Summary
- Release Year: 1994
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Wii
- Developers: Red Company
- Publishers: Hudson Soft, Konami
Super Bonk (1994): A Prehistoric Platforming Adventure Through Time
Released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Bonk is the fourth installment in the popular Bonk series of side-scrolling platformer games. Developed by Hudson Soft and published by NEC, Super Bonk continues the adventures of the titular caveman as he travels through time to battle his arch nemesis, King Drool.
Gameplay
Super Bonk retains the core gameplay mechanics of its predecessors, with players controlling Bonk as he jumps, headbutts, and uses power-ups to progress through a variety of levels. New to Super Bonk is the ability to carry spring flowers on Bonk’s head, which can be used to attack enemies and solve puzzles. Bonk can also now find candies that change his size from tiny to huge, allowing him to access new areas and overcome obstacles.
The game’s levels are set in a variety of time periods, from prehistoric jungles to the moon. Each level is filled with enemies, traps, and puzzles, and Bonk must use his wits and agility to overcome them all. Along the way, Bonk can find power-ups that grant him new abilities, such as the ability to shoot projectiles or transform into a dinosaur.
Plot
The story of Super Bonk begins with Bonk and his friends enjoying a peaceful day in their prehistoric village. Suddenly, King Drool and his army of minions attack, kidnapping Bonk’s girlfriend, Princess Za. Bonk sets out to rescue Za and defeat Drool, but he soon discovers that Drool has used a time machine to scatter Za’s pieces throughout history.
Bonk must now travel through time to find Za’s pieces and defeat Drool’s minions. Along the way, he will visit a variety of time periods, including the Cretaceous period, the Wild West, and the future.
Graphics and Sound
Super Bonk features colorful and detailed graphics that bring the game’s prehistoric world to life. The character sprites are large and well-animated, and the backgrounds are filled with lush scenery and intricate details. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the game’s lighthearted and adventurous tone.
Reception
Super Bonk was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s graphics, gameplay, and humor, and it quickly became one of the best-selling games on the Super Nintendo. The game has since been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Wii Virtual Console and the PlayStation 4.
Legacy
Super Bonk is remembered as one of the best platformer games of the 16-bit era. The game’s innovative gameplay, charming characters, and catchy music have made it a favorite among fans of the genre. Super Bonk has also been credited with helping to popularize the use of time travel in video games.
Conclusion
Super Bonk is a classic platformer game that offers a fun and challenging experience for players of all ages. With its colorful graphics, catchy music, and innovative gameplay, Super Bonk is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
