Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Auf Wiedersehen Monty builds on the classic arcade-platform formula with a fresh European twist, sending players on a continent-spanning escape. The core mechanics revolve around precise jumps, ladder climbs, and well-timed use of bouncy platforms to traverse each of the 80 unique screens. A newly introduced super-leap move adds vertical flair, allowing Monty to clear large gaps in a single bound when charged correctly.

Monty’s traversal is further diversified by ceiling grips that let him hang and shimmy past enemies or precarious ledges. Unlike previous installments, falling from a height no longer harms Monty directly, though a careless plunge into water can quickly drain multiple lives. These adjustments create a balance between forgiving exploration and high-stakes risk when navigating hazardous environments.

Item collection remains at the heart of the experience. Players must seize Eurocheques to fund Monty’s dream purchase of the Greek island of Montos, alongside gathering airplane tickets to unlock aerial bonus stages. In the skies, Monty fends off Intermole fighter planes in a simple but satisfying shoot-’em-up interlude, rewarding skilled pilots with extra points and crucial progression items.

Graphics

Visually, Auf Wiedersehen Monty embraces the vibrant palette of mid-80s home computers, rendering Europe’s iconic landmarks with charming pixel art. From the metallic lattice of the Eiffel Tower to the gradual lean of Pisa’s bell tower, each landmark is instantly recognizable yet stylized to fit the game’s whimsical aesthetic.

Backgrounds are layered with subtle parallax scrolling, giving depth to winding Alpine passes and bustling cityscapes. Sprite animations are fluid for the era—Monty’s running and climbing motions feel responsive, and enemy sprites convey distinct personalities despite their limited frames.

Despite hardware constraints, color clashes are kept to a minimum, ensuring clarity of foreground platforms and background scenery. The consistent visual language across all 80 stages helps players intuitively learn level hazards, while occasional palette shifts signal progression into new regions of Europe.

Story

Auf Wiedersehen Monty picks up Monty Mole’s saga from Monty On the Run. Now a fugitive from the Intermole agency, Monty embarks on a grand tour of Europe in a bid to amass enough wealth to retire on Montos—a sunlit Greek island vaccine to mole—free from pursuit. This lighthearted premise provides context for each geographically themed stage.

Story beats are delivered through level design and item rewards rather than lengthy dialogue, preserving the arcade-style momentum. Wine bottles scattered across stages add a humorous twist: when Monty drinks, his movement becomes erratic, forcing players to carefully navigate until sobriety returns.

While the narrative is straightforward, it’s enriched by subtle touches—level titles referencing real cities, cheeky obstacles inspired by local customs, and the occasional newspaper headline congratulating Monty’s progress. These details maintain a playful tone, making the journey across Europe feel like an animated postcard collection.

Overall Experience

Auf Wiedersehen Monty delivers a satisfying blend of exploration, precision platforming, and light puzzle-solving. The steady difficulty curve ensures newcomers can acclimate to Monty’s controls while offering veterans hidden shortcuts and speedrun potential. The addition of super-leaps and ceiling grabs keeps gameplay fresh even after dozens of stages.

Each flight segment provides a welcome break from ground-based action, testing aerial reflexes in brief skirmishes that emphasize score-chasing and survival. The risk-reward loop of collecting wine bottles, while risky, introduces a memorable twist that separates this installment from its predecessors.

Overall, the game stands as a testament to imaginative level design and charming presentation on limited hardware. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Monty Mole series or a retro enthusiast seeking a robust platformer with European flair, Auf Wiedersehen Monty offers hours of engaging gameplay and a delightful journey from Gibraltar to Greece.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10