Retro Review: Bonk’s Adventure for the TurboGrafx-16

Bonk’s Adventure for the TurboGrafx-16 is a 2D side-scrolling platformer that has cemented its place in gaming history. Developed by Red Company and published by Hudson Soft, this game was a standout title for the TurboGrafx-16, a console that struggled against the dominance of the NES and later the SNES and Sega Genesis. It was released in Japan as PC Genjin in 1989 and came to North America in 1990.

For those unfamiliar with the TurboGrafx-16, it was a console that featured an 8-bit CPU but boasted impressive 16-bit graphics capabilities, making it a unique player in the late 80s and early 90s console wars. Its library included many hidden gems, with Bonk’s Adventure being one of its crown jewels.

Developer Background

Red Company, now known as Red Entertainment, was a relatively new player in the game development scene when Bonk’s Adventure was created. They were known for their innovative and quirky game designs, and Bonk’s Adventure was no exception. The game’s development team, led by Akihiro Akamatsu, crafted a title that was both visually appealing and fun to play. Hudson Soft, the publisher, was already a prominent name in the industry, known for titles like Bomberman and Adventure Island.

My first time playing Bonk’s Adventure was in the early 1990s when I borrowed my friend Chris’s TurboGrafx-16. From the moment I powered up the console and saw Bonk’s quirky, expressive face on the screen, I was hooked. The vibrant levels and the unique headbutt mechanic were unlike anything I had experienced in other platformers. I spent countless hours exploring every nook and cranny, determined to uncover all the game’s secrets. It was an unforgettable experience that solidified my love for this charming, prehistoric adventure.

Story

The story of Bonk’s Adventure is simple yet charming. Players take on the role of Bonk, a prehistoric caveman with an unusually large head. Bonk’s mission is to rescue the beautiful Princess Za, who has been kidnapped by the evil King Drool. The narrative is straightforward, but it’s the whimsical presentation and character designs that make it memorable. The game doesn’t rely heavily on text or dialogue; instead, it uses expressive animations and vibrant visuals to tell its story.

Graphics and Music

One of the standout features of Bonk’s Adventure is its graphics. The TurboGrafx-16’s capabilities are on full display here, with colorful, detailed sprites and smooth animations. Bonk himself is a lovable character, with exaggerated facial expressions and fluid movements. The game’s environments are varied and richly detailed, from lush jungles to icy landscapes and fiery volcanoes. Each level feels distinct and is brimming with visual charm.

The music in Bonk’s Adventure is equally impressive. Composed by Tsukasa Masuko, the soundtrack is upbeat and catchy, perfectly complementing the game’s playful tone. Each level has its own unique theme, and the sound effects are crisp and satisfying. The combination of vibrant graphics and lively music creates an immersive experience that draws players into Bonk’s prehistoric world.

Gameplay

Bonk’s Adventure shines in its gameplay mechanics. Unlike other platformers of its time, Bonk doesn’t rely on traditional weaponry. Instead, he uses his massive head to attack enemies. Players can jump and then perform a mid-air headbutt to defeat foes, or simply run into them headfirst. This unique mechanic sets Bonk apart from other platforming heroes.

The game’s controls are tight and responsive, making it a joy to navigate through the various levels. Bonk can also climb walls using his teeth, adding an extra layer of strategy to the platforming sections. The level design is clever, with hidden areas and power-ups scattered throughout. Players can collect pieces of meat to power up Bonk, making him stronger and giving him special abilities, such as temporary invincibility.

Reception

When Bonk’s Adventure was released, it received positive reviews from both critics and players. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music. In an era dominated by Mario and Sonic, Bonk managed to carve out his own niche. Many gamers fondly remember Bonk’s Adventure as a standout title on the TurboGrafx-16.

“Bonk’s Adventure is one of those games that perfectly captures the spirit of its era. It’s fun, challenging, and full of personality,” said John Dee, a member of the Retro Replay community.

Replay Value

Bonk’s Adventure offers a substantial amount of replay value. The game’s levels are filled with secrets to discover, and players will want to replay them to find every hidden area and power-up. Additionally, the game’s charming presentation and solid gameplay mechanics make it a title that players will want to return to time and again. Whether you’re aiming for a high score or simply enjoying the nostalgic experience, Bonk’s Adventure has plenty to offer.

Fun Facts

1. Bonk’s Adventure was known as PC Genjin in Japan, a play on words combining “PC Engine” (the Japanese name for the TurboGrafx-16) and “genjin,” which means “primitive man” in Japanese. This clever wordplay highlights the game’s prehistoric theme and its platform of origin.
2. Bonk’s Adventure spawned several sequels and spin-offs, including Bonk’s Revenge and Bonk 3: Bonk’s Big Adventure. These sequels continued to build on the unique gameplay mechanics and charming aesthetics that made the original so beloved.
3. The character Bonk was initially intended to be the mascot for the TurboGrafx-16. While he never reached the iconic status of Mario or Sonic, Bonk remains a beloved figure in retro gaming circles.
4. Bonk’s Adventure was re-released on several platforms, including the Nintendo Wii’s Virtual Console, allowing a new generation of gamers to experience this classic title. The game also saw ports to the Game Boy and the Amiga.

Links and References

To delve deeper into the world of Bonk’s Adventure and its place in gaming history, here are some reputable sources:

1. Bonk’s Adventure on Wikipedia: A comprehensive overview of the game’s development, release, and legacy.
2. Red Entertainment’s Official Website: Learn more about the developer behind Bonk’s Adventure and their other projects.
3. Hudson Soft’s Legacy: Explore the history of the publisher that brought Bonk to life.