THE CURSE OF MONKEY ISLAND

I thought this was a very fine game and a fun one to play for all ages except for a few parts in question. Puzzles included were very challenging and I even needed to consult my friends on a few of them. I especially like the way the puzzles involved brain and not brawn (for the most part) and the funny dialogue that Mr. Threepwood says. There were a few specific things that bothered me though (which accounts for my low Christian rating). 1. There's one part where you mix alcohol and drugs in order to “die”. I don't think this sends a positive message to our youth where suicide is necessary to advance to the next part of the game or life. The Bible specifically condemns it! 2. There's a part where you do battle by insulting other pirates. Sure it's light-hearted and the characters are cartoonish, but younger players may get the wrong idea and start using them on their parents. All in all, I think the game is very well put together and a joy to play sans the questionable parts. It's the finest game put out by Lucasarts since "The Story of Ricky". My Ratings: [3/5]
   —Chet, age 24

This is the funniest game I've ever played. It's hilarious! I was laughing out loud the whole way through. It has great characters and an awesome story line. I didn't find it offensive. There is a fortune teller and some skeletons, but it is all humorous. This is one of my favorite games. Also check out Grim Fandango, another Lucasarts adventure game that is equally impressive. My Ratings: [4/5]
   —Andrew Dollar, age 13

When I opened the box of the game I purchased, I wondered what type of quality could come from a game that had a goofy animated pirate on the front who was trying to hold a ring up to a zombie. Well, since I was quite a big fan of the old LucasArts genre that they all-but invented, I figured I would give this new FMV animation version a try. From the beginning this game had you laughing. It was subtle at first, but to hear a small pirate yell "Polly want a cracker?" at you as a threat (because he learned it on his 'Audio book on Parrot', on how to become a pirate) was pure hilarity. Another high point was Murray, the 'evil-demonic force'. Yes, I said the evil-demonic force was funny. He is just a skull, and is essentially the comic relief for the game. Cracks about how he will take over the world are soon realized that he would do a better job as a doorstop. "Is it a really EVIL looking doorstop?" Anyway… The game will keep you in stitches from beginning to end. The only downside is that the ending could have been done a little better. Gary Coleman should have done more roles than just Timmy the Lemonade salesman/gunrunner, and the middle segment where you insult sword fight, while hilarious, gets tiring after an hour or so. All in all, this is the game that I would recommend to anyone. If you are offended by the skeletons and the zombie leader, you should know that all that they are there for is to be laughed at and belittled. If you have played prequels to this game, then you should definitely give this one a look. The game proves that your wit should be sharper than your sword. I just can't wait for MI:4 (Escape from Monkey Island) to hit store this November '00. My Ratings: [4/5]
   —Ryan, age 17

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.