Bonk's Adventure: Reliving the TurboGrafx-16's Headstrong Hero

Remember the TurboGrafx-16? NEC and Hudson Soft's plucky challenger in the 16-bit console wars? While it might not have reached the heights of the Genesis or SNES, it had its own unique heroes, and perhaps none were as memorable, or as hard-headed, as Bonk. Bonk’s Adventure, originally known as PC-Genjin in Japan, landed on the scene and quickly became the de facto mascot for the system, offering a distinct flavor of platforming that stood out from the moustachioed plumbers and speedy hedgehogs of the era.

Let's take a trip back to the prehistoric age, filled with grumpy dinosaurs, floating smiley faces, and giant slabs of meat, and rediscover why Bonk's first outing remains a beloved classic for retro enthusiasts.

Who is Bonk, Anyway?

Our hero is a small, bald caveboy with an enormous, incredibly durable cranium. Born from magazine promotional material for the PC Engine (the Japanese version of the TurboGrafx-16), Bonk was designed to be NEC's answer to Mario and Sonic. He was simple, goofy, and instantly recognizable. His name, PC-Genjin, was a clever pun combining the console name (PC Engine) with "Genjin" (caveman), though thankfully, for Western audiences, he was simply renamed Bonk.

The World of Bonk

Forget lush green fields or futuristic landscapes. Bonk’s Adventure throws you into a vibrant, slightly bizarre prehistoric world. Dinosaurs aren't just enemies; they're part of the furniture, the environment, sometimes even allies. The goal? Rescue the lovely Princess Za from the clutches of the perpetually grumpy King Drool, a giant, spiky-shelled dinosaur monarch. It's a simple premise, but it sets the stage for some wonderfully weird level design and enemy encounters.

Gameplay: More Than Just a Headbutt

At its core, Bonk’s Adventure is a side-scrolling platformer, but its central mechanic sets it apart: Bonk attacks primarily with his head.

• The Headbutt: A simple tap lets Bonk deliver a standing headbutt. Jumping and pressing attack results in a mid-air bonk. The real magic happens with the diving headbutt – jump, press down, and attack to send Bonk spinning downwards, which is crucial for bouncing off enemies and even gliding across gaps.
• Meat Power-Ups: This is where things get weird and wonderful. Eating small pieces of meat makes Bonk angry, increasing his attack power. A second small piece or one large piece turns him into Angry Bonk, giving him temporary invincibility and a screen-clearing attack when he lands from a high dive. These power-ups wear off, adding a strategic layer to when you decide to chow down.
• Teeth Gripping: In certain sections, Bonk can use his surprisingly strong teeth to grab onto ledges and walls, allowing him to climb or swing. It's a unique traversal method that adds variety to the platforming.
• Health and Smileys: Bonk starts with three hearts, replenished by collecting fruit and vegetables. Rare blue hearts can even increase his maximum health permanently. Defeated enemies often release "smileys," which accumulate for bonus points at the end of each stage.

The headbutting feels incredibly satisfying, especially the diving bonk, which lets you chain bounces off multiple enemies. It feels distinct from the jump-based combat of its contemporaries.

Levels and Challenges

Bonk’s Adventure features a series of distinct stages, from rocky cliffs and volcanic caves to icy landscapes and underwater caverns. While some early levels can feel a bit simple, the game introduces clever environmental hazards and enemy types that require mastering Bonk's moveset.

Enemies range from standard walking dinos to flying creatures and bizarre, unidentifiable prehistoric oddities. Bosses are a highlight, often large, uniquely designed dinosaurs with specific weak points (usually their heads, naturally). Defeating them is rewarding, and they often transform into harmless, cute versions of themselves afterward.

The game isn't overly difficult, especially compared to some NES-era toughies, and it features a forgiving continue system, usually letting you restart at the beginning of the current stage after losing all lives. However, later levels and the final boss rush can provide a decent challenge.

Bonk's Legacy

While the TurboGrafx-16 didn't win the console war, Bonk became a popular character, starring in several sequels across the TG-16/PC Engine, Game Boy, and even the SNES. Bonk’s Adventure itself saw ports to various systems, including the NES (with significant changes) and Amiga.

For modern players, the easiest ways to experience the original TG-16 classic are through digital re-releases. It was available on the Wii and Wii U Virtual Console and, perhaps most notably, is included as one of the flagship titles on the excellent TurboGrafx-16 Mini console released in 2020. This allows a new generation to discover the simple, head-banging charm of Bonk.

Why Bonk Still Bonks

Bonk’s Adventure is more than just a historical curiosity; it's a genuinely fun and charming platformer. Its unique headbutt mechanic, quirky prehistoric setting, memorable enemies, and bizarre power-ups give it a distinct identity. It might not have the complex narratives or sprawling worlds of modern games, but its straightforward, satisfying gameplay loop and undeniable personality make it a perfect example of what made 16-bit platformers so enjoyable.

If you have a chance to play it, whether on original hardware or a modern compilation, give it a shot. You might just find yourself grinning as you bonk your way through King Drool's domain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What console was Bonk's Adventure originally released on?

The original Bonk’s Adventure was first released in Japan on the PC Engine (TurboGrafx-16) in 1989.

Is Bonk's Adventure available on modern systems?

Yes, the TurboGrafx-16 version is included on the TurboGrafx-16 Mini console. It was also previously available on the Wii and Wii U Virtual Console.

What is the main attack in Bonk's Adventure?

Bonk primarily attacks enemies by headbutting them, including a powerful diving headbutt.

Who is the main villain in Bonk's Adventure?

The main villain is King Drool, a large, spiky dinosaur who has kidnapped Princess Za.