Bonk 3: Bonk's Big Adventure

Bonk 3: Bonk's Big Adventure is a platform game developed by Red Company and Atlus for the PC Engine and released in 1993. The game features the distinctive anime-style caveman character designed by Kobuta Aoki, continuing the adventures of the head-bonking prehistoric hero that had become synonymous with NEC's console.

Like its immediate predecessor Bonk's Revenge, this third installment remained exclusive to the PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 platform, never receiving the multi-platform treatment that the original Bonk's Adventure (aka B.C. Kid) enjoyed on systems like the Amiga, NES, and Game Boy. This exclusivity perhaps contributed to the game's relative obscurity compared to other major platformers of the era, though it also makes it a coveted title among PC Engine collectors today.

The most significant addition to Bonk's arsenal is his new size-changing ability. Players can now shrink Bonk down to a tiny version of himself, allowing access to cramped spaces and secret areas that would be impossible to reach at normal size. Conversely, Bonk can also grow to enormous proportions, becoming a hulking giant capable of smashing through previously insurmountable obstacles and enemies. This mechanic adds a puzzle element to the traditional platforming formula, requiring players to think strategically about when to use each size transformation.

The core gameplay remains faithful to the series' established formula. Bonk still dispatches enemies primarily through his signature head-bonking attack, spinning through the air to crash down on unsuspecting foes. The meat power-up system returns, allowing Bonk to enter various powered-up states that enhance his abilities and change his appearance. The level design maintains the series' trademark blend of straightforward platforming with hidden secrets and alternate routes, encouraging exploration and replay.

Visually, Bonk 3 showcases some of the PC Engine's finest sprite work. The character animations are fluid and expressive, with Bonk's facial expressions conveying genuine personality. The backgrounds are richly detailed, featuring the same whimsical prehistoric world established in earlier games but with enhanced color depth and more sophisticated parallax scrolling effects. The audio design complements the visuals perfectly, with catchy melodies and sound effects that have become iconic within the series.

While Bonk 3 doesn't revolutionize the formula established by its predecessors, it represents a refined and polished entry in the series. The size-changing mechanic, while not groundbreaking, provides enough novelty to justify the sequel's existence. The game sits comfortably alongside other premier PC Engine platformers like Liquid Kids and New Adventure Island, offering the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that made the system a haven for platform game enthusiasts.

The game's difficulty curve is well-balanced, providing a suitable challenge for experienced players while remaining accessible to newcomers. Boss battles are particularly memorable, often requiring creative use of Bonk's size-changing abilities to overcome seemingly impossible odds. The variety in enemy design and environmental hazards keeps the experience fresh throughout its duration.

For PC Engine owners, Bonk 3: Bonk's Big Adventure represents one of the system's essential platformers, even if it doesn't quite reach the innovative heights of genre-defining titles like Super Mario World or Sonic the Hedgehog. It serves as a fitting conclusion to the original Bonk trilogy, demonstrating that sometimes refinement and polish can be just as valuable as groundbreaking innovation in creating an enduring and enjoyable gaming experience.