differences from PC Genjin3 and Bonk3 ?

[GameFreak]

I always wanted to get the english version Bonk3, but it is becoming obvious I will never be able to afford it. I have seen the Japan version (pc genjin 3) sells for less. So what are the differences, if any?

I notice the little sign at the beginning of the stage will be written in japanese, but besides that? Are the bosses, bonus-levels same? Are any levels different? Should I just get the japan version?

I remember a youtube video a while back that said his head looks more like a butt in the JPN version  (?).

Bonk 1 and Bonk's Revenge are great games. I must continue this quest. Any input would help.
Thanks

[CrackTiger]

Instead of Bonk turning angry from eating meat, he becomes what the average gamer would describe as "gay!".

[SignOfZeta]

I would not pay $150 more (or whatever the ridiculous figure is now) for a game that is %95 identical to the JP version. I paid $35 for PC Genjin 3 last year. While it is a good game, its not as good as part 2, IMO, so you'd also be paying far more money for an inferior sequel.

[JoshTurboTrollX]

I would not pay $150 more (or whatever the ridiculous figure is now) for a game that is %95 identical to the JP version. I payed $35 for PC Genjin 3 last year. While it is a good game, its not as good as part 2, IMO, so you'd also be paying far more money for an inferior sequel.

Two player simultaneous action!  Get with a friend and play to see the games REAL strengths!!  Also, get a JP version if it's that much cheaper.  If you ABSOLUTELY must have the US version, might as well go all ape and get the Bonk 3 CD version.  At least that one has awesome SCD redbook music and silly ass Vs. stages

[csgx1]

Instead of Bonk turning angry from eating meat, he becomes what the average gamer would describe as "gay!".

_{There is a difference between the Japanese PC Genjin 3 and the American release Bonk's Big Adventure. As with PC Genjin 2, the cute first form was changed into a meaner and angered form (picture on the right), and he doesn't shoot hearts anymore, but yellow flashing stars. As a side not this was also the case with PC Genjin 2 were the cute PC Bijin form was completely removed from the American release, and replaced by an angered form.}

From... http://www.videogameden.com/hucard.htm?pk3

I also noticed in Bonk 3 when Bonk is large (I think small size too) and eats the meat he won't 'look' any different but will be in anger mode.  In PC Genjin 3, large/small sized Bonk will change his appearance when in anger mode.  Most likely due to changing/cutting out the "gay" look.

[CrackTiger]

I would not pay $150 more (or whatever the ridiculous figure is now) for a game that is %95 identical to the JP version. I payed $35 for PC Genjin 3 last year. While it is a good game, its not as good as part 2, IMO, so you'd also be paying far more money for an inferior sequel.

Two player simultaneous action!  Get with a friend and play to see the games REAL strengths!!  Also, get a JP version if it's that much cheaper.  If you ABSOLUTELY must have the US version, might as well go all ape and get the Bonk 3 CD version.  At least that one has awesome SCD redbook music and silly ass Vs. stages

Bonk 3 CD is butchered and missing most of Bonk's animation and art. Plus it won't play on an Express/GT.

Zeta: I don't think that it is very hard to get get a loose Bonk 3 Turbochip, which never came with a  proper case, for as much as the PCE version complete. Only the inferior CD version is rarer and extra collectible.

[VestCunt]

I always wanted to get the english version Bonk3, but it is becoming obvious I will never be able to afford it. I have seen the Japan version (pc genjin 3) sells for less.

The PCE version sells for quite a bit less.  Some sellers have started trying to gouge, but don't let their eighty-dollar-BIN prices fool you.  I used to see complete PCE copies for $25.  What Zeta paid is fair these days.  Even if you're impatient you should be able to find it for $50

Zeta: I don't think that it is very hard to get get a loose Bonk 3 Turbochip, which never came with a  proper case, for as much as the PCE version complete. Only the inferior CD version is rarer and extra collectible.

Complete Hucard: $30-40
Loose Turbochip: $60-90

[CrackTiger]

I always wanted to get the english version Bonk3, but it is becoming obvious I will never be able to afford it. I have seen the Japan version (pc genjin 3) sells for less.

The PCE version sells for quite a bit less.  Some sellers have started trying to gouge, but don't let their eighty-dollar-BIN prices fool you.  I used to see complete PCE copies for $25.  What Zeta paid is fair these days.  Even if you're impatient you should be able to find it for $50

Zeta: I don't think that it is very hard to get get a loose Bonk 3 Turbochip, which never came with a  proper case, for as much as the PCE version complete. Only the inferior CD version is rarer and extra collectible.

Complete Hucard: $30-40
Loose Turbochip: $60-90

Looks like the PCE version has come down a lot since I last looked (maybe I'll finally pick it up ). Still, the Turbochip version isn't that expensive if you shop properly and it's definitely worth owning over all other versions if you're a fan.

Technically, $500 is "fair" for Magical Chase.

[Mathius]

Did the PC Engine get a dual release also?

I would definitely spring for the chip regardless of region. You can get redbook on any (read: most) system from back then, but only the musical muscle of the PCE is flexed when you insert that huey.

[GameFreak]

I just ordered PC Genjin3 with the case and manual from hit-japan for $34. Seems like a good deal.

Instead of Bonk turning angry from eating meat, he becomes what the average gamer would describe as "gay!".

That's funny - If any of my friends "ate meat", they would definitely be considered gay. 

[farankoshan]

Instead of Bonk turning angry from eating meat, he becomes what the average gamer would describe as "gay!".

Well, in some cases, if you do like your meat in the mouth, you are "gay"...
Sorry, couldn't resist the echo. ;)

[DragonmasterDan]

Did the PC Engine get a dual release also?

The CD version was exclusive to the US.

[farankoshan]

I just ordered PC Genjin3 with the case and manual from hit-japan for $34. Seems like a good deal.

It is a good deal. Plus hit-Japan is a dependable vendor so win-win.

[TheClash603]

Learn something new every day, I never realized Bonk 3 CD was exclusive to the US.

Next time I go to Japan I will waive around my Bonk 3 CD, Beyond Shadowgate, and my penis to make them jealous.

[TurboXray]

Learn something new every day, I never realized Bonk 3 CD was exclusive to the US.

Next time I go to Japan I will waive around my Bonk 3 CD

Yeah, but you'd be waiving around an inferior version of Bonk 3. The CD version is watered down. Either cart version is best.

[GameFreak]

So just to clarify, do both U.S. versions (CD & turbochip) have a 2 player VS. mode??

[nat]

No, only the CD has the VS. mode. Both have 2-player co-op play, however.

[GameFreak]

so....
-(U.S.) Bonk 3 CD - Better CD quality music, inferior animation art compared to Huey, CD has 2 player VS.mode but hucard and turbochip do not.
-(U.S.) Bonk 3 Turbochip - Better graphics & animation than CD version, inferior music compared to CD version, no VS. mode on turbochip.
-(JPN) Bonk 3 Hu Card - Cheapest price, same as US turbochip except language and "gayness".

That about right? If not I can edit... 

[GameFreak]

What kinda cheat codes do you guys know in bonk1, 2, or 3 ?? Tips?, Cheats?

The only one I know, you all probably already know. In (U.S.) Bonk-1 when you are at first stage 1 level 1 if you go to the far (all the way!) left and jump and bonk head on ground a flower appears that has a 1-up free life. Great way to start the game!

[CrackTiger]

so....
-(U.S.) Bonk 3 CD - Better CD quality music, inferior animation art compared to Huey, CD has 2 player VS.mode but hucard and turbochip do not.
-(U.S.) Bonk 3 Turbochip - Better graphics & animation than CD version, inferior music compared to CD version, no VS. mode on turbochip.
-(JPN) Bonk 3 Hu Card - Cheapest price, same as US turbochip except language and "gayness".

That about right? If not I can edit... 

The CD does indeed have CD music for most of the songs, but it's debatable whether they're better. They sound pretty inferior to me. If the games were identical other than the music and cost nothing, I'd stick to the HuCard.

We don't know just how much got cut from Bonk 3 CD. No one has gone through both games and scrutinized them to discover all the differences.

The CD has a different ending and/or credits, which lists Johnny Turbo and maybe his boyfriend.

There may be other differences between the English and Japanese HuCards. The different powered up sprite is only the most noticeable.

Only the HuCard versions play in all PC Engine setups, including TE and GT.

[SignOfZeta]

Yeah, many PCE CD games have such shitty music...terrible. A bunch of Yamaha DX7s...all diarrhea "smooth' and whatever. Usually mastered in Japan which means superfluous reverb, quiet boring drums and no bass.

For every Tengai Makou II you have 50 Dekoboko Densetsu's.

One game where the upgrade to CD actually worked: Panic Bomber. This is because when they remixed the classic Bomberman tunes they used a similar, unashamed, electronic sound that was beyond the capabilities of the PSG, but in a good way. Some of the tracks, anyway...

[CrackTiger]

Yeah, many PCE CD games have such shitty music...terrible. A bunch of Yamaha DX7s...all diarrhea "smooth' and whatever. Usually mastered in Japan which means superfluous reverb, quiet boring drums and no bass.

For every Tengai Makou II you have 50 Dekoboko Densetsu's.

One game where the upgrade to CD actually worked: Panic Bomber. This is because when they remixed the classic Bomberman tunes they used a similar, unashamed, electronic sound that was beyond the capabilities of the PSG, but in a good way. Some of the tracks, anyway...

I don't really care what kind of instruments are used, games like Valis II sound great to me because of the compositions. But for PCE games that appear on both HuCard and CD, the "performance" of the CD recording has to be better than the chip tunes in most cases to actually sound "better" to me. Bonk 3 CD sounds sloppy and lazy compared to the original. Dungeon Explorer II has an amazing soundtrack, but the tracks from DE1 don't sound nearly as nice as the originals. Sidearms Special is another case of a worthwhile soundtrack, but even the HuCard has better music than the original arcade.

Unfortunately, a lot of 16-bit game players are only concerned with the types of sounds they hear and the actual music is irrelevant. For them, it always goes CD > SNES > Genesis > TG-16 > NES > SMS.

[nat]

The Bonk 3 CD also has mixing/mastering issues on the redbook that shouldn't have been allowed to make it out the door. Some tracks are EXTREMELY loud, completely drowning out the sound effects, while others are mixed at a more reasonable level. Seems to me someone forgot to equalize before the game when to pressing.

Personally, mastering issues aside, I prefer the instrumentation and arrangements of the chiptunes over the redbook anyway.

In a shame-less move of self-promotion, here are my reviews of the cart and CD, respectively:

Bonk 3 Cart
Bonk 3 CD

And my hardy brother's views on the same:

Bonk 3 Cart
Bonk 3 CD

It's worthy of note that since I wrote my review I actually took Bonk 3 CD and ripped the redbook tracks to WAV files, lowered and normalized the volume on all tracks, and re-burned the game. It makes the CD experience a bit more bearable, but the point is I shouldn't have had to do that. There is also the issue with the sampled "effects" that play during some levels that are just utterly ridiculous and ear-splitting. Think 1.5 second clips of a bird flapping its wings violently against a microphone, replayed over and over every 3 seconds for the entire duration of the level. Not only is it annoying, it's distracting.

[Mathius]

Yeah, many PCE CD games have such shitty music...terrible. A bunch of Yamaha DX7s...all diarrhea "smooth' and whatever. Usually mastered in Japan which means superfluous reverb, quiet boring drums and no bass.

For every Tengai Makou II you have 50 Dekoboko Densetsu's.

One game where the upgrade to CD actually worked: Panic Bomber. This is because when they remixed the classic Bomberman tunes they used a similar, unashamed, electronic sound that was beyond the capabilities of the PSG, but in a good way. Some of the tracks, anyway...

I don't really care what kind of instruments are used, games like Valis II sound great to me because of the compositions. But for PCE games that appear on both HuCard and CD, the "performance" of the CD recording has to be better than the chip tunes in most cases to actually sound "better" to me. Bonk 3 CD sounds sloppy and lazy compared to the original. Dungeon Explorer II has an amazing soundtrack, but the tracks from DE1 don't sound nearly as nice as the originals. Sidearms Special is another case of a worthwhile soundtrack, but even the HuCard has better music than the original arcade.

Unfortunately, a lot of 16-bit game players are only concerned with the types of sounds they hear and the actual music is irrelevant. For them, it always goes CD > SNES > Genesis > TG-16 > NES > SMS.

I agree with your DE sentiment.  I don't even find the system generated tunes to be any better than DE1's. The bar tune is okay, but far inferior from its older brother's bar tune. The first game's musics is made of nostalgia!

[Dyna138]

I've played through both versions quite a few times and to me Bonk 3 CD music > Bonk 3 chip music. In fact the first time I played the CD version I was shocked how good it was after hearing some negative opinions. The missing frames are not that noticeable to me, about the only one that stands out is "big" Bonk's walking animation. The art for "angry" big Bonk is missing too which is a shame, but if I had to choose a version to play I'd sacrifice it for the better sounding (to me anyway) CD music.

[ParanoiaDragon]

In a general sense, I really like Bonk 3's music....but not in a Bonk game!  First of all, the tunes in the Hu version are ok in general for the most part, some of very Bonkish, but still decent.  However, with the change of sound engine that Bonk 3(& DE2) went thru, it just made it less Bonky sounding in general compared to the more powerful & rich sounding engine used in Bonk's 1 & 2(& DE1).  I really wish they'd kept the same engine, it would've made a huge difference in the chip tunes(as well as most of the sounds themselves).  It's a same there's no real way to hack Bonk 3 & insert a different sound engine!

When it comes to the cd music, I think in general it was quite well done, & in some ways better sounding then the chip music....however, it seems even less Bonk sounding.  Even for both, the lack of bongo's(especially in CD) hurts it IMO.  Those bongo's were everpresent in the first 2 games, & were never seen again.  The chip version did have a few songs with some el cheapo sounding bongo's, they don't quite cut it.  A part of me would love to go & redo all the CD songs to sound more like Bonk's 1 & 2.  Wish I had the time for that, as I have alot of sounds that sound ALOT like the original Bonk engine!