Bonk's Adventure (1993-)

• Developer: Atlus

• Publisher: Hudson Soft

• Genre: Platform

• Composer: Kunio Komatsu

Bonk's Adventure, developed by Red Company and released in 1990, was published by Hudson Soft for the NES in North America and Japan. The game originally debuted on the TurboGrafx-16, but the NES version brought the platforming charm to a wider audience. While the NES port came a bit later than the original release, it retained the core elements that made the title popular. The game’s appeal was rooted in its prehistoric theme and quirky protagonist, offering a fresh alternative to the usual plumber or animal mascots of the era.

The game follows Bonk, a strong, bald caveman who uses his large head as a weapon, primarily by headbutting enemies and breaking through obstacles. The gameplay draws inspiration from classic side-scrolling platformers but adds a distinctive prehistoric flavor, combining action and exploration. Players navigate through diverse environments filled with dinosaurs, cavemen, and other prehistoric creatures. The unique combat mechanic—using Bonk’s head as a primary weapon—sets it apart from other platformers and adds an element of humor and strategy to the gameplay.

One interesting aspect of Bonk's Adventure is the cultural adaptation in its title for the European market. Due to the slang meaning of the word "bonk" in some English-speaking countries, particularly as a euphemism for sexual activity, the game was renamed to "BC Kid" in Europe. This name change reflected the sensitivity to regional language and cultural differences, ensuring the game’s appeal without risking unintended connotations. The soundtrack of Bonk's Adventure is lively and energetic, perfectly capturing the prehistoric and playful tone of the game, helping to immerse players in its imaginative world.

Bonk's Adventure had no prequel but spawned several sequels, including Bonk's Revenge and Bonk 3: Bonk’s Big Adventure, primarily on TurboGrafx-16. The NES port helped introduce Bonk to a broader audience and contributed to the character’s status as a mascot for the TurboGrafx-16 console. It was promoted as a fun, family-friendly alternative to other platformers, emphasizing its unique protagonist and setting. Reception was generally positive, with critics praising its originality, gameplay, and charm, although some noted the NES port had graphical limitations compared to the TurboGrafx-16 original. Nonetheless, it remains a memorable title from the early 90s platformer scene.

Images from MobyGames