Bonk's Adventure is a prehistoric platform game where you guide Bonk , a large bald headed caveman, through levels taking out strange prehistoric creatures and rescuing the captured residents of Moonland. The goal is to free the Princess Za from King Drool's attempted takeover.
The gameplay is similar to other platform games of the era, but with unique mechanics like wall climbing and rope swinging using Bonk's teeth. Your only attack method is headbutting enemies in a straight-forward or dive-bomb style. The game starts off simple, with point A to point B levels, but focuses on exploration later on, including finding hidden bonus areas.
The spin attack is a trademark gameplay mechanism where Bonk floats through the air when using the turbo button. This can be used to reach hard-to-access areas, find extra items, or as an attack method. You start with 3 hearts, which can be increased by finding special heart container items.
Bonus stages are scattered throughout the game, providing bonus points and extra lives upon completion. Enemies can also be milked for points by repeatedly bonking their dead bodies before they hit the ground.