E3 2010: First look at Monkey Island 2 Special Edition
LucasArts has outdone itself
Some adventures are so good that you just can't help but want to experience them over and over again.
While iPhone and iPod touch have had their fair share of new adventure games, it's the classics like The Secret of Monkey Island and Broken Sword that have rekindled affection for the genre. Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge is one of LucasArts's best loved games.
When it came to the iPhone and iPod touch version of Monkey Island 2, LucasArts was somewhat cagey about discussing specifics. As such, the following relates to the downloadable console version on which the iPhone release will be based.
Obviously, the controls and interface will be tailored to the touchscreen, but the features and gameplay remain identical.
Simply the bestMonkey Island 2 promises all the same thrills and chuckles in its revitalised form as it delivered in the early nineties on PC. In fact, it's arguably better: it boasts gorgeous new graphics, an improved interface and help system, and a full suite of special features including developer commentary and unlockable concept artwork.
From the game's opening scene it's immediately apparent just how masterfully the graphics have been remade. As Guybrush Threepwood grips a rope with a weighty treasure chest hanging from his free hand telling Elaine just how he ended up in this predicament, you realise how different the game looks from its pixelated progenitor.
Scene hot swapping allows you to move between the remastered version and the original release, making it abundantly clear how much care has been taken with this remake.
Flipping to the original version, you're able to play using the infamous text exploration menu. It's clunky by today's standards, which is why LucasArts has done well to incorporate hot spot highlighting and a tiered hint system. Considering I wasn't able to actually play the iPhone version, I can only presume that hot spots are highlighted by holding a finger to the screen.
Better than all the restWhenever you request a hint, the game offers general clues that become increasingly more detailed if you're unable to figure out your next step. You don't have to use hints, but if you're easily stumped or just want to burn through the game the option will be there.
The Secret of Monkey Island 2 will be discovered on iPhone by a new generation, but this re-release is also meant to cater to longtime fans. To this end, it incorporates phenomenal special features like audio commentary featuring the original developers and concept artwork that unlocks as you meet characters and visit locations in the game for the first time.
The audio commentary is particularly cool since it appears as an option whenever you reach a significant location or scenario. Better yet, you're not pulled out of the game - you're free to listen to the commentary while you continue playing.
Monkey Island 2 promises to take the concept of game remakes to an entirely new level, and I can't wait to see how it turns out on iPhone when the game arrives on July 7th.