Ending Oif Monkey Island

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

06-01-2025

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Guybrush Threepwood's adventures have captivated gamers for decades. But how did the swashbuckling pirate's story actually end? The answer, like the mysteries of Melee Island itself, is surprisingly complex. The "ending" of Monkey Island depends heavily on which game you're referring to, and even then, subjectivity plays a role.

Curse of Monkey Island (1997): A Bittersweet Victory

Curse of Monkey Island offered a relatively straightforward conclusion. Guybrush, having thwarted LeChuck's latest scheme, finally wins the hand of Elaine Marley. While the ending feels satisfying, it’s tinged with a sense of wistful accomplishment. The final confrontation, while cleverly executed, lacks the epic scale of previous encounters. The focus shifts from grand adventure to a quieter, more intimate resolution. It's a happily-ever-after, but one that suggests the couple's adventures are far from over.

Escape from Monkey Island (2000): A More Ambiguous Conclusion

Escape from Monkey Island, despite its title, doesn't explicitly conclude the series. It features a more chaotic and comedic ending compared to its predecessor. Guybrush’s triumph feels less decisive, and the villain, meanwhile, is left somewhat open ended. Though Guybrush and Elaine remain together, the game leaves the door wide open for future escapades, a sense of "the adventure continues" that hints at the ongoing nature of their relationship and pirate life.

Tales of Monkey Island (2009): A Serialized Saga

Tales of Monkey Island, as a five-part episodic adventure, offers a more serialized conclusion spread across multiple chapters. This fragmented narrative provides a unique, if somewhat uneven, experience. While each episode builds upon the previous one, the overall ending feels more like a stopping point rather than a definitive conclusion. The unresolved threads leave the possibility of future installments open ended, leaving a sense of anticipation.

Return to Monkey Island (2022): A Reworking of the Narrative

Return to Monkey Island attempted a retrospective conclusion, seemingly aiming to wrap up the loose ends of the series’ legacy. It succeeds in capturing the spirit of the originals while also offering a unique perspective, acknowledging the past installments and proposing a new layer of closure. But like its predecessors, the true “ending” remains in the eye of the beholder. The game concludes with a subtle sense of ambiguity, leaving room for interpretation.

The Ongoing Legacy

Regardless of the game you consider the "final" Monkey Island adventure, the series’ impact remains strong. The ambiguity woven into its endings reflects the whimsical nature of its storytelling. The true ending, perhaps, isn't a definitive victory or defeat, but the continuing legend of Guybrush Threepwood himself – a legend that continues to resonate with players. The very fact that we continue to debate the series' conclusion speaks volumes about its lasting charm.