Bonk's Adventure (TurboGrafx 16 / PC Engine review)

Developer: Hudson Soft, Atlus, Red Company
Publisher: NEC Home Electronics
Released: 1990

Bonk's Adventure is an action-platformer that was later ported to the Commodore Amiga (1992) and NES (1994).

+ Level design often includes multiple platform paths through each stage, and there's lots of variety to keep you engaged.

+ Wide array of enemy types and there's no hint of slowdown despite the bosses featuring gigantic and detailed sprites.

+ Gaining invincibility and ploughing through enemies is a joy and feels more visceral than in Super Mario Bros. (1985, NES).

+ Being able to repeatedly bash airborne enemies from below almost becomes a fun little mini-game in its own right.

+ Using the turbo button to continually spin through the air is entertaining and allows you to efficiently cross large areas.

- Bonk has a slight wind-up to his movements and attacks that can sometimes leave you in harms way when trying to react.

- Enemies have an annoying habit of suddenly appearing in your path, leading to many unfair, cheap hits.