Return to Monkey Island

Return to Monkey Island is a point-and-click adventure and a direct sequel to Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge (1991). It has the original creator Ron Gilbert back at the helm and picks up directly after the events of that game. However, it also incorporates and acknowledges the characters and events from later titles such as The Curse of Monkey Island (1997), Escape from Monkey Island (2000) and Tales of Monkey Island (2009).

This game focuses on the series' protagonist Guybrush Threepwood as he sets out to finally reveal the secret of the Monkey Island. A short prelude explains the ending of the previous game, why this title is told as a flashback and an optional scrapbook available in the main menu is provided with a brief history of the events of all games. The adventure is divided in several parts and starts on Mêlée Island where Guybrush, reprised by Dominic Amato, once again finds himself without a ship and crew to travel to Monkey Island. Mêlée island has also changed, with Carla the swordmaster as the new governor, Elaine advocating social and health issues, and a new pirate leadership refusing to fund Guybrush's venture. Many characters from all titles return in this game, such as Stan the salesman, Otis, Wally the map maker, the Voodoo Lady and Murray the talking skull, but also many new characters. Next to the familiar Monkey Island and Mêlée Island there are entirely new locations such as Brr Muda and Terror Island.

A classic point-and-click interface is used to experience the story, talk to characters and solve puzzles. When hovering over a character or object, usually one or two options are provided: to examine and to interact. Items can be picked up and are stored in an inventory where they can be combined or used in the environment. There is also a todo list as an inventory item where quests are tracked. A separate action is available to highlight all hotspots in the environment. The game can be played in an easy Casual mode or the Hard more with more puzzles. There is also a separate Writer's Cut option with more text and dialogue, available for both modes. Hints are provided through another in-game item, a hint book provided by the Voodoo Lady. The environment is also littered with optional trivia cards stored in a trivia book. Players need to answer a question about the series. If it is answered incorrectly the card disappears.

The game retains its humorous approach, often breaking the fourth wall. The game uses an entirely new visual style headed by Rex Crowle and similar to the one used in his game Knights and Bikes (2019). It aims to resemble a picture book or a pop-up book with exaggerated character features, using 2D and no longer the pixel art of the original two games or the sharp cartoon or 3D look from later titles. The original composers also return with new music.