Saturday, December 30, 2017

DKC2: Baboon Booty

 

Most people have forgotten all about amazing SNES games like Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest. It's one of my favorite games of all time, yet hadn't played through the whole game since it was first released.
Introducing Dixie Kong. She proves invaluable with her helicopter spin, and is pretty much essential to reach some of the inaccessible areas. Always had a thing for blondes... A big fan of girl on top, too.


Really like how the last area of DKC becomes the first world of DKC2.  The game also keeps the same feel of the original, with all new worlds and music. Very few video game series can follow up such a truly enjoyable sequel on the heels an amazing game. DKC2 offers a slightly more challenging quest, especially for those determined to find everything.


First three worlds, three wrecked ships. One thing's for sure, those Kremling pirates can't hold their liquor.




Most of the levels in the original DKC were side-scrolling maps, a long strip left to right. DKC2 has a considerable number of maps that that are big open areas like mine shafts or beehives that are explored vertically and horizontally, essentially taking longer to thoroughly explore every area.

The levels themselves are maybe only slightly more difficult than DKC. But if all the Kremcoins weren't hard enough to obtain, it's the DK coins that offer the biggest challenge to find. Each one allegedly placed by Cranky Kong himself. (Though it seems like an awful lot of ambition for someone who likes to nap...)

It can be tricky to consistently locate those DK coins in every level. It simply takes more time to find all the hidden stuff... I think I logged twice as many gameplay hours than DKC before I found everything. And since the bonus areas reward you with Kremcoins instead of extra lives, it makes it a tad harder to stay alive.
Sometimes we catch a glimpse of the DK coin and have to figure out how to get it ... Other times, it's completely hidden from view, and requires a bit of an exploration quest. But then you start to catch on to how the game is making you think, and you start anticipating where it could be hidden, or what they're gonna make you do to obtain it. Truly puts you into the mindset of a video game hero.
DKC2 has always held a certain element of mystery. In addition to ghosts, pirates, and Lost World, the credit earned for game progress is kinda strange. I've earned the 102%, but never quite understood exactly how I got it...  Here's a breakdown of how points are calculated according to Kingizor of the DKC Atlas Forum: http://www.dkc-atlas.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=2234

The third world (Krem Quay) is when things really start to get interesting. The game challenges you to start thinking in different ways. Here, a mysterious banana arrow offers a clue. If you follow the spooky upper torso apparition Cloak back towards the direction you came from, he'll eventually toss out a treasure chest... Then he eerily floats down offscreen. The chest contains a cannonball to access the bonus level ahead. 


The DK Coin in Barrel Bayou (3-1) is unique because it's awarded for taking Rambi all the way to the "No Rambi" sign. With all the Zingers and blasting barrels, it's tough enough to do... Especially since it's hard not to hit the checkpoint save barrel halfway through, wich will cause you to start the level midway without your rhino buddy



Glimmer's Galleon (3-2)
The very next level, DK coin proved to be a bit of a challenge to find, but mostly due to the shitty lighting.
I remember exploring everywhere, only to suddenly, randomly, swim up and above the first bonus level. A secret trail to the DK coin. Don't think I would have found it this time round. Thankfully there's DKCAtlas.

Krockhead Klamber (3-3)
At the start of the level, going left instead of right will lead you to a bunch of Zinger bees, requiring Diddy and Dixie to perform precision jumps over Zingers... A treasure chest within three other chests contains the elusive DK coin... Trains you to keep in mind how the game is going to challenge you from now on.

Bramble Blast (3-6 )
Man, I remember how frustrating this level was... Considered by some to be one of the most difficult stages in the game, I managed to beat it on my second try this time round... Of course, I still had to go back and find the bonus areas. Can also see the DK Coin, but can't touch it... D'oh!.

A friend with web. Despite DKC2 being his first appearance, Squitter the Spider was always a welcome sight when you were lucky enough to find him in a stage. Not only can he fend off baddies with his webs, he can take you anywhere.

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