Partner Shop
Uncover the charm of Diggy Diggy Mole, a new NES platformer channeling Metroid vibes and delivering retro platforming fun.
A New NES Platformer Digs Up Retro Excitement
There’s something electric about seeing a brand-new NES game arrive on cartridge—especially one that isn’t just a nostalgia cash-in, but genuinely feels fresh. Diggy Diggy Mole marches right into this territory, shovel (and mole) in hand, promising an experience that’s equal parts Metroid homage and quirky original adventure.
Meet the Mole: A Not-So-Typical Antihero on a Mission
Let’s start with the premise. You’re not Samus, not Mario, not even a blue hedgehog—no, you’re a mole with a pickaxe jammed straight into your noggin, and the stakes are weirdly high. The goal? Burrow through the earth, unearth lost treasure, and, oh yeah—settle a debt with the mafia. (Didn’t see that coming, did you?) As wild as it sounds, there’s a certain irreverence here that instantly sets Diggy Diggy Mole apart. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but the gameplay means business.
Digging, Jumping, and Platforming Through Four Distinct Worlds
Drop underground, and you’re greeted by a retro world that’s both familiar and full of surprises. The game is built around four main locations, each packed with obstacles, secrets, and hazards. The platforming is brisk, with a bit of parkour flair—think wall-jumps, tight corridors, and the ever-present risk of spike-headed baddies or jagged rock formations. The digging mechanic isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a necessity. You’ll be tunneling, burrowing, and breaking through blockades, all while dodging threats that would make any 8-bit mole sweat.
Unlocking The Mole’s True Potential—One Pickaxe at a Time
What keeps things spicy is the progression system. By collecting more pickaxes, you unlock a suite of new mole abilities. Some grant aerial mobility, others supercharge your ground movement, and all of them help you navigate the increasingly tricky underground labyrinths. It’s like Metroid’s upgrades, but with a furry twist. I’ll admit, at first, I wondered if these power-ups would feel meaningful or just like checkbox additions. After spending time with the game, though, each new skill genuinely expands what you can do and how you approach the environment.
A Handmade Touch: 100% Assembly Code for the NES
Here’s a detail that will make retro dev purists swoon: Diggy Diggy Mole was coded entirely by hand in 6502 assembly language. No fancy middleware, no shortcuts—just pure, painstaking effort from the Novasplore Games crew (Geek_Joystick, Tumulde, and Heosphoros). That kind of dedication is rare, and you can feel it in the tight controls and responsive gameplay. Of course, being so true to the hardware means a few quirks: occasional flicker, the odd slow-down. But these are gentle reminders you’re playing on the real deal, not a modern emulator in disguise.
Demo Impressions and Early Buzz
It’s easy to be skeptical about new NES releases—many promise the moon and deliver only a light dusting of retro stardust. But Diggy Diggy Mole’s January 2026 demo on itch.io was a major turning point. Immediately, it became clear this wasn’t just another homebrew platformer. The controls felt dialed-in, the level design was Celeste-tight, and the chiptune soundtrack was an unexpected highlight. I’ll admit I was hesitant going in, but the game’s energy won me over.
Physical Edition: What’s in the Box?
For collectors and purists, the physical NES edition is more than a nostalgia play—it’s a proper package. Here’s what you get for your $54 (50 euro):
- Game cartridge (NES or Famicom)
- Dust sleeve for the cartridge
- Full-color cardboard box
- Full-color manual
- Foam insert
- PDF booklet
It’s the kind of box you’d gladly display, not just stash away. I did raise an eyebrow at the price, which is on the higher side, but considering the boutique production and multi-region compatibility (PAL and NTSC support out of the box), it feels justified for serious collectors.
Compatibility and Region Details
One thing that can trip up NES enthusiasts is region locking, but Diggy Diggy Mole sidesteps that headache. Thanks to a multi-region security chip, the game works on any NES, whether it’s a front-loader or top-loader, and on both European and North American consoles. It’s a thoughtful touch that shows the devs aren’t just making a game—they’re considering the realities of retro hardware in 2026 and beyond.
Check Out Diggy Diggy Mole in Action
Final Thoughts: Where the Mole Shines—and Where It Doesn’t
It’s rare to see a new NES platformer hit all the right notes: tight platforming, clever mechanics, and a sense of humor that doesn’t wear thin. Diggy Diggy Mole manages most of this, though I have to admit, the story’s mafia angle feels a bit tacked-on. Sometimes, the relentless difficulty spikes can frustrate, especially if you’re not blessed with speedrunner reflexes. My first impression was that the digging might get repetitive—but as the abilities unlock, the gameplay truly opens up, and the world feels bigger and more dynamic.
Diggy Diggy Mole is a love letter to an era that refuses to die. Whether you’re here for the challenge, the music, or just the joy of holding a new NES box in 2026, there’s something undeniably special about this little mole’s journey. Would you go underground for one more NES adventure?
FAQ
- What is Diggy Diggy Mole and who developed it?
Diggy Diggy Mole is a new NES platformer with Metroid-inspired mechanics, developed by Novasplore Games (Geek_Joystick, Tumulde, and Heosphoros). - Does Diggy Diggy Mole work on all NES systems?
Yes, thanks to its multi-region security chip, Diggy Diggy Mole is compatible with both PAL and NTSC NES consoles, including front-loading and top-loading systems. - What comes with the physical NES edition of the game?
The boxed edition includes a game cartridge, dust sleeve, full-color box, manual, foam insert, and a PDF booklet. - How do you unlock new abilities in Diggy Diggy Mole?
By collecting pickaxes throughout the game, you gradually gain new skills that make traversing and digging through the world more dynamic. - Is the game’s difficulty suitable for newcomers?
The game delivers a tough challenge with some steep difficulty spikes, but patience and practice make it rewarding even for those new to retro platformers.
Want more deep dives into the world of retro platformers and new NES releases? Subscribe to our newsletter here and never miss a mole-sized update!
