Donkey Kong Country 2 is one of the best 16-bit plataformers ever, and that is saying a lot
GRAPHICS:
The computer generated style of the first game was impressive, but the game was rather blurry and didn't really have that many different backgrounds to chose from. The sequel, on the other had, runs extremely smoothly and no level looks the same as the past, offering different ideas all the time. It can often be subtle, like just some color change, and there is at least two concepts which's levels do not change much, but this game still comes off as quite pretty, and still looks good to this day. 4.5/5
SOUND:
The soundtrack of this game is one of the best of its time. The music is always memorable, with songs that range from catchy, to soothing and to haunting. There is something here for everyone, and is definitely one of the highlights of the game. 5/5
GAMEPLAY:
The game is a 2D plataformer. Instead of controling Donkey and Diddy, this time around you control Diddy and his girlfriend Dixie, to rescue Donkey from Captain K. Rool.
Dixie is a diference enough to change the gameplay quite a bit. Since now we have basicaly two light characters, they now have more subtle advantages, in Diddy's case with being a bit faster and being able to jump farther, to noticeable, with Dixie, who can use her hair to glide distances across. It is interesting to have this kind of subtle changes, and while choosing which kong to use now is not as relevant, they still make for a memorable duo.
Mechanics from the past game have also been updated. The animal buddies from the first game make a comeback, with some dropouts and some additions. The additions are for the best: Rattly the Snake and Squitter the Spider are awesome, and the ones that come back Squawks, Enguarde and Rambi are still really fun to use. In some levels you do not ride them, but change into the animal. As the animal, you have only two hits, but it at times can be easier to control and manuver around. Regardless of anything, having any of them to use in any given time is always a fun addition.
The level design in this game is much more varied than in DKC1. The levels now can be jungle themed, pirate themed, mine themed, cart themed and so on. As such, it is quite a thrill to see that, after a level you didn't like that much, the next one is one of a kind you like a lot. But if the first game was not hard enough, this one ups the difficulty level considerably. Levels can contain deadly enemy placement and extremely tricky jumps that take a lot to master. While save points are placed well, prepare to die constantly. Bosses are also much improved, this time posing a challenge, but can also be extremely frustrating to deal with.
This game also rewards you for 100%, not just braging rights. It unlocks you 4 more levels and an extra boss. The levels are really, really difficult, and getting all the special coins is a challenge in itself, so only those who can endure pain should go for it, but it still is a really good reward.
Playing this game after DKC1 and DKC3, I noticed that this is probably the most focused out of the three. It is more varied and tight than its predecessor, but also does not have the erratic changes and gimmicks of its successor. So, definitely, this game does get a lot of points for just that: being a game that knows what it is, and gives us what it is trying to.
The plataforming is still tight, and Dixie's hair glide does not break the game, so do not expect that to make your life that much easier. The game, in the end, is just a lot of fun to playthough. 5/5
OVERALL:
I was shocked with how much I enjoyed this game. While I have nostalgic feelings with the third game, this one is pretty much the best in the series. Anyone who enjoys plataforming owes to themselves to play this 16-bit masterpiece.
The good:
-Graphics are extremely lush
-Soundtrack is simple spectacular
-The two kongs have just the right amount of differences
-Plataforming is tight, with great level design
-Animal buddies are a lot of fun to use
-Rewards you for your hard trouble
The bad:
-Can be really, really difficult
-Getting the 100% for 4 levels and a boss may not be for everyone