Congo Bongo

Sega
Industry	Video games
Founded	June 3, 1960; 66 years ago in Japan
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Video games, arcade games, home console games

also recognized as  is a platform title launched by Sega in 1983. According to the ROM credits, Ikegami Tsushinki contributed partially to its development. The game employs an isometric viewpoint akin to Sega's previous release Zaxxon (1982), but it does not feature scrolling. It was extensively adapted for various home gaming systems.

Players assume the role of a safari explorer with a red nose who chases after an ape named Bongo, responsible for setting the explorer’s tent ablaze. Each of the four single-screen levels challenges players to move from the bottom left corner toward Bongo’s position located on the right or upper right, while overcoming obstacles such as ledges, water hazards, and hostile animals.

Gameplay

Congo Bongo incorporates gameplay aspects similar to Nintendo's Donkey Kong (1981) and Sega's own Zaxxon (1982). Both Congo Bongo and Donkey Kong showcase primates throwing projectiles from elevated spots, protagonists characterized by prominent noses who primarily jump, and consist of four unique single-screen stages centered on climbing objectives. Additionally, the bonus timer visuals bear resemblance to those found in Donkey Kong.

Stages

The opening stage has the explorer dodging coconuts hurled by Bongo while ascending cliffs and shaking off three monkeys attempting to knock him down.
In stage two, the explorer traverses a swamp by riding diving hippopotamuses, avoiding poisonous snakes and scorpions.
The third level requires crossing a plain, crouching into holes to evade charging rhinoceroses, and climbing large staircases.
During the final stage, the explorer crosses another swamp filled with lily pads, fish, and hippos to reach a gate guarded by charging rhinos protecting Bongo relaxing in a hot tub.

After completing these stages, the game cycles back to the first level with heightened difficulty.

Ports

Congo Bongo was adapted for numerous systems including Apple II, SG-1000, MSX, Intellivision, ColecoVision, Commodore 64 (both cartridge and disk versions), VIC-20, IBM PC compatible machines, Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 8-bit computers, and TI-99/4A. Sega’s official ports for Atari 2600, 5200, Atari 8-bit family, Intellivision, and Commodore 64 feature two of the four arcade stages, whereas the ColecoVision version omits the "Snake Lake" stage.

The Atari 2600 edition was released in March 1984; the ColecoVision version followed in October 1984.

Reception

In Japan, Game Machine listed Congo Bongo as the fifth most successful table arcade game in June 1983. In contrast, Time magazine initially reported it as a commercial disappointment in 1983 within the U.S., although it later gained traction in arcades according to Computer Games magazine in early 1985. The home system adaptations achieved notable commercial success stateside.

Computer and Video Games commended its concept as "Donkey Kong in three dimensions," highlighting similarities between its final level and Frogger. Versions for ColecoVision, Atari 5200, and Intellivision received "Best Videogame Audio-Visual Effects" honors at the 1984 Arkie Awards.

Critical response for home ports varied: Ahoy! criticized Commodore 64 and VIC-20 editions for monotonous gameplay and subpar music. Computer Games assigned a C− rating to the Atari VCS version, describing it as largely disappointing. Readers of ST. Game voted the Atari release as the worst Atari title of 1983, ranking it below even E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

Legacy

The initial arcade edition appears as a hidden title within the PlayStation Portable collection Sega Genesis Collection and also in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection available on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. A revamped version with upgraded features was launched for the PlayStation 2 under the Sega Ages branding, included in Sega Ages 2500 Series Vol. 23: Sega Memorial Selection.

External links

Congo Bongo at Phosphor Dot Fossils