I didn't have too much against
Monkey Island 3 or
4, but I think it's a great pity - something of a minor tragedy - that Ron Gilbert actually wants to finish his original trilogy (
making the true Monkey Island 3 which is as good as written) but is denied the opportunity to do so simply due to the technical ownership of the franchise.
The fact that a company will flog another persons creation for the prospect of unecessary profit in such a manner, sits as ill with me as the most immoral examples of software piracy. It's true that we
might never have seen the likes of
Monkey Island had LucasArts not funded the project, and I'm not even sure what the working relationship was like - but
please, there's a limit to which professional dignity can be maintained (
and LucasArts are definately running on fumes).
The above accepted, I thought the character of
Murray in
MI3 was bloody hilarious & very well voiced, to boot.
On the subject of 3D adventures, I'm inclined to agree that few work as well as the (
contemporarily considered) traditional 2D point-n-clicks. However, every once in a while someone tries to push boundaries & try something that is genuinely in the best interests of the project they're working on - at which point, sparks of brilliance aren't uncommon.
Grim Fandango was largely successful because of this innovation - whilst
Monkey Island 4 was arguably that much weaker for standing firmly on the shoulders of other peoples inspiration.
Gabriel Knight 3 had it's faults, but along with some remarkable writing it's engine was one of great potential - and it's a great pity that the concept hasn't been notably developed upon.
Perhaps we should start a 'Save Ron & Jane' petition, instead ...
).
.