Donkey Kong Country 2
Graphics
This is one of the best looking games on the Super Nintendo. Even now, with the newer systems out, this game's visuals still manage to impress. If you've played the original, expect the same kinds of graphics, but slightly improved upon. If you haven't played it, all you really need to know that this is a 2D side-scroller (though there are levels where you have lots of area to travel in, including up and down). Everything is extremely clear and detailed. You'll see an incredible variety of areas. From being on a Pirate Ship to going underwater, across a volcano, through a swamp, and much much more. Each of these areas seems to be more impressive than the last. There are even a lot of great small details. For example, if you don't move for an extended period of time, you'll notice Diddy and Dixie acting as if they're bored. The enemies, especially the bosses, also look spectacular. All of the creatures in this game have very fluid movement. Everything is smooth and natural looking. If you like 2D graphics, then this game will amaze you. It doesn't get much better than this.
Gameplay
The game plays much like the original, with the main exception being the addition of a new playable character... Dixie Kong. The presence of this character really helps to improve the series. She is able to glide by spinning her hair around like a helicopter. Yes, it sounds stupid, but it makes her probably the most fun character to play as in the series. You can glide around to search for secret places, and more importantly, to travel over dangerous areas and to avoid falling into pits or other deadly areas. Diddy Kong makes a return appearance in this game, and he is pretty much unchanged. He can do a cartwheel attack to destroy multiple enemies, but for the most part, he is a lot less useful that Dixie.
The game is divided up into areas, each containing many levels. The Volcano area is one example. Most of the levels in this area deal with fire areas and fire-based enemies and traps. When you move to a new area, the feel of the levels changes, and often, so does the style of the enemies. There's always motivation to keep playing, since you'll look forward to seeing what's coming next.
There are plenty of secrets to find in this game, and is one of the reasons the game is so great to replay. There are DK Coins hidden throughout the game, one in each level. They get harder and harder to find as the game progresses. There are also coins you get from completing a bonus game. Finding all the bonus areas is extremely challenging, but the reward is worth it. If you find all the bonus coins, you can access a secret area of the game called the Lost World, where you will see new levels and enemies and be able to get a different ending.
Sound
This game also has spectacular music and sound effects. It's easy to tell just after playing the first level that they spent a lot of time making this game sound great. There's great level music, as you would expect, but also great sound effects. While you're on the Galleon, you sometimes hear background sounds that really make you feel like you're on a ship. And when you defeat an enemy, they make noises that are interesting to say the least. It's a really great experience listening to this game, much better than I can really describe here.
Conclusion
Is this one of the best games ever? I think so. If you like sidescrollers, and don't have this game yet, I strongly recommend you find a way to get it. Even if you like mostly 3D games, don't write this game off. As I said, it's still impressive looking today, and it's far better looking than the majority of the games on the system. There's a ton of replay value as well, because of the secret areas and simply for the fun of playing the game.
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