Bonk's Adventure (GameCube) Translated Playthrough - NintendoComplete

A playthrough of Hudson's 2003 platformer for the Nintendo GameCube, Hudson Selection Vol. 3: PC Genjin (ハドソン セレクション Vol.3 PC原人).
This video shows a full playthrough of the normal game mode. I have translated and subtitled all of the in-game text.
PC Genjin, or Bonk's Adventure as it was rebadged when it was first brought to America for the TurboGrafx-16 in 1990, was one of the most important games released for the machine, providing NEC with a mascot that (they hoped) could go head-to-head with Mario. The Japanese name is a word-play: the TurboGrafx was called the PC Engine in Japan, and Genjin means caveman, so stick the two together and voila - instant mascot magic.
It was a good game. It was bright and colorful, and it changed up the Mario formula just enough to feel like something fresh and new. It was always a bit too long and easy, but for the first time out, Red/Hudson nailed it.
And thankfully, the remake does the original justice! It's not often enough that you hear that about a modern remake of a classic game, right? (Keep in mind that "modern" is a relative term here, hehe)
Rather than feeling like a cheap rehash, Bonk's new adventure goes all out to impress. The graphics are awesome - they take the goofy charm of the old Turbo games and mix it with a "textured" sort of aesthetic - everything looks like it's made from some sort of textured material like cloth or cardboard - you know, like Yoshi's Wooly World or Kirby's Epic Yarn? Considering it predates both of those by several years and that it's an SD GameCube game, it looks pretty awesome.
The gameplay is similar to what it has always been, but it has been tweaked for the better. Bonk now moves faster and recovers from his signature head smash more quickly, and the level design has been streamlined. The stages are all similar in look and feel to what you remember, but they're nowhere near as (unnecessarily) long as they were on the Turbo.
I still wonder why, since the NES port was named FC Genjin, this one was not called GC Genjin. Oh well, one of life's many mysteries, I guess.
If you were a fan of the TurboGrafx-16, you'll find a lot to like here. It's too bad that this only ever got a Japanese release, especially as it seems highly unlikely that Konami would ever go about releasing it on modern hardware. If you can track down a copy, I totally recommend giving it a try.
_
No cheats were used during the recording of this video.
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[@NintendoComplete]

Remakes of classic games suck more often than not, but Hudson got this one right. Hope you all enjoy the translation!

[@phoenixzappa7366]

The background scenery graphics are atrocious

[@abhishekghosh2087]

Lots of childhood memories. Played it on the NES. Thanks for uploading

[@ajayprabhakar285]

Please upload a fan translation of Hungry Ghosts on PS2

[@NintendoComplete]

@@phoenixzappa7366 You think so? I really liked the updated style.

[@the-NightStar]

.....I think most remakes of classic games are fantastic and almost always are great. The failures are the definite minority. The hell you talking about?

[@CLozano6-x4o]

RIP HUDSONSOFT You will be missed

[@chowmein0941]

I love how dead inside Bonk looks when he is swimming inside the dinasours stomach.

[@AgentBoolen]

Going from skin colored eyes on land to having white eyes in the water is very strange. Makes me feel like someone last minute realized they forgot to do Bonk's water graphics and rushed and forgot what color the actual eyes have been in the rest of the game. Strange choice in the end. Actually kinda bothers me.

[@basiccaveman]

My favorite game in the Bonk series; its such a good remake with a lot of charm and style. Nice playthrough as always!

[@NintendoComplete]

Thanks!

[@thesteammachine1282]

@@NintendoComplete Looks interesting, but I think i will go with adventure island for gamecube, again from the Hudson collection. Just seem more dynamic to play.

[@silentdebugger]

I never knew this existed and it is blowing my mind. Although I can't honestly say I like all of the redesigns, like the new boss designs and the changed levels near the end. I loved the old sprites for the bosses and Princess Za and this game definitely doesn't do them justice.

[@gamingwithjamie2751]

I remember playing Bonk's Adventure on the Turbografx-16 back in the day. I didn't know there was a remake. This is nice, humming with the music! Lol

[@TommyDeonauthsArchives]

I had no idea that Bonk was remade on GameCube.

[@TonyLikeGames2]

It's also on PS2.

[@kemy6775]

I liked this and the adventure island remake

[@kalidino651]

Me neither, it's good to know they didn't just let bonk die with the turbografx 16. It's a shame there will never be a remake of airzonk.

[@therealseanw.stewart2071]

Ah, another classic Bonk! A remake of the original classic! LOVE the wacky aesthetic!! *Acheeeeee!!*

[@TheBlueMember]

Imagine if you would be rescued by the hero but stand on your way with that evil smile! :D

[@نايف-الحربي-ت]

This game was my childhood that I emulated on the computer

[@silvernado8644]

I love how pissed Bonk always looks.

[@Crabomax]

Very good! Bonk was a nice character.

[@ForeRunnerODST]

Had no idea this existed on the GameCube. Thanks for the upload.

[@cutiefriendsadventures7129]

Hudson was really incapable of localising their GameCube games. How unacceptable, they didn't need to be so gosh darn afraid.

[@davidacacio3847]

Don't be such a cry baby for a language, not everything can be in english and it's not particularly necessary here. This was also for PlayStation 2, not exclusive.

[@Jac2Mac]

@@davidacacio3847 I actually think it was Konami who felt that bringing the Hudson GameCube games was not worth it.

[@edward18517]

@@davidacacio3847 Um...yes everything can be in English. Why would you think it can't be?

[@bubbythebear6891]

I know right. It's not an RPG, or something that would really need to be reworked. It's a remake of a 2d platformer!

[@Pridetoons]

I was just watching Chuck Rock Battle of the Ports when I then saw this in my recommendations!

[@NintendoComplete]

Hahaha go figure. KZbin has creepy psychic powers, I swear

[@ZidaneTribal93]

Me too

[@MFields2178]

I almost got this game. It would be great if Bonks Revenge got remade too.

[@MisterWin]

Agreed, Bonk's Revenge is the best of the series and I would have loved it in this style.

[@heehaw575]

I'd kill to hear a remix of that snow level theme...

[@andrewlawrence5934]

Man. If only this had come out in the states, I may have been a bit more interested in the GameCube!

[@creativecatproductions]

Never knew this existed. It’s great!

[@VGMrawk]

I like the new soundtrack. I'll have to look more into this game. Thanks for posting!

[@battybuddy]

The spastic seizure twitching he does when powered up is creeping me out…

[@stoopidmansidiot]

for those of you who don't like the angry looking bonk face, use the d-pad on the title screen to change faces

[@123OGNIAN]

Realoy !? Looks like no one knows that since all videos on yt are with the angry face. Will have to try it out. So you can change the face for the entire game ?

[@C-Drasil]

So this game had Alolan Egxecutor way before sun and moon came out. Huh.

[@LPetal86]

It's always more than cool to see games I've never heard of or played as I never got into Bonk, but I can see why he has fans. I LOVE the little dance the cactus enemies do and think they're cute enough to warrant a plushy. What does it say on the sign at 40:59?

[@joeshmo3360]

Can someone please tell me why this wasn't brought over to the states? Did someone forget Bonks adventure , super bonk, and air zonk made it's way over here in the u.s.?

[@Ratty524]

Likely localization costs. Around the time this came out Hudson was kind of going under. The full version of Bomberman Blast on the Wii wasn't localized for that exact reason.

[@conechiwa7]

I am livid that I never knew about this!!!

[@luciebureau6815]

Cool little 💎💎💎. The humanoid cactus reminds me of the Pokeys. PS : aah, the Gamecube...those were the days. It was among my best video games memories(along with the PS1, the Gameboy Color and the PS2). What were your best video games memories, everyone ?

[@StakeJade]

Lucie Bureau the NES and SNES have most of my fondest memories and I still love playing them!

[@luciebureau6815]

StakeJade the only NES game i played was Metroid. And it was on the Virtual Console on the 3DS. Nice moment😊.

[@fahriakalin5936]

I love 2-D remakes, this style reminds me of bubble bobble+(plus) wii, or the namco "arrangement" series (pacman, mappy, dig dug, etc.)

[@TwoTailedSponge]

I wonder why the female Bonk never appeared in the later "Bonk's Adventure" games since the arcade. Would've been nice to see her playable too.

[@boru25]

Bonk had a game on the Gamecube?

[@Bloodreign1]

Yes, this one is a remake of the original game.

[@Pridetoons]

Yep, he also was going to have a game for the Wii until it was cancelled.

[@TonyLikeGames2]

It's also on PS2.

[@boru25]

@@TonyLikeGames2 In Japan I presume.

[@TonyLikeGames2]

@@boru25 Sadly, yes.

[@ZidaneTribal93]

Why is this game not mentioned on Wikipedia

[@TheDemoniusX]

I got this and adventure island on the gamecube. Not official copies though. Both are very fun and stay true to the roots of what they are known for. the same can't be said for other remakes as I think of them suck.

[@Real_The_Goof]

I prefer his original sprite work.. i mean.. he looks so angry and twitchy in this..

[@retro97lovesgaming]

How could they not continue the Air zonk sequel?!?

[@lucianothewindowsfan]

Should be called _GC Genjin._

[@damageinc.5458]

The bosses are too undersized & lack the personality compared to the original game. Also this version is way easier, but still looks fun.

[@dave4shmups]

You should check out the Star Soldier remake on the PSP! The rockin' music alone is worth the price of admission!

[@NintendoComplete]

Oh really? I assumed it was the same as the Wii remake, I'll check it out! I love the series. Solder Blade was a complete masterpiece

[@MeinyansHusband]

Remake looks okay but i don't like the redesigns they did to the enemies, and bosses. but im gonna admit that they did King Drools redesign right. that's just my opinion.

[@isaacman4157]

I know it’s personal preference, but I hate how the characters look. I understand it’s going for a more cartoon-like appearance, but I think it looks ugly. I think it would’ve looked better had it been hand-drawn. The backgrounds and remixed music tracks are nice, though.

[@佐藤真人-j1q]

I care because BGM such nice game ost remix love it there version arcade i think LCD konami aka which make confusing between two compamy XD

[@AgentMorgan2010]

How did I know this existed?

[@navichrisfy]

I am Bonk..

[@dcsc4895]

these games were so much fun as a kid playing on turbo graphics 16

[@DBoy2029]

What happens if you get all the food in a stage?

[@paintguin9004]

I only have one complain and is that I don't like many of the redesigns here, and also the replace of T.Ractor head fight with that other thing (also not including the brainwashed Princess Za). But still I like the style this game has and also those backgrounds that kinda remind of the japanese box art, also the remixes of the soundtracks sound pretty catchy

[@alexl2475]

Only games in the series I've completed are the two Gameboy ones.

[@HeIsTheBluesCat]

I"m getting Mega Man: Powered Up vibes.

[@FuzzieVuzzie]

I know all the enemy names, but why do they have names that are not like… you know enemy names.

[@dorourke105]

You missed the bananas inside the dinosaur yeah yeah I'm a completionist sue me

[@adrian53080]

Is there an iso file of this somewhere?

[@PixelSP]

Y’know, I feel like I would like the art style more if the 3D characters didn’t clash so much with the backgrounds. It just doesn’t look right. I just kind of wish everything was 2D.

[@davidacacio3847]

Some Smash Bros stages look like this and I don't see any complains.

[@PixelSP]

David Acacio I guess that’s true, but I still wish the outlines on stuff like Bonk or the enemies were thicker or more visible to match the background better. It’s growing on me, though.

[@RedCGaming]

why didnt i know this existed???

[@digidoridvideos3672]

WTF happened to Bonk?? Bonk was going ape shit in the GameCube save file.

[@warezhunter81]

This game I played on PS2.

[@andrewrainey4192]

I wish I had a japanese GameCube to play this on

[@FightingFefnir17]

Es un Remake del de NES?

[@will.2155]

Who thought this looked acceptable?

[@jamienorrell8787]

This sucks. Period. The one I played, the TG16 one, was better in every way. Graphics upgrades and somebody tinkering with a good formula do not make a better game. This is a travesty

[@BennyFONewVegas]

Calm down, it's fine.

[@augustojunior3603]

2:37

[@jackmagaiver5188]

Massa

[@Bimshwel]

My problem with this is that it doesn't seem to be trying to be funny like the original or even cute, just different. I particularly hate Bonk's perpetual jerk-smirk. I can believe this plays better but the characters, more important than the scenery, are just boring, at least to me who admittedly has not played it and surely never will.

[@vansajexora]

Looks awful. Whats wrong with Bonk's face?

[@TubeDude444]

This game should’ve came out with an English version. Why didn’t they have an English version?

[@user-yk1cw8im4h]

looks like a mario ripoff

[@NeoRizer]

This looks horrible...

[@kiwibro6454]

This remake looks really good, tho i like the sound effects of the original, and i wish the enemies looked like the original but 3d and bonk not looking evil, but despite that, i wish we got this in the states