Top 10 Hardest DKC (SNES) Stages - AntDude

These classics can be as tough as 3 month old bananas! Wait, they get soft when they're rotten, right? Ummm...whatever, the games are hard.
This list takes a look specifically at the SNES Trilogy. DKC Returns and Tropical Freeze are also tough, but they won't be on the list.
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[@domliddle3343]

I never found Lightning Lookout that bad. Hard, sure, but not that bad. Toxic Tower is the one.

[@lb8130]

Completely agree. i nearly broke my DKC2 cartridge when i was young because of that level.

[@DarkSim64]

Lightning Look-out is easy once you figure the lightning hits are calculated from where you will be if you keep moving at the speed you are going at.

[@DinnerForkTongue]

DarkSim64 Exactly. Though you can still get zapped from how unpredictable the bolts can get when you're u stop and turn around to avoid a zap. Really, the red Buzzes are a godsend.

[@thereisnohope4228]

Those fucking red zingers though

[@FlexDennis]

Toxic Tower and this level from DKC3 with Ghost barrels was very hard

[@DusBeforeDawn2008]

I'm surprised no one mentioned that dam Squawks race at the end of DKC 2

[@parker_chess]

That's the only level in DKC 2 that even posed a challenge for me.

[@Dargonhuman]

That one's not too bad if you know how to handle Squawks and know where the shortcuts are. First couple tries can be pretty daunting, though, I'll give you that.

[@bezoticallyyours83]

I haven't got that far.

[@nfrmptbongo9439]

First level somebody mentions that my childhood instantly gasped at in terror at the resurfaced memory. God damn that goddamn level to infinity. Jesus.

[@soIarix]

Here's one thing that could really help. There is an exploit that makes it so that you can skip the race trigger and play at your own pace.

[@NecxZhor9]

Toxic Tower pissed the shit out of me

[@ChipHazard007]

Crusader Cat Finished that one at about 1:30 this morning after being stuck on it for a week

[@krowphyrao4801]

Crusader Cat You are correct , that shyt took me like 30 40 attempts, Hahaha

[@erikruane821]

why does everyone hate toxic towers? it's one of the easiest levels in k rools keep.

[@Dargonhuman]

Erik Ruane Sure, whatever you need to tell yourself to think you're an edgelord.

[@pantiesgonewild358]

as a child that level took me weeks to finaly beat it since i never knew how to super jump on ratly

[@Mandilore89]

Also, NO TOXIC TOWER!?! That level is BRUTAL!

[@johnnywilson3071]

He Probably forgot about it or it didn't come to his mind. There's over 100 different levels in the DKC trilogy and nearly half of them deserve to be on this list. Kastle Krush and Koindozer Klamber both got omitted along with Loopy Lights. That's three levels that could of easily made this list that didn't

[@bezoticallyyours83]

@@johnnywilson3071 Loopy Lights is a breeze.

[@kwokyin]

@@bezoticallyyours83 NO, Loopy Lights is HARD! I had more trouble with it than Platform Perils.

[@Bastikovski99]

Yeah. Toxic Tower. Poison Pond. The one where the bee chases you. Those are all harder than the lightning one.

[@axolotbrochanes5462]

True

[@cyraxmk1212]

Toxic Tower from DKC2 scarred me for life.

[@RoWDiGao]

hahahaha !!!! this stage!!! :v It is really hard! But i love this stage!!! And your soundtrack is cool!! :v

[@semonyx]

Toxic Tower is where motherfxxxer became a permanent part of my vocabulary

[@DrJekyll38]

That one is DEFINITELY frustrating, although it almost seemed easy after... SCREECH'S SPRINT! Seriously, how many shortcuts does that stupid hawk need? And you can lose the race just trying to pick up the DK coin!

[@crissy131417]

I am on Toxic Tower Stage right now, It takes far to long to charge up the spring snake when Toxic Water is rapidly rising upward. I have 73 lives going into level and I still can't beat it.

[@FrankReynolds182]

The real crime in web woods is the DK coin at the end on the level finish target. It flashes for a microsecond, so if you're doing a completionist run, you could be replaying that level many times.

[@jaysillynx3190]

Yeah. The stage itself is hard enough but that damn coin at the end just takes the cake. I replayed the game recently and had to replay this stage like 3-4 times before I finally got that damn coin.

[@BowserandLover1]

It also hurts how freaking long the level is. =/ The check point barrel is still very EARLY in the level. They should have made 2 check point barrels. XP I mean sure that DK coin is hell to get, but what makes this so incredibly painful is all the hell you have to go through JUST to have another shot at trying to get the DK coin again! There's a lava level in the Lost World that is similar to this. I forgot the name of it. I think it's a lava level where you move around in barrels? It's similar to Klobber Karnage except you don't rotate the barrels because they are in a fixed position. The last bonus stage is a pain because if you fail at it, you have to do the whole level again since you are forced to end the stage to get another chance, but honestly I think Web Wood is the longer level, but that's still evil man.

[@Barber747]

FamousLastWords First of all, the lava level you are referring to is called Fiery Furnace. Also, you saying that you only have one chance at the bonus level at the end...that's exactly the same way I feel about Stampede Sprint, one of the secret levels in DKC3. In that level, you turn into the elephant, who becomes scared shitless after she is launched in front of a trio of rodent enemies to the point where she literally starts running nonstop. On top of that you have the parallel bird above you (though it's technically optional, but not if you want to clear all the bonus stages), which you must keep alive until the very end in order to reach the bonus stage. Once you make it to said bonus stage, you only have one chance to clear it (which was a 15 banana challenge). If you fail to complete the challenge, you have to do the entire stage all over again just to get the third bonus barrel.

[@TheRaNdOmLiFe1000]

FamousLastWords I’ve gotten that coin, I’ve actually gotten almost every coin in the game. Most of them are in terrible locations it kind of makes me want to rip my pubic hair out with pliers.

[@Geassu]

I loved that level, when I was a child I remember playing it on my grandma's house, it takes me like 3 hours to pass it, the bgm song was so cool and relaxing that I even forget the time haha Now I can pass it on my first run, but the DK coin, yeah with caution cause is long and you don't want to lose your time

[@Fishmon14]

I remember the first time I played Poisonous Pipeline, I was like "Oh." And then I flipped my controller upside down, and had no issues. Yes, I am a cheating bastard.

[@UserName-dt3kc]

Relate able

[@megasimp5137]

Improvise, adapt, overcome

[@danielr3522]

I was thinking that, but doesn't it feel weird having the d-pad and buttons on opposite sides? I say this having not actually had the pleasure of having played that level (yet).

[@Fishmon14]

@@danielr3522 A little, but much more adaptable than trying to manage mirrored controls

[@danielr3522]

@@Fishmon14 Yeah, that''s what I figured!

[@sobrii9492]

I always thought it was funny that Donkey Kong himself is only playable in one of the classic DKC games, whereas Diddy and Dixie have two playable appearances each.

[@osets2117]

they were Superior characters anyway

[@sallourussell2271]

All they needed was one final game (DKC4) with Donkey Kong and Kiddy to give everyone 2 each

[@flashfoward88]

A lot of people seems to dislike kiddy. I honestly think the 3rd one should of been donkey and Dixie saving Diddy. Then all 3 characters would of had 2 appearances

[@Patbd2552]

@@sallourussell2271 lol the two worst characters. Would of been the equivalent to the lost levels

[@Bubba__Sawyer]

I don't get why DKC3 couldn't have been DK and Dixie 🤔

[@gonxmaster]

Stampede Sprint from DKC3 was the worst piece of dificulty I've ever seen. Turns into an elephant, gets scared by b3 mice, and you sprint the whole level without stopping or looking back. I hated that

[@NeoVejiita]

Gonzalo Barahona agreed. Especially if you want the bonus barrel for keeping Parry alive until the end.

[@abbacchio2502]

Lol I've beated it first try on my last run

[@bezoticallyyours83]

Nah. Rocket Barrel Race and Swoopy Salvo were far more horrible.

[@Mikewee777]

Gonzalo , you can glitch yourself past the barrel in order to avoid turning into the elephant.

[@smartass643]

It would have been better if Rambi was there

[@SkiKoala]

The worst part about Web Woods was having to get the timing juuuuuuust right at the end to get the DK Coin.

[@bastiengiroux7762]

You can roll jump from up the hill...suppper easy

[@lucas_1448]

That’s like the rotten cherry on top of the rotten cake that was that whole level, Rare really hates us

[@jackiebrown6845]

I'm surprised that AntDude didn't mention that! Probably didn't want us to feel worse about the level - who knows?

[@williamwhite1036]

Worst level in DKC2

[@16bitSteven]

Nicely done! Here's my list: 10. Snow Barrel Blast 9. Fiery Furnace 8. Buzzer Barrage 7. Tearaway Toboggan 6. Toxic Tower 5. Klobber Karnage 4. Platform Peril 3. Lightning Look-Out 2. Swoopy Salvo 1. Animal Antics

[@mindseyemusicreview]

Just started replaying the series from when I was a kid and snow barrel blast is definitely when the gloves come off. That one section of barrels over a bottomless pit is borderline impossible. Thank God for the skip.

[@MentalWyro]

Toxic Tower... For me... that was tougher than Animal Antics...

[@MentalWyro]

Don't put a lot of pressure on the D-Pad, and you'll make it through just fine.

[@mvrp2010]

toxic tower made me cry

[@TheMorrbyd777]

*hugs* I feel your pain. Stay strong, brother. XD

[@elleelle9048]

Toxic Tower was much easier in GBA form.

[@cjszero01]

Was it just one of those times where the editing decides to just skip something and show something you don't want to? Been there, it's frustrating, just like the levels on this list. ;) Poisonous Pipeline, Tanked up Trouble, Animal Antics, Snow Barrel Blast, Lightning Look out... aww man those levels are so hard but that's what makes them fun to play through. It's those levels where you can't master them so you can't just stroll on by you know? Oh and for those watching, that wasn't Krusha, that was Klump... but to be fair Krusha is everywhere in that level and you REALLY don't want to be Diddy when facing him.

[@anthonynguyen5788]

+cjszero01 Hello

[@rp642009]

i didnt know you watch ant dude

[@Doctormario4600]

Lightning Lookout isn't that bad once you realise the pattern. There's a bit of lightning at the top of the screen about a second before the actual thunder strikes. Still pretty hard nonetheless. Even then, though, I don't think it's the hardest in the series by any means.

[@williamwhite2568]

Doctormario4600 it's not that hard

[@deadlysword1000]

Doctormario4600 Add the eneny placement, and the water and dodging the lighting and you'll quickly change your mind. Props to you for beating the level and to each their own.

[@andrewYashua7490]

I agree web woods was the one that pissed me off took me 2 weeks to beat that level as a kid

[@Mikewee777]

Doctormario4600 , just like the blackout factory levels.

[@lolidemon3163]

@@deadlysword1000 the lost world levels in dkc3 makes lightning lookout look like child's play lol

[@Tetsaiken]

I agree with a lot of the list, but my personal mentions are: DKC1: Loopy Lights DKC2: Toxic Tower DKC3: Stampede Sprint All three levels are flat out gross.

[@Tetsaiken]

Aside from one disgusting bonus, Swoopy Salvo was managable. I can't say the same for the other three I listed.

[@ee2marine]

Toxic Tower is insane, and the level after it

[@ee2marine]

Yep

[@bobjeezorham7658]

I don't remember Loopy Lights being too difficult but I haven't gotten to Toxic Tower or Stampede Sprint.

[@mrfroboto1]

almost all rattly levels took me days to complete. toxic tower being the worst.

[@RecessRescue]

Snow Barrel Blast. Everything else I can deal with, but oh my gosh, Snow Barrel Blast was irritating to me as a kid, AND as an adult.

[@theungreatkahli]

I found it fun, and beautiful. it wasn't too hard for me.

[@Scott89878]

Honestly, I think that is the only really notorious level, though it isn't hard anymore, but I had to learn the motor skill of the barrel timing here, while I grew up playing Super Mario Bros and most other platforming skill sets were present.

[@MagcargoMan]

I found DKC pretty easy when I played it on my SNES classic (hadn't played DKC in a few years), but Snow Barrel Blast I found to be hard as ever. Easily the hardest level in the game.

[@kickme2149]

This, but coincidence i found a secret shortcut which made me skip 2nd half of the level, that way i could beat it. By far the hardest lvl of all in dkc series.

[@ethandement482]

It's kinda funny too because it's only halfway through the game.

[@yoshibert0]

Animal antics definitely made my mind blows! Obviously Squawk’s part. I played DKC2 when I was 10, and I never was able to achieve the 103%. Now at my 27s it took a full day just to win in Animal Antics

[@PeyserConlee]

One more painful thing about Web Woods that was left unmentioned was the DK coin being one of the level end target prizes. If you didn't get it, you had to beat the whole level from the start again!

[@blindsey1043]

Wow that's bad I should report your post 😂😂 the worst I seen in a Nintendo game u have to talk to a person 3 times on the 3rd time person turns into a key l dont remember the game but watched thinking what kid will solve that mystery

[@mikesgtrs1]

HARDEST for me is : 1) The animals Lost World Level in DKC2 ( especially the windy squarks Level ) 2 ) Toxic Tower ( DKC2 ) 3) Swoopy Salvo ( DKC3 ) ( lost world) ( especially the second banana grab bonus) 4) Screeches Sprint ( DKC2 ) 5) The Ghost Barrel level in ( DKC3 ) -- its straight forward but for some reason Iam struggling with it lately .

[@GabrielVi89]

mikesgtrs1 creepy caverns

[@Sokobansolver]

Some that come to mind: -Koindozer Klamber (especially when trying to collect all the Kremcoins). If you don't have Dixie you're almost certainly screwed. -Swoopy Salvo (especially when trying to collect all the Kremcoins). That one "collect _ bananas" minigame is the devil -Animal Antics -Slime Climb -Klobber Karnage -Platform Peril -Snow Barrel Blast (if you don't take the shortcut at the end)

[@Makedounia1]

+Sokobansolver Oh god Swoopy Salvo was a pain when I was younger.

[@quinncavin2865]

What shortcut? I had to go all the way through! Aww, many lives and much time could have been saved...

[@zac4924]

Snow barrel blast is hell

[@reyp4388]

What was that hard about platform perils? Legit question, even as a kid I found it extremely easy while having much more trouble with levels like windy well, gusty glade, toxic tower or even treetop town (in addition to the ones in the video and those that you listed).

[@isturbo1984]

snowbarrel blast no1 before i learned of the shortcut. now, i'm just kicking myself.

[@UlquiorraRocks4]

Screech's Sprint....one word.....UUUUUUUGH!!! (gives me satisfaction when I win it.)

[@SwordofKings]

+UlquiorraRocks4 That level isn't that bad if you fly above Screech to avoid the race. Then you can just play the level at your own pace.

[@DrJekyll38]

@@SwordofKings WHO TOLD!? ;>) That is a particularly satisfying level to beat, but even more so if you time the end target just right and score the 2UP balloon. And with K. Rool Duel just ahead, you're gonna need it!

[@Elfilinfan]

I just had trouble in SCREECHES SPRINT before the race

[@allanmhanson]

4:38 all i did as a child was holding the snes controller upside down. It was so easy 🙃

[@smashmallow1012]

well you were a smarter child than i was

[@donnellcarter2664]

I might try that myself

[@Jmac1493]

"Screech's Sprint" and "Toxic Tower" were the toughest levels for me as a kid, and in 20 something years, they haven't gotten much easier.

[@khajiitwarrior]

Yes you're right hehe... I've got a 3hrs before I finish them

[@foeud]

Screech's Sprint if you fly over him you actually dont have to race him and can take your time rest of the level

[@pomh10]

DKC 2 TOXIC TOWER took me 6 months to figure out, hardest level to beat till I figured it out

[@MaZe741]

tell me about it, I had the game in a foreign language so not even Cranky could help me

[@Alex_Off-Beat]

I never thought Web Woods was really that hard, you just have to get used to using Squitter's web platforms, once you figure out that they'll disappear if you stand on them for too long or make more than two of them at once it's not bad at all, I actually really like the level.

[@bezoticallyyours83]

I personally love Web Woods.

[@bigtimetimmyjim6486]

The problem is that Web Woods is a marathon, not a sprint. It is not hard to make a stupid mistake, and dying means having to replay a level that is way, way too long for its own good.

[@AJR-zg2py]

Don't forget that cruel DK Coin at the end where you pretty much only have a few frames to time getting it... or you start all over again from the beginning. Rare knew what they were doing, the cheeky bastards LOL

[@FranzoOnLine]

Lightning Lookout might be my favourite level in the original trilogy. I like the challenge of reacting to where the lightning will strike, and the enemies don't come rushing at you from off screen, so it always felt fair to me. I like it so much I've pretty much mastered it and it's kinda easy for me now, so I'd say Poisonous Pipeline is a slightly harder level for me because the inverted controls just mess with me a lot.

[@snomangaming]

Hey dude, don't know if I've reached out to you before, but I love this list. Great idea and the whole video is great. I do a whole month dedicated to Donkey Kong in April, and your vids caught my eye. Keep up the great work man!

[@Petronious]

Great top ten list AntDude, love me some DKC Trilogy so I shade your pain with most of these on the list. For me, one of the worst ones was the level in DKC2 where you play as Squarks and race against the evil bird. Bramble level filled with Zingers, where the opponent of the race has the advantage of knowing the route AND invincibility... Damn that had me stumped for YEARS!

[@smashmallow1012]

there's actually a glitch in that level that lets you skip the race. if you go over the evil bird instead of under, the race never starts.

[@fuchgugel9429]

Snow Barrel Blast brought me here.

[@Crovius]

Animal Antics is one of the most notorious levels when you ask ppl what they remember was the most annoying lvl to attempt to beat.

[@jackiebrown6845]

Yeah, when I began watching this for the first time, I just knew Animal Antics was going to be among the Top Ten.

[@deadlysword1000]

LIGHTNING LOOKOUT makes ANIMAL ANTICS look like a CAKEWALK!!

[@jackiebrown6845]

@@deadlysword1000 LOL, I wouldn't go that far, but Lightning Lookout is indeed a lulu - usually takes me multiple tries

[@deadlysword1000]

@@jackiebrown6845 Animal Antics only has one hard section, Lightning lookout has, water, crazy enemy placement, and the Lightning is THROUGHOUT THE STAGE!! (Sorry for the late reply).

[@HotPocketM]

@@deadlysword1000 "(Sorry for the late reply)" I think thats a bit of a understatement considering you took 2 years to message him back lol

[@lockecole3726]

Agree with a majority of this list aside from #1... Lightning lookout is incredibly easy, no idea why it's even on the list, you get a warning flash before the "larger bolt" hits all you have to do is not try to rush the stage and you're golden.

[@deadlysword1000]

Locke Cole Guess you're really good or you haven't been paying attention. Try dealing with the enemy placement and the WATER Which you MUST get in to advance. You'll be shocked how much you underestimated this hard level. BTW Props to ya!

[@pleudumes]

2 words: Toxic Tower

[@HeeminGaminStation]

I found a neat trick with Poisonous Pipe line, hold the controller upside down. it messes with your start and select but it makes it possible. my worst exprince was the mine cart level because I was playing on a modern TV through compnent cables which means I lose about 0.2 seconds and that does not work when you need to be on your TOES!

[@Dargonhuman]

I do that as well, works great underwater since you use the Swim button to go up and down instead of the d-pad.

[@chrisirion9649]

Just use a mirror. I got that hint from the bear that you give a mirror to.

[@bezoticallyyours83]

I will hafta try that. Thanks for the tip! :)

[@isaacreid8544]

Heemin Gamin' Station im used to like... 50 control layouts. so reversed controls arent that bad

[@AJR-zg2py]

Oof. Input lag is real in that case. Sounds like you need to get your hands on an older CRT television or an upscaler so you can play on the newer one without putting your fist through it lol

[@SatoshiMatrix1]

This is a fun video, I'm glad I stumbled upon it. I love the DKC trilogy. They are among my favorite games I played when I was in my early teens. For me, Animal Antics is definitely the #1 hardest. So much so that I won't play it on the real hardware. That wind with the parrot section is emulator save state necessary difficulty like you'd find in a Megaman 2 rom hack.

[@ThirdMarioBrother]

You sound a little *cranky* in this video. Huehuehue

[@CyberKirby]

I love you man, in a nongay way.

[@CyberKirby]

Mike Miller Rly

[@capcom23]

awww chicken chaser

[@vinihuebrlives]

SAAAAAAAANNNSSSSSS!!!!!

[@player1and2letsplays]

There's actually a trick to flying squacks in the wind. If you don't make any input on the direction pad, squacks isn't affected by it. Figuring that out made that section much easier. Also, the lightning isn't completely random, it was actually programmed to strike ahead of your current position if you were running.

[@antoine6559]

Just curious, as anyone out there finished Klobber Karnage with the emulator glitch that makes the barrels spin forever? Yeah right, it took me 2 hours of dying before I realized there was something wrong going on... Here's my ratings for the levels on this list: - Kong-Fused Cliffs : Horrible, had to get hit on purpose just so I could "skip" the Kopters near the end. - Rocket Rush : I don't know, I finished it pretty quickly. - Web Woods : Not too hard if you take your time, the webs stay long enough and you can skip many enemies by staying very low on the screen. - Poisonous Pipeline : More fun than anything, just confusing but that is all. - Tanked Up Trouble : Don't really remember this one... - Platform Perils : Tough but not unfair, good level. - Klobber Karnage : Nightmare :'( - Animal Antics : Video says it all. - Snow Barrel Blast : My favorite kind of level, the barrel ones! - Lightning Look-out : Seriously? This one doesn't belong in this list, here's what should have been in : Mine Cart Madness (DKC1) Gusty Glade (DKC2) Black Ice Battle (DKC2) Demolition Drain-Pipe (DKC3) Koindozer Klamber (DKC3)

[@M1k0ne]

yeah that glitch easily makes it the hardest level in the game

[@deadlysword1000]

Antoine Lightning lookout: OH YES IT DOES!! Either you're really good or you're a glutton for punishment! Lightning Lookout is the BANE of my exsistance. Dodging the lightning is bad enough but add the enemy placement and the WATER and you'll quickly understand why this level is RRAAAAAAGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ENDUSING!! 😠😡😡😠😠

[@thereisnohope4228]

The most frustating thing about Klobber Karnage (specially on emulator) is when you get to the end of the level only with dixie, and can't reach the bonus barrel, because it's too high, and there's only a _"diddy only"_ Barrel to throw you there

[@itakethose750]

It was Red-Hot Ride for me. (DKC2) Those damn balloons man... Those damn balloons...

[@TieGuardian]

JC Gaming It wasnt the hardest level for me but it was so annoying :(

[@Christoph8]

+JC DoesThings It was pretty easy for me...

[@SpiderManExtreme129]

+JcSparkXx i toght i was the only one who suferred to pass this level

[@elleelle9048]

I found it pretty easy.

[@wozthescott2804]

RuffleMyTrousers That level was easy

[@mestparty]

Gold memories. I was smiling the entire clip, thinking about my childhood and these levels. Thanks for bringing me back to the magnificent 90'

[@KrazyScruffy9001]

Lightning Look-Out actually isn't that bad if you know how to deal with the lightning. It'll try to strike ahead of you so you can actually bait it into striking behind you or in a spot where it won't hit you. If you see a small flash in the air, it'll strike at that exact spot in the next second so usually you'll want to stop there or maybe move backwards to avoid getting hit. I managed to no-death it with the TUFST cheat (the one that disables checkpoints and DK Barrels) but only because I was so careful with the lightning. Fuck Snow Barrel Blast though. The only reason I beat that one is because there's a shortcut that skips the entire last part and I found it by accident. I only have one world to go in DKC1 but the hardest levels in DKC2 and 3 have to be Castle Crush and probably Rocket Rush.

[@KrazyScruffy9001]

The Squawks part is the hardest part in the entire series, but the rest of the level is pretty easy. Castle Crush isn't as hard as the Squawks part but it's hard all the way through so I would say overall it's a harder level. But my God, I was shaking so hard during the Squawks part in Animal Antics, I had to nail the timing of the wind and memorize the entire level. XP

[@blaice6046]

Yeah it's a brutal level! Where's the continue on it?

[@KrazyScruffy9001]

It's halfway through the Squitter area, so when you inevitably die as Squawks you have to go all the way back there!

[@blaice6046]

oh that's right, no wonder I didn't remember. I've repressed it

[@DirtyKoolAid]

it took me 10 days to beat lighting lookout

[@Nazrat84]

When I played these games as a kid, they were hard as nails. Recently I played through all 3 swiftly, including the lost world stages. I don't know if I got better (Without practice) or it was all muscle memory from when I was a kid. But man were they relaxing to play again. If you need to blow off steam and have fond memories of these games. play through them again. Quality stuff.

[@jenius9164]

That same thing has happened to me more than once. It's like your subconscious takes over or some shit

[@Nazrat84]

Jennifer Lynn The stage with the rocket barrel in DKC3 was like this. I remember this being nigh impossible and even recently hearing about it being "one of the hardest DK stages ever!" but I got through it with like, 4 lives. Still probably hard but it wasn't chipping away at my lives too badly.

[@addewilde2022]

+Nazrat84 Did the same thing as a kid i never beat the DKC2 lost world and secret boss, mainly because of the squak part in animal antics, so many tries tho. Played DKC2 recently and finished all, althought the squak part fucked me up again, i finally got it and yeah it felt more easy than when i was a kid.

[@kz1000ps]

+Nazrat84 I'm the opposite. Beat 1 and 2 back in the day without any crazy problems, but now I'm trying to play through 2 and I'm having the toughest time. I can still beat 1 (it's not that hard of a game) but I'm super frustrated with 2 right now.

[@Nazrat84]

kz1000ps Some games, if you don't play for a long time, you get super rusty or you no longer have muscle memory for. It's a shame.

[@ericstaph1231]

Where the hell is bramble scrambe from dkc 2? It at least deserves a number 3!

[@bigtimetimmyjim6486]

Bramble Scramble is more of a "wake-up call" level. It is much harder than anything else in the game up until that point, but it is actually quite tame when compared to a level like Screech's Sprint. The first half of the level involves precise jumps to avoid the bramble (even more precise than the ones in "Scramble"), with the second half being the infamous race against Screech. Unless you know the shortcuts (or cheat), the race is very difficult to straight up win.

[@LackaJudgment]

Oil Drum Alley was a fairly simple level, but that hidden bonus room-within-a-room stumped me for years

[@coreyhaswell7332]

Dude this is probably the best video I've seen by you. Such a good idea for a top ten, I'm such a huge fan of the dkc franchise. I even wish you would do an honorable mentions video just cause there's so many levels you can work with.

[@AJR-zg2py]

The only problem is that the list doesn't even MENTION Toxic Tower... which for the vast majority of players (then and now) is easily #1 on this list because missing even one jump means you're dead. That level is pretty much all precision platforming... whereas for Lightning Lookout its biggest obstacle is telegraphed a second before it hits each time. It's boggling how Toxic Tower didn't even make the list.

[@John_Jerry]

#4 In the ZSNES emulator, those barrels would spin non stop... It was a nightmare..

[@oddballdude1]

In the Gameboy Advance version of Donkey Kong Country 3, they made the Rocket Rush level much more harder were you actually get hurt every time your rocket barrel touches one of those Buzzes, which makes the first half of the level very stressful.

[@bezoticallyyours83]

Ugh really?

[@corundumkrabble5035]

Yep. But they also added fuel in the second half

[@videosverigenu4621]

nice list. I knew Snow Barrel Blast would be among the top. The level where u race against a dark bird in dkc2 is also pretty hard.

[@PurpleSlime474]

Great video, glad to see some people haven't forgot these amazing games.

[@mrilovemymini1]

the whole last levels of donkey kong 2 are hardest go back lol

[@Kfowlkes09]

I haven't played all the way through DK3 yet, but the final level in DK2 with the rising slime is by far the hardest level that I have encountered. Platform Perils in DK1 was a pain in the ass level as well.

[@sapphic_banana]

YES! Toxic Tower is a nightmare!

[@bezoticallyyours83]

@Pedro Gonzales Chainlink Chamber is the second easiest level in K. Rool's Keep.

[@marckempe2143]

In Lightning Lookout! the lightning strikes weren’t random. They actually started attacking where you are and when you running, it’ll attack where you will be when you run. This actually makes it easier to predict the strikes.

[@Twallsx4]

Great job bro, loved this video. These games were always my fav

[@CameronMetrejean]

Lightning Look-out definitely gave me some trouble, but it became easier when I realized how the lightning worked. Koindozer Klamor would be my pick, damn did that level drive me up the wall. I wanted an endless supply of tnt barrels to blow those little jerks sky high. I remember making the decision to find the Bonus Barrels during my first attempts through this level because I knew I NEVER wanted to have to come back to this level after I beat it.

[@bezoticallyyours83]

Koindozer Clamber is tough, I dunno I like it though.

[@jpeezyYT]

11:35 "And A" "And 2" Wait what!? pick one!

[@LadySpindriftVlogs]

Don't forget those rotating up and down Barrel Cannons in Snow Barrel Blast. Those were incredibly frustrating.

[@diegoandresortizpalala787]

So many memories from my childhood, amazing video congratulations!

[@1gnore_me.]

lol snow barrel blast is easily my favorite level in the entire series because of the atmosphere

[@kz1000ps]

+Molten_ God I love those snow levels, but fuck Snow Barrel Blast :)

[@MagcargoMan]

It's really cool how if you move through the level at a normal pace the music syncs up with the snow storm.

[@michaelmeyer9872]

awesome level lol just got done beating it earlier and forgot all about the barrel that skips the entire end of floating barrels and zingers.. luckily I fucked up and missed shooting the right direction and landed in it.. after losing about 10 or 15 life's lol

[@MagcargoMan]

@@michaelmeyer9872 I often get the shortcut by accidentally missing the barrel before it, lol

[@michaelmeyer9872]

MagcargoMan lol same here!

[@Electrosa]

Lightning Lookout would have been a bad enough level on its own, but the amount of effort Rare put in to ensure that the lightning would ALWAYS predict where you were going to be instead of where you were was amazing. If you're running at a full tilt and screech to a halt, the lightning will come down exactly where you would have been. It's uncanny.

[@smatrai]

Exactly!

[@geocloser]

Really awesome and funny video :) I'm subscribing can't wait to see more videos lol

[@Aparemfatos]

Awesome video dude. It's been so long and I still remember all of these levels, and man they fucking messed with my head back then :)

[@GuardianAngelEatos]

Lightning Lookout is considered by many the hardest level in the series?! Really?! Yeah It's hard, but I didn't find it that hard. The lightning bolts really were not hard to avoid most of the time. Other than that, I think this is a great top 10.

[@deadlysword1000]

Yes Really! It was and still is the BANE of my existence. Dodging the lighting back and forth requires patience and I mean PATIENCE otherwise you'll end up being a fried ape lighting rod.

[@GuardianAngelEatos]

Yeah I know it requires patience, and I have that. That doesn't make the level It'self difficult because you have to be patient. Actually I think I may have actually ran through the level without getting struck by lightning.

[@deadlysword1000]

XenoSmasher You've got better skills than me! I'll give you that!

[@GuardianAngelEatos]

I've always been good at old platformers. Specifically the Mario Bros and DK Country games.

[@deadlysword1000]

XenoSmasher So have I! You wanna know what's funny? I got through Lighting Lookout for the 1st time in years without taking a hit by bobbing and weaving! Didn't take a hit ONCE! However it still haunts me to this day...

[@NYOlly15]

Toxic Tower on DKC2 was the bane of my nostalgic childhood! My younger sister was able to do it without any problems. When I decided to try 102% of the game, I literally call her for help because i still can't get through it!! And Tree Top Town from the first DKC, it wasn't hard, the timing was just sooooo damn annoying

[@theungreatkahli]

I like Tree Top Town, but yeah I remember getting mad at Toxic Tower on 2. I beat it but it's one of my least favorite levels.

[@irerror1677]

Dude, I was just finishing up DKC2 and needed emotional support, so I searched for 'Antdude donkey kong country hard' and you did not disappoint. Thank you, fam.

[@AceTrainerJack]

Little tip for the wind part Animal Antics - when I was playing it recently, I noticed that there actually is a pattern to the wind changing directions (it changes every 4-5 seconds). Time your movements accordingly and don't move too quickly!

[@FlikTheBlueLightning]

This is why I learned to love that section. This and DAT MUSIC.

[@jonathanpantoja2423]

What about the stage that screen turns on and off first dk that's was a pain in the ass back in the day

[@jessejames1968]

Blackout Basement, oh yes very frustrating,

[@itakethose750]

Blackout basement made me have dreams of how I was gonna beat it. Of all the times I failed, I got the whole level memorized and stuck in my head. I knew exactly how to beat it, but of course failed anyway.

[@foxkrystal]

What about loopy lights from the first game??? That was MY pain in the ass.

[@quinncavin2865]

Blackout Basement was fun for me. Cool gimmick. I didn't have to many issues.

[@theungreatkahli]

It was frustrating, but i liked it sorta

[@aruce9]

Stop and go station

[@aruce9]

It's too hard for the 2nd world

[@NYOlly15]

That one and Snow barrel blast were actually my favorite stages!!

[@aruce9]

but i hated it the barrels didnt give you enough time to go near the end so it made me die alot

[@ofadventure6004]

There's a kinda easier way to beat stop and go station, when you go into the level go to the hole (to the left) and you will be launched into near the end of the level then hit the stop barrel and get to the exit as fast as you can before crocs move.

[@axolotbrochanes5462]

Excellent Top. These levels are the hardest and I'll play all the levels of this top. Animal Antics for me is the most difficult level of the saga. Swooppy Salvo and Toxic Tower for me are two of the difficulter levels too.

[@JEDonnert]

Snow Barrel Blast was the bane of my childhood... I remember my mom and I spending days upon days on that level.

[@CpObiWan456]

Snow barrel blast has the shortcut.

[@n0kidneys]

Yeah, I never ended up facing the Zinger.

[@tomahilaire3921]

Even with the shortcut, it's still hard. I died on that one a lot of times...

[@Nick930]

No way. Animal Antics is the WORST. That lightning level is not even close to the hardest. There's a trick to it that I figured out. Can't remember off the top of my head but there is a trick. Also, that first mine cart level in DKC is harder than the lightning level. But yes.. Animal Antics.. f*** that level.. F*** it real good. Anyway, now the hardest level in DKC history is the very last level in Tropical Freeze. The bonus super secret level.. omfg that level is hard.

[@robyns.331]

Agreed, the worst, hardest DKC level is the airplane level in Tropical Freeze's final world. I managed to complete it on hard-mode last November somehow, after failing over and over again x: Btw, in Squaks' section in Animal antics, just take it very slow and easy while turning to face the wind (you can figure out a pattern to time when to turn Squaks)

[@Mortiphasm]

+Nick930930 I completely agree. I also think Toxic Tower and Screech's Sprint should have made the list.

[@deadlysword1000]

Nick930 Animal Antics hard as it was, the difficulty was only in 1 section and it's a LOST WORLD stage so it's soppose to be difficult. Lightning lookout's hazard was throughout the ENTIRE STAGE, and on top of that, the enemy placement and the BIGGEST hazard the WATER!! LIGHTNING AND WATER DO NOT MIX!!

[@LolGui]

Finally a list that's not fully jacked up over DKC2 and recognizes the other games as well.

[@fattmusiek5452]

Great vid! Some of mine: Bramble Scramble (I think is the name), Toxic Tower..:Good call on the Squaks level with the wind. Just cruel man.

[@jacobwells9207]

What about Poison Pond, Koindozer Klamber, Bramble Blast, Windy Well, and Toxic Tower

[@itakethose750]

Poison pond made me feel like I wasted my childhood.

[@jacobwells9207]

TheShadowWalker obvious troll is obvious

[@jacobwells9207]

DSLfuel 99 Nah, Klobber Karnage. THAT was tough

[@1Its9King1Cole4]

Jacob Wells Two Words: Screech's Sprint

[@jacobwells9207]

***** Doesn't help with the hyper fast saw blades. Bramble Scramble isn't that hard.

[@takacslaszlo9074]

Poison Pond, Toxic Tower, Screech's Sprint?

[@superduperm1]

Pedro Gonzales This was 15+ years ago but from what I can remember Poison Pond took by far the most time of any level in DKC for me to complete. As for the whole DKC series, only Toxic Tower and Poisonous Pipeline compete with it. That's just my opinion, though. I've always hated water levels, especially ones densely packed with obstacles/enemies.

[@KRS2000]

Rocket Rush, Tanked Up Trouble, Animal Antics, Toxic Tower, Windy Well, Stampede Sprint, Poisonous Pipeline, Krocodile Kore, K.Rool Duel, Snow Barrel Blast, Croctopus Chase, and I believe Ice Age Alley all gave me trouble when I was younger. Now I have no problems with them. Except R.R, I still get frustrated with that level today.

[@MorrisNicebrain]

Rocket Rush was defo my top pick for hardest level. A fitting final non-boss level for a rock solid trilogy and my personal conclusion to the SNES era. Personaly I like how DKC3 added alot of new mechanics in several of the levels, it kind of had to by this time to keep things interesting. Kind of. Can't say I minded any of it but you are right, the reversed D-pad thing is always a mindfuck. Good picks overall man!

[@EMAngel2718]

I want a gif of that zinger barrel.

[@amsbeats841]

animal antics should be #1. and yeah screech's sprint should replace the fuel/platform one

[@deadlysword1000]

No. Animal antics is fine where it is. The wind is in only 1 part of the stage PLUS it's in the lost world so it's SUPPOSED to be hard. LIGHTNING LOOKOUT makes ANIMAL ANTICS look like a CAKEWALK. Why? Enemy placements, the Lightning honing in on your location and sometimes rushing ahead will give you a SHOCKING DEATH AND THE WORSE PART, WATER + LIGHTNING = DEATH!! Need I say more?

[@amsbeats841]

​@@deadlysword1000 Lightning Lookout is a great level! It's tough but not insane, you get a warning for each lightning strike. Animal Antics just requires INSANE precision. I can say that I personally struggled on that and Screech harder than any other levels in the series by far but that's just me! I even think some levels in DKC3's lost world are harder than LL.

[@anonreggie2859]

What makes Snow-Barrel Blast hard is that the winter storm intensifies when the level does. The snow blocks so much of the rapidly spinning barrels. Gotta love shortcuts. Also, levels like Toxic Tower I have literally never had a problem with. These games were burned into me as a baby by my older brother and sister playing them, so I rarely have trouble. I'll try to list my most frustrating ones though. DKC: Snow Barrel Blast Platform Perils Loopy Lights Poison Pond Black-Out Basement My hardest pick is Poison Pond. The mincers come in so quickly out of nowhere, as do all of the enemies. DKC2: Animal Antics Black Ice Battle (Underrated, progressing down while landing on slanted slippery platforms with klobbers and zingers everywhere is not a fun time) Windy Well Red-Hot Ride (just for getting the DK Coin) Gusty Glade Screech's Sprint (the race itself was easy as hell, actually. The first part was more challenging) Fiery Furnace (It's not the barrels, it's the platforming) Jungle Jinx (Just mentioning because the spikes and spontanius bouncing tires here can lead to a lot of mistimed jumps or maneuvers) Hardest pick is Animal Antics. DKC3: Fish Food Frenzy Demolition Drain-Pipe Kong-Fused Cliffs Lightning Lookout (I know the patterns and the twists that make learning the patterns meaningless, still somewhat harder than average) Koindozer Klamber (Must land on top of the koins every time) Poisonous Pipeline (Not only does it reverse left and right controls, but up and down as well. That is confusing if you've ever played a simulation-type game or StarFox where they only reverse up and down) Stampede Sprint Tyrant Twin Tussle Swoopy Salvo (Timing and spacing is key here) Rocket Rush (First part shouldn't even be as hard as it is) My pick is hard. This is the hardest game of the trilogy, but I'll give a tie between Stampede Sprint and Tyrant Twin Tussle, if only because getting to the bonus levels.

[@theman1412]

5:27, "Trick Trak Trek" is a lot harder on the Game Boy Advance, because all of the enemies fall on to your conveyor belt. In the Super Nintendo version some enemies didn't fall (especially Klump)

[@ZoraCatone]

Noooope nope nope nope. Sorry but Oil Drum Alley was the BIGGEST pain in the butt!

[@isaacrossgaming-ayoshifan4037]

Zora Catone blackout basement

[@MaoRatto]

***** NO! THE LAST ONE IS A CAKE WALK! I PLAYED IT! It is EASY! Just be aware of the background and notice it is timed and ISN'T 100% ACCURATE!

[@Alex_Off-Beat]

Quinn The Quartz I remember it being really hard the first time I played it but eventually you realize that there are little flashes before each lightning bolt comes down showing where it's gonna hit which makes the level a lot easier.

[@MaoRatto]

Alex Golembeski True.

[@NewportBox100s]

Great video. Classic series.

[@tinesbella]

Great review...and I totally agree with your choices!

[@jsettle]

3:38-3:41 A: and 2:

[@Citizen_Kain]

7:56-8:00 "...I guess that's why it's on this list for a reason!" o_O

[@FRODAM]

Animal Antics... is terrible Stage. VERY HARD DK2

[@deadlysword1000]

Has NOTHING on LIGHTNING LOOKOUT!

[@Mockturtlesoup1]

I never knew this until last year when I replayed the three SNES DKC games, but after looking it up online, I learned the lightning ISN'T random. It actually flashes at the top of the screen, and 2-3 seconds later(according the website I looked at, but in reality it seems like less than a second later) there's a full lighting strike in that same spot. Thats how you know where the strikes will be. Honestly, I have no idea how I beat this as a kid without knowing that. I do wonder what percentage of players figured that out on their own.

[@rossrobertson674]

I live for these kinds of stages

[@RikouHogashi]

Screw Fear Factory and all it represents

[@GymGyp]

Great video. I would go with animal antics as I number 1 most difficult. Found a shortcut in snow barrel blast, so I didn't mind that one so much. Also hate Ice Age Alley from DKC1. Super hard to keep the ostrich with you through the second bonus room.

[@GymGyp]

Ice Age Alley might be the incorrect name for the level I'm thinking of

[@6SamChat9]

Awesome video dude

[@WAZOWSKI_58]

I guarantee nobody on earth has ever got past the last mine cart crocodile on the 1st Mine cart stage from the original DKC without dying. I used to prepare myself for him every time and he'd still catch me off guard 🤣🤣🤣

[@TexKimball]

Gusty Glade, Web Woods and Toxic Tower were the bane of me as a kid.

[@jeffdels1]

Toxic Tower took me thousand years and then Screech's Sprint. The hardest levels for me

[@Ce13stialBunny]

"A. you can't really depend on how long they'll stay active. and 2." Heh. That aside, love the video! I definitely agree e.e I both love and hate DKC for how frustrating it can be sometimes.

[@isturbo1984]

Castle Crush and Toxic Tower are both pretty tough in the K.Rool Keep world in DKC2.

[@bigtimetimmyjim6486]

Thank you for mentioning Castle Crush. I actually find it more annoying than Toxic Tower, since there are sections where you are forced to play at the speed that the floor is (slowly) rising, making it very difficult to just "power through" the stage.

[@isturbo1984]

same. i knew he missed a could og KRool Keep levels. Castle Crush came to mind first. Toxic T is pretty doable.

[@tiffanylewis967]

Really like your commentary!

[@Manguelpatronnn]

For me the 2 hardest stages in the trilogy are Klobber Karnage, AND THE PAIN is ANIMAL ANTICS. Nice video Dude.

[@misterrenek7232]

Love your list man! Damn barrels!

[@CoTeCiOtm]

I never found Snow Barrel Blast to be difficult, to be honest. If you do the last segment of the level fast enough, you'll get a blue baloon.