System: Amiga
Release date: October 1990

Set sail for a swashbuckling adventure with The Secret of Monkey Island on the Amiga, the October 1990 point-and-click classic from Lucasfilm Games that turned wannabe pirate Guybrush Threepwood into a legend. This witty tale of grog, ghosts, and grotty pirates blends puzzles and humour—but does it still hold treasure in 2025? Let’s dive in and see if this pirate yarn is a timeless gem or a sunk ship.

Gameplay: Point, Click, and Plunder

The Secret of Monkey Island casts you as Guybrush, a bumbling lad aiming to become a mighty pirate on Melee Island. Using the revolutionary SCUMM interface, you select verbs like “Talk to” or “Pick up” to solve puzzles, banter with quirky characters, and navigate a Caribbean stuffed with secrets. From sword-fighting (with insults!) to mixing grog, the gameplay is a delightful mix of brain-teasing logic and laugh-out-loud dialogue. The controls are slick, making inventory juggling and exploration a breeze.

The scupper? Some puzzles lean on daft logic that’ll have you stumped without a hint, and the occasional pixel-hunting can frustrate. The pace is leisurely, which might irk action fans. Still, the charm of Guybrush’s misadventures and the freedom to explore keep you hooked like a fish on LeChuck’s hook.

Graphics: Pixelated Piracy with Panache

Vibrant, hand-drawn scenes burst with personality—from Melee Island’s moonlit docks to Stan’s dodgy shipyard, every location pops with detail like flickering lanterns and swaying palms. Guybrush’s floppy-haired sprite and the cast of oddballs (hello, three-headed monkey!) are animated with cheeky charm. The cartoonish style blends pirate grit with a visual feast that still looks sharp.

Sound: Tunes That Sail and Quips That Stick

A cracking reggae-inspired soundtrack sets a jaunty pirate vibe with the iconic title theme, shifting through island melodies and spooky ghost ship tunes to match the mood. Sound effects—clinking swords, creaking ships, and Stan’s sleazy patter—are crisp and immersive. No voice acting (fair for ’90), but the witty text sings louder than a drunken pirate’s shanty. The music’s repetition might grate, but it’s pure Caribbean magic.

Replayability: A Treasure Map Worth Revisiting

With multiple puzzle solutions, branching dialogue, and a world stuffed with secrets, The Secret of Monkey Island begs for replays to catch every gag and easter egg. The insult sword-fighting alone is worth revisiting to master every quip. The linear story limits some variety, and obtuse puzzles might stall casual players, but the short runtime and endless charm make every return a joy. It’s perfect for quick dips or leisurely grog-swigging sessions.

The Retro Looney Verdict

The Secret of Monkey Island on the Amiga is a swashbuckling triumph that blends razor-sharp wit, clever puzzles, and pirate charm into a point-and-click legend. Its slick controls, gorgeous visuals, and infectious soundtrack make it a standout, even if the odd cryptic puzzle stings like a cutlass nick.