3 on WiiWare this Monday originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monkey Island 2 CryEngine remake defies expectations

JC Fletcher — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST

We were all set to write a dismissive post about the video (after the break) of fanmade Monkey Island 2 environments in CryEngine -- "Hey, wonder what Monkey Island 2 would look like if it had all the life sucked out of it?" We don't have anything against loneclone, the modder who created the project -- we just assumed that the remake would take all the personality and quirk out, and replace it with hyperrealistic lighting effects.

But we can't snark about it, because loneclone completely nailed it. It looks pretty much exactly like the original, but in 3D. You can see art comparisons at the modder's site.

[Thanks, Christopher L.]

Continue reading Monkey Island 2 CryEngine remake defies expectations

Monkey Island 2 CryEngine remake defies expectations originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day with free and cheap Monkey Island games

JC Fletcher — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST

Telltale Games and LucasArts are observing the September 19 not-quite-holiday Talk Like a Pirate Day in fine form. What do pirates talk about? All the games they got without paying, of course! On that great day, you'll be able to unlock the demo of the first episode of Tales of Monkey Island by gathering a code from the company's website. You'll also be able to get the full season for five bucks off. You can grab that demo now straight from Big Download so you're good and ready.

LucasArts is also dropping the price of the Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition on Steam and Direct2Drive to $5, as well as cutting down the iPhone version's price to $4. That offer is available right now through September 21. With savings like that, you'll be able to afford your own parrot!

[Via Big Download]

Celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day with free and cheap Monkey Island games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Argentinian reporter warns of the dangers of Monkey Island 'Grog'

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST

It's awfully hard to type when you've been chortling for four hours straight -- still, this video is too beautiful and perfect for us not to share with you. Here's the rundown: A reporter at an Argentinian news station was working on exposing the teen drinking epidemic when he stumbled across a popular beverage with startling ingredients. Said ingredients include kerosene, artificial sweeteners, rum, acetone, red dye no. 2 -- sound familiar yet? Played any Monkey Island games recently?

Yes, a major Argentinian news station recently shed some light on the disturbing trend of imbibing Grog -- in fact, the emoticon-unsavvy reporter actually calls it "Grog XD." The video of this hard-hitting news, spliced with footage from Secret of Monkey Island (and subtitles!) is posted after the jump. We attach a 100 percent guarantee to your viewing of the video -- it will light up your life.

Continue reading Argentinian reporter warns of the dangers of Monkey Island 'Grog'

Argentinian reporter warns of the dangers of Monkey Island 'Grog' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WiiWare Monkey Island Ep. 2 on sail Monday, Aug. 31

Randy Nelson — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:31:00 EST

Our last post about a Tales of Monkey Island episode launching on WiiWare was written entirely in pirate speak. This one won't be. Nope, we'll just tell you that the second episode in Telltale's ongoing series, "The Siege of Spinner Cay," will be available on WiiWare this coming Monday, August 31, for 1000 Wii Points ($10). See, that wasn't so harrrrrrd. (Darnit!)

WiiWare Monkey Island Ep. 2 on sail Monday, Aug. 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tales of Monkey Island available at Amazon in one-tale increments

JC Fletcher — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST

Telltale Games is selling the entire season of Tales of Monkey Island -- buy it now and get each chapter as it's released. But what if you're interested in only one Tale of Monkey Island? And you don't want to play it on Wii? The company announced today that individual episodes of the adventure game revival are available for purchase from Amazon.com's Game Downloads shop, for $8.95 each.

The availability of the games on Amazon will help expose them to a wider audience, and will also serve to offer a low-risk trial to potential adventure game fans who will almost immediately wish they'd just purchased the whole season.

Gallery: Tales of Monkey Island

Tales of Monkey Island available at Amazon in one-tale increments originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Telltale teases Tales of Monkey Island's second episode

David Hinkle — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:30:00 EST

One of the best things about being a pirate must be seeing all of the awesome cave structures littering the Caribbean. There are caves shaped like skulls, caves hiding trunks of gold doubloons and, in the case of Tales of Monkey Island's second episode Siege of Spinner Cal, caves for chatting with your special someone. It's a heck of a lot more romantic than those seedy motels you often frequent. Oh yes, we're watching you.

Video: Telltale teases Tales of Monkey Island's second episode originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tales of Monkey Island is Telltale's 'strongest performing' title

JC Fletcher — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:59:00 EST

Steam sales charts suggested that Telltale Games' relaunch of the Monkey Island franchise, Tales of Monkey Island, was doing well. Telltale's Dan Connors gave Videogamer an idea of just how well: "It was a great launch for us," he said. "We're really happy with it. I think it even exceeded our expectations."

Connors didn't offer specific numbers, but he said that Tales of Monkey Island outperformed Telltale's other launches. "I would definitely say it's our strongest performing franchise to date," he said. "We're pretty excited. It was number one on Steam for a few days. It did really well. It's been our best performing title from our side as well."

With the WiiWare version having launched just this Monday (and not having been mentioned by Connors), it's unlikely that it factors into Telltale's rejoicing. We're eager to find out how the console version's launch compares.

Gallery: Tales of Monkey Island

Tales of Monkey Island is Telltale's 'strongest performing' title originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monkey Island shirts fail to capitalize on the obvious

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EST

Don't get us wrong, the Monkey Island shirt above is pretty boss (apart from the unnecessary game title on the sleeve). The Guybrush vs LeChuck shirt is pretty nice too. Hell, even the Monkey Island buttons are decent. But there are T-shirts just waiting to be made in the actual game. Where is the "I beat the Sword Master" T-shirt? What about the "I found the Treasure of Mêlée Island[TM] and all I got was this stupid T-shirt!" T-shirt?

Come on, LucasArts! Get with the program.

[Update: Apparently LucasArts is more on the ball than we initially gave them credit for ... you see, they did hand out "I found the Treasure of Mêlée Island[TM] and all I got was this stupid T-shirt!" t-shirts at E3 this year though, perhaps conspiratorially, your old pals at Joystiq here didn't get one. Our old pal Snorre, from Norway's Dagbladet newspaper, sent us a pic of his tee which we've included for you after the break. Alright, LucasArts. We give up. Uncle. Just take our money and give us the E3 tee.]

Continue reading Monkey Island shirts fail to capitalize on the obvious

Monkey Island shirts fail to capitalize on the obvious originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're buying this Monkey Island statue

Justin McElroy — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:00:00 EST

It's one of the defining struggles of our generation: Affable loser Guybrush Threepwood and his lifelong foe, the evil zombie/ghost pirate LeChuck, battling for the love of Elaine Marley. Now, it's been captured for all time in this gorgeous, 10-inch resin statue that you can pre-order right this moment.

Remember how, just the other day, you said you were looking for the perfect International Childbirth Education Awareness Day present to send us? And that you were looking to spend around $90? Hint, hint.

[Thanks, Drake]

We're buying this Monkey Island statue originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Secret of Monkey Island: SE released for iPhone

Randy Nelson — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:45:00 EST

As was winked and nodded at by LucasArts CEO Darrell Rodriguez just over two weeks ago, The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition has sailed onto iPhone and iPod Touch [App Store link]. It'll set you back $7.99 (plus 351MB of space on your device) and sports the same fully voice-acted dialog and ability to swap between ye olde school and SE visuals on the fly as the PC and 360 versions. We're downloading it right now to put it through its paces. Have you grabbed it? If so, post your impressions in comments!

[Thanks, Kevin!]

The Secret of Monkey Island: SE released for iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Secret of Monkey Island has strong start on Steam

David Hinkle — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:45:00 EST

The popularity of one Mr. Threepwood and his pirating ways remain strong, as sister site Big Download reports the The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition remake has managed to be the top seller (based on revenue) on Steam last week. Guybrush and his gallivanting managed to best the likes of recently released Street Fighter IV, as well as Steam favorite Left 4 Dead.

Steam isn't the only platform the game has been a success on, though. After debuting on Xbox 360 last week, the game has managed to brighten the lives of at least 38,693 individuals (based on game leaderboard data at the time of this post). So, how about that LeChuck's Revenge remake, eh LucasArts?

Continue reading Secret of Monkey Island has strong start on Steam

Secret of Monkey Island has strong start on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LucasArts games also going Direct2Drive starting with Monkey Island SE

Randy Nelson — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST

If, for some reason, you should find yourself in need of an alternative to Steam but don't want to miss out on LucasArts's recent reissuing of back catalog titles, you're in luck. IGN has sealed a deal to distribute the publisher's titles via its Direct2Drive service, beginning today with The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition for $9.95.

Unfortunately, the announcement makes no mention of what other LucasArts games will be offered, saying only that there will be others. At some point. We've contacted IGN to find out if its lineup will mirror Steam's, or if there'll be any notable additions (or omissions).

LucasArts games also going Direct2Drive starting with Monkey Island SE originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Tour de France, Madballs in Babo Invasion, The Secret of Monkey Island SE

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: X3F TV

XBLA gets a surprise threefer this week, as Tour de France was added to the roster at the last minute. The cycling sim is joining the two previously announced titles, Madballs in Babo Invasion and The Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition. Watch the latest XBLA in Brief and see what they're all about. Each one will set you back 800 ($10).

Oh, and download Monkey Island. Just do it.

Download the trial version of Tour de France
Download the trial version of Madballs in Babo Invasion
Download the trial version of The Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition

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X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Tour de France, Madballs in Babo Invasion, The Secret of Monkey Island SE originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Look, an iPhone-sized Monkey Island: Special Edition wallpaper ('Wink wink nod nod')

Christopher Grant — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST

You can say a lot of things about LucasArts CEO Darrell Rodriguez (he's managed to get the Lucas Empire to acknowledge its adventure game heritage, for starters!) but you probably can't call him slick. When he told us that it "would make sense" for LucasArts games to come to the iPhone, "wink wink, nod nod" (he actually said that, out loud), we caught what he was throwing ... which was a boulder. On fire. Neon fire.

So now, when the 'droids responsible for maintaining the @lucasartsgames Twitter account dropped a curiously iPhone-sized Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition wallpaper with another "wink wink nod nod" we barely raised a boulder-singed eyebrow. Instead, we're wondering what the plan is for the iPhone market: "Special Edition" remakes only (ala Xbox Live Arcade), or another marketplace for the classics (see: Steam). Like most of the unanswered questions in LucasArt's journey into the vaults, we imagine it all depends on the success of this first foray.

Gallery: The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition (iPhone)

[Via @lucasartgames]

Look, an iPhone-sized Monkey Island: Special Edition wallpaper ('Wink wink nod nod') originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get yer Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 1 demo all fast-like

Randy Nelson — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:40:00 EST

If, for some unfathomable reason, Ludwig's review of Tales of Monkey Island: Launch of the Screaming Narwhal didn't have ye partin' with yer pieces of eight for the full game, perhaps a free demo is what ye be after. Our mateys at BigDownload have weighed anchor on the 187MB download and it's yers for the takin' -- without any waitin' -- over at their site. Oh, and we wouldn't try runnin' it on a pirated operatin' system if we were you. Savvy?

Download Tales of Monkey Island: Launch of the Screaming Narwhal Demo (188MB)

Get yer Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 1 demo all fast-like originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Tales of Monkey Island (Launch of the Screaming Narwhal)

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST

Resurrecting a dead franchise (and let's face it, this industry will pronounce you as such if you've been missing for almost ten years) can bring about equal amounts of delight and regret. It's the difference between having dear ol' grandma brought back to life or having someone dump her freshly exhumed corpse on your doorstep. Sometimes she's best remembered -- and not smelled.

It's a relief, then, to declare the first episode of Telltale's five-part Tales of Monkey Island series a wonderful, heart-warming reunion. Grandma's back, full of life and ready to bake some cookies!

Okay, so her eyeballs will occasionally fall out, but it's nothing that can't be fixed with some time and some practice.

Gallery: Tales of Monkey Island

Continue reading Review: Tales of Monkey Island (Launch of the Screaming Narwhal)

Review: Tales of Monkey Island (Launch of the Screaming Narwhal) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Discover The Secret of Monkey Island (again) on July 15

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:43:00 EST

Mighty pirates and lowly flooring inspectors alike are encouraged to sign up for a return trip to the shores of Monkey Island on July 15th, when a remastered version of the adventure classic arrives on Xbox Live Arcade and PC (via Steam and other online distribution channels). The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition sees that lovable display of ineptitude, Guybrush Threepwood, rendered in splendid HD graphics, surrounded by newly recorded voices and ... fired out of a cannon with a pot on his head. That part's still the same.

LucasArts has yet to announce a price for the point-and-clicker, but if there's anything our encounters with the dreaded ghost pirate LeChuck have taught us, it's that you should never pay more than $20 for a computer game.

Gallery: The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition (PC, XBLA)

Discover The Secret of Monkey Island (again) on July 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monkey Island SE might go to WiiWare, PSN, Monkey Island 2 a possibility

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST

Speaking to the Guardian, Craig Derrick, producer of The Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition, said that the game may make the jump from XBLA and PC to another platform as well. When asked about why LucasArts chose Xbox Live Arcade as the launch platform and not Wiiware or PSN, Derrick responded, "Well, we never said we wouldn't be on Wiiware or PSN now did we?" He added, "We may have another platform announcement to make very, very soon," though he failed to elaborate any further on the matter.

Derrick also seemed to share the sentiments of some other folks involved with both the Special Edition and the upcoming Tales of Monkey Island from Telltale, saying that he'd like to see a redone version of Monkey Island 2. He noted that Monkey Island Special Edition is an "experiment to see what interest there is for these types of games and if people are interested in playing them on a console." In other words, whether or not we see another revamped LucasArts adventure game depends on how well the Monkey Island sells.

We're sure the Joystiq staff will buy at least one copy, if that helps ....

Monkey Island SE might go to WiiWare, PSN, Monkey Island 2 a possibility originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Architect's Journal ranks top 10 gaming worlds

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST

Before you start furiously clicking through the source link to see where on the list of Architect's Journal's "Top 10" gaming worlds Second Life falls, we're just going to tell you upfront that it's number seven. That's three full spots ahead of the (apparently) FAT-inspired Super Mario World! Outrageous, we know, we know.

The list is rounded out by some rather ... interesting choices -- from Jet Set Willy's house to Halo's ring world, and everything in between, which are all discussed in highfalutin terms that we simply can't wrap our heads around. "Gemutlich?" "Miminalism" (note: not "minimalism")? We're sticking with the video games, thank you very much.

[Via Kotaku]

Architect's Journal ranks top 10 gaming worlds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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