DKC2: One of the best games I've ever played

Paramultart · Post by **Paramultart** » Sat Nov 23, 2013 15:20

Since my main PC is currently out of commission, I've been doing some non-Keen gaming, which I haven't done in a long, long time...

The game I decided to revisit was one of the only console games I ever truly took a liking to, Donkey Kong Country 2. Though I was not able to actually beat it myself as a child, it's fun to go back and avenge the frustrated little kid that still lives in me.

Now I'm not much of a Nintendo fan, but I have some respect for Rareware, because they made undeniably fun and interesting games in their prime.

Over the years, Nintendo fans have been introduced to many new incarnations of Donkey Kong... Donkey Kong 64, a television show, a rhythm game, cameos in Super Smash Bros, weird portable titles, and most recently, Donkey Kong Country Returns, a crappy cash-in and lame attempt at reviving the series after Rareware was bought out by Microsoft in 2002. (Bear in mind, I never cared about any of those games, nor have I played them, as I don't own any video game consoles.)

Because of all this, it seems like DKC2 has become somewhat forgotten. While some people don't like this game because it doesn't star the title character, I think it's a huge injustice to sell thus game short.

...... Anyway, on to the point of this thread...

I played and beat Donkey Kong Country 2, in one sitting, just a few hours ago, and it was one of the most pleasant gaming experiences of my life.

The game has everything: Fast-paced, skill-based gameplay, massive worlds, immersive graphics, atmospheric music, goofy humor, interesting enemies, challenging bosses, re-playability, TONS of secrets, an entire bonus world, all while focusing on being FUN, never taking itself too seriously.

When I say the game has great re-playability, let me explain...
When you beat the game, you have the option of returning to any level in the game to further explore it, find more of the many secrets in the game, and collect more coins in order to purchase access to even more secret levels, hints, et cetera.

You also unlock different options on the main menu, such as a jukebox and a "cheat mode".

There are special "DK" coins for you to collect, and after collecting all 40 AND completing all of the secret levels, you unlock the true ending of the game!

If I had an SNES and had to choose only one game for it, it would be this. This is a game that's actually a "bargain", and reminds me of a better time, when games were actually GAMES and not horrible, oh-so-serious, interactive movies.

In closing, I'd just like to say that I thought the first DKC was great, but it gets enough glory, with numerous re-releases, and it isn't obscure enough to warrant my praise. DKC3 was awful from what I played, so I never beat it.

So yeah, just thought I'd share that with you.

troublesomekeen · Post by **troublesomekeen** » Sat Nov 23, 2013 16:49

Sure do love me some classic Donkey Kong. I remember being confused and disappointed with DK64.
Donkey Kong Country 3 had its moments. I'll never forget my brothers frantically climbing through bee-infested trees in an upward-scrolling screen with a crosscut saw in pursuit. Especially awesome was when, after dozens of frustrating and unsuccessful attempts, my brothers beat the snowman boss. O the cries of joy! Like the other games in the series, it certainly has a few standout tracks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mspjf4cACiY

For some reason Jib Jig from DKC2 was one that stuck with me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unSBD_4mDT4

Gotta love those Mine Cart levels!

Post by **Levellass** » Sat Nov 23, 2013 20:49

This is the one that was secretly about piracy wasn't it?

Paramultart · Post by **Paramultart** » Sat Nov 23, 2013 23:34

troublesomekeen wrote: For some reason Jib Jig from DKC2 was one that stuck with me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unSBD_4mDT4

That's a good one, alright!
I quite like the spooky disco roller-coaster music:
http://youtu.be/yUGU_Zlf9tU

And my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE from any Donkey Kong game, Bramble Blast:
http://youtu.be/p0cUcGpjrss

Of course, I loved the theme song from the original, and the whole soundtrack is absolutely incredible: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAbL8NjoRhI

But if I had to choose a favorite from the original, I'd have to go with the obvious: http://youtu.be/e4XCk2HFdNc

Just started playing through DKC3 for the first time...
It seems like a pretty fun game... Just lacks the atmosphere and beauty of the first two.

Post by **tulip** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 12:59

Paramultart wrote:Just started playing through DKC3 for the first time...
It seems like a pretty fun game... Just lacks the atmosphere and beauty of the first two.

When your first post stated DKC3 was crap I thought, from what I remember all three were pretty much alike in terms of quality. A bit like Jill of the Jungle - you get a bit more features, like a map, in later episodes but nothing essentially changes. And just like Jill of the Jungle I think that all DKC games look completely horrible and have aged even worse, but play very well. I played through all three and enjoyed, and I'm a friend of replayable content so I like the first episode a little less.

RoboBlue · Post by **RoboBlue** » Tue Nov 26, 2013 14:26

tulip wrote:
Paramultart wrote:Just started playing through DKC3 for the first time...
It seems like a pretty fun game... Just lacks the atmosphere and beauty of the first two.
When your first post stated DKC3 was crap I thought, from what I remember all three were pretty much alike in terms of quality. A bit like Jill of the Jungle - you get a bit more features, like a map, in later episodes but nothing essentially changes. And just like Jill of the Jungle I think that all DKC games look completely horrible and have aged even worse, but play very well. I played through all three and enjoyed, and I'm a friend of replayable content so I like the first episode a little less.

What about the bosses?
DKC1 had repeat bosses, but DKC 2 and 3 never did.

When are the games coming back to VC already? :/

Post by **Flaose** » Wed Nov 27, 2013 5:50

Yes, I feel DKC2 was the best of the series; maybe I just didn't like Kiddy Kong. The original Donkey Kong Country, though, will always hold a special place in my heart (thanks, nostalgia).

guynietoren · Post by **guynietoren** » Wed Nov 27, 2013 12:45

This game is one of the greatest. I love the sound track.
There's a free remix collection also
http://ocremix.org/album/18/donkey-kong ... y-business
Flight of the Zinger is my favorite.

Paramultart · Post by **Paramultart** » Wed Nov 27, 2013 15:20

Flaose wrote:Yes, I feel DKC2 was the best of the series; maybe I just didn't like Kiddy Kong. The original Donkey Kong Country, though, will always hold a special place in my heart (thanks, nostalgia).

I agree, when it comes to nostalgia and immersive atmosphere, DKC1 takes the cake, with DKC2 in a very close 2nd.

I didn't grow up with DKC3, and didn't really play it until around 2001 or so, but I did recently beat it a few days ago and it's not hard to see that it lowered the bar quite a bit in terms of imaginative environments and music quality.

Kiddy Kong was absolutely useless... I found myself playing as Dixie the entire game.

I keep shortcuts for save/load-state on my gamepad for Keen 4 style saving, that way I never have to restart a level, so I never had to play as Kiddy Kong. (Except when he was needed, which was only to throw Dixie into secret places or roll through tough enemies)

guynietoren wrote: There's a free remix collection also
http://ocremix.org/album/18/donkey-kong ... y-business
Flight of the Zinger is my favorite.

I've heard of that. I'll have to check it out. Definitely love the soundtrack.

Also, did anyone else think Kackle was the most terrifying baddie as a kid?
http://donkeykong.wikia.com/wiki/Kackle

Gosh... the suspense! Of course, as a child, I was scared of the disco kart level, hehe.

Post by **Levellass** » Thu Nov 28, 2013 7:19

Ok, who's the wise guy who links to hour long music?

Paramultart · Post by **Paramultart** » Fri Nov 29, 2013 20:28

Implying you didn't love it