Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge

 Monkey Island 2 is considered by many to be best of Lucasarts adventure games on SCUMM engine. The first Monkey Island has already been redone with updated graphics and released on XBLA. Monkey Island 2 follows the same path here. Amiga was the platform I played both of these back in the day. Nostalgia trip is always a sure for getting me to dish up for such releases, so in this case this is not definitely not wasted.

What Lucasarts has done with the original game here, mostly, is a perfect way of treating such treasure. The changes which all expect for for are all good and surely will help younger players to get into these games. The jolly Caribbean environment is

relayed with stunning graphics that can be switched to original display with a click of a button. All the dialog is voiced perfectly to match the colorful characters and the brilliant bantering. Music also has been remade and arranged to a modern sound.

Only downside I found with this re-make was the default controls. Original platforms Amiga and PC both use of course mouse controls. Which is a perfect for such point and click games. This has been simplified on the modern version to just use a thump-pad to control Guybrush, instead clicking and pointing. Also the cursor changing regarding a highlighted item. On paper this probably looks good and makes this all more approachable. Problem occurs on locations where Guybrush walks on narrow paths that turns/bends. The world is loyal to the original game where roads and paths have a invisible path inside the visual road/path. With thump-pad this occasionally gets tricky to control, especially on the cases where your Pirate wannabe is further away horizontally. Luckily this can be changed to the traditional point&click controls which almost the same way as it used to.

Along with the graphical and audiovisual overhaul there is two more reasons for fans of the series to get this gem. Concept art is unlocked during the game which shows some the original designs as well as some concept art on how particular character was designed from the original design. Main addition being a commendatory track from games original creators: Ron Gilbert, Tim Schafer and Dave Grossman . This is really nice add-on and the commentary seems to be free talk. You definitely end up wanting for more commentary since they could have not added it to every scene.
Had the soundtrack been included in the release as well as downloadable addition the fanservice would have been perfect.

To summarize, quality used on making this remake I can honestly recommend this game for anyone. On the broad picture the controls are just a minor annoyance. Of course this is not the longest of games and there is not too much to go back to once finished, but for this price it is definitely worth experiencing this classic. Perhaps Lucasarts will do such justice for their other early 90's titles. For a Tie-Fighter remake on such skins I would be willing donate my healthy kidney to Mr.Lucas.