Donkey Kong Country 2

This handheld version of Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest is more than just a simple Super Nintendo port. With added story content, new level designs, and bonus mini-games, there's a lot of fresh stuff to enjoy in Donkey Kong Country 2 on Game Boy Advance. Many consider the original 1995 game to be one of the best platformers of all time, making this enhanced version a portable treasure trove of retro gaming goodness. Between the colorful art design, challenging platforming, and extra content, this is easily one of the best games you can play on the GBA.

Main Game Features

• Over 50 levels of classic SNES platforming
• New mini-games and bonus modes
• Two player support on one system

Story

The first major difference between the original Super Nintendo game and the GBA version of Donkey Kong Country 2 is the bright and colorful new opening cutscene that explains the story. After his lengthy adventure in the first Donkey Kong Country, Donkey Kong is enjoying a relaxing day at the beach. Suddenly, Kaptain K. Rool and his minions descend onto the island, kidnapping Donkey Kong and whisking him away to Crocodile Isle. In a ransom note, K. Rool offers to exchange Donkey Kong for the Kong's prized Banana Hoard. Unwilling to make a deal, Diddy Kong and his girlfriend Dixie head to Crocodile Isle to rescue Donkey Kong and defeat K. Rool once and for all.

Gameplay

Most of the gameplay from the original game is held over in this remake, tasking players with navigating 2D platforming stages across eight unique worlds. The main game can be played either solo or with a friend, with players tagging each other in by pressing the select button. Diddy and Dixie Kong's powers are mostly limited, so you'll have to rely on your jumping skill to evade enemies and obstacles. Both characters have slight differences; Diddy is faster and can jump higher, while Dixie can hover in the air and execute a roll attack. Some stages include powerful animals to befriend and ride, letting you blast through areas and enemies with ease. This Game Boy Advance version of Donkey Kong Country 2 also contains some exclusive content. The main game has completed updated world-map designs, as well as new character voice-lines, exclusive levels, and a new boss. There are also several extra mini-games and a bonus time-trial mode called Diddy's Dash. The mini-games are mostly simple and lack depth, but are very fun for a few minutes of Donkey Kong Country action.

Conclusion

Donkey Kong Country 2 is a fantastic handheld remake of the SNES classic, which adds some great new content into the already excellent experience. The main game remains as fun and challenging as it was in the 90s, with bonus modes providing some quirky new gameplay too.

The new introductory story cutscene and updated visuals are a great treat for fans of the original, as is the inclusion of a local two-player option. Whether you've played Donkey Kong Country 2 a bunch of times or have never enjoyed this classic Nintendo platformer, you should definitely give this remake a try.

Pros

• Updated level designs and bonus modes
• Exciting and challenging gameplay
• Classic nostalgia on-the-go

Cons

• Occasionally blurry visuals
• Downgraded audio