Item: Return to Monkey Island+
Rating: 95
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

95/100

Return to Monkey Island+ is an absolute triumph, flawlessly reviving the spirit of classic point-and-click adventures for a modern audience. Ron Gilbert and the team have delivered a narrative that feels like catching up with an old friend, filled with the trademark humor and charm that defined the 90s era of gaming. The controversial art style, which sparked debate before release, looks absolutely phenomenal in motion on an iPad or iPhone screen, giving the world a vibrant, storybook quality that perfectly suits the swashbuckling tale.

From a gameplay perspective, the puzzles strike a brilliant balance between being cleverly challenging and logically sound, avoiding the notorious 'moon logic' that plagued early adventure games. The inclusion of a built-in, context-sensitive hint book is a stroke of genius, ensuring players never hit a frustrating wall without compromising the satisfaction of solving things themselves. It is a heartfelt, funny, and deeply satisfying journey that stands proudly alongside the best in the genre.

Reviewed on: Sun Apr 12 2026

Dinsun Review

I grew up on LucasArts adventures, so this was a risky one for me. The new art style caused quite a stir, didn't it? Personally, I grew to like it, but I still miss the old pixel art. The writing, however, is exactly what it should be: sharp, funny, and surprisingly poignant. Guybrush is older, and so am I.

The puzzles have been streamlined for a 'modern audience,' which usually means they're too easy. They've included a hint book right in the inventory, which feels like cheating. But if you play it for the story and the atmosphere, it's a solid return. It won't replace the first two in my heart, but it’s a worthy epilogue.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Excellent voice acting
Genuinely funny writing
Respectful of series lore

Art style is polarizing
Puzzles are easier than previous entries
Ending is a bit divisive

Technical Report

Performance: Very polished; voice acting sounds great on mobile speakers.

Accessibility:

Full Subtitles
Hint System
Casual Mode

Audience Fit

Buy if: You are a fan of classic adventure games or great narrative experiences.

Skip if: You want fast action or hate reading/listening to dialogue.

Similar Games:

Day of the Tentacle
Grim Fandango
Thimbleweed Park

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, Adventure Game Purist
Hardware: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Playtime: 12 hours
Status: Finished Story

Return to Monkey Island+ marks the triumphant return of series creator Ron Gilbert, picking up the story of Guybrush Threepwood, mighty pirate. This modern point-and-click adventure features a striking new art style, updated interface, and the same razor-sharp wit the franchise is famous for. Players will navigate familiar locales like Mêlée Island while encountering both old friends and new adversaries. The game perfectly balances nostalgia with modern accessibility features, making it a joy for both veterans and newcomers.