Bonk’s Adventure | Review

Now here is a name that might take people back…I mean way back. Originally released on the Turbo Grafx 16 in 1990 Bonk’s Adventure was actually quite fun. Colors were vibrant and the whole cartoon feel  was much different from Mario.

This whole  layout of the game is fun and funny at the same time. You take the role of, Bonk the caveman who has to save a princess. Like we haven’t heard that story plot before. Regardless, for its time this game really leaves a mark. Going through pre-historic levels and bashing everything  that gets in your way with your oversize head is just plain fun.

Just like Mario there are small power ups (meats) that will make you look like a pissed off caveman who just injected steroids in his head. Instead of jumping on enemies you can come down hard on them with your huge dome and turn them all to stone or just running through them, this works just like star power from Mario.

Another small touch was the small bonus levels you can run through by entering stone looking houses. Depending on which one you enter you would ether jump from platform to platform gathering as many fruits to bring up your score without precious health being penalized.

All in all Bonk’s Adventure is a solid 2-D platformer that works well with color, funny characters, and great music. It is a little difficult to time and move around next to walls and such but when you actually sit down and play its very enjoyable. It makes one think Turbo Grafx 16 was on to something really cool here. Also on the plus side its free. What more can you ask for?

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