Format: Super CD-ROM²
Genre: 2d platformer
Developer: Red Company
Publisher: NEC

Except for bosses and a few new enemies, almost all of Bonk 3's art work is lifted straight from the first two titles-- which is a good thing, since the first two titles were so charming. One of the new features-- the ability to transform Bonk into smaller and larger sizes-- leads to some impressive effects, particularly in the latter case! Stages look a little more thrown together, and as such, the game isn't quite as polished looking as the second game.

This CD version of Bonk 3 features Red Book tracks for each of the main stages. These tracks sound fantastic, and do a wonderful job of sticking with the goofy nature of the Bonk character and his world. Like a lot of PC Engine CD titles, the Red Book tracks alternate with chip-based songs, and the contrasting effect is just as cool in this game as it is in others. Some digital sound effects have been added as ambient noises to some of the levels, but they are more annoying than anything else.

The same mechanics from the first two Bonk titles are back, and feel just as tight as before. However, the ability to make Bonk large or small by eating candy has been added to the mix, and while the levels don't make much use of giant Bonk, it's cool to find secret areas in the level that only the small version of said caveman can fit through. The levels are huge and feature a tremendous amount of area to explore, but they are too meandering. Extra lives are handed out frequently, making this by far the easiest of the three games to beat.

When taken by itself, Bonk 3 is a fun platformer with solid mechanics, a nice art style, and a great CD soundtrack. Compared to the first two games though, the title is too easy, and much too long. The levels could definitely have used some tightening up, and the new resizing mechanic could have been put to better use. Nonetheless, Bonk's Big Adventure lives up to its name, and is a quality entry in the PC Engine's large library of platformers.