Does neo spacian grand mole have to be face up for it's effect to work?

Question

If my opponent attacks my facedown grand mole does it's effect still work?

Answer 1

Card # DP06-EN002

Card Name Neo-Spacian Grand Mole

Card Type Monster

Monster Type Rock

Attribute EARTH

Level 3

Attack 900

Defense 300

Is Effect Yes

Is Fusion No

Is Ritual No

Is Union No

Is Spirit No

Is Toon No

Text

If this card attacks or is attacked by an opponent's monster, you can return both monsters to their owners' hands at the start of the Damage Step (without damage calculation).

Rulings

# This is a Trigger Effect

# This effect activates in the Damage Step, before a face-down monster is flipped face-up. (Therefore, this effect will not activate if a face-down "Neo-Spacian Grand Mole" is attacked. Also, if "Neo-Spacian Grand Mole" attacks a face-down Flip Effect Monster, you can return both monsters to the owners' hands without activating the Flip Effect.)

# This effect does not target.

Answer 2

yes, it has to be face up. just leave him in attack mode, since you can't take damage anyways! :]

"This effect activates in the Damage Step, before a face-down monster is flipped face-up. (Therefore, this effect will not activate if a face-down "Neo-Spacian Grand Mole" is attacked. Also, if "Neo-Spacian Grand Mole" attacks a face-down Flip Effect Monster, you can return both monsters to the owners' hands without activating the Flip Effect.) "

straight from tcg card rulings

Answer 3

the effect still works if he's face down.