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| 5 FEB 2004 at 3:19am | |
| Deleted User | The case of missing liver Puzzles that usually made no sense whatsoever are a signature element in MI series. How many ingenious puzzles Schafer & co. created can not be counted. From famous sword insult fights to mini-arcades to complex processes, Monkey Island is perhaps the most puzzle-infested series ever. You'll never be disappointed from lack of original puzzles, the amount of them, or game not being challenging enough. For most part, MI4 continues this welcome trend started by its predecessors. Insult armwrestling, timed burning-foodship bananza, synchronized cannonball challenges, lava water rides, and a lot more fun brain teasers compensate a lot of the story lapses. However, there are some frustrating puzzles, which just want to make you jump out of your skin. Pointless bodypart collecting, search for the hat near thousands of stones, floating in the time vacuum, and, undoubtedly the most frustrating of all, the Monkey Kombat. The latter, being random every time you start a game, is impossible to bypass using any solution. And, being boring and tedious, it raised many questions in my mind about developers' sexual orientation. After finally writng down all combinations on piece of paper, I was able to finish it in about 30 minutes. Half an hour of frustration. It also screwed up the impression of finale, because MK was in fact in the end of the game. If you thought that Banjo thing in MI3 was hard, try Monkey Kombat Note to all the developers out there, however experienced they are: Never, I repeat, Never make any arcade fillers random. It just gets on peoples nerves. so, puzzles in MI4 get an A- Look ! A three-headed monkey ! Yeah, yeah, I know. Ironically, this phrase depicts my impression of EFMI perfectly. What's most important thing in a Monkey Island game ? It's humor. No matter how great everything else is, if the 'funny' factor is in "corny and cheesy" category, then you know that you've got a probleem. Besides, the lack of humor isn't news anymore. With every iteration, with every sequel, the quality of any game/movie/anything degresses. Of course, there are some exceptions, but in general the simple formula prevails. In this case, I feel that the original ideas of Monkey Island ended in previous sequel (heh ), and all the humor seems very forced. It's like forcing yourself to smile while watching King of the Hill-even though the game/show tries very hard to be funny. The atmosphere is pretty much uninspiring, and the rare laughs are always eclipsed by eye-rolling. Also, rather than trying create something unique, LucasArts goes with "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" road. LeChuck, Stan, Carla and Otis...it seems like LA was afraid that the fans won't like the absence of these people, and thus put them in the game at the last moment. And this time around they aren't even funny... Dialogues are often annoying, and don't contain anything useful, although occasionaly you'll be able to hear at least a decent joke if you click enough on everything. atmosphere gets a very deserving C- If you don't believe that it's this bad, please replay the "Marco. POLLO !" part. That's something even imbeciles wouldn't laugh at. Jungle tunes Music is, as usual, very good. Some Jazz and Blues, mixed with several Jamaican tunes are undoubtedly a delight to ears. Calm and soothing, the music blends with the game. The voiceovers, on other the hand, left me with mixed feeling. Hard to say why. Actor voicing Guybrsuh is still doing great, and so are others. Maybe it's lack of enthusiasm or something, but in my opinion the sound suffered a bit in comparison to Curse Of Monkey Island. Nevertheless, sound/music get an A- |
| 5 FEB 2004 at 3:20am | |
| Deleted User | Rumblings and grumblings The interface is almost an exact copy of Grim Fandango, which is always a good thing in any case but this. The main character is controlled by keyboard, which was always hated by adventure gamers. The inventory is scrolled only one item at a time, making it longer to simply select an object. True, there are several innovations, which include action list when there's an 'active' object on the screen and combining of items directly in inventory. The former is helpful, the latter just had to be included in a game like EFMI . I actually found couple of glitches in the game,the worst being not able to take the clock, and game freezing simultaneously (well, techincally, everything worked, except Guybrush would never walk or talk after he conversed with the players). Overall, not very intuitive interface, but nothing fatal. Interface/technical side get B Conclusion: Escape From Monkey Island does not live up to the first three games. In fact, it is a bad excuse for a humor-driven game. Its failure is as simple as 2x2: it is a third sequel; true, to a great game, but still a sequel. And sequel's primary job is to make more money, not please the fans. Now I thank God that Grim Fandango never got one. Because, after we see Monkey Island 6, it is clear that the once great name of the series will be plain stamped on worthless sequels, and finally the world will forget what good adventures are like, just remembering the latest Monkey Island . PROS: Puzzles are still top-notch; great music and voiceover CONS: Virtually non-existent humor;Monkey Kombat sucks; no humor; bad story;awkard interface; did I mention bad humor ? |
| 5 FEB 2004 at 11:01pm | |
ShanyGuild Master  Posts : 3313 Joined: 19 JUN 2003 Status : Online | Another good review by ddevil! Are you planning another? I agree with your review, with most of the things. There was just something wrong with the type of humor they used... sort of the type of abusive/disgusting/plain scary/cruel humor that just isn't funny. Even Murray wasn't as funny as in MI3. And that was the problem, they put in so many good characters to a game that didn't have the right type of humor- it just isn't MI humor. Also I disagree about the puzzles- I didn't like any of the puzzles you mention (throwing cannons, etc.) as they rely on timing, which I suck at. Also, there were a couple of times when puzzles lacked hints. Monkey Kombat-you have to draw a chart every time you play, it's so annoying as this game was just boring or redundant to everyone who played- it wasn't fun to play or anything. They could've done it better. All in all, you were not as harsh as other reviewers, and I think the score you gave the game is ok. |
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| 5 FEB 2004 at 11:47pm | |
| Deleted User | oh yeah, Im just re-issuing reviews I've already written and posted for another site . so there are several more coming up |
| 6 FEB 2004 at 12:27am | |
| Deleted User | I thrust my pirated (heck, that's the way they like it, right ?) MI4 disc into my Cd drive If you've read the Hot Spot recently, you'll notice that we don't appreciate software piracy. Also, And, being boring and tedious, it raised many questions in my mind about developers' sexual orientation. You're lucky that most of the forumites don't read this area very often. |
| 6 FEB 2004 at 3:58am | |
| Deleted User | If you've read the Hot Spot recently, you'll notice that we don't appreciate software piracy. what do I care ? I buy games in Russia, and last time I checked, they didnt have any licensed copies. Bummer. Besides, Im not supporting LucasArts, that commercial piece of junk. Or do you only accept those who buy crappy games for $40 ? Im sorry, I don't do that, I value my money way too much for that. Ever heard of burning stuff ? Finally, it is the game Im writing my review about, and not the way I got it.
is this adventure gamers' area or a freakin' ballet school ? I speak what's on my mind, pal, and I try to really keep it down. A slight sarcastic remark is not the same as calling a particular person *gay*. whatever, ban me or something... I knew this forum sucked. I show up with a normal-sized review, and y'all start to mob me. It is already long time that JA+ reviewers started giving out A+'s for games they advertise, and I knew the respect of this site is going down. |
| 6 FEB 2004 at 5:57am | |
MichalNGrand Inquisitor  Posts : 7058 Joined: 14 SEP 2003 Status : Online | Originally Posted By ddevil (6 FEB 2004 3:58am) Bummer indeed, because that doesn't give you any right to pirate software. Besides, Im not supporting LucasArts, that commercial piece of junk. Oh right, their games are not good enough to pay for but still good enough to play? Finally, it is the game Im writing my review about, and not the way I got it. Then show a little bit of intelligence and don't mention how you got it. is this adventure gamers' area or a freakin' ballet school ? I speak what's on my mind, pal, and I try to really keep it down. Other people speak their mind too. You got a problem with that? A slight sarcastic remark is not the same as calling a particular person *gay*. I'm surprised you found MI4 so dull, with your sense of humour. whatever, ban me or something... I knew this forum sucked. I show up with a normal-sized review, and y'all start to mob me. I just think you're incapable of taking any criticism. Why is it OK for you to criticize a game (and BTW I agree with most of your criticisms) but not for others to criticize your review? Now please tell us more about how JA+ sucks anyway and how you never wanted to post here in the first place. I forgot my sig. |
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| 6 FEB 2004 at 12:09pm | |
| Deleted User | Originally Posted By ddevil (6 FEB 2004 3:58am) Read the thread about Starforce copy protection. People's computers have been damaged because people like you are too cheap to buy legal software. Originally Posted By ddevil (6 FEB 2004 3:58am) We'll miss you. :-* |
| 7 FEB 2004 at 1:11am | |
| Deleted User | Bummer indeed, because that doesn't give you any right to pirate software. People's computers have been damaged because people like you are too cheap to buy legal software Hmm, maybe we'll tell all the ppl in Russia to buy games for amount that is 1/4 of their income, right ? I don't pirate software, pal. Oh right, their games are not good enough to pay for but still good enough to play? Exactly my friend. If I play something doesn't mean it's worth paying for. If Im using windows, it doesn't mean I must pay for it. I just think you're incapable of taking any criticism. Why is it OK for you to criticize a game (and BTW I agree with most of your criticisms) but not for others to criticize your review? No, I accept constructive criticism. And I feel like arguing with you about this critism. Do U have a problme with that ? Then show a little bit of intelligence and don't mention how you got it. Other people speak their mind too. You got a problem with that? :-X Your own words. Besides, it's my review. You can do whatever you want with yours. Oh, I forgot, you don't have one. Oops. Now please tell us more about how JA+ sucks anyway and how you never wanted to post here in the first place. Mike, you don't want it. Anyway, I don't see long reviews here. All bark and no bite ? We'll miss you Im not going anywhere. You'll have to endure me. PS> Staforce sucks not because it was made b/c of ppl "like me", but because the programmers who made it were busy playing Syberia or something. Lack of programming skills is common. |
| 7 FEB 2004 at 2:11am | |
MichalNGrand InquisitorPosts : 7058 Joined: 14 SEP 2003 Status : Online | Originally Posted By ddevil (7 FEB 2004 1:11am) Either pay or don't play. Do you think you have the right to steal a BMW when you don't have the money to pay for it? I don't pirate software, pal. No? You just say you did. You are a pirate, and you are proud of it. Exactly my friend. If I play something doesn't mean it's worth paying for. If Im using windows, it doesn't mean I must pay for it. Brilliant logic. If one day you actually had something worth selling, I wonder how you'd view people taking off with your goods saying "I don't have the money to pay you but I'll take it anyway, thank you". No, I accept constructive criticism. And I feel like arguing with you about this critism. Do U have a problme with that ? No, and I can spell, too Besides, it's my review. You can do whatever you want with yours. Oh, I forgot, you don't have one. Oops. True, I don't have one, I only have about 20 published on the JA website (feel free to go ahead and blast them to bits). Im not going anywhere. You'll have to endure me. I'm actually looking forward to it Staforce sucks not because it was made b/c of ppl "like me", but because the programmers who made it were busy playing Syberia or something. Lack of programming skills is common. Starforce sucks because it was poorly done, true. But the reason why Starforce exists is people like you. I forgot my sig. |
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| 7 FEB 2004 at 3:16am | |
| Deleted User | Michal used up all of the good retorts, so I'll just step aside. |
| 7 FEB 2004 at 3:21am | |
| Deleted User | Originally Posted By ddevil (7 FEB 2004 1:11am) Mike? LOL |
| 7 FEB 2004 at 5:28am | |
| Deleted User | No? You just say you did. You are a pirate, and you are proud of it. Mind you, I don't distribute or crack games. I just buy 'em. For a slightly different price. Either pay or don't play. Do you think you have the right to steal a BMW when you don't have the money to pay for it? Fallacious logics, man. So people in Africa shouldn't get any food just cuz they can't afford it ? And there we arrive at Mike's formula: Games are for Rich. Those who can afford paying $40 for a single game. Doesn't matter if they work their behinds off in factories for measly $100/month. They still aren't allowed to play games. Those poor companies ! Somebody's ripping them off ! Wow, a thousand dollars short out of 10 mil sales.... what a tragic loss... screw the other nations, we make dough and we're proud of it. We're big industry protectors. Welcome to the Republican camp, Mike. George B. over there will introduce you to the rest of the crew. f one day you actually had something worth selling, I wonder how you'd view people taking off with your goods saying "I don't have the money to pay you but I'll take it anyway, thank you". Since Im a software dev in making I must say that I don't care about this stuff. It's better off to let people in Russia copy the cds (there are never any official sale figures for Russia, have you noticed ? ), since the company won't be distributing licensed copies there. Therefore, such 'piracy' barely costs anything. Anyway it's much less than edonkey or kazaa d/loads cost in losses. however, I must note, it is not the piracy, but people who play the games that kill companies. The Last Express was a brilliant game, and I was proud to have a licensed copy. But, the company became bancrupt because people never got what the heck the game was about, and didn't buy the game. I see your point clearly. No more explanations needed. Starforce sucks because it was poorly done, true. But the reason why Starforce exists is people like you. No mattter what anybody does, there are always loopholes and ways to avoid it. For every stuck sword there's King Arthur. True, I don't have one, I only have about 20 published on the JA website (feel free to go ahead and blast them to bits). no need for that. I never said your reviews were wrong. And neither did you about mine. What Im arguing about here is piracy and freedom of speech on this site. I'm actually looking forward to it don't worry, Im sure we'll agree on something sooner or later. No, and I can spell, too wow, what a mature remark. Brilliant. Have you ever tried to do stand-up comedy ? I'll bet you you'll be a hit. Then maybe not. anyway, Im done with this review, and let's just say I'll focus on the next ones. (for those who are actually interested) coming up really soon: 1. Mystery of The Druids 2. Runaway: A Road Adventure 3. The Last Express |
| 7 FEB 2004 at 8:53am | |
MichalNGrand InquisitorPosts : 7058 Joined: 14 SEP 2003 Status : Online | Originally Posted By ddevil (7 FEB 2004 5:28am) Oh OK, you're not a pirate, you just feed the pirates. Fallacious logics, man. So people in Africa shouldn't get any food just cuz they can't afford it? Since when are computer games a basic necessity? Come to think of it, did you steal your computer too? Welcome to the Republican camp, Mike. George B. over there will introduce you to the rest of the crew. If you think I like Republicans or George B. (which George B. anyway?), you're even less smart than I thought. Your argument is utter nonsense, but maybe you're some sort of anarchist and it makes sense to you. The rules are simple: take it or leave it. If a company is deciding between making a $40 sale or no sale and goes for no sale, it is not up to you to decide that you'll take the goods anyway. The company has absolutely no obligation to sell to you at all, let alone at a price you want. If they don't want to sell to you for $5, that's their problem. Therefore, such 'piracy' barely costs anything. You have a point - but that still doesn't make piracy right. You are basically a freeloader, leeching off of legitimate buyers. Not to mention that you support the real pirates, who are ripping off both you and the game publishers. Anyway it's much less than edonkey or kazaa d/loads cost in losses. How is that relevant? Are you saying "I don't pirate that much so I'm OK"? however, I must note, it is not the piracy, but people who play the games that kill companies. And that makes it right to pirate games? I see your point clearly. No more explanations needed. I'm sure it wouldn't make a difference anyway. No mattter what anybody does, there are always loopholes and ways to avoid it. Yes. And? What Im arguing about here is piracy and freedom of speech on this site. And freedom to pirate in Russia? wow, what a mature remark. Brilliant. Have you ever tried to do stand-up comedy? No, I prefer sitting down, thank you. I forgot my sig. |
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| 7 FEB 2004 at 9:07am | |
Lucien21Guild Master Posts : 4876 Joined: 9 JUL 2003 Location: 0 Status : Offline | Originally Posted By ddevil (7 FEB 2004 5:28am) Still makes you a pirate. You are funding the Mafia or other crime groups rather than the hard working people who created the game. If everyone did it then there would be no more games at all. Fallacious logics, man. So people in Africa shouldn't get any food just cuz they can't afford it ? Bollocks, your logic is screwed. Food is essential to life. Games are not you can't used the same argument. : And there we arrive at Mike's formula: If you can't afford it you can't buy it. Fact of life doesn't mean if I can't afford a car I come round and steal yours because after all car companies sell millions of cars they won't lose to much if I take yours : As for your thousand dollars short of 10 million sales idea. Most adventure games are lucky to sell 200,000 copies not 10 million the fact that it can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions to create a game profit margins are small. Piracy kills developers and sales meaning they will stop developing adventures. Since Im a software dev in making I must say that I don't care about this stuff. It's better off to let people in Russia copy the cds (there are never any official sale figures for Russia, have you noticed ? ), since the company won't be distributing licensed copies there. Ok fine well get everyone to pirate your software nobody will buy it and you are out of a job. to say 'piracy' costs nothing shows a lack of understanding on how the software industry works. however, I must note, it is not the piracy, but people who play the games that kill companies. So your ok with companies going bankrupt because nobody "got" the game and the sales were low, but if the company went bankrupt because 'piracy' caused low sales that ok by you ??? Your logic on piracy is warped like most pirates desperatly trying to justify why they are too cheap to support the gaming industry rather than kill it. Dear Diary, My teenage angst bullsh*t now has a bodycount. |
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| 7 FEB 2004 at 2:37pm | |
adventuredogGuild Master Posts : 3255 Joined: 14 JAN 2003 Status : Offline | Well argued Fickfack, Michal, and Lucien. Your review started off well ddevil but you lost me when you wrote: ...I thrust my pirated (heck, that's the way they like it, right ?) MI4 disc into my Cd drive...I get very upset with the "p" word. It is still theft whether you do the actual copying or buy a pirated copy. The adventure games market is very fragile. evelopers and publishers are going under all the time. Software, music, and movie theft is a global problem. Many companies don't want to enter a market like Russia or China where there is no copyright protection. Computer gaming, while pleasurable, is not a basic human need (though some may argue otherwise ) like food and shelter. There is no justification for software theft. If I can't afford something, I don't go out and steal it; I do without it whether it is a fancy car or a piece of software. I usually buy used cars. If I couldn't afford new games, I would buy them on remainder if possible. I highly doubt that you are one of those $100/month factory workers that you have such sympathy for. Otherwise, how could you afford a computer as well as internet access? Still adventuring after all these years! Patiently awaiting The Last Crown: Haunting of Hallowed Isle, and Bracken Tor... ... and Asylum if it's not tooooo scary... |
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| 7 FEB 2004 at 8:02pm | |
| Deleted User | Alright, you want to continue, bring it.Since when are computer games a basic necessity? Come to think of it, did you steal your computer too You didn't answer my question. Are games for rich only ? China, Russia and other third world nations cannot enjoy games by your logics ? No, I didnt steal my computer. I bought it in San Francisco for $800. And I bought 100 games for $150 in Russia. Happy ? Ok fine well get everyone to pirate your software nobody will buy it and you are out of a job That's reality, I ain't living in a fantasy world. I'll accept it Your argument is utter nonsense, but maybe you're some sort of anarchist and it makes sense to you. The rules are simple: take it or leave it. If a company is deciding between making a $40 sale or no sale and goes for no sale, it is not up to you to decide that you'll take the goods anyway. The company has absolutely no obligation to sell to you at all, let alone at a price you want. If they don't want to sell to you for $5, that's their problem. Then it's my problem that I decide it's pure bs, and get it from my friend/internet/Russia. get very upset with the "p" word. It is still theft whether you do the actual copying or buy a pirated copy. The adventure games market is very fragile. evelopers and publishers are going under all the time. Software, music, and movie theft is a global problem. Many companies don't want to enter a market like Russia or China where there is no copyright protection. oooh,poor guy. Guess what ? I don't care anymore. If you don't like my reviews, that's too bad. I will continue to buy pirated games that aren't (imo) worth my $. I will continue to d/l music off edonkey, cuz paying $15 for 10 songs is retarded. And I would never pay 300 bucks for new windows, because I don't like supporting Bill Gates. as my man Cormega would say, Get out my way, you industry, we in the street wit' the heat pickin' weight up raw . Im done here. |
| 7 FEB 2004 at 8:20pm | |
| Deleted User | I have submitted the URL of this thread as well as ddevil's name, e-mail address and the URL of his personal blog webpage to the FBI. Tom Scholes tscholes@hotmail.com ddevil.blogspot.com (This is not to further promote the thief, just to let him know that I was able to provide the FBI with some valid information which they can easily trace.) I have no patience with software pirates. And the sheer moral emptiness of his "people are entitled to steal luxury items that they can't afford" philosophy was so morally reprehensible to me that I felt drastic action was warranted. |
| 7 FEB 2004 at 8:25pm | |
| Deleted User | you are an idiot. I can't believe you think that I use ddevil anywhere besides this forum oh well, good luck with FBI, Mulder ! |
| 7 FEB 2004 at 8:37pm | |
| Deleted User | As it turns out, the FBI won't really be able to do much, since He lives in the UK. I did, however, find the following intresting bit of hypocrisy on his website:My work is not to be copied, posted, reproduced or generally taken from this page without my PRIOR knowledge and agreement. Its my work which I've put a lot of work into and I'ld hate to think anyone would pass it off as their own (or indeed want to ;-). : |
| 7 FEB 2004 at 8:58pm | |
| Deleted User | Jim, forget what I've asked you in Sherlock Holmes thread. Now that I see yer IQ I let that go. ...and please keep on thinking Im Tom Scoles... yeah. I live in UK, yeah And I go to Russia every year, and come to Cali once in a while. An' I listen to Mobb Deep. Enough info to get me in jail ? you guys are really cracking me up |
| 7 FEB 2004 at 11:08pm | |
| Deleted User | You are being idiotic. Please don't post here again. |
| 7 FEB 2004 at 11:37pm | |
| Deleted User | I am being idiotic ? Waht about the guy who's so paranoid he sends people's names to FBI, not even bothering to see if it's really him/her or check the IP ? ...besides, isn't this called "Speaking my mind" ? on't I have a right to argue on this board ? You can say what you think about piracy, but I can't ? crap, what's this, army ? A guy with more posts decides for the others what to do.... |
| 8 FEB 2004 at 12:35am | |
MichalNGrand InquisitorPosts : 7058 Joined: 14 SEP 2003 Status : Online | Originally Posted By ddevil (7 FEB 2004 8:01pm) Nope. Games are for those who can afford them. China, Russia and other third world nations cannot enjoy games by your logics? Oh please, do use that little brain of yours. Where did I say that? What's stopping Chinese or Russians from developing and selling their own games? Oh wait, it's all the pirates who are stopping them, right? No, I didnt steal my computer. I bought it in San Francisco for $800. Interesting. Why don't you feel entitled to a computer and didn't just steal it too? And how come you can travel to San Francisco if you're oh so poor that you "have" to pirate games? And I would never pay 300 bucks for new windows, because I don't like supporting Bill Gates. If you are using Windows, you are supporting Bill Gates. He's counting on people like you and realizes very well that Windows users will bring (or rather already brought) him market dominance regardless of how much they paid. I forgot my sig. |
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