In this fourth outing for the series, everything has predictably gone 3D. SCUMM, which powered the previous titles, has now been replaced by an upgraded Grim Fandango Engine dubbed GRIME. The move from 2D sprites is no bad thing though, as it is so far looking fantastic. Everything looks suitably cartoony and the 3D characters are still recognisable when you compare them to their 2D counterparts from past Monkey Island games. Judging by a few recent videos of the game, their animations are going to be pretty slick too thanks to a new animation system nabbed from the Obi-Wan game and of course the attentions of animators at Lucas Arts. Even the interface has now gone 3D, employing a Tomb Raider-style spinning ring of inventory items (although, yes, you will still be able to combine items). The backgrounds are pre-rendered 3D as in Grim Fandango rather than being real time, but this of course means they look much more detailed and attractive while taking up less graphics card power. Speaking of which, the game will require a 3D graphics card. Looks like you few adventure fans out there without polygon pushing power in your machine will have to upgrade in short time.

So what's the new story? Well, as I mentioned, Guybrush and Elaine got hitched after all this time. On return from their honeymoon it turns out Elaine has been declared lost at sea and a new face, Charles L. Charles (think about the initials), is looking to be elected in her stead as Governor of Melee Island. Of course, this just won't do, so Elaine kicks up a campaign to get re-elected. At the same time, Guybrush runs off on a seemingly trivial errand that of course sends things spiralling into an increasingly detailed narrative involving voodoo, Threepwood's rapier wit which will be put to good use in a number of “insult fight sequences” (fans of the series will know what I'm on about) and a plot to wipe out the Tri-Islands with… the Ultimate Insult? Only in a Monkey Island game.

Pete Closs
Games Editor