Issue #89: Mojo Takes You to School
University, even. SCUMM U at that.
Let’s just jump into it, shall we?
The big one from us this week is the launch of Jason’s epic tome on SCUMM University:
If you’re not familiar with SCUMM U, it was simply a way for new LucasArts developers to learn the SCUMM scripting language.
You’ll find all kinds of weird little factoids within the article, alongside interviews with Jennifer Sward, Tami Borowick, Mike Stemmle, and many others. There’s even art in possibly haven’t seen before. For example:
SCUMM: VM Style
ScummVM is smacking it down with an interesting update…
Read the official update. Interestingly, this means you can play Monkey Island 2: Special Edition in classic mode with both speech and MT-32 music. For some – many? – that might be the ultimate way to enjoy the game.
And, what’s all this MT-32 business? Check out our article on the subject. It’s DREAMM heavy, but also has a SCUMM section.
Speaking of DREAMM, version four is on the way, so keep an eye out on that.
Jake Speaks
Firewatch apparently turns ten this year. What on god’s green earth? Setting aside that we’re all ancient, let’s focus on the positive: Laura Cress sat down with Mojo alumni1, Jake Rodkin, to talk about the game:
And, in other Jake-related news, Skunkape will be releasing a Poker Night at the Inventory special edition on March 5th.
Lookin’ good!
This Week in Mojo History
18 years ago this week, Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space: Night of the Raving Dead. (One day earlier on GameTap, but who subscribed to that?)
Last week, we asked if you were excited for Double Fine’s new title, Kiln. 64% probably weren’t, while 14% needed more information. 21% gave a resounding Yes!
Today, let’s ask the (more or less) same question about Poker Night:
Merch!
Only the best! Mojo has a web store for all your apparel and decoration needs! Don the original LucasArts logo, Manny Calavera’s face, or the OG Adventurer logo, though be warned: Popularity will smack you in your face when you wear – or display – these masterpieces.
Full News Roundup
08 Feb: SCUMM U alumni regale us with their campus hijinks: Imagine going to college with Sam and Max.
04 Feb: Skunkape selects dessert, now tackling Poker Night at the Inventory: The ex-Telltale restoration artisans push in their chips on the next remaster.
04 Feb: Cress SCUMMs It, Documentary Style: Twenty-nine years in and coming up with pun-y headlines is becoming difficult.
Last Week’s Mojole Results
It’s the game that sweeps the nation! Can you beat Mojole, our fiendishly difficult daily puzzler? Only hardcore LucasArts aficionados need apply.
03 Feb: “drown##” – Guybrush can only hold his breath for so long.
04 Feb: “lila###” – A new pirate leader.
05 Feb: “chums##” – The ‘secret’ angler society.
06 Feb: “cogg###” – Cogg Island -- the hidden, easter-egg island in ReMI.
07 Feb: “cava###” – Coronado de Cava, from Tales.
08 Feb: “body###” – Something of the body.
09 Feb: “ibm####” – ... compatible. The platform of choice for many gamers back in the day. And even now. You swine should have gotten an Amiga instead!
And for the competitive amongst you, the Mojole forum thread has gone strong for more than two years. The two juggernauts to beat: Sushi and Huz.
Become a Mojoer! (sponsored content)
Hey, kids, do you want to become one of us? Why not join our Patreon? One single dollar will make you a Friend of Mojo. And for the privileged few, there’s the $5 Diamond Club tier, which will earn you a special mention in The Adventurer. Join now! Our interns are hard at work finishing up the special mention section!
The International House of Mojo: Web, Bluesky, YouTube, and Mastodon.
The Monkey Island SCUMM Bar: Web, Bluesky, and Mastodon.
The Grim Fandango Network: Web, Bluesky, and Mastodon.
Technically he never resigned, so change that to “staffer.”