Now that we've covered both Mario and Sonic, there's only one more mascot character worth talking about. No, not Bubsy the Bobcat. Or Crash Bandicoot. Or Blasto. Seriously, what's wrong with you? I'm talking about Bonk, the TurboGrafx-16's prehistoric mascot hero, who also went by the name PC Kid or PC Genjin (depending on where you were from). Although he was nowhere near as popular as his fully-clothed counterparts, I've always had a soft-spot for one of gaming's greatest cavemen. And that made me wonder: What did Electronic Gaming Monthly think about this series back when it first hit stores?
In case curious, EGM reviewed a total of four games in the Bonk series, as well as two Zonk games, Hudson's futuristic spin-off series. This includes all of the TurboGrafx sequels and one of Bonk's forays onto Nintendo hardware. We're also going to include Bomberman Hero, since that originally started out as a Bonk game (and because this list is already pretty short). What we're going to do is countdown the best and worst Bonk games using Electronic Gaming Monthly's own words and scores. There's no editorializing here, we're going to focus on what the critics said back when these games first came out. So, grab your favorite loin cloth and take a big bite of raw dinosaur meat, because this is another head-exploding episode of EGM Ranks Bonk.
Super Air Zonk (TurboDuo)
#7
"I consider myself about average when it comes to shooters, but this one was way too easy for me. Compared to other Duo games, the graphics were not as detailed as one would expect. It plays well, but you don't really power-up by choice here. If you are a loyal follower of the Bonk/Zonk theme, then this would be a good game to end the series with. Now, how about doing Dracula X?" (5 out of 10)
Bomberman Hero (Nintendo 64)
#6
"Here's what I don't understand about Bomberman Hero: It's a Bomberman game with no multiplayer mode. Bomberman isn't really known for being a magnificent one-player game, so why make a game focusing on just that? Overall, this game is a major disappointment. I just can't see spending my hard-earned cash on something so mediocre. All you do in the game is walk around, blow up enemies, find stuff, blow up more enemies and find the exit. It's a rental, at best." (5.9 out of 10)
Bonk's Adventure (Game Boy)
#5
"While it is cute to see the Turbo hero appear for the Game Boy, I am deeply disturbed by the blurred backgrounds and chopped up gameplay. Let's face it, this is a Turbo game, and should never appear on a Nintendo system. What's next, Bonk for Game Gear? Let's get real, folks. I want new titles!" (6.75 out of 10)
Air Zonk (TurboGrafx-16)
#4
"What can I say? Air Zonk is really hard-hitting fun with awesome colors and sounds. The enemies are just as entertaining as the main character himself, and wait until you see the last boss. Wow! The TurboGrafx-16 is really beginning to make a turn-around. I can't wait for more Zonk titles in the future!" (7.25 out of 10)
Bonk's Revenge (TurboGrafx-16)
#3
"Bonk at his best! Take one look at the improved graphics, and you'll love it! The famous Bonk-spin isn't as smooth, but the levels are incredible! The graphics have been improved, the sounds have also been enhanced, but the major flaw in this card is the gameplay has taken a step down. It just doesn't control as well. If you liked Bonked you might be disappointed." (7.5 out of 10)
Bonk's Adventure (TurboGrafx-16)
#2
"Forget about the Cratermazes and Final Laps, this is what the Turbo does best! Bonk is an excellent side-scrolling action/adventure loaded with superb graphics, excellent music and sound, and enough variety in the play mechanics to allow for all kinds of options. A great game." (7.5 out of 10)
Bonk 3: Bonk's Big Adventure (TurboGrafx-16)
#1
"Bonk is a great character and this third episode really shines. Although it really offers nothing completely new, except for his extreme shape changes, the game is still fun to play. The two-player co-op mode is by far the best feature. That same kooky music and the cartoony backgrounds keep this game going. Bonk 3 is a great follow-up!" (7.75 out of 10)
