Things are quiet right now, so imagine my joy when I find that Monkey Island creator Ronster has shared the entire contents of the Return to Monkey Island development diary!
Unfortunately it's about one page long and was left for dead in November 2020. But there are still some interesting insights to glean amongst the waffle about contracts and new starters.
For example, it looks like controlling Elaine was considered at one point, and the good old puzzle dependency charts — as discussed in the excellent Monkey Island 30th anniversary event by the Video Game History Foundation — have made a return.
And like me when I decided to replay the Monkey Island series recently, Ron was surprised at how many objects in the original game don't have custom responses, and generally found it quite painful to play. Which brings me to an article subject I've been considering recently: 'Was The Secret of Monkey Island even good?'.
Source: Grumpy Gamer
madmardi
Thrik
I should note that it was the beloved Special Edition of MI1 that I replayed recently, which while an admirable effort given the circumstances has some very rough edges — bugs and oversights.
I think I'm in the minority, but I enjoyed the MI1 Special Edition more than MI2. After replaying them both recently there were just a few more things about the MI2 one that bothered me and kept nagging at the back of my mind.
Anyway, don't get me wrong - they are both good. I'm glad they were re-released and exposed new players.
I'm gonna throw myself to the wolves here and say that I actually liked what they were going for with Guybrush's hair in the first Special Edition. It's really stupid, but to me that's kinda the point, he rocks up on Melee Island disturbing the townsfolk with his lofty ideals of becoming a pirate, and to me you kinda want someone like that to look like a little bit of a dickhead.
They really got it wrong on the poster though, that smirk is awful and lacks the wide-eyed, boyish innocense of the original (thanks Laserschwert for fixing it)
Thrik
I should note that it was the beloved Special Edition of MI1 that I replayed recently, which while an admirable effort given the circumstances has some very rough edges — bugs and oversights.
I think I'm in the minority, but I enjoyed the MI1 Special Edition more than MI2. After replaying them both recently there were just a few more things about the MI2 one that bothered me and kept nagging at the back of my mind.
Anyway, don't get me wrong - they are both good. I'm glad they were re-released and exposed new players.
Remi
madmardi
Remi
Bagge
I can’t believe I have to say this on a LucasArts fan site, but yes, The Secret of Monkey Island was good.
Prove it.
The fact it's still relevant over 30 years later isn't proof enough?
Sounds anecdotal to me.
A new game has been announced. That is a fact. I submit that wouldn't have happened if The Secret of Monkey Island wasn't any good.
What more do you want - a t-test or something?!
I’m pretty sure the original version is still great… right?! Ron just can’t see it the way we do, being its creator. It’s like when you get an old drawing out that you made when you were 15.
madmardi
Remi
Bagge
I can’t believe I have to say this on a LucasArts fan site, but yes, The Secret of Monkey Island was good.
Prove it.
The fact it's still relevant over 30 years later isn't proof enough?
Sounds anecdotal to me.
Remi
Bagge
I can’t believe I have to say this on a LucasArts fan site, but yes, The Secret of Monkey Island was good.
Prove it.
The fact it's still relevant over 30 years later isn't proof enough?
Bagge
I can’t believe I have to say this on a LucasArts fan site, but yes, The Secret of Monkey Island was good.
Prove it.
Hmm... but it could make a great article.