Few characters from the early days of home computing have endured in the way Monty Mole has. Mischievous, determined, and endearingly resourceful, Monty’s escapades have spanned decades, and now, The Monty Mole Collection gathers six of his most iconic adventures into one lovingly curated anthology. For fans who remember dodging flying pickets or outwitting Scudmore Prison guards, this compilation is a nostalgic treasure. For newcomers, it’s a whimsical crash course in retro platforming ingenuity.
What’s in the Collection?
This collection includes six Monty Mole titles, each with its own personality, challenges, and story:
1. Wanted! Monty Mole
Monty launches a daring coal‑snatching raid on a South Yorkshire pit, dodging hazards like flying pickets, mammal‑eating fish, crushers, roaming drills, and even hovering hairspray. The game’s climax takes Monty to Arthur’s castle in pursuit of the one thing that can defeat him: a ballot paper. The game is chaotic, humorous, and firmly establishes Monty’s irreverent charm.
2. Monty is Innocent
Sentenced to five years in Scudmore Prison for stealing a single bucket of coal, Monty must rely on his crafty friend Sam Stoat to free him. This game emphasizes clever evasion and precise timing, giving players a taste of classic Monty Mole platforming with a narrative-driven twist.
3. Sam Stoat: Safebreaker
The mustelid malefactor Sam Stoat returns to claim his own spotlight. Previously instrumental in Monty’s jailbreak, Sam now pursues a big score of his own. The game retains the familiar platforming mechanics but adds a unique flavour by allowing players to experience the story from Sam’s perspective — a fresh spin on the Monty universe.
4. Monty on the Run
After escaping Scudmore Prison with Sam Stoat’s help, Monty aims to reach freedom via a cross-channel ferry. This is the series’ most celebrated entry, with multi-screen levels, complex hazards, and a healthy dose of humour. Collecting gold coins while dodging enemies and environmental traps offers a thrilling blend of speed, timing, and strategy.
5. Auf Wiedersehen Monty
Monty’s journey continues across Europe, pursued relentlessly by Intermole and other authorities. Players guide him as he gathers enough cash to settle on a private Mediterranean island. This game expands the scale and ambition of the series, introducing longer levels, more intricate platforming, and inventive hazards, all while maintaining Monty’s trademark charm.
6. Moley Christmas
A festive diversion originally bundled with a computer magazine, this game finds Monty delivering the very same game to the magazine’s offices — a meta twist full of humour. Across four levels, players jump, climb, dodge hazards, and collect items, enjoying a playful, light-hearted holiday-themed romp.
Gameplay & Controls
What unites all the Monty titles is their tight, responsive controls and a rhythm that rewards patience, timing, and pattern recognition. Monty’s movement has a slight slide, jumps feel weighty yet predictable, and hazards demand precision. Older gamers will recall the satisfaction of mastering his quirks, while new players benefit from modern conveniences like save states and rewind features, making the challenging retro mechanics more accessible without diluting the satisfaction of a well-earned victory.
Each game introduces unique mechanics while retaining the core platforming identity:
- Wanted! and Monty is Innocent focus on dodging hazards and navigating single-screen challenges.
- Monty on the Run and Auf Wiedersehen Monty expand into multi-screen levels with collectibles, introducing light exploration and strategy.
- Sam Stoat: Safebreaker shifts perspective, providing fresh mechanics for seasoned players.
- Moley Christmas offers quick, whimsical levels ideal for shorter sessions or casual play.
The diversity of gameplay ensures the collection never feels repetitive, and the difficulty scaling across titles caters both to veterans and newcomers.
Visuals & Sound
Graphically, the collection faithfully reproduces the distinctive 8-bit and 16-bit aesthetics of its era. Each title features bold sprites, clear environments, and animations that are charming rather than sophisticated — but that’s precisely the point. Retro filters allow players to replicate classic CRT displays, or enjoy clean modern scaling.
Sound design follows suit: classic chiptune tracks, playful jingles, and distinctive effects accompany each level. From the slapstick chaos of Monty’s encounters with hazards to the festive tunes of Moley Christmas, the audio adds to the series’ enduring personality. It’s simple, but it works — complementing the gameplay without overwhelming it.
Strengths
- Complete Collection: All six classic Monty titles in one package.
- Charm and Personality: Monty’s humour, quirky hazards, and whimsical scenarios remain delightful.
- Modern Quality of Life: Save states, rewinds, and visual filters make retro gameplay accessible.
- Variety: Each game introduces different challenges, from single-screen dodging to multi-screen exploration.
- Replay Value: Secrets, collectibles, and speed runs keep players returning.
Weaknesses
- Retro Difficulty: Pattern memorisation can frustrate newcomers unfamiliar with classic platforming logic.
- Minimal Narrative Depth: While charming, stories are simple and episodic.
- Visual Limitations: Aesthetic is faithful but rudimentary by modern standards.
Overall Experience
The Monty Mole Collection isn’t just a nostalgic trip; it’s a celebration of a unique platforming hero. With six titles showcasing Monty’s best adventures, the collection balances challenging gameplay, humour, and charm, while modern enhancements make it approachable for new audiences. Whether you’re reliving the chaos of Scudmore Prison, evading Intermole across Europe, or enjoying a festive dash in Moley Christmas, this compilation is a testament to creative design in early gaming.
It’s the perfect collection for retro enthusiasts, platforming fans, and anyone who appreciates quirky, enduring characters in games.
Final Verdict
The Monty Mole Collection delivers a comprehensive, faithful, and enjoyable anthology of one of retro gaming’s most endearing characters. Despite the occasional challenge posed by vintage difficulty, the series’ charm, variety, and modern accessibility features make it a must-have for fans and newcomers alike.
