Mole Mania (GB)

In the classic Game Boy puzzle game Mole Mania, players take on the role of the brave mole, Muddy Mole, whose mission is to rescue his family – consisting of his wife and seven children – from the clutches of the evil Jinbe. The simple storyline provides enough motivation for Muddy to overcome a series of challenging puzzles.

The gameplay of Mole Mania revolves around clever puzzle mechanics that combine object-pushing with digging tunnels. Each stage is a complex labyrinth, often comprising multiple layers or different areas (above ground and underground). Players must move objects like cabbages, barrels, or blocks to clear paths, activate switches, or bury enemies. A unique aspect of the game is the ability to dig holes and move between different screen layers. When Muddy digs a hole, he can fall through or emerge at a corresponding position on another screen, creating unique spatial puzzles that demand high logical thinking.

The puzzles in Mole Mania progressively become more complex. Sometimes, you'll need to push a cabbage into the correct position to block an enemy or open a gate. Other times, you'll need to use your digging ability to bypass obstacles, reach an isolated area, or even trick enemies into traps. Enemies in the game are generally not aggressive but rather serve as part of the puzzle, requiring players to find clever ways to neutralize or bypass them.

Each world in Mole Mania culminates in a boss battle. These battles not only require movement skills but also demand players to apply their puzzle-solving abilities to discover the boss's weak points and defeat them. For example, you might have to push an object into the boss or use the surrounding environment to inflict damage. Additionally, throughout the stages, Muddy can collect items such as keys to unlock new areas or food to restore health. With its simple yet effective graphics and deep gameplay, Mole Mania is a hidden gem in the Game Boy puzzle genre.