This is perhaps the most eagerly awaited episode (since the first one), therefore many of you are probably wondering if it lives up to its hype. Well let me put it this way - it is perhaps the most exciting and wacky episode of the entire season. And as we all know, for Monkey Island, the wackier the better!

The ambience is easily the best out of all the chapters. From the very opening where we start off on 'the other side'(Guybrush is 'dead') until the very last minute of the game, a very pure ‘Monkey Island’ environment is created. If any of the previous chapters failed to make you feel that giddy Monkey Island feeling, then this one will for sure. The ambience also compliments the plot which is quite intriguing.

Without giving too much away, we see Guybrush in some very interesting forms (as a ghost, zombie etc) and even in these forms he retains his quirky sense of humor. Even though the graphics engine hasn't changed, Telltale Games have utilized it much better especially in creating the "Crossroads". These have a very realistic and eerie feel to them. Also worth noting is that the music further accentuates the experience. This is something that has consistently been good this season.

Another thing that stands out, but not in a good way, is that this episode is rather easy. Apart from one or two puzzles, the rest are all a piece of cake. This means you can whip through this one at quite a fast pace. The number of funny moments is in short supply. But to be fair, it’s hard to produce humor onto this grim setting. There are still some very interesting/funny characters in the afterlife though - such as the thief who turns around purposely (almost mocks you by saying 'huh what was that? a three headed monkey?') to let you steal his items just so he can steal them back.

In the end the season wraps up very neatly without leaving too many loose ends. However, I am glad they did leave a few things unanswered, otherwise I’d be a little worried about the second season (nothing officially confirmed, but seems like a no brainer at this point!). Plus, the cliff-hanger after the credits rolled was interesting and sets the stage for the second season. My personal biggest complaint would be that we don't even catch a glimpse of Monkey Island throughout the whole season! Maybe it’s just me but an installment of Monkey Island just doesn't feel complete without that! Maybe this is what left me with a satisfied yet oddly empty feeling as the game ended.  

Tales of Monkey Island is being released on an episodic basis. Chapter 5 is the last chapter for this season. The game is available on the PC and can be downloaded from: http://www.telltalegames.com/monkeyisland

Developed by: Telltale Games