# Monkey Labour - 80s handheld LCD retro game

> 80s retro handheld LCD game with simple, addictive gameplay and modern features. (iPhone/iPad app by Dawn of Play.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monkey-labour-80s-handheld-lcd-retro-game/id406314711 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Dawn of Play](https://appshunter.io/developer/393743434)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Action, Casual
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 4.42/5 from 12 App Store ratings · 50 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 5.1.1 · 38 MB
- Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
- Released: 2010-12-23
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monkey-labour-80s-handheld-lcd-retro-game/id406314711/reviews.md

## What is Monkey Labour?

"Monkey Labour is a lovingly crafted riff on Nintendo’s Game & Watch handhelds, but with its own unique gameplay." -- toucharcade.com

Features:
 * Hours of endless fun!
 * Try pressing your finger on the LCD screen!
 * Retro handheld device revival!
 * Immersive attention to details!
 * Compare your scores on Game Center!
 * Unique set of achievements!

"Perfect recreation of a 1980s Game & Watch device. Great attention paid to authentic details. ... Dawn of Play remembers those early handheld games, and pays proper homage with Monkey Labour. ... Our thanks to Dawn of Play for the trip down memory lane, since Monkey Labour is clearly a labor of love." 
 - Slide to Play

Mobot the robot is expected to mindlessly labor at his job deep inside the bowels of a corporate production facility while his monkey boss vents frustration by throwing obstacles Mobot's way. 

Help Mobot stick it back to the system while avoiding being replaced by a cheaper model in this deliciously retro 80s style electronic handheld game rehash.


*************

"Gamers who remember the Long Long Ago will get a kick out of today’s leading Fresh Game, Monkey Labour. ... For a casual game with some very old-school handheld ideas behind it, but with modern additions like achievements and online leaderboards, look no further."
 - Appolicious

"... retro fun reborn ... The gameplay is simple but brilliant fun ... Monkey Labour may well be our favourite new iPhone game." 
 - electricpig.co.uk

"Dawn of Play’s first universal application entitled Monkey Labour will instantly bring you back to 80's and help educated new gamers to the enjoyment of gameplay simplicity. ... Monkey Labour features simple but addictive gameplay mechanics that any gamer will quickly get, however mastering the game will prove harder to master."
 - appversity.com

Like us on Facebook: fb.me/dawnofplay
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/dawnofplay

## Key features

- Retro handheld device revival
- Unique gameplay mechanics
- Immersive attention to details
- Endless fun
- Compare scores on Game Center
- Unique set of achievements

## Recent user reviews (10 of 50)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monkey-labour-80s-handheld-lcd-retro-game/id406314711/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Still Playing After All These Years

*2022-03-25, version 1.2*

I bought this like ten years ago to play on my iPad 2, and I've played it on every device I've had since then.  It still works great on my iPad Pro, and remains a speedy retro break.  It's a wonderful nostalgic recreation, and a fun little action game.

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work on iPhone X

*2019-06-05, version 1.2*

I used to love this game on my iPhone 6, but after upgrading my phone, it no longer works.  The app loads for a moment then shuts itself down.

### 5/5 — The 80s are here to stay!

*2018-12-03, version 1.2*

I like the game it would be cool if it was a real LCD handheld too!

### 5/5 — Early 80s Handheld Magic

*2015-10-29, version 1.2*

Ever played any of the old Game & Watch series? This is just like that. Fun, hectic, endless action just like those little handhelds. 5 stars in my book!

### 4/5 — Crashes on iOS 8 now :S

*2015-10-06, version 1.2*

As said in title

### 5/5 — Flawless

*2014-11-05, version 1.1.9*

The app store is filled with dodgy remakes of old Game and Watch games. This is something greater. It is the flawless creation of a G&W game that was never made. What's more, this would have been among the best ever made. Playing it is the feeling of finding some undiscovered classic in a thrift shop. Five stars.

### 5/5 — Better than Gas Panic

*2014-05-17, version 1.1.7*

It plays a lot like Gas Panic, my favorite G&W title, only better. Every element of it was well done. Love this game!

### 5/5 — A great ape app

*2014-01-04, version 1.1.7*

I love it when you can tell the makers really put a lot of effort into their game. A fun romp.

### 5/5 — Nostalgic and Beautifully Done

*2013-12-02, version 1.1.7*

Anybody with a fondness for the games and consoles of yesteryear should pick this up - beautifully detailed. The wave of nostalgia I got when getting engrossed into the familiar beeps and boops gave me shivers.

### 5/5 — Very nostalgic

*2013-10-30, version 1.1.7*

Love the retro lcd and sound effects

## Frequently asked questions about Monkey Labour

### What kind of game is Monkey Labour?

Monkey Labour is a retro 80s-style electronic handheld game inspired by classic Nintendo Game & Watch devices. It features simple yet addictive gameplay where you help a robot named Mobot avoid obstacles thrown by its monkey boss.

### What are the key features of Monkey Labour?

Key features include a revival of retro handheld device aesthetics, unique gameplay mechanics, immersive attention to detail, endless fun, the ability to compare scores on Game Center, and a unique set of achievements.

### How much does Monkey Labour cost?

Based on the provided information, Monkey Labour is available for free. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements.

### What platforms is Monkey Labour available on?

The description mentions it as a "new iPhone game" and a "universal application," suggesting it is available on iOS devices.

### Who would enjoy playing Monkey Labour?

This game is ideal for gamers who remember and enjoy 1980s handheld games, as well as new gamers who appreciate the simplicity and fun of classic gameplay with modern additions like achievements and leaderboards.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.2 — 2015-10-05

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

iOS 9!

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All apps by Dawn of Play: https://appshunter.io/developer/393743434

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*