Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest is the most recent addition to the Nintendo Switch e-Shop that is bringing classic titles to the modern platform. Originally released in 1995 for the SNES, this platformer is a hark back to retro ages and is still enjoyable to this day.
Donkey Kong Country 2 has been available on pretty much every Nintendo system, including the infamous Wii U and of course, the Gameboy. It’s a direct sequel to the previous game of the same name and is the predecessor to the third installment in the series.
Country 2 has been out for a long time, so forgive me if you already know what the game’s about. For those that don’t, the story involves Diddy Kong and his girlfriend Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong after he’s taken captive by King K. Rool.
Set on Crocodile Island, the game is made up of 8 playable environments with a total of 52 levels. At the time, it received critical praise for its graphics, soundtrack, and gameplay, and is to this day considered one of the best platformers ever made. Back in 1995, it was the second-highest selling game of the year.
The gameplay is classically Donkey Kong – a 2D platformer with a variety of enemies across the different environments. There are rats and pufferfish, as well as each level culminating with one final boss battle. Takedown enemies by jumping on their heads or rolling through them with a cartwheel. It’s Donkey Kong.
Its host of characters were also well-praised at the time, with both Diddy and Dixie having unique character abilities. There’s also a bunch of animal friends, like a little Rhino, Rattlesnake, and a swordfish. The interactions you have with these characters which make the game great for kids and adults alike.
Nintendo has continued to bring back its retro titles to the Nintendo Switch throughout the year. Alongside Donkey Kong Country 2, games released this month include S.C.A.T and The Peace Keepers. Both well-rated but also both pretty obscure – worth checking out if you’re a fan of the classics, though.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest is out tomorrow (September 24th) as part of Nintendo Switch Online. You’ll be able to purchase it right away on the e-Shop.
