Escape From Monkey Island for the PlayStation 2 sees Guybrush Threepwood, return for more daring do.

This time he has got himself wed.

His bride is Governor Elaine Marley-Threepwood, a society beauty with political clout and some back-stabbingly evil enemies.

Back from honeymoon, she finds she has been declared legally dead because she has been away for three months.

The governor's mansion is to be torn down and her rival is intent on taking her job, promising free grog and good times for all.

After three successive Monkey Island games you would think our hero was a bit exhausted.

However, peace and quiet will not reign until Guybrush has saved the missus and her career, banished the baddies and had a few meaningless conversations with drunken pirates to find the information needed to complete the level.

You have to think your way rather than fight your way through the game.

Monkey Island has always required brains rather than brawn and the fourth incarnation is no exception.

This is a game which requires hours, days and weeks of dedication, so if you have a partner or a hectic life something might have to give before you reach the end.

Whether you'll like this game or not lies in your own preferences. If you simply want to turn on the computer, learn some moves and battle to your heart's content, you will probably have seen enough after the first scene.

If you want an absorbing, humorous game requiring strategy, memory and patience which is ultimately rewarding, Escape From Monkey Island may be one of the best-ever.

Price: £39.99.

www.lucasarts.com
Feel good factor: 8 out of 10.