Earlier this year, Terrible Toybox, Devolver Digital, and LucasFilm Games revealed a sequel once believed to be impossible, Return to Monkey Island. The newest entry in the genre-defining Monkey Island adventure game series sees the return of series creator Ron Gilbert after over 30 years since Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge. After a short wait since its April Fool's Day announcement, Return to Monkey Island finally has a release date and a hilarious pre-order bonus to go along with it.
Following the teases and announcement of its inclusion in GamesCom's Opening Night Live showcase, Return to Monkey Island has finally revealed its release date. The much anticipated point-and-click adventure game will release on September 19, 2022. While this is an unusual day for a video game release, being that it lands on a Monday, the reason is perfectly in line with the Monkey Island series, being that it is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Furthermore, the new trailer, narrated by returning character Stan S. Stanman, reveals that fans who pre-order will receive a piece of horse armor that, according to the game's developers, will not be used anywhere within the game at all and is intended to sit in the player's inventory with no purpose for the whole game.
Return to Monkey Island was first teased on April Fool's Day 2022 when series creator Ron Gilbert stated on his personal blog that he was developing a new game in the series. An official announcement came a few days later where it was revealed that Gilbert's studio Terrible Toybox, known for previously developing Thimbleweed Park, was teaming up with Devolver Digital and LucasFilm Games to release the long-awaited sequel. It was later revealed that much of the voice cast from the previous games will be returning, including Dominic Armato as Guybrush Threepwood, and composers Michael Land, Peter McConnell, and Clint Bajakian are also returning.
Upon its reveal Return to Monkey Island's art, directed by Tearaway lead artist Rex Crowle, was subject to some controversy within the game's community, drawing support towards the developers from industry veterans such as Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann, Santa Monica Studio's Cory Barlog, and ex-Monkey Island co-writer Tim Schafer. This resulted in Ron Gilbert temporarily shutting down his long-running blog, before bringing it back online shortly after the controversy died down.
The game has also been confirmed to be a timed Nintendo Switch console exclusive and is planned to be the final entry in the entire Monkey Island series.
Return to Monkey Island will release on PC and Nintendo Switch on September 19, 2022.
