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Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge
LucasArts
Released: 1991
Guybrush Threepwood returns to search for the greatest pirate treasure of all, the Big Whoop. The game was simply gorgeous with great graphics and a catchy soundtrack. But it was Monkey Island 2’s piratical humor and unforgettable characters that still make a pleasure to play today.
Above: The sequel was full of hilarious moments that often made fun of the player
Above: It also included an easy mode for beginners and game reviewers who still like to complain about difficult puzzles
The Adventures of Willy Beamish
Sierra
Released: 1991
Breaking ties withits usual cast of protagonists, Sierra’s The Adventures of Willy Beamish put you in the shoes of an all-American kid. Like most young boys, Willy loves science fiction, shenanigans, and videogames. But his dreams of entering the world “Nintari” gaming competition seem doomed to fail when his videogame privileges are revoked.
To make matters worse, his father has lost his job, the ghost of his grandfather won’t leave him alone, and it looks like his babysitter may be a vampire. Although he comes off as a total brat at times, there’s a Calvin & Hobbes-like charm to The Adventures of Willy Beamish, which made his character easy to relate to as you worked your way through the title’s puzzles while avoiding getting shipped off to military school.
Above: On the last day of school before summer break, Willy dreams of entering the Nintari Championship…
Above: …where he faces an Asian StarCraft pro with a sweet bowl haircut
Leisure Suit Larry 5: Passionate Patti Does a Little Undercover Work
Sierra
Released: 1991
Although the title clearly suggests that this is the fifth Leisure Suit Larry game, Leisure Suit Larry 5: Passionate Patti Does a Little Undercover Work is actually the fourth game in the series. If you recall, the third game ended quite neatly, with Larry and Patti programming adventure games for Sierra in a state of undress.
However, in this title Larry and Patti can’t really remember what their relationship was or how exactly they know each other. It winds up placing the burden of explaining what happened on the fourth phantom chapter, allowing the series to move forward with a fresh new plot.
This time, Larry finds himself working in the adult film industry, scouting models for America’s Sexiest Home Videos. Meanwhile, Patti gets picked up by the FBI and is recruited to investigate record companies who are suspected of slipping insidious subliminal messages into their songs.
Police Quest III: The Kindred
Sierra
Released: 1991
Players once again step into the shoes of detective Sonny Bonds. As always, the series prides itself on presenting an ultra realistic depiction of the life of a police officer. Managing evidence, filing reports, and handing out traffic citations sound like distracting chores - when a series of surreal murderers need investigating. But the seemingly mundane puzzles added tons of believability, giving you a taste of a day in the life of a police detective.
Above: The Police Quest series has always prided itself on presenting players with a realistic portrayal of a police officer…
Above: …so why is figuring out how to sneak into the women’s bathroom at your headquarters the most memorable puzzle in the game?
