Format: HuCard
Genre: 2d platformer
Developer: Red Company
Publisher: NEC

Just in the opening seconds that the game is running-- through the title screen, and onto the first stage-- it's immediately obvious just how much polish went into this title, especially as compared to the rough-around-the-edges first game. The stages have lush, detailed backgrounds, enemies are comically lounging around Metal Slug style, and even the various text fonts have been smoothed out and made more appealing. A huge upgrade from the original, and a very charming looking title.

Red Company switched composers for this game, moving from Tsukasa Masuko to Hirohiko Takayama. A few of Masuko's best songs from the original are still present, while a whole slew of original work from Hirohiko is used. While a few of the new songs are somewhat grating, the majority of the new work is wonderfully ambient and fits very well with the game's light-hearted theme. Sound effects have been mostly re-worked from the first game to make them sound more polished, but they retain the same spirit as those in the title's predecessor.

Just like the graphics and audio, the physics in Bonk's Revenge have been given some refining, with climbing being just that much faster, jumping physics feeling just a bit more precise, and welcome new mechanics added to the mix. For example, after each stage, Bonk gets powerups on a train ride depending on how many smile faces he'd collected in that level. Unlike the first game, the levels in this title are rather sprawling and more exploration-oriented; they are filled with secrets, such as bonus round entrances.

Bonk's Revenge is easily as big of a jump from the first game as Super Mario Bros. 3 was from the original Super Mario Bros.; the same flavor and themes are present, but everything about the game has gotten a massive coat of polish and refinement. This game also marks a sort of emphasis departure, with the first game being more about difficulty, while this title is more about exploring large, themed levels, such a giant pirate ship. All in all, Bonk's Revenge is a superb, top-drawer platformer.