Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Arcade, Platform
- Platforms: Apple II, Arcade, Atari 2600, ColecoVision, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Commodore VIC-20, DOS, Intellivision, MSX, SG-1000, Texas Instruments TI-99
- Developers: Sega Enterprises, Inc.
- Publishers: Coleco, Sega Enterprises, Inc., Texas Instruments Incorporated
Congo Bongo: Sega’s Underrated Gem from the Golden Age of Arcade Games
Released in 1983 by Sega, Congo Bongo is an isometric platform arcade game that has often been overshadowed by its more famous contemporaries, such as Donkey Kong and Pac-Man. However, Congo Bongo is a charming and challenging game in its own right, and it deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of gamers.
Gameplay
The player takes on the role of a red-nosed safari hunter who is tasked with catching an ape named Bongo. Bongo has apparently played a practical joke on the hunter by setting fire to his tent, and the hunter is seeking revenge.
The game is played from an isometric perspective, and the player must navigate the hunter through a series of jungle levels, avoiding obstacles and enemies while trying to catch Bongo. Bongo is constantly moving and jumping around the levels, and the player must use their wits and reflexes to keep up with him.
In addition to the main objective of catching Bongo, the player can also collect bananas and other items for bonus points. There are also a number of hidden areas in the game, which can be accessed by finding secret passages or using special items.
Development
Congo Bongo was developed by Sega AM2, the same team that created the classic arcade games Space Harrier and Out Run. The game was designed by Yu Suzuki, who would later go on to create the Virtua Fighter and Shenmue series.
The game was originally titled “Safari Hunt,” but it was renamed to “Congo Bongo” by Peter W. Gorrie, who was the CFO of Sega at the time. Gorrie felt that the new name was more catchy and memorable.
Release
Congo Bongo was released in arcades in 1983. The game was a commercial success, and it was ported to a number of home computers, including the Sega Master System and the Commodore 64.
Reception
Congo Bongo received positive reviews from critics upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its charming graphics, and its catchy music. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult, and they complained that the isometric perspective could be disorienting at times.
Legacy
Congo Bongo has been largely forgotten by gamers today, but it remains a cult classic among fans of classic arcade games. The game’s unique blend of platforming and puzzle-solving gameplay has inspired a number of other games, including Sega’s own Sonic the Hedgehog series.
Conclusion
Congo Bongo is a charming and challenging arcade game that deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of gamers. The game’s innovative gameplay, its charming graphics, and its catchy music make it a timeless classic. If you’re a fan of classic arcade games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Congo Bongo.
Additional Information
- Congo Bongo was one of the first arcade games to use an isometric perspective.
- The game’s music was composed by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, who also composed the music for Space Harrier and Out Run.
- Congo Bongo was ported to a number of home computers, including the Sega Master System, the Commodore 64, and the ZX Spectrum.
- The game was also released as part of the Sega Genesis Mini console in 2019.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
