A platformer that leads with its head
Bonk’s head is useful both in the air and on the ground. Working out how a head-butt changes his movement is more rewarding than treating him as another hero who lands on enemies. Food changes his strength and appearance, and flowers offer opportunities to leave the ground altogether. The cartoon exaggeration makes these changes easy to read.
The sequel in its own time
Known as PC Genjin 2 in Japan, this is a refinement of the first Bonk’s moves. TurboPlay’s June/July 1992 feature praised its improved visuals and longer, more demanding adventure while observing that it did not substantially change the formula. That is one contemporary assessment from a TurboGrafx-focused publication, rather than a consensus.
Practise jumping into a head-butt before pursuing every bonus. Bonk’s movement has enough of its own character to deserve an adjustment period. The power-ups are worth experimenting with even when the shortest route through a stage is already clear.
Why we chose it for PC Engine
Head-butts and food power-ups give this platformer its own movement and comic vocabulary.
Explore this console’s game selection ↗Release record
Original worldwide release: 1991. Release records above identify the console editions covered by this collection.
Sources and further reading5 references
- BONK'S REVENGE ↗Original publisher manual, preserved by Konami · Accessed 2026-10-27
Original North American TurboChip manual; movement, meat power-ups and bonus areas.
- PC原人2 ↗Konami · Accessed 2026-10-27
Historical product description for wall jumps, power-ups and bonus stages. Old platform listings are not current access claims.
- Bonk's Revenge (1991) ↗MobyGames · Accessed 2026-10-27
Secondary credit catalogue identifies Red Company. Detailed subcontracting credits still need reconciliation against original staff material.
- Bonk: The Kid, The Myth, The Legend ↗TurboPlay, June/July 1992, pp.14–15; preserved by TurboPlay Magazine Archives · Accessed 2026-10-27
Original printed p.15 visually inspected. Contemporary platform-specialist commentary, signed C.B.; used for its assessment of PC Genjin 2, not as independent sales evidence. Scans are linked, not republished.
- PC Engine mini: Game List ↗Konami · Accessed 2026-10-27
Japanese and North American software editions and their respective years. Installed mini software is a documented playing route, not a claim about current hardware stock.
