The Voice of Guybrush Threepwood: Why I Can’t Master Maniac Mansion
The Monkey Island star discusses his gaming habits and the titles that define his personal library.
A Legend's Personal Picks
Dominic Armato, known to millions as the voice of Guybrush Threepwood in the iconic LucasArts series Monkey Island, has worked on many significant projects throughout his career. However, when it comes to his personal computer and Steam library, he is just like any other gamer. For Armato, games are not just work; they are a world where he seeks relaxation and new experiences.
Interestingly, Armato’s career began at the very company whose games remain an integral part of his collection today. Despite this, he candidly admits that there is one classic title he simply cannot connect with: Maniac Mansion. While he acknowledges its historical importance, he finds the gameplay quite exhausting and tedious.
Why Thief Remains His Favourite
Although Steam statistics show his most-played project is Red Dead Redemption 2—with approximately 290 hours logged, largely during the COVID-19 pandemic—Armato considers the true champion to be Thief: The Dark Project. The game was special to him for its atmosphere and its then-revolutionary 3D sound system, which allowed players to pinpoint enemy locations based solely on audio.
Armato recalls spending 15 to 20 hours on each level of Thief. His personal rule was to neutralise every enemy and stack them in a corner, allowing him to explore the area in peace. This approach illustrates just how deeply he immersed himself in the game's world.
Digital Order and Peculiar Habits
Beyond the gaming world, Armato also discusses his daily routine. For instance, he uses a small utility called Klack, which makes his laptop keyboard sound like a mechanical one while typing. Armato says this peculiar habit helps him focus during the writing process.
As for his workspace, Armato maintains strict digital discipline. His desktop is always organised, and he files documents using a specific year-month-day format to ensure he can easily find any file in his archives. This methodical approach extends to his hobbies; as a culinary critic, he has kept photos of every menu and dish he has encountered over the last 15 years.
Armato’s story serves as a reminder that even the most famous voices in the industry are gamers at heart, just like the rest of us. They seek solace in games, have favourite genres, and face the same challenges as any other enthusiast.