Even when holding conversations with other characters, all you have to do is move the mouse onto one of the various possible lines on offer, then click the mouse button. Hey presto, your character speaks. It may sound a bit limited, but in fact it's anything but – because these options are so context-sensitive, that the command system comes across as being very comprehensive, while at the same time splendidly smooth and easy to use.
Lucasfilm have managed to find a compromise between the fluidity and flair of a rigid storyline, and the intelligent realism of more free-form adventures – it's a system that allows you to more or less forget about the specifics of what you're actually physically doing (sitting at a desk with a computer in front of you, presumably) and lose yourself in the adventure instead.
Oh, and did I tell you about the music yet? No? Well I sure hope you like reggae – this is the one program that really skanks (translation for non-music types: It's got a rather spiffing Jamaican beat). Bob Marley would be proud of these tunes (well, fairly proud). And that's about it for presentation.
Great atmosphere, pleasing humour, lovely sound, the best input system we've seen yet, not to mention the pretty stupendous graphics (I thought I'd let you take that as read), there's only one aspect of the game we haven't really touched on yet – just how has the actual adventure been designed? It's the sort of thing that can really sink (sorry, accidental pirate pun) an otherwise excellent game.
Which is why I'm pleased to say Monkey Island has been designed better than any adventure I've ever seen before. (Had you worried for a minute there, eh?) Everything shows such attention to detail and consistency of form that you are completely drawn into the whole piracy experience – it would be no exaggeration to say that no matter how you progress through this game, the resultant series of events could easily be used as a script for a pirate movie. And what a box-office smash it would be! (Okay, so a couple of the jokes have been ripped out of The Princess Bride, but they were worth telling again anyway).
Making a move
Just think for a minute - how many times have software companies boasted that their product really is 'Just like taking part in a film', and 'A truly cinematic experience'. And how many times have you thought 'Hmm, well, sort of' and been vaguely disappointed?
Well, be disappointed no longer – here's the first game I've ever seen which really justifies such claims (even though – to Lucasfilm's credit – nobody's actually making any!). We're not just talking aout screen displays that look as if they were done under the guidance of Ridley Scott, all eerie blue and arty angles, either – it goes further than that.
Move your guy, and he'll actually react correctly to the 3D-ness of the scene, the camera panning all the while. And of course that groovy music I've already mentioned actually changes to suit the scene too.
The lastability of the game is the only sticking point, but this is a problem that can't be avoided with adventures. A projected 30 hour play time may not seem like much for £24.99, when it's 30 hours of pure fun and satisfaction, it's not much of a grumble.
If this review seems too enthusiastic, there's a very good reason for it. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed playing a computer game so much. Even the lighting sequences are done with flair, insults being much more important than sword-fighting skills.
Forget all those milestones adventures (Zork, The Hobbit, Lord Of The Rings et al) – for sheer enjoyment and general all-round perfection The Secret Of Monkey Island creams 'em all in style. I just can't wait for the sequel.
- Uppers - It's taken 10 years but the first truly accessible adventure is finally with us. Keep this game in a plastic bag, because the atmosphere really does drip from it. Graphics, sound, and plot – everything gels perfectly.
- Downers - Erm, I can't really thing of any. Except perhaps for the sluggish way in which the parser scrolls, and for the oh-so-slow save and load screen. 1 meg required.
- The bottom line - If you love adventure games, buy it. If you don't, buy it anyway. In fact even if you don't own a computer, rush out and buy your copy now (and get yourself an Amiga while you're out). A ripping yarn and no mistake.
