Chapter 2 of Threepwood’s episodic exploits is more expansive and more satisfying than the first, even if it ultimately feels like the second dish in a prolonged five course meal.

When ineffectual pirate Guybrush Threepwood made his long-overdue return in Telltale’s first Monkey Island episode ‘Launch of the Screaming Narwhal,’ it was received with more of a pleasant welcome than the ecstatic reaction adventure gamers might have hoped for. Chapter 1 was an infuriating tease, charming us with its splendid features and dry wit before darting out the door as things were looking serious. Suddenly, a month seemed like a very long time – and that month casually extended into six weeks.

Previous Telltale episodes have essentially been standalone in structure, with each instalment ending in a satisfying enough manner, with a few background stories or a common antagonist to tie the “seasons” together. Tales of Monkey Island has clearly taking a different approach, with the chapters telling a more ambitious continuing narrative. While this will undoubtedly serve the series well when the complete saga has been released, on a monthly basis it’s akin to being forbidden from watching an enthralling movie for more than ten minutes per day. This inherent problem aside, ‘The Siege of Spinner Cay’ is a superior effort in many ways, with more environments and Telltale’s signature “so simple once you’ve solved them” puzzles.

As recounted by the all-knowing series staple Voodoo Lady, we previously left Guybrush at the tip of pirate hunter Morgan LeFlay’s sword. Several obtuse actions later, and LeFlay has fled with Guybrush’s zombified hand – now replaced with a surprisingly practical hook – leaving the Screaming Narwhal no option but to set sail for Jerkbait Islands. Here, in search of Voodoo Lady’s ex-squeeze DeCaro and La Esponja Grande, Guybrush encounters the mer-people of Spinner Cay. According to legend this big sponge has the power to soak up the Pox of LeChuck, which is slowly spreading across the Caribbean and turning surly islanders into the (only marginally more) malicious undead.