When you think of adventure, daring exploits and an all-around general heroic character, one particular name comes to mind. When you think of LucasArts – and you're not thinking of Star Wars – you're probably thinking of that one unique character. His name is Indiana Jones. But when you think of a ne'er-do-well, slightly buffoonish and not very laudable character, you're probably thinking of LucasArts' second – AFTER Star Wars of course – most infamous "hero," Guybrush Theepwood, the over-the-top star of the Monkey Island series. Now just when many gamers would proclaim that "adventure gaming is dead," Guybrush is back in what could arguably be the single greatest adventure game of all time, or at least in recent memory.
And unlike those original Indiana Jones exploits (or even the Tomb Raider series) this new release, Escape From Monkey Island, is true adventuring with a focus on character interaction, puzzle solving and lots of exploration rather than just fancy gunplay and third person action. Picking up after Guybrush's deeds in Cruse of Monkey Island, where he defeated his evil arch-nemesis Le Chuck, the would-be swashbuckler has married long-time sweetheart Elaine Marley, the governor of Mêlée Island. The happy couple return from a three-month honeymoon to find the governor's mansion under assault and Elaine relieved of her governor's duties. No sooner is this first mini-adventure solved than it turns out that Elaine has been declared legally dead for being gone so long and a strangely familiar character by the name of Charles L. Charles announces he is running for governor on the platform of free grog and good times. Guybrush and Elaine must also deal with an Austrian land developer named Ozzie – who oddly sounds and even looks like media baron and all-around bad-guy Rupert Murdoch, and has plans to rid the Caribbean of pirates and plans to introduce tourist-friendly businesses like a Starbuccaneers and a Microgroggery. The horror, the horror!