Articles

 
full

Tales of Monkey Island: The SCUMM Bar Reviews Episode 4: The Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood

The review is late, as the reviewer’s copy was released only hours before the game was available for the public.

Tales of Monkey Island has had a very good run so far; some might even say it is surprisingly good. And while the three previous games were great, this fourth chapter feels like the game I’ve been waiting for. Not one that’s simply close to the first two games in the series, but one that fully is an equal.

Article image

I know some, maybe many, won’t agree, and that’s fine. But to me, this is about as good as a Monkey Island game can get. And that’s a pretty big compliment. In fact, plot aside, I feel this chapter could have been put into LeChuck’s Revenge, and it would have fit in seamlessly, quality-wise. Hyperbole? Maybe. But that’s what I took away from the game.

Be it the puzzles connected to the trial or a couple of extremely surprising twists and turns -- the biggest being Earl Boen returning -- “The Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood” hit multiple home runs. It’s the most pirate-y of the series, almost screaming dargh in your face, and the humor surpasses Lair of the Leviathan.

In fact, the only issue I had with the game was the voice of Stan. It felt too slow and calm. The writing is what it should be, but the actor does not deliver it overly well. (Remi, 2024: This was a ridiculously bad take, and I apologize to Gavin Hammon.)

Article image

That’s a minor criticism, though. On the upside, Floatsam Island does not feel recycled, as there are plenty of new things and people to see and interact with. My favorite new location is Club 41, which feels very much like the original SCUMM Bar, down to parts of the original cue being used in the music.

I don’t even know why I’m bothering fawning over the game, as you’ve probably already made up your mind, but there you go. “The Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood” is, for me, one of the finest moments in the series of Monkey Island. And if you don’t agree, you can bite me.

Pros

  • Great writing.
  • Great story.
  • Great everything.

Cons

  • Stan’s voice is a bit too docile.

Conclusion

The best chapter of Tales of Monkey Island so far and the best chapter I’ve seen in the Monkey Island saga since LeChuck’s Revenge.

4