Wanted: Monty Mole | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Peter Harrap
[2] (Spectrum) Antony Crowther (C64) |
Publisher(s) | Gremlin Graphics |
Platform(s) | Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum |
Release |
|
Genre(s) | Platformer |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Wanted: Monty Mole is a platform video game published in July 1984 [1] for the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 home computers. It is the first game released by Gremlin Graphics [1] and the first game in the Monty Mole series. Monty Mole is a fictional mole created by Ian Stewart, the director of the company. [1]
The player controls the titular mole who has to travel around a coal mine collecting pieces of coal and other miscellaneous objects while avoiding various nasties and the infamous crushers. [3] The style of gameplay is typical of platform games of the 1980s. The ZX Spectrum version is a flip-screen game while the Commodore 64 version uses scrolling. [4] The game was inspired by the UK miners' strike of 1984–85, and even featured a character based on union leader Arthur Scargill. [3]
Publication | Award |
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Crash | Crash Smash [5] |
Wanted: Monty Mole reached number 2 in the all-formats sales charts behind Daley Thompson's Decathlon [6] in the week up to 13 September 1984. It topped the ZX Spectrum charts in the same week [6] before being replaced by Daley Thompson's Decathlon the following week. [7] Gremlin Graphics reported that they had sold 20,000 copies in the first six weeks. [8]
The game received a positive reception from critics. Crash rated it 92%, describing it as a "fantastic Jet Set Willy type of game with excellent graphics and a good use of colour throughout". [9] Personal Computer Games gave it 80%, saying "if you can put up with a measure of frustration, Monty Mole will unearth a great deal of action for your money", while also praising the graphics. [10]
It also won Crash magazine's readers award for best platform game in 1984. [2]