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Monkey Island Special Editions coming to stores (in Europe)

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 Threepwood4life
07-08-2011, 7:39 AM
#1
from xbox360achievements.org

Activision has announced that it's set to publish the Monkey Island Special Edition Collection for release later this year, bundling The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition and Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge into one neat package with additional bonus content from the Lucasarts vault.

Both games will be available in their entirety on the retail disc, with remastered HD graphics, the remastered score, full voiceover and a hints system to help you out should you get stuck. And yes, you'll still be able to seamlessly switch between the classic and HD versions of the game at the touch of a button, and you'll still get the commentary from creators Tim Schafer, Ron Gilbert and Dave Grossman on Monkey Island 2.

Both full games will come with new, newver-before-seen bonus content on the disc too, including environment and character concept art from the Special Editions and the original and re-recorded soundtracks. There'll also be storyboards and concept art from an Industrial Light & Magic animated Monkey Island movie that never saw the light of day.

Monkey Island Special Edition Collection will be flying the Jolly Roger and setting sail to retail stores on September 9th, 2011. If you can't wait that long though, you could always download the games from the Xbox Live Arcade for 800 Microsoft Points each.

Best news ever and good to see LucasArts MI back in stores.
 Alex IDV
07-08-2011, 8:52 AM
#2
Oh my god, yesssss

Now, I certainly hope that we get a PC/Mac version too

And possibly some new box art

Preferably by Purcell

That would be cool

EDIT:

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/310843/monkey-island-special-edition-collection-announced/)

"The Monkey Island Special Edition Collection will release on September 9 for PS3, 360 and PC in Europe"

Neat!
 sinus
07-08-2011, 9:00 AM
#3
Both full games will come with new, newver-before-seen bonus content on the disc too, including environment and character concept art from the Special Editions and the original and re-recorded soundtracks. There'll also be storyboards and concept art from an Industrial Light & Magic animated Monkey Island movie that never saw the light of day.

Neat! And as I haven't played the SEs yet, I'll surely buy it.
 Alexrd
07-08-2011, 11:27 AM
#4
My wish has come true. :D

P.S: Maybe this time they will put the intro back.
 Sven_Q45
07-09-2011, 4:47 AM
#5
Yes, a dream come true. Yesterday I wanted post it. :)

"There'll also be storyboards and concept art from an Industrial Light & Magic animated Monkey Island movie that never saw the light of day."
Very interesting!! :)
 plamdi.com
07-09-2011, 6:32 AM
#6
I hope they've improved Monkey1 SE and corrected the verb-tags for the inventory in Monkey2SE. As it is you can only ever "look" or "use" your items in Monkey2SE, not "give" unless you switch mode; try giving the monocle to Wally.
 Threepwood4life
07-10-2011, 4:57 AM
#7
Box art unveiled,

its not bad, they seem to have mixed both games box arts together and that Guybrush looks better than the 1st SE cover version.

http://www.jvn.com/jeux/articles/une-compilation-monkey-island-en-magasin.html#images)
 Laserschwert
07-10-2011, 7:38 AM
#8
Uhm... does "Version française intégrale" mean that the speech has been localized as well? Here's hoping for a (good) German dub!
 Alex IDV
07-10-2011, 11:05 AM
#9
While I really like the boxart, LeChuck looks kinda weird, and I think it's due to his pupils.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9313667/Box%20Art/MISEC%20LeChuck%20comparison.PNG)

Quick and dirty edit by me. Doesn't he look much better without the pupils?

Thankfully, this is really easy to photoshop away, so I think I'll scan the box art and print out a pupil-less version of it once the game is released.
 Jenni
07-10-2011, 4:41 PM
#10
To be honest, I like the version with the pupils better.
 TheJoe
07-10-2011, 8:36 PM
#11
I'm kind of struggling to understand how the art managed to get through QA... It's... awful...

I'll get the box anyway, because I want to see the movie stuff. If that wasn't there, the box art would be enough to stop me getting this entirely.

Just compare it to the original (http://withfriendship.com/images/i/40677/The-Secret-of-Monkey-Island-picture.jpg)... It's a horrible butchering, really... I'm really disappointed here.
 bakana
07-10-2011, 10:26 PM
#12
I'm kind of struggling to understand how the art managed to get through QA... It's... awful...

I'll get the box anyway, because I want to see the movie stuff. If that wasn't there, the box art would be enough to stop me getting this entirely.

Just compare it to the original (http://withfriendship.com/images/i/40677/The-Secret-of-Monkey-Island-picture.jpg)... It's a horrible butchering, really... I'm really disappointed here.

The same can sadly be said about the in-game art. The whole thing, especially the first game, is really slipshod and atrocious. Aside from the art direction just being awful an inappropriate, there are unfinished backgrounds, Guybrush walks in front of foreground elements, and the sprite frame rate is lower than the game frame rate resulting in awkward "sliding" while walking. And those are just the visual issues. These "special editions" have converted one of the standard-bearers of the genre into something that belongs in the bargain bin.

http://mimg.ugo.com/200907/10477/monkey-island-comparison.jpg)

http://xboxlivemedia.ign.com/xboxlive/image/article/988/988541/the-secret-of-monkey-island-20090601091857542_640w.jpg)
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Technology/Pix/pictures/2009/7/21/1248170273292/Secret-Monkey-Island-001.jpg)
 MusiclyInspired
07-11-2011, 2:27 AM
#13
The game underneath is still the same and worthy of attention. Just because the art direction isn't to your liking doesn't mean it's bargain bin material.

No word on a NA release? Also, will they be Steamworks?
 evilguy
07-11-2011, 6:31 AM
#14
The game underneath is still the same and worthy of attention. Just because the art direction isn't to your liking doesn't mean it's bargain bin material.

It's the fact that obviously the games had a low budget and do not look as if they are worth a full price game.
 TheJoe
07-11-2011, 9:03 AM
#15
The same can sadly be said about the in-game art. The whole thing, especially the first game, is really slipshod and atrocious. Aside from the art direction just being awful an inappropriate, there are unfinished backgrounds, Guybrush walks in front of foreground elements, and the sprite frame rate is lower than the game frame rate resulting in awkward "sliding" while walking. And those are just the visual issues. These "special editions" have converted one of the standard-bearers of the genre into something that belongs in the bargain bin.


Oh, I know. I have both special editions on Steam and I've finished them.

I don't like the art in the first game, but it is vastly improved in the second and I thoroughly enjoyed playing it.
 bakana
07-11-2011, 10:01 AM
#16
It's the fact that obviously the games had a low budget and do not look as if they are worth a full price game.

Exactly. The original games were top-tier works, with amazing art direction, and amazing execution of that art direction. The remakes (particularly the first) have at best questionable art direction, the execution of which is undeniably cheap and rushed. The original MI box image could have been the cover for a victorian pirate novel. The new MI box image could be the cover for a coloring book in a 99-cent store.

The second one was definitely an improvement. I still wasn't crazy about the art direction, and found it far inferior to Purcell's work, but at least it was well-executed. Actually, now that I finally have Steam, I should pick it up for the developer commentary...
 MusiclyInspired
07-11-2011, 5:08 PM
#17
The fact that MI2:SE's art was outsourced to China should be some indication of the people currently working at LA.
 Threepwood4life
07-20-2011, 8:56 AM
#18
Found these German trailers for the Collection mainly showing behind the scenes of the commentary done by Ron Gilbert, Dave Grossman and Tim Schafer. Maybe these clips may feature as bonus content perhaps???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c-jJlxVwsk)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzmmr1YzK2g&feature=related)
 Thrik
07-20-2011, 9:41 AM
#19
I hope so. It'd be nice to be able to watch the commentary with the parts of the game they're talking about shown to us (presumably like it was shown to them), as I really can't be arsed playing it again just for the commentary. I just skipped through that video and it was interesting how Schafer pointed out the whole 'concrete rebars look like tree roots and dirt' thing which we all complained about, which is likely the real reason it got changed. :D

I approve of this pack hitting stores though. After seeing a big pile of Tales of Monkey Island boxes in the middle of GAME (huge UK chain) it's nice to have the series in stores again for real. :)
 ThunderPeel2001
07-23-2011, 8:55 AM
#20
I hope they release more of those videos . They were better than the actual commentary!
 ThunderPeel2001
07-23-2011, 8:56 AM
#21
The fact that MI2:SE's art was outsourced to China should be some indication of the people currently working at LA.

Singapore, I believe?
 ThunderPeel2001
07-23-2011, 9:00 AM
#22
Box art unveiled,

its not bad, they seem to have mixed both games box arts together and that Guybrush looks better than the 1st SE cover version.

http://www.jvn.com/jeux/articles/une-compilation-monkey-island-en-magasin.html#images)

Definitely better, but sadly still bad. He looks like a cherub that someone has drawn a beard on.
 MusiclyInspired
07-23-2011, 11:56 AM
#23
Right, Singapore. I was thinking of Space Quest 1 VGA. That was outsourced the China.
 Threepwood4life
07-23-2011, 3:56 PM
#24
I hope they release more of those videos . They were better than the actual commentary!

Ask and you shall recieve, heres another one;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XayIIHQzRo)

and another;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCuJ06Yr-98&feature=relmfu)

These vids should get posted on the front page of the site so more people can see them
 s-island
07-23-2011, 5:06 PM
#25
 Threepwood4life
07-24-2011, 8:28 AM
#26
Play.com have it up for pre-order and here is the full details of whats in the collection;

Play them again for the first time with signature Special Edition features:


All new re-imagined contemporary art style presented in glorious HD detail

Renewed music score using live instruments

Complete voice over that brings the story and characters to life like never before

Scene-for-scene hot swap between special edition and classic modes

Plus, an in-game puzzle hint system keeps the puzzles fresh and fun

Includes unique all new Special Edition features:


Intuitive direct-character controls provide a more interactive gameplay experience

Interactive object highlights provide quicker clues for useful objects

Scene-for-scene Creator commentary by Ron Gilbert and Tim Schafer chronicling the original development of Monkey Island 2

Plus, an in-game art viewer provides a glimpse of the fantastic artwork generated for the classic and Special Edition games

Plus, special bonus content including never-before-released "making of" materials and your own Monkey Island avatar code:


Unreleased concept art from both original and SE versions of each game

Making of webdocs and CG Trailer

Full length remastered game soundtracks

Complete director commentary with Ron Gilbert, Tim Schafer and Dave Grossman

ILM animated film storyboard

Avatar codes


Don't ask why Grossmans name isn't mentioned in the scene-by-scene commentary quote, that'll be a mistake on Play.coms part.
 Thrik
07-25-2011, 5:42 AM
#27
Superb.
 SyntheticGerbil
08-02-2011, 1:17 AM
#28
Ah, complete commentary. I like boxes and I will be getting this!


Plus, special bonus content including never-before-released "making of" materials and your own Monkey Island avatar code:


Unreleased concept art from both original and SE versions of each game

Making of webdocs and CG Trailer

Full length remastered game soundtracks

Complete director commentary with Ron Gilbert, Tim Schafer and Dave Grossman

ILM animated film storyboard

Avatar codes
[/LIST]

Don't ask why Grossmans name isn't mentioned in the scene-by-scene commentary quote, that'll be a mistake on Play.coms part.

I notice Amazon.co.uk has a boxed version coming out for PS3 and 360 as well on these. Does that mean those two versions also get all this extra stuff?
 Threepwood4life
08-02-2011, 8:40 AM
#29
I notice Amazon.co.uk has a boxed version coming out for PS3 and 360 as well on these. Does that mean those two versions also get all this extra stuff?

Yes, all features will be in all versions, including 360 & PS3.

Just wondered, will mixnmojo be doing a review of this collection once its released?
 MusiclyInspired
08-02-2011, 1:12 PM
#30
Why isn't this coming to North America!!?
 SyntheticGerbil
08-03-2011, 9:44 AM
#31
North America hates boxes and anything resembling a hard copy.

This has sort of been a trend over both console and PC games that are not big budget for the past two years.
 Udvarnoky
08-03-2011, 8:48 PM
#32
The practice of leaving North America out of retail releases of LEC adventure games has been tradition for a long time. Clearly the powers that be have sales figures that prove that the European market is a more viable one for boxed adventure games. It completely blows, but whatever. It will be easy enough (http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=280;0;-1;-1;-1&sku=188403) for me to import and gift this to a grade school cousin of mine I'm determined to introduce Monkey Island to.


Just wondered, will mixnmojo be doing a review of this collection once its released?

Maybe just because you chose to wonder it aloud, we will, though it would basically boil down to an overview of the new bonuses.
 Threepwood4life
09-04-2011, 1:46 PM
#33
Well the collection is out in Europe this Friday, who will be buying on first day release? I assume most will be buying the PC version which on all sites are selling for Ј7.99.
 MusiclyInspired
09-04-2011, 2:34 PM
#34
I won't be buying it at all because apparently LucasArts hates North America. :mad:
 Alex IDV
09-04-2011, 7:35 PM
#35
I won't be buying it at all because apparently LucasArts hates North America. :mad:
You could import it, I guess, but yeah, it really sucks when that game you want isn't released in your region.

Such as Professor Layton's London Life :<
 Udvarnoky
09-04-2011, 8:51 PM
#36
I'm in the US, and pre-ordered the PC version from HMV. With shipping from the UK the total comes to about twenty bucks.
 MusiclyInspired
09-05-2011, 12:40 AM
#37
Since when does HMV supply PC games? They certainly don't in Canada.
 Alex IDV
09-05-2011, 2:32 AM
#38
Since when does HMV supply PC games? They certainly don't in Canada.

I dunno, but they sold PC games in the HMV store I went to when I visited London earlier this year.
 Thrik
09-05-2011, 9:19 AM
#39
Since when does HMV supply PC games? They certainly don't in Canada.
Always have in the UK, all available online too:

http://hmv.com/hmvweb/navigate.do?ctx=-1;6;-1;-1;-1&pGroupID=6&pSubGroupID=42)
 elTee
09-05-2011, 9:24 AM
#40
The game's also on eBay, although slightly more expensive than in stores. I'm really annoyed that Activision didn't send us a review copy of this, especially as LucasArts wanted to use a quote from the Mojo review in their marketing materials. Anyway, Mojo will certainly cover the bonus content :)
 MusiclyInspired
09-05-2011, 12:15 PM
#41
HMV in Canada only started supporting video games a few years back. It's never ever had PC games, though.
 ThunderPeel2001
09-05-2011, 7:26 PM
#42
Pre-ordered B-)
 Sven_Q45
09-07-2011, 2:15 PM
#43
Mh, itґs like the re-releases in Germany, New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain. Well it was an campaign from Activision. And Activision is not in the USA. But who understands the LucasArts of today. :confused:
 Threepwood4life
09-07-2011, 4:05 PM
#44
Just got email from Amazon to say its dispatched, not long now :)
 Threepwood4life
09-08-2011, 1:36 PM
#45
Collection just turned up, simple DVD case and Manual isn't much to run home about, for some reason the manual covers not just the PC keyboard layout but the 360 controller layout, no mention of PS3 controller and its only 8 pages.

Mixnmojos quote is on the back of the DVD case which is great news to see.

Its one installer so both SE get installed onto your hard drive and a launcher which shows you the features. Trying to get some screenshots if I can.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/392839686.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1315501126&Signature=draZLrdOuFXUaLbxQgKoWS3uFIo%3D)

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/392839883.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1315501169&Signature=2Fnk7xlQVAx4QPmL6Tr1k82JD%2FA%3D)
 Gabez
09-08-2011, 2:11 PM
#46
Mixnmojos quote is on the back of the DVD case which is great news to see.


Awesome! We wondered about that but didn't think it would happen. Can you get a photo or scan of that? It would be ace.
 Threepwood4life
09-08-2011, 2:13 PM
#47
 Gabez
09-08-2011, 2:15 PM
#48
Wow, that's great. Thanks a lot for photographing it. And they got our URL up there so maybe we'll see some new visitors. >:D

What are the other quote sources? Curious what crowd Mojo has been put with.
 Threepwood4life
09-08-2011, 2:17 PM
#49
Wow, that's great. Thanks a lot for photographing it. And they got our URL up there so maybe we'll see some new visitors. >:D

What are the other quote sources? Curious what crowd Mojo has been put with.

PC Zone (RIP) and Play UK

Also MI:SE E3 2009 award and MI 2's PC Gamer Editors Choice award.
 Gabez
09-08-2011, 3:54 PM
#50
Pictures have gone off-line... if you e-mail them to me (gabez@mixnmojo.com) I can upload them to somewhere more permanent.
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