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Watch some footage of the canceled Bonk game
Bonk, Hudson Software's headstrong caveman that made his gaming debut on the TurboGrafx-16, was set to make a Stateside comeback in Bonk: Brink of Extinction on WiiWare, PSN and XBLA. Unfortunately, Hudson Software shut down before the game was released, leaving Brink of Extinction in an uncompleted state. Judging by a trio of videos posted by YouTube user "Bonk Brink" though, who appears to be running the game on a PS3 development kit, a decent amount of progress was made on Brink of Extinction before Hudson closed up shop. One of the three videos gives a brief overview of apparent features planned for the title, including online play, downloadable content, a Horde mode and a secondary "Dactyl" story, which follows Bonk retrieving his dinner from a thieving pterodactyl. The other videos are more focused on pure gameplay, one of which is embedded above. Amassing points from collectible vegetables, head butting enemies out of this plane of existence ... yup, looks like Bonk! [Image: YouTube user Bonk Brink]
Hudson 3DS titles listed as canceled in latest Famitsu
This week's Famitsu notes that several Hudson 3DS titles have been canned, according to Andriasang. The current list includes some of the planned 3DS titles like Bomberman, Bonk and Omega Five, which were all announced last October. Hudson has gone through a serious shift since the Konami takeover earlier this year. Konami is set to take full control of the company and replace Hudson's CEO with its own next week. Update: A Konami spokesperson tells Wired the publisher hasn't "distributed any official list of Hudson products yet."
Hudson also planning Bonk and Tetris for 3DS
If you thought Hudson was stopping at Deca Sports, Kororinpa, Bomberman and Omega Five for the 3DS, think again! Siliconera spotted two more planned 3DS titles on Hudson's website, namely Bonk and Tetris. It's worth noting that Hudson already has Bonk: Brink of Extinction (pictured) headed to WiiWare, XBLA and PSN at some point in the future. We're sure the simple 3D visuals would work out just fine on Nintendo's new handheld. And Tetris ... well, Tetris is Tetris.
New downloadable Bonk, Bomberman found on Hudson's website [update]
NeoGAF user VideoMan discovered currently unannounced games on Hudson's website, including a multiplatform downloadable Bonk update, a Bomberman Live sequel, and a Wii/DS version of Big Fish Games' generically titled Rooms: The Main Building. Most of the pages have been removed, but Bonk is still up, and VideoMan saved the screenshots and product descriptions. Bonk: Brink of Extinction is a WiiWare/PSN/Xbox Live Arcade 2.5D action platformer with online co-op (!) and eight different transformations. The 3D makeover the game has received is ... suboptimal, and the Adventure Island refresh wasn't great, but we can't help but be thrilled about the return of the Turbografx-16's mascot. It'll apparently be out first on XBLA in spring 2010. Bomberman Live Battlefest is also coming to all three console download services, and adds new arenas, gametypes, and team play to, well, Bomberman. And Rooms: The Main Building seems to be a Wii/DS retail game, based on the PC slide-puzzle adventure. We're contacting Hudson to learn what we can about the company's plans for these unannounced games. Update: Hudson officially announced Bonk and Bomberman, and sent screens over. Screens for Bomberman and both the PSN/Xbox and WiiWare versions of Bonk can be found in our galleries. %Gallery-71549% %Gallery-71548% %Gallery-71552%
All the World's a Stage: How to roleplay your way to level 70
When you decide to roleplay, a whole new world of imagination opens up to you -- soon you realize that all the World of Warcraft is a stage, and all the orcs and humans merely players.A friend of mine recently complained that lately leveling has been extremely tedious. Even with characters he might feel excited about at first, he eventually gets bored after just a few quests. We talked about this for a little while, and he brought up the fact that if he was going to play WoW by himself he might as well play a single-player game instead. It got me thinking that, in spite of all the demand people have for more solo and casual content, this is significantly better when we play it together. Even when I play by myself, my eye is always on my friends list to see if someone I know is going to show up and chat with me. Thinking about my friend's problem, I thought maybe it would really help if he and I were to go questing together -- so we found the two characters we had with the smallest level gap between them and we decided to go at it. Rather than just just going through the motions of killing the various enemies listed on our little quest sheets as if we were buying groceries or something, we made it into a neat little roleplay experience.In fact, there are lots of quests in the game that are very appropriate for roleplaying. When you get together with your friends to level up and quest together, you can focus on the quest that has the deepest possible connection to your own character, or the one with the most intrinsic storyline. Of course there are many other throwaway quests you can do along the way, like "kill 10 Generic Humanoids" or whatever, but it works best to pick one that seems to have some meaning to you or your character and start there.
TurboGrafx-16 comes to iPhone (unofficially)
Attention "jailbroken" iPhone owners: Touch Arcade reports that it's now perfectly okay to Bonk your wunderphone without having to worry about its purty glass screen cracking. Emulator author ZodTTD (shall we kneel before him?) has ported the nifty TurboGrafx-16 emu, Temper, to iPhone as – wait for it – temper4iphone.Temper was originally developed for the South Korean GamePark 2X handheld and ran ROM- and CD-Based titles designed for NEC's 16-bit system, which was a smash in Japan (as the PC-Engine) but enjoyed modest success in the West under its Turbo-fied moniker. As you can see from the embedded video, the emu is already plenty impressive. Unlike its GP2X counterpart, there's no support (yet) for CD-based game images, but compatibility with TG-16 ROMs (if you don't own the game, don't download em, 'kay?) is said to be high. Like previous emulators ported to iPhone, the retro console's controls are recreated on the touch screen. Apple is expected to launch its "2.0" refresh of the iPhone along with the iPhone App Store in just a couple of weeks, and we'd be jazzed to see a proper Virtual Console-esque suite of "sanctioned" emulators offered for download via the service.[Via TUAW]
temper4iPhone emulates Turbografx-16 on the iPhone
The guys at Touch Arcade are at it again -- this time, ZodTTD has ported temper, a TurboGrafx-16 emulator, to the iPhone, and as you can see above, this means something amazing: Bonk on the touchscreen. Sounds like the audio has a few little glitches, but seems like the controls and graphics are working as well as could be asked -- even in the slower Landscape mode (with the controls overlaid on the graphics), he says it was pulling about 50FPS.There's even an emulator for the TurboGrafx-16 CD PC Engine, as long as you do a little tweaking (and nab the bios from somewhere that may or may not be legal -- same for the ROMs). temper4iPhone is still in beta, and just like all of these other emulators and jailbreak apps, we have no clue at all whether we'll ever get the chance to see them on the (rapidly approaching) App Store. Still, it's awesome to see -- we've definitely come a long way from the NES emulator way back when.[Via MacBytes.com]
Bonk may lift his freakishly enormous head again
During an interview with Hudson's John Greiner, Nintendo Players' Chris Hardin asked about the possibility of a new Bonk game. Greiner answered with one of those noncommittal answers that we're all used to from the game industry by now, that gives just enough hope for some of us to become unreasonably hopeful. Greiner said that "We've had a lot of fan requests for Bonk, and it has been the second-best selling TurboGrafx title. It's not unlikely." Not unlikely is kind of ... likely. (By the way, if we had to guess the most popular TG16 game, it would be the excellently multiplayer Bomberman '93.) Bonk recently returned in the cell-phone game Bonk's Return, so a new Bonk game on consoles is not that far-fetched.Greiner also said that Hudson is committed to releasing Turbografx-16 titles for now, meaning that Hudson's games for other consoles would have to wait. This isn't an ironclad rule, given that quite a few NES games from Hudson have made it out (Milon's Secret Castle, Solomon's Key, Star Soldier, Adventure Island, and Lode Runner). Greiner was specifically referring to Bomberman 64 when he told Nintendo Players that "Nintendo 64 games might come later." [Via GoNintendo]
Turbografx primer part 2: the games
Racketboy's Turbografx-16 coverage continues, and continues to be excellent. We totally feel obligated to cover it, because it's about our favorite underdog VC system. This time, the focus is on the games that made the system so awesome. And also Keith Courage in Alpha Zones. Categorized by, among other criteria, storage format and by whether each is an arcade port or an original game, this list of "Games that Defined the Turbografx-16" covers a lot of the best games for the system. There's quite a bit of stuff on the list, like Alien Crush and Blazing Lazers, for you to go buy on the VC now, and other stuff like Devil's Crush that will ensure that the VC will be providing us with rich, flavorful content for quite some time.
Zonk gets ESRB'd
We knew it was coming, since it's been released in Japan, but the ESRB's ratings page has provided further confirmation that Air Zonk is on the way. Bonk fans and shooter fans alike (that had better include everybody) would do well to check out this adorable horizontal shmup starring the "punkic cyborg" descendent of the original Turbografx-16 mascot. Appropriately, Zonk was the mascot for the Turbo Duo, which was a later TG16 variation that included built-in CD hardware.[Via Siliconera]
Atlus needs you to dress like Bonk
We don't know exactly what part Atlus played in the development of the Turbografx-16 mascot game, but their name is totally on the title screen, so we're totally making the suggestion to you! Should you happen to attend this year's Anime Expo event in Long Beach, California, you can take part in an Atlus costume contest! As Bonk, obviously!The company will hand out mysterious prizes to the person with the best costume based on an Atlus character. The convention runs from June 29th to July 2nd, so you'd better start sewing that singlet! All of the Bonks, and other attendees, will also get a chance to see upcoming games at a panel discussion on Sunday, July 1st. You could go as the doctor guy from Trauma Center, or even, we guess, a character from a game that's not on the Wii, but trust us on this one. Giant-headed caveman trumps anime doctor every time.[Via GayGamer]
Rumor: New Bonk game headed to the Wii
A listing from the computer system at Hollywood Video hints at the possibility of a new Bonk game coming to the Wii at a budget price of $14.99. The release is most likely a port of a previous Bonk game (or a collection of them). However, the Virtual Console has already enjoyed two Bonk releases (with a third, Bonk 3: Bonk's Big Adventure, confirmed for the future), so maybe Hudson saw the demand for the big-headed caveman and whipped up something special for Wii owners? Then again, it could be a belated Y2K computer prank, in which case we'll be in the cellar eating canned food for the rest of the week. Just in case.[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
Rumor: Hollywood Video computer hints at budget Bonk
This picture of a Hollywood Video listing teases us with the delightful possibility of a new Bonk game on the Wii, at a $14.99 price point. It's highly doubtful that it would just be a retail release of the $6 Virtual Console game, so this could potentially be something new! Or at least something new to us. Some possibilities: It's a Wii port of the Gamecube remake, which was never released in the US, and is apparently quite good. It's something that certain Wii Fanboy bloggers have been pining for over the last few years. It's a console release of the Bonk's Return cell phone game. It's an original game! For $15 somehow! It's a trick! Get an axe. We wouldn't mind any of the three possibilities that result in a game being released. We love Bonk and would be thrilled with a new Bonk release, much like a pithecanthropus computerurus would be thrilled by delicious meat popping out of a giant squashed flower.
The Joystiq Weekend: June 9 - 11, 2007
Check out Joystiq reader Albert Art's latest creation: a Bonk figuring using a do-it-yourself Munny custom vinyl toy kit. You might remember Munny from an incident involving Epic and a Gears of War doll. We love the meat weapon accessory. Check out the highlights for this weekend:JoystiqueryJapanese hardware sales, May 28 - Jun. 3: Custom excuse editionPodcast Rodeo for June 10: There's A Tear in My EarThis is madness! This is Pac-Man 2!Today's Little Mac-iest video: Punch-Out!! trailerToday's most transformed video: Peter Cullen as Optimus PrimeToday's saddest video: Breakin' up with CrackdownWeekly Webcomic Wrapup: afterlife editionNewsChurch of England threatens Sony with lawsuitKane & Lynch gets new, mullet-rich trailerHalo 3 beta goes to a happier placeNew games this week: Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree editionVirtual Console adds Sonic 2, Golden Axe 2 and Lode Runner 1Sony officially announces The Agency for PC and PS3EA's Boogie-bundled Wii microphone picturedid Software debuts new engine at Apple conferenceMS knows console price sweet spot, they aren't going thereSony vs. Church of England, meanwhile CNN has field dayTalismoon tiltBoard 360 mod gets major upgradeElectronic Arts to bring "games" to MacConcept art for new Warren Spector gameDisney to triple spending on game developmentPrince of Persia Classic confirmed for XBLA this weekOmega Five, not another Harvest MoonRumors & SpeculationRumors: PaRappa 3 to PS3, Silent Hill 5 has US developerCulture & CommunitySouth Park's Kenny takes Mii form, is killedFinal Fantasy anniversary bash in SF on 26 JuneReasons to own a PSP, and there's 60 of 'emXfire Debate Club debates the console war (defense forces, UNITE!)iTunes on the Wii for free, whee!Great moments in game ad cheeseIntroducing PlayStation.Blog, Sony's official blogCapcom CPS-3 arcade board finally crackedEx-Nintendo chairman now Japan's third wealthiestHalo 2, Shadowrun made playable on XPThe Texas game development finance provisos
Australia to be Bonked
Australia never got an official release of the NEC Turbografx-16 system, so they never got the chance to ignore classics like Bonk's Adventure and Alien Crush like we did here in the States. Hudson, proving that they are good people, are going to start releasing Turbografx games on the Virtual Console in Australia, starting this July. They plan to release more than 60 games this year, which is 36 more than are currently available in the US. That indicates that not only will Australia be completely caught up with us, but that we'll all get a bunch more TG16 games this year!Does this mean that we'll get MSX games in the US? Please?
Kid Chameleon, Zonk for Japanese Virtual Console this week
Warning sign of things to come: This week's Virtual Console update in Japan has got us buying up Wii Points and deleting the Everybody Votes Channel in anticipation. This Wednesday, Wii owners lucky enough to have access to the awesome Japanese Virtual Console will be able to download Hudson's Air Zonk, the future-Bonk cute 'em up for the Turbografx-16. Also from Hudson, Challenger for the Famicom, which we hadn't really heard of! And in a shocking turn of events, Japan is just now getting Bravoman. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! The last item on the list is Sega's Kid Chameleon for the Genesis, which, in addition to being a fun platformer with a lot of mask-based personas and abilities, is a great argument for the Virtual Console's save system.
Wise Fwom Yor Gwave: Some classics we'd like to see resurrected on PSP
We've previously seen Afterburner and Lemmings re-tooled, to make them suitable for our favorite portable. While both of those titles are enjoyable, there is still a ton of gold to be mined from the past, then reshaped into something grand and new. With that in mind, I thought it we'd do a public service, and remind publishers of some of those titles. Here they are in no particular order: Bionic Commando Contra Lunar Streets of Rage Splatter House Bonk Strider Double Dribble Golden Axe Shinobi Out of this World Zombie Ate My Neighbors Those are a few of the titles we'd like to see. But what does our opinion matter? Let us know what games we missed, or what classics you'd like to see resurrected on the PSP.
Punch Out, Virtua Fighter and Bonk hit the Virtual Console
Today's Virtual Console releases all have one thing in common: a love for violence to the head. Whether it be Bonk using his noggin as a weapon, Mac delivering that eleventh uppercut to Glass Joe or Akira Yuki landing three extra backfists on the nose of his opponent, these releases are sure to spark violent tendencies in children under the age of two and one-third.Punch Out!, already out in Europe, is Nintendo's entrant for today's triumvirate of releases. The full serving, available on US Virtual Consoles at 9 a.m. PT, includes: Punch Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream (NES, 1 player, 500 points) Bonk's Revenge (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 points) Virtua Fighter 2 (Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 points) [Image Credit]
Hudson confirms Bonk's Revenge for Monday's VC update [update 2]
Sure, we knew the game would be coming, but we had no idea as far as what date it would arrive. Well, it turns out Hudson is kind of heart, as their Virtual Console section of their website details Bonk's Revenge as being released this Monday. Now, we've had VC updates in the past where we were only given one game, so let's hope that Bonk's second adventure isn't left all alone this Monday.Anyone interested in downloading this game?See also: Wil Wheaton loves the VC[Via digg]Update: Neglected a word in the post. All is fixed. Thanks, Dan Russell!Update 2: Wow, talk about dropping the ball. I updated the post and didn't even fix it! It has been corrected now.
Japan's VC announcements for April: Boxers, ninjas, and punkic cyborgs
We're jealous of the Japanese Virtual Console selection already. It's even worse now that we've seen the newly-announced games for April. There is some really great stuff coming out next month-- at least it means there's a chance we'll get it at some point. The new games include awesome selections like Final Fight (SNES), Puyo Puyo Tsuu (Genesis), Punch-Out!! (NES), and Star Fox 64 (N64). Really, the whole list is packed with awesomeness. Of special interest to us: Ninja Gaiden (NES), which we pretty much don't need to say anything about, because who hasn't played Ninja Gaiden, and Air Zonk, the futuristic Bonk spinoff that exemplifies the term "cute-'em-up".
