Bonkers SNES Receives Major ROM Hack Update: Upgradeable Dash and Gameplay Improvements Now Available

Classic SNES Platformer Bonkers Gets Fan-Made Update with Upgradeable Dash and Gameplay Tweaks In the ever-evolving world of retro gaming, few titles evoke as much nostalgia as Bonkers for the Super Nintendo.

Originally released in 1994 and developed by Sun L—under the iconic Capcom publishing banner—Bonkers was inspired by the beloved Disney Afternoon animated series of the same name.

The game follows the comedic misadventures of Bonkers D.

Bobcat, a cartoon ex-star turned cop, as he navigates the zany streets searching for three stolen artifacts from the Toontown museum.

Known for its vibrant Disney graphics and whimsical style, the SNES platformer quickly found an audience among cartoon and gaming fans alike.

Despite positive reviews from outlets such as GamePro, Bonkers struggled to carve a niche in the crowded 2D platformer market of the 1990s. Fast forward to today, and Bonkers is getting a new lease on life thanks to renowned ROM hacker and developer BillyTime! Games.

With a history of enhancing classic games like Hudson Soft’s Inspector Gadget and Sega’s Ghostbusters, BillyTime! Games has released a substantial update for the Super Nintendo version of Bonkers, breathing fresh energy into this retro gem. The fan-created ROM hack focuses on refining the core gameplay and introducing quality-of-life improvements.

Most notably, players can now unlock an upgradeable dash for Bonkers by reaching specific level milestones, collecting badges, and increasing their bomb count.

This new mechanic aims to add depth and flexibility, making the platforming experience more dynamic for both newcomers and returning fans. In addition to the headline feature, the Bonkers ROM hack introduces several welcome tweaks: - Reduced health for the first boss and Collector boss to balance difficulty - An increased starting life count, with players now beginning each playthrough with five lives instead of three - Automatic bomb rewards when leveling up, providing more strategic options during tough segments BillyTime! Games described the project as a way to "retool Bonkers for a broader audience," emphasizing accessibility and player satisfaction without compromising the game’s original charm.

The patch is currently available for download from ROM Hack Plaza, offering Super Nintendo fans a legal way to enhance their classic copy of Bonkers through ROM patching. While Bonkers has yet to see an official re-release on modern Nintendo platforms like the Nintendo Switch or eShop, the enduring appeal and dedicated fan support highlight its place in the pantheon of Disney and Capcom collaborations.

For those seeking to revisit the vibrant world of Toontown or experience Capcom’s SNES legacy, this ROM hack is an excellent reason to dust off your old hardware or emulation setup. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast, Disney Afternoon nostalgic, or a platformer aficionado, Bonkers’ newfound speed and smoother gameplay offer a compelling reason to revisit (or rediscover) this cult classic.

Capcom Nintendo SNES Super Nintendo Xbox Series X|S Sun L BillyTime! Games Nintendo Switch eShop Bonkers