Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest is a 2D side-scrolling platformer where players take control of Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong in an effort to rescue Donkey Kong. The game plays very similar to its predecessor, although there are a few new mechanics thrown in.
General Gameplay
The game plays very similar to its predecessor, with Diddy and Dixie Kong can run, jump and perform a variety of offensive moves including jumping on some enemies to defeat them. Diddy can cartwheel while Dixie does a whip attack with her ponytail. Dixie can also use her ponytail like a helicopter to slow her falling speed allowing the player to reach otherwise unobtainable areas.
The monkeys can also pick up items such as barrels and hurl them at enemies. When using one monkey, players can locate the other by finding them in a DK barrel. Players can then switch between the two during gameplay. Finally, Diddy and Dixie have a team-up ability where one rides the other and the top monkey can be thrown offensively or to reach higher areas.
Structure
Players must guide the monkeys to the end of each level. There are several levels in each world, which is concluded with a boss fight. Players traverse the world via a simple map, where they simply select each level.
Collectibles
There are hidden bonus levels with tokens called Kremkoins which are obtained by completing them. Bonus levels can be found behind weak sections of wall or by finding a bonus barrel. There are also “DK coins” which are well hidden in each level by Cranky Kong and are necessary to fully complete the game.
Collecting 100 bananas rewards the player with an extra life, as does collecting all of the KONG letters in a level or finding a life balloon.
There are also treasure chests in the game which can contain items such as KONG letters or bananas. Treasure chests can also contain nothing at all but can be used to defeat enemies.
Animal Buddies
As with the first game, there are animal friends that can be found in wooden boxes that will become available for use whenever you break them open. Some return, but there are also new ones that are introduced.
- Rambi - Retains the same power from the first game, being able to charge at enemies.
- Enguarde - Only found in underwater areas and can charge at enemies
- Squawks - Can hold Diddy/Dixie and fly, as well as spit nuts
- Rattly - Can jump high, as well as charge an extra high jump
- Squitter - Can shoot web at enemies, with the same web being able to form platforms
- Clapper - When jumped on, will shoot water that cools it
- Glimmer - Only found in Glimmer's Galleon and is only used as a light
- Quawks - Similar to Squawks, but only used in one level, Parrot Chute Panic. Cannot fly upwards or spit nuts.
Kongs
Like the first game, members of the Kong family will aid the player on their quest.
- Funky Kong - can warp characters to the next world via his flying machine.
- Cranky Kong - can be found in the Monkey Museum giving out secrets and advice.
- Wrinkly Kong - Cranky’s wife, she makes her debut in this game and runs the Kong Kollege where she gives guidance to the player.
- Swanky Kong - runs a gameshow quiz where the player can complete quizzes and earn extra lives.
