Impossamole

Impossamole is a 2D platformer released for the NEC TurboGrafx-16 in 1991, originally hitting home computers like the Amiga and C64 before making the jump to consoles. It stars Monty Mole, a character who first appeared in British computer games and now finds himself on a bizarre alien mission. The TurboGrafx port was one of the later releases in the console's library, and it stands as a quirky oddity among the system's action titles. You take control of Monty, who has been recruited by extraterrestrial beings to track down their missing sacred scrolls. Gameplay is classic side-scrolling platforming: run, jump, and punch your way through levels filled with enemies, pitfalls, and obstacles. The core objective is to collect every scroll hidden across each stage, often requiring careful exploration and precise jumps. Monty can stomp on foes or use his fists to dispatch them, and there are power-ups that temporarily boost his abilities. The challenge is genuine, with tight level design that demands both reflexes and patience. Impossamole doesn't reach the heights of Bonk or Splatterhouse on the TurboGrafx, but it has a cult following thanks to its odd premise and Monty Mole's British charm. It's a solid, straightforward platformer that fills a niche for fans of the genre who want something a little different. If you enjoy digging up lesser-known retro titles and can handle a fair amount of difficulty, this one is worth a look. It's not a masterpiece, but it has personality.