This title is pretty based, honestly.

Fun fact: the iconic "Stickerbrush Symphony" theme was actually a scrapped underwater theme that was tossed in last minute.

It's so sweet of you to have so much enjoyment for this incredible game even though the main antagonist did steal your name

DKC2 is my answer to how completionist goals in a game can be done right. You can beat DKC2 without ever beating a bonus room or collecting a DK coin and have a fun time. Yet the choice is always out there for someone who wants more challenge and content. It is that feeling of digging into a deeper layer to the game and discovery something new.

What I love about Donkey Kong Country 2 is how much... more it is. Every Animal Buddy is significantly expanded upon to be far more than the 'Yoshi's of the game, with their own handling and prowess. Enemies are lined up not just for bursts of speed, but perfectly for Diddy to jump out of them and handle the next obstacle with almost seamless momentum. Every enemy has more character, every bit of dialogue is layered with more personality, the "bragging rights reward" from Cranky Kong becomes an integral part of each level instead of just a throwaway line at the end. It's a rare game of the era that doesn't feel like it's trying to hold itself to Mario or Sonic's standard (which, while I love DKC1, it definitely is). This is a game constantly elevating itself, on the shoulders of Donkey Kong Country and Killer Instinct that came before it, but also on the idea of it seeing its potential limits and going past them. It's just one idea after another that never loses sight of the core that makes it fun, and it's so GOOD at that. Glad it didn't end up overhyped! Kinda like this one a little I guess! Also will admit, some of the stuff (Web platforms, etc.) is explained in-game through Cranky and Wrinkly hints. Not the most intuitive, but it's there, potentially for looking at it later and going "oh you can do THAT?", opening up more possibilities. A bit antiquated in today's day and age, but neat! Still trying to master hitting L and R with Squitter simultaneously to create an instant platform years later to really break Web Woods open!

Donkey Kong Country 2 is the greatest 2D platformer ever made. In my personal opinion. The game never ran out of ideas, which is the trademark of the truly best games. But what really pushes the game over the edge is the soundtrack, which is just magical. Truly a masterpiece.

Bruh, my favourite KZfaqr uploaded a 20 minute video on my favourite game on my birthday.....my life is complete

Your videos help me learn English and be entertained at the same time because you speak clearly at a nice pace

Ignoring the amazing level design, immersive atmosphere, and charming creatures i just want to appreciate how much of a genius David wise is. When I listen to tracks like forest interlude or stickerbrush sympathy, I legitimately am left in awe the emotion it manages to invoke in me. It’s a game that makes me feel like I’m at home and I can just share all my problems with, it makes life feel much more simple and adventurous. I... really can’t fully describe this feeling because it’s only a feeling that can be invoked once you listen to the soundtrack of dkc2. The first dkc game I played was returns but going back to the original trilogy, it felt like an entirely different experience then returns or tropical freeze which is a good thing because I wouldn’t want a series to start stagnating. My point is that dkc2 is honestly an experience and a game I will cherish forever and despite it’s difficultly, I suggest everyone should be playing this timeless masterpiece because I doubt I will ever find a game that can invoke such an amazing feeling while playing.

"I'm not gonna let the fact that I don't have a particularly original set of takes stop me from doing what I wanna do with this channel" Honestly found this weirdly inspiring, I often end up giving on videos or a variety of creative projects because they're "Not original enough" as if that means anything! haha Nice vid mate, will have to give this one a play at some point

That bit about not being able to shut up about this game if you'd played it as a kid? Absolutely me. This is one of the games that defined my early childhood, and I get giddy every time it gets brought up. Glad you enjoyed it so much.

The Shrek 2 of video games

Donkey Kong Country 2 is just... good. Like, it feels weird to play a game nowadays that is genuinely just a great experience.

"You need to make it to the end with Squawks, one of the new animal buddies" **laughs in torchlight trouble**

Games had handbooks back then, so everybody knew you could grab and throw your partner, or aim Squitter's webs.

One of my absolute favorite games from childhood. Can't wait to hear what you have to say, mate. Typing at the beginning, so I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did when I first played it. Good day, and good health. ^_^

As always, your videos are incredibly detailed and entertaining. I really like your content and can't wait for more.

My favorite thing about Stickerbrush Symphony is that there is a 15 minute extension of it on KZfaq, and the comments section is just everyone posting about their life experiences.

Imo the greatest platformer of all time. Definitely the one I come back to the most over 2 decades after it's release.

18:16 Jirard The Completionist wants to know your location

The atmosphere in this game is amazing. Such an immersive and mysterious world. One of Rare's best.

Jeez, every video in my subscription feed today has been sponsored by Raycon. It's starting to feel like a conspiracy.

This game came out when I was 10 and I immediately felt like it was a rare, perfect game. 25+ years and over a hundred playthroughs later and I still feel that way.

Donkey Kong Country 2 on the gameboy advance sp was one of my first every video games. Glad to see you cover it!

Bramble Scramble has single-handedly become one of the best and most emotional and inspiring video game tracks of all time. Pushing the SNES sound chip to the edge and making something that was worth pausing and vibing out to.

This is such a surprise. I just got done watching both your Chrono Trigger and DKC retrospectives for the first time yesterday. Now I can chill out and enjoy this one

I always thought it was weird that there are three SNES games titled Donkey Kong Country but you only get to play as DK in one of them.

This was the first game I ever owned as a kid. I still beat it at least once a year.

Clapper is a seal, not a walrus. I WILL fight you on this, KingK.

"And the best way to listen to this soundtrack is with Raycon!"......you crafty son of a...

No better way to get me to not skip the raycon sponsorship plug than putting some of that fire dkc2 music under it, you darn genius

Toxic Tower is a contender for hardest level in the game, IMO-right in the top three somewhere with Animal Antics and Screech's Sprint. And I still love playing every second of it.

My favorite KZfaq channel right now. I listen to your videos over and over and over again. Going through a rough patch in life right now with my health among other things and every night I put your videos on to listen to and to fall asleep to. Appreciate your content more than you know. Thank you.

This and Yoshi's Island built up my idea of exporative art as a kid. How happy I was to discover another K.Rool battle without the internet's help.

Babe Wake up KingK released a new Retrospective video

You did it! Well done! This needed to happen lol @ 18:16 I always hated how it interrupted the music

Auditory caramel and in depth review at the same time. You get me every time KingK! Ty for sharing your art with us!

Well done, man. The writing somehow continues to get better and masterful use of music throughout the video. Keep it up

Dogs running around the basement, Stickerbush Symphony starts playing, he stops in his tracks and looks at the tv

Ok... that part when you let Stickerbush Symphony explain itself by letting the music play legitimately gave me chills. Amazing.

I love your videos so much, you are by far the best video game retrospective/video essay channel on youtube. I don’t comment on youtube a lot but I wanted to put that out there, this is by far one of my favorite yt channels

You ever see a video so good in your recommended that you have to save it for a later time where it will be enjoyed more? that's me rn

you have such an amazing way with words making every video of you a pleasure to listen to. I hope to hear what you have to say about DKC3 at some point in the future.

Well, in the sa2 video you DID bring up a huge point that I love to speculate about regarding the radar change

Lol idk if we should go the "ignore distractions" route with the earphone ad.

Not only do I love your content - you downright have one of my favourite voices of all time. I love it!

This is exactly what I needed. I love your quality essays.

New video from KingK? Love to see it.

Im surprised this only now being recommended to me. I have watched every other video on this channel. It wasn't until yesterday that more recent videos were recommended to me.

Pretty amazing review! As a DKC veteran I know this game in and out so it was cool to see a newcomers perspective. The only flaw I have with it is that Wrinkly’s school (which is also the save point) has explanations on some of the moves and mechanics if you pay some coins, same goes for Cranky and giving out hints for the bonus stages.

I can never get tired to hear you talk about games.

I was just questioning minutes ago “Huh, odd he only discussed the first one. I wonder if he’ll take a looksie at DKC2 since that’s the fan favorite”. Your timing is downright eerie!

I am a simple man, I see DK2C, I press like I see KingK, I press like even more

I find myself quite frequently coming back to your retrospectives, particularly the DKC and Pokemon videos, perhaps because they are arguably the best of their kind. And as I'm back here for the umpteenth time, I wonder, do you intend to do the rest of the DKC series?

I love your videos bro. Everytime you upload I immediately watch the entire thing no matter what I’m doing. Keep up the awesome work!

Good to see you still uploading vids,dude!

We need a quality Ray-Man 1 retrospective and I think you’re the man for the job

Keep making content, love your video essays!!!

this man never makes a bad video does he

I literally just beat this for the first time ever yesterday - what timing! So excited to watch this!

smile on my face seeing you review peak platforming I love DKC2 so much

Love your vids! (Cant wait for gen 4 review)

18:16 damn is that a shot at The Completionist?? lol 😂

Hey king K! I loved this video! I’m curious though, when are you going to do the Pokémon gen 4 retrospective? I’m really interested to hear your thoughts on that.

Maaan DKC2 will always be in my top 5 fave video games. I'd love to one day see a HD remaster of it

Perfect time to upload this for me. I just finished this game for the first time today and got the secret ending. I don't know if I can say that it's better than DKC1 yet, but I certainly enjoyed my time. The main things holding me back from liking DKC2 more is that I felt I got a few more unfair deaths thanks to the camera, and I've got massive nostalgia for the first game whereas I never played the second one until the online subscription. I will say however that the bonuses were handled much better this time around. They're less obtuse to find and more varied in design.

Always a good day when King K blesses us with a new retrospective

Dude I've been rewatching Boy Meets World on Disney+ and now watching this review I'm just floating in an ocean of 90s nostalgia. Thank you for dropping this video.

I memorized this game front to back pretty much before I can remember. I remember it being really hard as a 5 year old but now I can fly through it without thinking. I would pay a lot of money to have that first experience again now as an adult and see how hard and satisfying this incredible game is

I can rightfully say i brought this video into existence by making a long comment on the video on the first game, so you can all thank me for helping this be made, even though he probably already had it planned, but my only complaint is that this video isn’t as long as the one on the first game, just because it’s the one i like to hear gushed about the most, but despite that i am glad to hear you ended up loving Donkey Kong Country 2, it definitely lives up to all the hype let’s not even mention the music because it’s godly Stickerbush Symphony, and Forest Interlude, all the way, but yeah i am obsessed with this game, and it puts me at ease seeing you agree with everyone else about it being the best in the series. Though i will admit Donkey Kong Country 3, is a step down, but Tropical Freeze, is a very good successor to DKC2.

KingK is such an amazing creator that I no joke jumped with joy when I saw this in my feed

This video reminded me why I subscribed to you. Fantastic work, and I'm glad you enjoyed my favorite game.

Great video KingK. You also sold me on those Raycon ear buds.

this was amazing! can't wait for 3's retrospective

The more people talk about donkey kong, the happier I get. First it was snowman gaming, then it was geek critique, the lonely goomba, and now you. Yes, you all had videos before, but it doesn't matter who posted first, it doesn't matter how long they are, what I know is that the love for donkey Kong in all of its forms are bright and vibrant. Thank you so much for posting these. I love all of the donkey Kong country games, but this game has a very special place in my heart. It's more than just a game, it's an experience. It's everything that I've Loved about donkey Kong country, but more. Honestly, it's amazing that the donkey Kong family didn't outright replace Mario as gaming's mascot. Because this game in particular blows every platformer out of the water for me. Donkey Kong as a franchise, as a world, just feels so interesting. I love all the characters, I love how they intertwine and make this wonderful world of characters that I can't even find a single one to be dislikable. I even love the TV show and bluster Kong, probably the weakest link in the entirety of donkey Kong. Everything about this series, this is my Mario. Speed running and all, this is also my sonic. Donkey Kong to me does better than both.

Awesome channel dude. Cheers!

One of my favorite games of all time! Amazing video! I will never forget beating this game 102% for the first time ever, a huge achievement to me

Great video! 7:55 "long in the tooth" means old. I think that you mean here is just, "long"

I think Squawks is the only animal buddy to appear in every DKC game. Even appearing in Returns and Tropical Freeze as a collectable finder.

Donkey Kong Country 2, at this time, may be my favorite game I haven't beaten. When I was a kid, Donkey Kong was a series I loved to death, but I only had the first on SNES and I had Donkey Kong 64, which I played so much, my parents took away my N64 tons of times. With DKC2, I never really got to play it until I was in high school and even then, I was borrowing it so I only got so far. When I was finally able to get a job, and by extension, money, it was one of the first games I got. Loved the hell out of it, but there has always been one thing which has prevented me from beating it and that was the snake section on the second to last world. Sadly, one day I got a bit too enraged and yanked the game out of the SNES and it deleted my progress and I had to start over again. I mention this because of your mentioning of forgetting to save the game and not being bothered by having to start over again. I had a similar feeling as I was able to get through levels which, for the longest time, I figured I could only beat through luck; though sadly, I still have trouble with the snake levels and can still only beat them through luck. I have been meaning to finish the game, but other interests, lack of energy for games, and time have prevented that. Watching this review has made me want to play the game again and finally beat it. If I do manage to finally beat it, consider this comment a pre made thank you.

Bro, that's a seal. Great timing, just finished DKC2 myself.

The music gameplay snd graphics are incredible

12:43 You gotta love how a fanmade name for a track still makes it's way into videos as if it's the real name. Where did "Mining Melancholy" originate anyway?

I played Chrono Trigger because I watched your video on it, I'm roughly the same age and have no nostalgia for the Super Nintendo. However I recently went down the rabbit hole and found some of my favourite games of all time. Got so excited when you made this video. Honestly few games are as masterful as DKC2

Clever move to have Stickerbush Symphony playing during the sponsor segment. Nobody would ever skip that 😀

Great retrospective. As a kid I used to draw the island of this game. The world had me so taken in, plus the music I would leave my SNES on just to listen to stages. The first DKC was my first console game ever, and when I had it I sucked at it and kinda hated it. But this game solidified Donkey Kong in my life, and while I love Tropical Freeze, DKQ will always have a special place in my heart. Now to listen to forest interlude for the millionth time.

I was SO excited for this game to come out as a kid. I remember one of the promos for game coverage in a magazine, it was an interview with Dixie Kong, from game related stuff to silly things like if she’s a natural blonde.

Just finished another playthrough the other day for my podcast. Still my favorite game of all time. So much to say, but, like you said, most of it has already been said before. That's ok though! I'm happy you found some love for it after all these years!

Fantastic game! My friend and I spent many summers mastering the levels of 1 and 2. Water and flying levels were a NIGHTMARE!! lmao

Forest interlude will be my funeral song. David wise knows the vibe.

I very much appreciate that pretty much every bonus and secret is marked in the game in some way. Either by bananas, or "make sure to save the animal companion as long as you can". And there is one example that I think is brilliant: there is ONE DK Coin in the game that's hidden in a Bonus Level. One single secret within a secret, and the fact they kept it to a single one highlights how special that one instance is.

one of my favorite games to this day the music is the best part of course

One of my favorite games of all time, full stop. As a kid, the music became a part of my life from how much I played it. And the levels are just so damn fun.

I love this game so much I have Diddy and Dixie tattooed on my arm. It's sooo good. Great video as always!

Im so glad i clicked on the notification bell haha!

The bit about being bored if that music triggered the time where I was binging The Completionist videos...

I can only really think of a couple things in this game that bother me: Bigger ones: 1. Rambi's normal running speed is slower. 2. Banana coins don't save for some reason. Nitpicks: 3. They got rid of the sparkles when you break save barrels. 4. Kongs no longer have a trying not to fall animation when standing on edges. 5. There are grey pixels on the edge of Diddy's sprite for some reason. 6. The KONG letters look like dull plastic instead of gold chrome like the 1st game. 7. No boss at the end of K. Rool's keep (yes, I know that they fixed this in the GBA remake). 8. The backgrounds of some of the locations don't match the world map. The sky in Kong Kollege will be blue when you're in a volcano as will a bramble level that's in a night carnival.

Incredible game, one of my all time favorites. Always look forward to hearing your thoughts. Another quality video by kingK keep doing you it makes my day a little better each time I see a new upload.

I’m so immersed into these retrospectives

Excellent video as always. DKC 2 is one of my favorite games of all time and I always enjoy hearing people praising it for the right reasons. I think that they perfected the already great first game in terms of gameplay and level design. I hadn't played any non-SNES DKCs and only recently I tried the Donkey Kong Country Returns because I'd heard from everyone that it's great. I would like to know if you've played it and what you think about it. In my opinion, it wasn't by any means a bad game but it was as disappointing as possible for my expectations.