Donkey Kong Country 2 Retrospective | A Perfect Sequel

[@kushkong1339]

this is a must play twice a year for me. EVERY year. I run through this game and Its still not old. This will forever remain and it doesn't matter what game im currently addicted to, it will forever remain my FAVORITE game.

[@yacayou]

You're a real one for this.

[@Metalgopher]

Got any tips for those damn cart levels? I’ve been stuck on one of them for like 6 years lol

[@kushkong1339]

@@Metalgopher I've been playing this game purely off of memory at this point, so its hard to give any tips from me. Only ones I can give are in Rickety Race watch out for the red ! signs, as they foreshadow gaps coming. and be weary of bouncing on a kremling during that, as the bounce can send you flying off a gap. For Haunted Chase Its typically set up to first introduce you to the + barrels then to introduce you to the - barrels. after those first initial ones they will throw back to back Green + barrels at you, then after they throw a bunch of - barrels at you, then last stretch will be them mixing up. The first coaster level is no different than the first mine cart levels in DKC1 so God speed on that one. thats about all I can give

[@shesakillerqueeeen]

I was a full grown ass adult when i realized it was Diddys Kong Quest 😂😂

[@sean236]

I just realized it right now!

[@TheJadeFist]

Honestly, no amount of praise is fully sufficient for this game. It's easily one of the best of all time, definitely a top 5 on the console. If you're talking strictly platformers, than calling it number 1 is about right.

[@lemmykoopa1379]

Bro I’d marry this game if I could. Also Stickerbrush Symphony is like a hug the game gives you whispering in your ear, “It’s okay, you can get through this,” for some for the freaking batshit bramble levels.

[@elsannin14121]

Love the video. DK2 is not just the best sequel, it's, in my opinion, the best 2D platformer of all time. The improvements, the gameplay, and my God, the soundtrack. The soundtrack is something I still listen to even decades later. I'm a teacher. DK2 soundtrack is something that plays in the back whenever my students do individual work or if we're drawing/coloring stuff for science. Amazing game.

[@brycecartwright2403]

Celeste is my personal favorite, but damn recently playing dkc2 gave it a bit of competition. Very hard to choose personally

[@khululyp]

I think in the long run DKC Tropical Freeze and Rayman legends are better platformers in all aspects but both games stand on the shoulders of DKC2 and the nostalgic factor, charm and influence of this title are undeniable.

[@jimmyrodriguez5670]

@@khululyp I've recently been playing tropical freeze and I just can't get into it. The cartwheel jump seems to throw you halfway across the screen and prevents me from feeling that natural flow. I don't care for how the saves work either. I'm still early in the game, and part of my problems could be the controller I have been using, but I haven't felt any of the magic any of the DKC games had.

[@-dash]

The soundtrack is excellent for sure

[@spacepope8495]

@@khululypRayman Legends did blow my mind, it feels incredibly satisfying to control… DKC2 just has infinite replayability for me but maybe just cuz I grew up with it

[@marcosdiogenes9380]

As a game developer, let me tell ya: don't ever be sorry for emulating old games especially if this was your only way to experience them as a child. This is the only reasonable way to keep these games relevant since it's not thesible for companies to make a reasonable profit out of them anymore. Please keep playing them and back them up.

[@jspur6]

‘And back them up’, I love that. You’re one of the good ones chief ❤

[@amjadsulieman1148]

.. help would be great..

[@marcosdiogenes9380]

@@amjadsulieman1148 what do you mean?

[@jo3p_]

King

[@christopherballero866]

For a lot of games emulation is great as old working games & systems can be hard to find & expensive. Plus even if one has everything one needs finding it & switching things on your TV/computer is a pain

[@nightmaregats]

Dave Wise deserves a Nobel just form this game's OST

[@anthonywilliams1453]

I'm glad someone else finally said they like K. Rools theme better on 2 than 1. I thought I was the only one

[@GreatRaijin]

Its not even close really, people just have too much nolstagia for the first game

[@TheFlarbar]

I like them both equally. I love the contrast between "Gangplank Galleon's" light-hearted attitude and Crocodile Cacophony's" more intense, no-nonsense feel.

[@midniteryder_3-16]

Nope. Not at all! & definitely superior 2 k. Rool’s theme in 3!

[@matthewt8214]

DKC2 is the best of the series and one of my favorite games of all time. Currently on one of my many playthroughs, this time on the Switch. 102% let's go 😂

[@NintendoHero]

I absolutely love this game, it's easily my favorite of the original trilogy. Diddy Kong is the freaking best, what an amazing character and I want him back in Mario Kart right now. Also it took me longer than I'd like to admit to realize the title pun, I thought it was Diddy Kong's Quest for a very long time haha. And yeah the music is just next level good, stickerbush symphony is incredibly great. Love this game so much, this vid was an amazing tribute to it! Great job!

[@JacksonofGod]

Got our wish as a Mario kart character

[@patconroy1874]

Omg… kong quest… I had no idea

[@DamageJackyl]

As a musician I must say, to hear you talk about being so moved by the track in Stickerbush Symphony that you stopped what you were doing and just listened, that's the highest compliment a writer/composer could have. Damn. Hearing that put a smile on MY face and I didn't even write it. Too few people talk about the impact music or soundtracks have.

[@moskbarto9436]

I'm 32 years old and I keep playing the DK SNES trilogy since they came out. Not only these games started my love for video games which lets me feel nostalgic, to this day these games are fun to play. These are timeless gems.

[@jim1873]

We need a remake of this trilogy 😢

[@BRCaldeira7]

That's the best DKC. Ever. I ran it over 10 times in my lifetime. It's like watching classic movies. Never gets old and ages like a charm.

[@Ledmetacdc]

Just finished this game tonight having never played it before. Probably the hardest game I've ever finished, but man is it an impressive game design wise.

[@coltonk.3086]

DKC2 is the perfect retro platformer. There are a few rough edges but mostly due to time. IE, paying to save and losing what you've collected when you turn it off, but the fact that it's aged like fine wine really says something about Rare.

[@-dash]

SMB3… SMB2J… SMB…

[@fortunamajor7239]

​@@-dash on a video about DKC2 you're going to see people speak highly of DKC2 lol

[@-dash]

@@fortunamajor7239 No you’re right I was tilted by DKC2 when I wrote that 😂 Some level called Bramble Blast had clouded my judgement. DKC2 is an excellent platformer.

[@analog_ape]

DKC2 was pure magic when I first got it for Christmas 1995. Fantastic game.

[@juunibug]

DKC2 is my favorite game of all time. My mom also loves this game too. I always found this game easier as I got older because I've played through it dozens of times, and I love seeing newer players discover this game and problem solve through it. The art, music, gameplay and level design aged so well, I never get tired of playing it. This was a great retrospective that gave me a lot of nostalgia and puts into words why I love this game! Also, I agree that Crocodile Cacophony > Gangplank Galleon!

[@xdouche3608]

maan, this hits too close. DKC2 is one of my first videogames ever, and just as with Super Metroid, I can never stop being amazed at just how gracefully this game aged. An amazing video, for an amazing game!

[@Jrizzle7426]

Lockjaws saga deserves more love. Easy my favorite track and honestly is probably my favorite video game ost of all time. This entire series soundtrack is just incredible however so I understand how everyone has their own favorite.

[@FancyReviews]

Great Video! Enjoyed every little piece of it! So much Passion! Hope to see / hear more from you ✌🏻

[@Carnius797]

I’m late to the party but what an incredible take on an almost perfect game. Thank you.

[@Baphomets_Kid]

It ties with Yoshi’s Island as just f-king flawless platformers.

[@r3mm13arts]

You truly said it all. This is my favorite SNES game and I think it jumpstarted my love of platformers. The music is SUPER good. The silliness helps make up for the rage inducing levels. It's just such a well rounded game. Great video ❤

[@Hexsyn]

Not a game that i had in my childhood but I can really appreciate your enthusiasm. Great video man!

[@PGReviews_]

Thank you!

[@TheMissKittyStar]

I mix taped the whole sound track for road trips, it STILL completely slaps

[@christopherballero866]

DKC 2 is absurdly fun to play & deserves all of its many praises

[@juanpaolomejia1699]

10:41 Finally, someone agreed with me about Mining Melancholy! THANK YOU!

[@christianlacroix4]

I remember when I was a kid, DKC2 was my ultimate snes game, there was no game better, and even though some N64 and psx then ps2 games seemed better, but nowadays I keep remembering the awe I had for DKC2, for me probably the best game of all time.

[@Ian-v9f]

I know I'm late to the party but that line about Squawks being an epilepsy trigger had me cackling. Nice video

[@BloodyxProtest]

In conclusion : The perfect old school video game.

[@DjJt08]

The music from the mines is my favorite too, subbed!

[@wills-way7664]

Amazing video man and genius humor. I caught onto several jokes seconds after you saying them and most people might have them go over their head but when you understand it’s incredible. I look forward to your quick Mariokart DLC video, and I’m sure you know why haha. Enjoy your weekend man!

[@wangchung2157]

I love DKC2 in my opinion its the best of the trilogy and one of the greatest games period

[@jimmyrodriguez5670]

I honestly think this is the greatest video game ever made based on what video games were originally made for. It can't compare to the story-driven games that Metal Gear Solid paved the way for, but everything else is as close to perfect as I could ever ask for.

[@ShadowWizard224]

One of the greatest video games of all time.

[@truepatriot6657]

Its not a game its happiness 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@goodcatfilms4276]

It’s better than happiness , but it’s almost unbearable

[@ponfarriac9879]

I love this game. I like to think Diddy is better for combat and Dixie is better for platforming. Great channel. I subscribed because of this series.

[@KingNidoYT]

That cut before the title tirade at the start! Can only imagine the uncut version.

[@aaronproctor3623]

11:03 absolute heartbreak! I totally made the kremlin death sound in my head and had a disconnect when I didn't hear it out loud. Like nostalgic blue balling 😂

[@PhillyThe13th]

It's my absolute favorite video game of all time without question. This game is perfect in every way, in my opinion. I have beaten this game more times than I can count. I was 10 when it released. The music in this game is just incredible. A modern day remaster of this game would be amazing.

[@RickyHadou]

The soundtrack is absolutely FLAWLESS. Good lord. Banger after banger. DKC2 will forever be the best DKC.

[@itsnotborker456]

I absolutely agree, mining melancholy is a top 10 game soundtrack for me.

[@Calham64]

Really enjoyed this video on DKC2. Strongly agree with the things you said. You deserve more subs, imo.

[@SHAMSHAM1090]

2:31 did that ghost bird really come out in the SNES? I never noticed that.

[@Soundtracks92]

Love this review! DKC 2 is the best DKC game in my opinion and overall one of my favorite video games of all time!

[@chocolatekake]

For whatever reason this was the only one I owned for SNES and I still played it long after the Gamecube came out, though I still couldn't beat it until I played it again on Wii U VC. I also liked the animal transformations, even though it doesn't change anything at all compared to just riding on them, just a neat little thing. I seem to be one of the few who always knew it was Diddy's Kong Quest, but I never realized it was a pun until _many_ years later. I did however constantly misread Klubba's Kiosk as Klubba's Koisk.

[@icelevel2437]

It’s StickerBUSH Symphony, get it right, dammit 🥴

[@levantaaaaaaaa]

DKC3 is my favorite. However, I agree that DKC2 is a phenomenal game.

[@TheFatestPat]

If the Squawks section of Animal Antics is giving you trouble, take a moment to observe the wind. It goes back and forth in a 5 second pattern. Once you realize that, the level isn't too bad.

[@pinkmagikarp1050]

Really nice video! Thank you

[@hsblw_6]

It's really hard to believe how a game about monkeys fighting a giant crocodile for bananas has the best soundtrack a game ever had. Forest interlude, stickerbush symphony and mining melancholy are just perfect. The gameplay, the frentic speed if you know what you're doing, the gimmicks of a lot of levels, the sheer difficulty of some other levels, the lost world levels that require you to search for the hidden things... If there's anything close to the perfect game, I can't help but think it's DKC2. Like yourself, I grew up with DKC1 and only found out about the other 2 some good years later. DKC2 was an instant passion for me, and DKC3... Well, tried SO MUCH to like it but I just can't. More than half of it feels like a chore and not having DK is ok cause he was disposable on the first game as well, but not having Diddy pretty much changes the gameplay in a way I really didn't like. Anyway, amazing review!

[@jimmyrodriguez5670]

I agree 100% with pretty much every point you touched on. I still can not stand DKC3. It always looked ghetto and when I recently gave it a shot with my son, it was just awful.

[@Sam_T2000]

there should’ve been a fourth game where Donkey Kong goes to feudal Japan and fights K.Rool as a samurai, or one where they go to medieval Europe and he’s a knight… but I guess that’s more in line with his original persona 🤔

[@Blk_Sheep87]

We often overlook the unique feelings these games created back in the day, when you saw such a game for the first time, after so many 8-bit games! Imagine hearing this beautiful music in a game, like nothing else before it, after 8-bit music! I wish there's a way to recreate the feeling of the exact era, so kids today can experience it the way we used to, just so they can feel how much of a big deal it actually was for gamers. I think they would enjoy it too! Many of these games were mind blowing experiences for a child The creativity and imagination of game developers just hooked you in. Maybe, you can isolate yourself and decide to play games from 8-bit era, to modern era, to kinda feel the progress, but back then... you knew it's the best technology the game industry can provide, and all gamers were experiencing it at the same time, and talked about it. It was so awesome! I miss that so much... They are ruining the gaming experience today, and there are too many games. There's no such jump in quality, the way it used to be before. Therefore - no such level of excitement.

[@MercLazarus]

I feel very special to know that this year when I finally finished DKC2 for the very first time, I first tried animal antics without a single death and was like "Huh."

[@ChrisAurora]

I recently went to see a panel with David Wise, Grant Kirkhope etc from Rare, and they mentioned that the hours were indeed long at Rare in the 90s, and the inter-team competitive environment was fierce indeed.

[@rpggaming8950]

One of my all time favorite game everything about this game is amazing

[@Mullet345]

Out of all the tracks in the soundtrack the Lost World map music is my favourite.

[@darkaoshi27]

You only need to pay Funky for transportation ONCE for each world. After that it's free.

[@maxwellcorey]

Great video!

[@miguelgarces8946]

I can't wait for DKC3's Review, and hear a handful of average things about it.

[@mackattackgameclips4648]

Donkey Kong Country 2 is very underrated. Another good soundtrack, epic levels, and it operated more smoothly than the first one.

[@amandamatheny3675]

Bramble scramble was quite the beast through the first several times I played it. Even the level where you have to climb the ropes and have the water or slim or whatever the heck it was rising after you and having to dodge the piranha was easier.

[@TBoneTony]

I got this game on the GameBoy version as DKL2, the old OLD GameBoy without the Advance. I never had a SNES due to family being middle to low income back when I was a kid, so I had to settle with what I got on the GameBoy. Thankfully while the GameBoy version of this game is obviously missing a few parts that the SNES version had, at least it still has all the memorable stages and most of the memorable music still being heard and it even makes the GameBoy sound like a Musical Device to play remixes to.

[@LucaTak]

DKC 2 is a masterpiece! I remember when i played it for the first time when it was released on Nintendo Switch Online!

[@MrPhats-qb2dy]

DKC 1 was the first game I ever played, but this was the first game I ever owned. I played this game so much growing up, I pretty much know this game like the back of my hand. I still like to run through it every now and then.

[@Toumasu]

2:45 he left it on mono.. david wise is rolling around in his bed

[@tehsavage]

FINALLY A MINING MELANCHOLY ENJOYER. It's easily the best song in the game. Stickerbrush Symphony has nothing on Mining

[@PGReviews_]

This is the way.

[@LudwigVonEdgar]

@@PGReviews_Is that a reference?

[@nellekx]

DKC2 has been my favourite game ever since it was released

[@Quinhala11]

There's way more to the story than you described

[@OnePolishMoFo]

Thanks a bunch. You made me realize I've had the title of this game wrong for almost 30 years. I thought until this very moment it was called Diddy Kong's Quest not Diddy's Kong Quest.

[@TheBeird]

It's a toss up between this, Super Mario World, and Sonic 3 & Knuckles as best 16-bit platformer. Hmm, stick Rocket Knight Adventures in there too. Can't decide between them but what a luxury. Doesn't matter because DKC2 is amazing. First game that I completed 100% 102%

[@MeDsCP]

Oh my god, you got me at the part you said you like Mining Melancholy over Stickerbrush Symphomy. SS is great but MM is just so good I love it!

[@oval7862]

My mind was blown when learning it was Diddy's Long Quest

[@SkaiaMechanic]

"Personally, I'm more of a fan of Mining Melancholy but..." Ah, another person of culture. But yeah, one of my favorite games to look back on.

[@cristinagomez3283]

2:31 *F O R E S H A D O W I N G*

[@tablab165]

Everything about DKC2 for SNES is amazing! GBA boss reminds me of Animaniacs.

[@shwickid222]

Donkey kong land 2 was a great game boy color game. I played it every day growing up

[@DublinSeafoodInc]

great video

[@chaddubois8164]

My favorite platformer of all time.

[@hansgretl1787]

The GBA exclusive boss admittedly looks better when veiwed on the original GBA screen, but it still kinda sticks out compared to everything else. I wholeheartedly agree with this video, DKC 2 is pretty mich the best platformer ever mad. Well, it's either that or Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment. Really looking forward to the DKC 3 video. I like that game quite a bit, and I'd even rate it a bit higher than DKC 1 which is kind of a hot take, but also really weird seeing as I have just as much of a nostalgic connection to 1 as you do. I did tell you about DKC 3 GBA's Soundtrack, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts. It's not talked about much, even though it's up there with the DKC 2 OST I think. Probably part of the reason my opinion of DKC 3 is so high, because I genuinely think the GBA version is better than the SNES version on that one, even has an extra world full of cool levels and everything. You WILL take back what you said about the Brawl Remix of Stickerbush Symphony, Acoustic Guitar and Violin were MEANT for this song (also fun fact: The songs title is "Stickerbush Symphony", not "Stickerbrush Symphony". It's a common misconception on the internet.)

[@bluestrife28]

You might like Cally’s Caves. They’re on different stores I think. 3 and 4 I’ve played on IoS but the originals were OG App games. Lots of DKC, Metroidvania etc influences.

[@F13fan]

I loved this game just as much as the original! I remember saving my money to get it in 8th grade from toys r us where I had put money down for them to hold it(which in turn also allowed me to get white DKC2 shirt) I’m probably more fond of the original but I love this whole franchise! And sticker brush music almost as good as aquatic ambience! I can remember getting very pissed at some of difficult levels lol And I’ve never seen that exclusive GB boss & while ofd looking I’d like to have seen it in the SNES

[@cherub3624]

DKC2 is one of the greatest games ever made. It somehow improved on an already perfect game.

[@Gregair13]

12:28 gives Perfect Dark vibes

[@mariogariazzo2024]

About the keyboard thing, I think it's funny that for me is quite the contrary: I love 2D games on keyboard, it just fits so well how I learned to play since I was a kid. But I can't play EVERYTHING on keyboard, I only discovered that super mario 64 is not an overrated mess when I tried playing it on a controller 😂 it's one of my favorite games now

[@jpVari]

Dkc is my favorite series ever. At least, for single player games. Just flawless imo. Especially 1 and 2. But I will happily play 3 as well. I didn't love the first of the modern ones but tropical freeze was as good as ever.

[@sunside79334]

yah, i feel your pain. animal antics was something and then some.

[@DB-vl9ob]

I enloyed this video very much. Wish you wouldve run the outro longer ;)

[@minermole101]

Best (or one of the best) games in the Country series. Or gaming overall.

[@leeartlee915]

I’m still thinking about how you played this on a keyboard. I mean I get it. Anyway you can play video games, you do it. Still, that could not have been easy.

[@waterywingz]

Agreed. My friend got a controller for me to play his emulator. I’m a complete wetodd w the keyboard 🙈

[@TheIkranRider]

I guess DKC2 especially the SNES port shall be my all time favorite DKC game. It really is phenomenal with the environments, music, bosses, etc. And I call it home since other games at the time like MK3 were too technical. Also Dixie is one of the all time favorite female characters and should've gotten her role in Smash replacing all the suffocating sword fighters!

[@yankeeluver100]

I TOTALLY never used the Switch's rewind feature when playing through DK Country 2 😅😅.

[@natejoe9924]

Yeah I did beat this game but the regular way the Super Nintendo

[@callinater6133]

Actually you’re wrong about the jump height. Diddy actually jumps higher than Dixie

[@PGReviews_]

Man I could've sworn it was the other way around. Thanks for clearing that up!

[@callinater6133]

@@PGReviews_ yeah. Their jump heights are very close, but diddy’s is slightly higher. There was this one pixel perfect jump that you needed to use diddy for in one of the mining levels in order to get a kong letter if I recall. I could be wrong though as there may have been an easier way to get it but diddy was the only one who could get high enough to reach it.

[@NeoGamemaster]

Would an autosave feature be better for you?

[@ryanmcgrath3047]

I’ve 102% this game multiple times and never knew about the “!” for completed levels 🤦‍♂️ 18:09

[@josh_the_happy]

What was that cheat at the end? Great damned review, my favorite also.

[@PGReviews_]

Don’t know it off the top of my head but a search for “DKC2 all krem coins cheat” should point you in the right direction. It involves performing a series of specific actions in the first level.

[@josh_the_happy]

@@PGReviews_ Thanks I found it.

[@unexpectedTrajectory]

I've known this was the best DK for decades. And I just found out there was pun in the game title...

[@arminxvs3372]

Best DKC and one of the best Platformers ever made.