Bonk's Revenge (Bonk 2) - TurboGrafx-16 (Very Good)

Game Description

Bonk’s Revenge brings the beloved caveman mascot of the TurboGrafx-16 back for a bigger and bolder adventure. Developed by Red Company in collaboration with Mutech and published by NEC in 1991, this sequel refines everything that made the original a hit while expanding Bonk’s prehistoric world with more levels, enemies, and imaginative challenges. Once again armed with his oversized head, Bonk sets out to rescue Princess Za from the evil King Drool III, taking players across vibrant landscapes filled with dinosaurs and bizarre hazards.

The sequel enhances the formula with tighter controls, larger levels, and new gameplay twists that make Bonk’s Revenge feel like a true step forward. Bonk’s trademark headbutts and ceiling-clinging flips return, but this time he can also use new transformations from power-ups, including multiple stages of “meat-powered” upgrades that unleash devastating abilities. The colorful graphics push the TurboGrafx-16’s hardware with expressive animations and a lively soundtrack that matches the game’s offbeat personality.

Among collectors and retro fans, Bonk’s Revenge is often considered the high point of the entire series. While Bonk’s Adventure introduced the mascot, it was this sequel that truly cemented his place as the face of NEC’s 16-bit system. Frequently ranked among the best platformers of its era, it remains a must-own title for anyone building a TurboGrafx-16 collection.

Gameplay Features

• Classic TurboGrafx-16 platforming action with polished controls and design
• Expanded levels packed with hidden areas, secrets, and creative enemy designs
• New meat power-up transformations that grant Bonk additional strength and abilities
• Signature headbutt attacks and ceiling flips return with refined mechanics
• Colorful prehistoric worlds filled with humor, dinosaurs, and quirky bosses
• One of the most acclaimed and collectible TurboGrafx-16 action adventures

Historical Trivia or Fun Fact

Bonk’s Revenge marked a major turning point in Bonk’s role as a mascot, with NEC heavily marketing him as their direct answer to Nintendo’s Mario and Sega’s Sonic. Magazine ads, promotional art, and strategy guides of the time positioned Bonk as the quirky, offbeat alternative, appealing to players looking for something different from the other console giants. Its critical acclaim solidified the game as one of the TurboGrafx-16’s most important exclusives.

Interestingly, Bonk’s Revenge was developed with more input from Mutech, a studio that helped refine the engine and mechanics, resulting in smoother gameplay than its predecessor. For collectors today, it remains a highly sought-after title, often viewed as the definitive Bonk game. Its combination of humor, polish, and system-defining charm make it an essential showcase of what the TurboGrafx-16 had to offer during its prime.