View source for Donkey Kong Country 2

{{Short description|1995 video game}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Donkey Kong Country 2: {{nowrap|Diddy's Kong Quest}}
| state = expanded
| image = DK Country 2.jpg
| caption = North American SNES box art
| developer = [[Rare (company)|Rare]]
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| director = [[Stamper brothers|Tim Stamper]]
| producer = [[Gregg Mayles]]
| designer = Gregg Mayles<br>Andrew Collard
| programmer = [[Chris Sutherland (programmer)|Chris Sutherland]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/developer/chris-sutherland/credits/developerId,61920/|title=Chris Sutherland on MobyGames|publisher=MobyGames|access-date=15 March 2017|archive-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904175024/http://www.mobygames.com/developer/chris-sutherland/credits/developerId,61920/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| artist = {{ubl|Steve Mayles|Mark Stevenson|Adrian Smith}}
| composer = [[David Wise (composer)|David Wise]]
| writer = Gregg Mayles<ref>{{cite tweet|url=https://twitter.com/MrLovelyday/status/1032701706457505793|title=Did some bits of DKC story stuff from DKC2 onwards, but mostly it was Gregg; also worked on most of the manuals from Diddy Kong Racing onwards. So *some* things, not *all* things :)|user=MrLovelyday|number=1032701706457505793|date=August 23, 2018}}</ref><br>[[Leigh Loveday]]
| series = ''[[Donkey Kong]]''
| platforms = [[Super NES]]<br>[[Game Boy Advance]]
| released = '''SNES'''<br>{{vgrelease|JP|21 November 1995<ref name="fam-rev">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Famitsu|Famicom Tsūshin]]|date=December 1, 1995|language=Japanese|publisher=[[ASCII Corporation]]|title=New Games Cross Review|first1=Sawadhi|last1=Noda|last2=Pin|first2=Mizu|last3=Nagano|first3=Isabella|last4=Masuda|first4=Ninja|p=31}}</ref>|NA|4 December 1995{{efn|name=dates|Reported US release date varies between 20 November<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?v1=3&ti=1,3&Search%5FArg=donkey%20kong%20country%202&Search%5FCode=TALL&CNT=25&PID=fTjgyFGZPwXo9WW9ShhtffELZ&SEQ=20230315194007&SID=1|website=[[United States Copyright Office]]|title=Donkey Kong Country 2 : Diddy's Kong quest.|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=March 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315234513/https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?v1=3&ti=1,3&Search_Arg=donkey%20kong%20country%202&Search_Code=TALL&CNT=25&PID=fTjgyFGZPwXo9WW9ShhtffELZ&SEQ=20230315194007&SID=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/games/snes/donkey_kong_country_2_diddys_kong_quest|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (SNES)|date=16 September 2020|access-date=March 15, 2023|archive-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315234513/https://www.nintendolife.com/games/snes/donkey_kong_country_2_diddys_kong_quest|url-status=live}}</ref> and 4 December.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=World of Games|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=77|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=December 1995|url=https://archive.org/details/ElectronicGamingMonthly_201902/Electronic%20Gaming%20Monthly%20Issue%20077a%20%28December%201995%29/page/n285/mode/1up}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.com:80/snes/dkc2/index.html|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest|publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]], Web Archive|access-date=September 26, 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980205061901/http://www.nintendo.com/snes/dkc2/index.html|archive-date=February 5, 1998|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Nintendo staff | title=Super NES Games | url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/snes_games.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614155658/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/snes_games.pdf | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | archive-date=June 14, 2011 | access-date=September 24, 2011}}</ref>}}|EU|14 December 1995<ref>{{cite web|title=Diddy's Kong Quest overview (Polygon)|url=http://www.polygon.com/game/donkey-kong-country-2-diddy-s-kong-quest/9844|website=Polygon|date=14 February 2013|access-date=6 February 2016|archive-date=7 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507013516/http://www.polygon.com/game/donkey-kong-country-2-diddy-s-kong-quest/9844|url-status=live}}</ref>}}'''Game Boy Advance''' <br /> {{vgrelease|PAL|25 June 2004<ref>{{cite web|title=Diddy's Kong Quest release dates|work=gamesradar |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest/|access-date=8 February 2016|archive-date=13 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713132008/https://www.gamesradar.com/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest/|url-status=live}}</ref>|JP|1 July 2004|NA|15 November 2004<ref>{{cite web|title=Donkey Kong Country 2 GBA overview|url=http://uk.ign.com/games/donkey-kong-country-2/gba-621154|website=Polygon|access-date=7 February 2016|archive-date=7 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607190035/http://www.ign.com/games/donkey-kong-country-2/gba-621154|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| genre = [[Platformer|Platform]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
'''''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'''''{{hsp}}{{efn|Originally released in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''Super Donkey Kong 2: Dixie & Diddy'''''|スーパードンキーコング2 ディクシー&ディディー|Sūpā Donkī Kongu Tsū: Dikushī ando Didī}}}} is a 1995 [[Platformer|platform game]] developed by [[Rare (company)|Rare]] and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] (SNES). It was released on 21 November 1995 in Japan, 4 December in North America, and 14 December in Europe. It is the second installment of the [[Donkey Kong Country (series)|''Donkey Kong Country'' series]] and the sequel to ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' (1994).

Players control [[Diddy Kong]] and his girlfriend [[Dixie Kong]], who must rescue [[Donkey Kong (character)|Donkey Kong]] after he is kidnapped by [[King K. Rool]]. The game is set on Crocodile Isle, with eight worlds of varying environments, totaling 52 [[Level (video gaming)|levels]]. The game uses the same [[Silicon Graphics]] (SGI) technology from the original, which features the use of pre-rendered 3D imagery.

''Diddy's Kong Quest'' received acclaim and is regarded as one of the greatest 2D platformers of all time. Praise was directed at its graphics, gameplay, and soundtrack. It was the second best-selling game of 1995, and the [[list of best-selling Super Nintendo Entertainment System video games|sixth best-selling game on the SNES]].

It was re-released for the [[Game Boy Advance]] (GBA) in 2004. The game was made available for download on the [[Virtual Console]] for the [[Wii]] and [[Wii U]] in 2007 and 2015, respectively. It was followed by ''[[Donkey Kong Country 3|Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]'' in 1996.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Diddy Kong's Quest gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|230px|At the end of each level, the player must land on a target pad from a certain height for a chance to earn one of a series of quickly changing rewards, such as an extra life balloon.]]
''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'' is a 2D [[side-scrolling]] [[platform game|platformer]] in which the player controls either [[Diddy Kong]] or his girlfriend Dixie Kong through 52 varying levels over eight different worlds. The main objective of the game is to rescue [[Donkey Kong (character)|Donkey Kong]] from King K. Rool. The game features a wide number of enemies, which include land-based reptilian Kremlings, rats, porcupines, bees, and vultures. Enemies in underwater sections include [[pufferfish]], stingrays, starfish, and piranhas. Each world culminates with a [[boss fight]], which is required to be defeated in order to progress to the next world. The player-characters can defeat most hostiles by jumping on them, [[cartwheel (gymnastics)|cartwheel]]ing through them, or throwing a barrel or other throwable objects at them. When hit by an enemy, the active character runs away and control will switch to the other character. The player can reclaim their partner from barrels marked DK. If both characters die, the player will lose a life and will restart from either the beginning of the level or from the last [[checkpoint (video gaming)|checkpoint]], which comes in the form of a star-painted barrel. If the player loses all of their lives, the game will end with a [[Game Over]].<ref name=GS>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest-review/1900-6171662/ |access-date=1 January 2015 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest review |last1=Provo |first1=Frank |date=27 May 2007 |archive-date=23 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123191820/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest-review/1900-6171662/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=GBA>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/donkey-kong-country-2-review/1900-6114593/ |access-date=1 January 2016 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=CBS Interactive |title=Donkey Kong Country 2 review (GBA) |last1=Provo |first1=Frank |date=7 December 2004 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125224621/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/donkey-kong-country-2-review/1900-6114593/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Diddy and Dixie have unique attributes; Diddy is more agile and will run faster, whereas Dixie has a higher jump and can spin her hair in order to glide.<ref name=GBA/> The player can pick up the other character and throw them in any direction, similar to barrels. The game features "animal friends", which returns from its predecessor. Playable animals include Squitter the spider, Rambi the rhino, Rattly the snake, Enguarde the [[swordfish]], and Squawks the parrot.<ref>{{cite web|title=Diddy's Kong Quest overview|url=http://uk.ign.com/games/donkey-kong-country-2/snes-6848|website=IGN|access-date=6 February 2016|archive-date=3 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603063327/http://www.ign.com/games/donkey-kong-country-2/snes-6848|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=manual/> These animals have unique abilities, such as Rambi's ability to charge at enemies, Squawks' ability of flight and spitting [[egg]]s,<ref name=manual>{{cite book | year=1995 | title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest manual | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | url=http://gamesdbase.com/Media/SYSTEM/Nintendo_SNES/manual/Formated/Donkey_Kong_Country_2-_Diddy-s_Kong_Quest_-_1995_-_Nintendo.pdf | access-date=2016-02-06 | archive-date=2013-06-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614085226/http://gamesdbase.com/Media/SYSTEM/Nintendo_SNES/manual/Formated/Donkey_Kong_Country_2-_Diddy-s_Kong_Quest_-_1995_-_Nintendo.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref> and Rattly's ability to jump to extreme heights.<ref name=GBA/>

The game features environmental effects throughout some levels, which include fog, rain, and thunderstorms. Some levels feature different [[game mechanics|mechanics]] and settings, such as underwater sections, riding a skull-shaped [[roller coaster]], grappling onto vines, and beehive levels which feature sticky honey-covered surfaces.<ref name=GS/><ref name=GBA/> The game features barrels that will propel the player in any direction they are facing.<ref name=jeff/> Aside from checkpoint barrels, some give the player temporary invincibility or an "animal friend". Hidden bonus barrels, hidden entrances masked by walls breakable with a throwable object, Rambi, or Enguarde, and [[cannons]] activatible with [[cannonball]]s transport the player to a [[minigame|bonus game]], which features a challenge such as eliminating all enemies in order to earn a "Kremcoin".<ref name=manual/> In addition, there are some barrels that can only be activated by a specific character.<ref name=GBA/><ref name=manual/> Players may earn extra lives by collecting balloons, earning 100 bananas or collecting four letters which spell "KONG".<ref name=GS/><ref name=jeff/>

The player can achieve a maximum completion score of 102% for their save file by completing all levels and bosses, completing all bonus challenges, collecting all DK coins within the Lost World and visiting each of the four Kong family members at least once.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.superluigibros.com/nintendo-power-81-donkeykong-country-tips|title=Donkey Kong Country 2 Top 10 tips to getting 102%. From Nintendo Power Vol. 81|website=www.superluigibros.com|access-date=2017-09-21|archive-date=2017-07-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713120710/http://www.superluigibros.com/nintendo-power-81-donkeykong-country-tips|url-status=live}}</ref>

The game is Dixie Kong's first appearance in the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise.<ref name=aaron>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-01-18-ca-25828-story.html|title=Donkey Sequel Not the King, but a Good Kong|last=Curtiss|first=Aaron|date=18 January 1996|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-date=26 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926124253/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-01-18-ca-25828-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Other characters include [[List of Donkey Kong characters#Cranky Kong|Cranky Kong]], situated in "Monkey Museum", who is back due to "popular demand" to divulge secrets of the game world and provide comic relief, as well as offer advice.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest |developer=Rareware |publisher=Nintendo |date=December 1995 |platform=Super Nintendo Entertainment System |level=Monkey Museum |quote='''Cranky Kong:''' Come in and say hello to your old grandpappy Cranky. I'm back by popular demand to offer you my wealth of gameplaying wisdom for this unnecessary sequel. O.K, which of these would you like?}}</ref> Wrinkly Kong, the wife of Cranky Kong and grandmother of Donkey Kong, makes her first appearance. She runs an educational facility called "Kong Kollege", where she gives guidance to the player.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest |developer=Rareware |publisher=Nintendo |date=December 1995 |platform=Super Nintendo Entertainment System |level=Kong Kollege |quote='''Wrinkly Kong:''' Hello dearies, I'm Mrs. Wrinly Kong, Headmistress at Kong Kollege. I'm available to teach courses in how to play this game, or you can just pop in when you want and save your little old game.}}</ref> [[List of Donkey Kong characters#Swanky Kong|Swanky Kong]] runs a game show quiz where the player may complete quizzes and earn extra lives.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest |developer=Rareware |publisher=Nintendo |date=December 1995 |platform=Super Nintendo Entertainment System |level=Swanky's Prizes |quote='''Swanky Kong:''' Give them a big hand folks! Good evening, I'm Swanky Kong and you're tonight's contestants on my Bonanza! It's easy to play! Just pick a game and you're away!}}</ref> Funky Kong offers an aeroplane that allows the players to switch between already completed worlds. Additionally, the player can meet a large Kremling called Klubba,<ref name=manual/> at Klubba's Kiosk, who demands fifteen Kremkoins from the characters if they want to travel to the Lost World and complete a secret level.<ref>{{cite web|title=Donkey Kong Country 2 preview|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/3680/donkey-kong-country-2-game-boy-advance|publisher=Nintendo World Report|access-date=6 February 2016|date=21 April 2004|archive-date=5 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305002429/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/3680/donkey-kong-country-2-game-boy-advance|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Plot==
Some time after ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'', [[Donkey Kong]] is relaxing on the beach, until he is ambushed by the Kremlings. He gets kidnapped and brought to Kaptain K. Rool, who demands the Banana Hoard he unsuccessfully tried to steal for a ransom from the Kongs. Diddy Kong and his girlfriend [[Dixie Kong|Dixie]] resolve to go to the Kremling's home island, Crocodile Isle, to rescue Donkey Kong. They travel through Crocodile Isle and are helped on their way by an assortment of animals to defeat Kaptain K. Rool.<ref name=manual/> Diddy and Dixie eventually battle and defeat K. Rool, releasing Donkey Kong in the process. K. Rool manages to escape, and shortly after, Diddy and Dixie confront him in the Lost World, a secret area powered by a geyser at the heart of Crocodile Isle. They once again defeat K. Rool, who is hurled into the geyser, causing it to clog up and explode. The explosion causes all of Crocodile Isle to sink, as the Kongs watch K. Rool escape on a small sailboat.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest |developer=Rareware |publisher=Nintendo |date=December 1995 |platform=Super Nintendo Entertainment System |level=Krokodile Kore |quote='''Cranky Kong:''' I knew you'd do it, Diddy m'boy, but how could you fail having learned all you knew from old Cranky here?}}</ref>

==Development and release==
Development of ''Diddy's Kong Quest'' began shortly after the release of ''Donkey Kong Country'',<ref name="years"/> but before its commercial success; the employees of [[Rare (company)|Rare]] desired to present new concepts.<ref name="RetroGamer181">{{Cite magazine|date=May 2018|title=''The Making of: Donkey Kong Country 2''|url=https://archive.org/stream/retro_gamer/RetroGamer_181#page/n63/mode/2up|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|issue=181|pages=64–67}}</ref> Rare founder [[Tim Stamper]] served as director, whereas his colleague Brendan Gunn, who had worked on the original, returned to design.<ref name=development>{{cite web |last1=McFarren |first1=Damien |title=Month Of Kong: The Making Of Donkey Kong Country |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/month_of_kong_the_making_of_donkey_kong_country |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=27 February 2014 |access-date=April 12, 2015 |archive-date=31 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131130533/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/month_of_kong_the_making_of_donkey_kong_country |url-status=live }}</ref> In response to complaints from veteran gamers, ''Donkey Kong Country 2'' was designed to be more challenging than its predecessor.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=The Feature Creature|date=January 1996|title=Up in the Treehouse|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_078_January_1996/page/n41/mode/2up|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|issue=88|pages=40–42}}</ref> Several working titles were considered, including ''DK Rescue!'', ''Diddy's Day Out'', ''Diddy's Wild Country'', and ''Diddy's Wild Frontier''. ''Diddy Kong's Quest'' was decided on, but was slightly altered into ''Diddy's Kong Quest'' to create a play on the word "conquest".<ref name="History112">{{Cite book |language=fr |first=Régis |last=Monterrin |title=L'Histoire de Donkey Kong |publisher=Éditions Pix'n Love |date=June 2018 |pages=112–113 |isbn=9782371880597}}</ref> The game was announced at [[E3 1995]].<ref>{{cite web |date=May 11, 1995 |title=Nintendo Unveils a "Killer" Line-Up at E3; Hardware and Software Introductions Showcase Breakthrough Technology, Riveting Graphics and Fast-Paced Game Play Action |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Nintendo+Unveils+a+ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103081547/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Nintendo+Unveils+a+%22Killer%22+Line-Up+at+E3%3b+Hardware+and+Software...-a016940320 |archive-date=November 3, 2013 |access-date=July 27, 2021 |website=[[Business Wire]] |via=[[The Free Dictionary]]}}</ref> A [[Virtual Boy]] port was in development at one time but never released.<ref name="RareScribesVBDKC2">{{cite web|url=http://rareware.com/the_site/talk_to_us/scribes/aug10_01/aug10_01.html|title=Scribes|publisher=[[Rare (company)|Rare]]|date=August 10, 2001|access-date=2020-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020805042002/http://rareware.com/the_site/talk_to_us/scribes/aug10_01/aug10_01.html|archive-date=2002-08-05|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="DFRetroDKC">{{cite web|last=Linneman|first=John|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2017-retro-donkey-kong-country-killer-instinct|title=DF Retro takes on Donkey Kong Country and Killer Instinct • The story of Rare's SGI revolution - as told by the developers|work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|date=December 16, 2017|access-date=2020-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320001528/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2017-retro-donkey-kong-country-killer-instinct|archive-date=March 20, 2018|df=dmy-all|url-status=live}}</ref>

Like its predecessor, ''Diddy's Kong Quest'' uses [[Silicon Graphics]] (SGI) and Advanced Computer Modelling (ACM) rendering technology,<ref name="years">{{cite web |last=Goergan |first=Andy |title=Donkey Kong Country, Through the Years |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/36539/donkey-kong-country-through-the-years |publisher=Nintendo World Report |access-date=February 6, 2016 |date=February 14, 2014 |archive-date=July 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703015857/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/36539/donkey-kong-country-through-the-years |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kosydar|first=Aaron|title=Donkey Kong Country 2 overview |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2476&tab=review|website=Eurogamer|access-date=2 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114212610/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2476&tab=review|archive-date=14 November 2014|date=14 November 2014}}</ref> in which pre-rendered images are modelled as 3D objects and then transformed into 2D sprites and background layers.<ref name="GS" /> The game's pirate-themed narrative and level design was influenced by designer [[Gregg Mayles]]'s fascination with the [[Golden Age of Piracy]]. The team attempted to maintain the sense of speed and requirement of timing from the previous game. To avoid reproducing the same game entirely, Mayles altered the gameplay to be less linear and more encouraging of exploration, while respecting the basics of fluidity and speed.<ref name="RetroGamer181" />

In order to surprise players, the team decided to cast Diddy Kong as the main character as opposed to Donkey Kong.<ref name="History104">{{Cite book |language=fr |first=Régis |last=Monterrin |title=L'Histoire de Donkey Kong |publisher=Éditions Pix'n Love |date=June 2018 |pages=104–107 |isbn=9782371880597}}</ref> Mayles said that he dared to do without the iconic character of the series because his team's youth (Mayles himself was 23 during development) allowed them to disregard risks.<ref name="RetroGamer181"/> The team preserved the gameplay mechanic of controlling two characters, which led into the creation of Dixie Kong. While Donkey and Diddy Kong controlled similarly, the team decided to establish a character with different abilities to force the player to change between characters regularly. To achieve this difference, the team gave Dixie the ability to hover and descend gradually. Dixie was modeled and animated by Steve Mayles.<ref name="History104"/> According to Gregg, the choice to introduce a female character was decided before the creation of her ponytail, and neither the hovering mechanism nor the intention to increase female representation in video games were an influence in the matter. The ponytail was initially given to create a trailing visual effect when Dixie runs, and Gregg decided to put the ponytail to use upon seeing this effect in action.<ref name="RetroGamer181"/> The concept of Dixie descending by using her ponytail as a helicopter blade was then created. Due to the time-consuming nature of the modeling process, Diddy's model was used as the base for Dixie; the ponytail was then added, the clothes were changed, and his features were made more feminine.<ref name="History104"/> Nearly fifty names were considered for Dixie, including Didene, Dee, Daisy, Dandi, Dolly, Dizzie, Danni, Dippy and Ducky. The team initially opted for Diddiane before finally deciding on Dixie. [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] participated in the creation of the game's characters, as he had for the previous game. Miyamoto offered different motifs to adorn Dixie's beret with, including a banana, a heart and a logo, namely one inspired by that of the musical group [[ABBA]]. Rare incorporated the idea for a logo and placed a small version of the company's own on Dixie's beret in early promotional art. The creation of Dixie came at the expense of Donkey Kong's fiancée Candy Kong, who was removed from the game's cast due to Nintendo's concerns over her sexually provocative nature.<ref name="History107">{{Cite book |language=fr |first=Régis |last=Monterrin |title=L'Histoire de Donkey Kong |publisher=Éditions Pix'n Love |date=June 2018 |pages=107–108 |isbn=9782371880597}}</ref> The design choice to have Diddy and Dixie transform into the friendly animals that were initially mounted in the previous game was made out of concerns over sprite size; additionally, Gregg noted that having the two player characters clinging onto a parrot would significantly reduce its maneuverability.<ref name="RetroGamer181"/>

''Donkey Kong Country 2'' was released worldwide in late 1995. In Australia, Nintendo released the ''Donkey Kong Country 2'' Pirate Pak, a limited edition bundle of the game and SNES console.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consolevariations.com/variation/console/super-nintendo-donkey-kong-country-2-pirate-pak-bundle|title=SNES Donkey Kong Country 2 Pirate Pak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418224030/https://consolevariations.com/variation/console/super-nintendo-donkey-kong-country-2-pirate-pak-bundle|archive-date=18 April 2023|website=Consolevariations|access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref>

===Audio===
{{Redirect2|Stickerbush Symphony|Stickerbrush Symphony|Internet phenomenon related to this track|Internet checkpoint}}
{{Listen
| filename = StickerbushSymphony.mp3
| title = "Stickerbush Symphony"
| description = A 30-second excerpt from "Stickerbush Symphony", the music that plays in ''Donkey Kong Country 2''{{'s}} bramble levels. The song has received acclaim.
}}
The soundtrack of ''Diddy's Kong Quest'' was composed by [[David Wise (composer)|David Wise]] and was released in the United States as ''The Original Donkey Kong Country 2 Soundtrack''.<ref name="IGNVideogameAlbums">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/26/10-great-videogame-albums?page=2 |title=10 Great Videogame Albums |website=[[IGN]] |last=Nix |first=Marc |date=September 26, 2008 |access-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729201934/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/26/10-great-videogame-albums?page=2 |url-status=live }}</ref> The soundtrack maintains similarity to its predecessor with its prominent percussion and eclectic genres ranging between [[big band]], [[disco]] and [[Hip hop music|hip hop]]. The melodies and rhythms are largely comical in tone, but occasionally melancholic.<ref name="IGNVideogameAlbums"/><ref name="History113">{{Cite book |language=fr |first=Régis |last=Monterrin |title=L'Histoire de Donkey Kong |publisher=Éditions Pix'n Love |date=June 2018 |pages=113–115 |isbn=9782371880597}}</ref> Certain themes are reminiscent of compositions by [[Vangelis]] and [[Phil Collins]].<ref name="History113"/> Wise cited [[Koji Kondo]]'s music for the ''Mario'' and ''Zelda'' games, Geoff and [[Tim Follin]]'s music for ''[[Plok!]]'', and synthesizer-based film soundtracks released in the 1980s as influences in creating the music for the ''Donkey Kong Country'' series.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview with David Wise |url=http://www.squareenixmusic.com/features/interviews/davidwise.shtml |website=Square Enix Music Online |access-date=August 27, 2015 |date=December 2010 |last=Greening |first=Chris |archive-date=January 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115042157/http://www.squareenixmusic.com/features/interviews/davidwise.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> The orchestral sound of ''Donkey Kong Country 2'' was influenced by the works of [[Russian classical music|Russian classical]] composers such as [[Prokofiev]], [[Tchaikovsky]], and [[Mussorgsky]], which was done to fit with the game's darker theme.<ref>{{cite video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_RNM2QlujU |title=Composer David Wise Dissects Donkey Kong Country's Best Music |publisher=[[Game Informer]] |website=[[YouTube]] |date=July 5, 2019 |time=26:10 |access-date=March 24, 2025 |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917155546/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_RNM2QlujU}}</ref> As with its predecessor, the music was produced for the SNES's [[SPC700]] chip for the game to sound similar to the [[Korg Wavestation]] synthesizer.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gera |first1=Emily |title=Synth, big band jazz and the remaking of Donkey Kong Country's amazing sound |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/5/5456852/donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze-music |website=Polygon |access-date=February 6, 2016 |date=March 6, 2014 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304121702/http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/5/5456852/donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze-music |url-status=live }}</ref>

The game's soundtrack was the focus of an [[OverClocked ReMix]] collaboration, ''Serious Monkey Business''. The final track, "Donkey Kong Rescued", was remixed by David Wise himself, featuring [[Grant Kirkhope]] on electric guitar and [[Robin Beanland]] on trumpet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dkc2.ocremix.org/ |title=OverClocked ReMix Presents 'Serious Monkey Business' |publisher=OverClocked Ltd |access-date=January 2, 2016 |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719171614/http://dkc2.ocremix.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR02000/ |title=ReMix: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest 'Re-Skewed' |publisher=OverClocked Ltd |access-date=January 3, 2016 |date=October 28, 2010 |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919060401/http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR02000 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 90<!-- Please only use two digits of precision, per [[Template:Video game reviews/doc#Guidelines]] -->% (SNES)<ref name="GR">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588283-donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest/index.html|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest|publisher=GameRankings|access-date=22 September 2009|archive-date=9 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012658/http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588283-donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />81% (Wii)<ref name="Wii Rating">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/919611-donkey-kong-country-2/index.html|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (Wii Rating)|publisher=GameRankings|access-date=5 February 2016|archive-date=9 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209011445/http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/919611-donkey-kong-country-2/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| MC = 80/100 (GBA)<ref name="MetaCritic">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest|website=Metacritic|access-date=23 September 2009|archive-date=28 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128014010/https://www.metacritic.com/game/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Allgame = 4.5/5<ref name=allgame>{{cite web|last1=Kosydar |first1=Aaron |title=Diddy's Kong Quest review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2476&tab=review |publisher=AllGame |access-date=5 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114212610/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2476&tab=review |archive-date=14 November 2014 |date=18 July 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| CVG = 94%<ref name="CVG170">{{cite magazine |title=The Computer and Video Games Christmas Buyers Guide |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[EMAP]] |issue=170 (January 1996) |date=10 December 1995 |pages=8–9 |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_170_1996-01_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n7/mode/2up}}</ref>
| EuroG = 8/10 (Wii)<ref name=EuroG>{{cite web|last1=Whitehead|first1=Dan|title=Virtual Console Roundup|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_vcroundup18507_wii|website=Eurogamer|access-date=2 January 2016|date=18 May 2007|archive-date=24 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024141242/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_vcroundup18507_wii|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Fam = 8/10, 9/10, 8/10, 7/10<ref name="fam-rev" />
| GSpot = 8/10 (Wii)<ref name=GS/><br /> 8.3/10 (GBA)<ref name=GBA/>
| GI = 9.75/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url= http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=snes&path=nov95&doc=dkc2rev| title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest Review|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|url-status= dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990825104420/http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=snes&path=nov95&doc=dkc2rev| archive-date=1999-08-25}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.8/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|url=http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/868/868009p1.html|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Review|last=Birnbaum|first=Mark|date=29 May 2007|website=IGN|access-date=22 September 2009|archive-date=16 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216064409/http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/868/868009p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''Nintendojo''
| rev1Score = 9.9/10<ref name=jeff/>
| rev2 = ''Cubed3''
| rev2Score = 8/10<ref name=cube>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/421/|title=Donkey Kong Country 2 Reviews|date=8 November 2006|publisher=Cubed3|access-date=22 September 2009|archive-date=1 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601203041/http://www.cubed3.com/review/421/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| award1 = {{nowrap|Editors' Choice Award}}<ref name=IGN />
| award1Pub = [[IGN]]
| award2 = Best SNES Game of 1995<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/a/aa/GamePro_US_079.pdf |author=The Feature Creature |title=Editor's Choice Awards 1995 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=79 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |date=February 1996 |page=26 |access-date=2020-03-26 |archive-date=2021-08-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808204102/https://retrocdn.net/images/a/aa/GamePro_US_079.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| award2Pub = [[GamePro]]
| award3 = Video Game of the Year<ref>{{cite web|title=Home Entertainment Awards – Video Games|url=http://www.entmerch.org/industry/awards/emavsda-home-entertainment-/home-entertainment-awards-v-2.html|publisher=[[Entertainment Merchants Association]]|access-date=5 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101201913/http://www.entmerch.org/industry/awards/emavsda-home-entertainment-/home-entertainment-awards-v-2.html|archive-date=1 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| award3Pub = [[Video Software Dealers Association]]
}}

Upon release, retailers struggled to meet the demand.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Chart-Topping Sales and New Ultra 64 Titles for Nintendo |magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=90 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=March 1996|page=16}}</ref> ''Diddy's Kong Quest'' sold a combined 4.37 million copies in the United States and Japan on the SNES; the total number of copies sold in Japan at 2.21 million, and 2.16 million in the United States.<ref name="magicboxjapan">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten2.htm|title=Japan Platinum Game Chart|publisher=The Magic Box|access-date=22 May 2008|archive-date=13 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213230402/http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten2.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="magicboxus">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |title=US Platinum Videogame Chart |publisher=The Magic Box |access-date=3 August 2008 |date=27 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070421003854/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=21 April 2007}}</ref> It was the second best-selling [[1995 in video games|game of 1995]],<ref name=Salesrank>{{cite web|last1=Antista|first1=Chris|title=New screens honor the legacy of Donkey Kong Country - but WHY?|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/new-screens-honor-the-legacy-of-donkey-kong-country-but-why/?page=2|publisher=GamesRadar|access-date=7 February 2016|date=14 October 2010|archive-date=5 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105194618/https://www.gamesradar.com/new-screens-honor-the-legacy-of-donkey-kong-country-but-why/?page=2|url-status=live}}</ref> after ''[[Yoshi's Island]]'',<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Welch|first1=Hanuman|title=The Best Selling Video Game Of Every Year Since 1977|url=http://uk.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/04/the-best-video-games-to-come-out-every-year-since-the-atari-2600/super-mario-world-2-yoshis-island|magazine=Complex|access-date=7 February 2016|date=23 April 2013}}</ref> and the [[list of best-selling Super Nintendo Entertainment System video games|sixth best-selling game on the SNES]].<ref name=Salesrank/>

The game received critical acclaim, winning various Game of the Year Awards.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=The Feature Creature |date=February 1996 |title=Editor's Choice Awards 1995 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/a/aa/GamePro_US_079.pdf#page=28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808204102/https://retrocdn.net/images/a/aa/GamePro_US_079.pdf#page=28 |archive-date=August 8, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |page=26 |issue=79}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3VRFAAAAIBAJ&dq=best+overall+game+1995+donkey+kong&pg=PA24&article_id=1974,1086760 |title=Parent's Choice (1995) - Best Video Game: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest |date=5 Nov 1995 |publisher=The Telegraph-Herald |language=en |quote=Top games named - Parents' Choice, a nonprofit consumer guide to children's media, has picked its best five video games for 1995}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-11-01 |title=Home Entertainment Awards - Video Games {{!}} entertainment merchants association {{!}} Frank Lucca |url=http://www.entmerch.org/industry/awards/emavsda-home-entertainment-/home-entertainment-awards-v-2.html |access-date=2024-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101201913/http://www.entmerch.org/industry/awards/emavsda-home-entertainment-/home-entertainment-awards-v-2.html |archive-date=2013-11-01 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-12-30 |title=Check Out 25 Years Of Game Informer's GOTY Awards - Features - 1995 Winner: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/01/02/looking-back-at-25-years-of-game-informer-s-goty-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=1 |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=Game Informer |publisher=[[Game Informer]]|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230060137/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/01/02/looking-back-at-25-years-of-game-informer-s-goty-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=1 |archive-date=2017-12-30 }}</ref> The SNES version holds an aggregate score of 92% at [[GameRankings]],<ref name=GR/> whereas the [[Virtual Console]] re-release and the Game Boy Advance version both hold a score of 80% at GameRankings and [[Metacritic]], respectively.<ref name="Wii Rating"/><ref name="MetaCritic"/>

The graphics and gameplay were the most praised aspects of the game. Scary Larry of ''[[GamePro]]'' hailed the game as being longer, more graphically impressive, and more fun than the original ''Donkey Kong Country'', and having some of the most cleverly illustrated levels ever seen on a home system. He gave it a perfect 5/5 in all four categories (graphics, sound, control, and FunFactor), but said that some levels are too difficult for younger players.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=ProReview: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong-Quest|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=87|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=December 1995|page=94}}</ref> Aaron Kosydar of ''[[AllGame]]'' thought that ''Diddy's Kong Quest''{{'}}s graphics were superior to that of its predecessor.<ref name=allgame/> Dan Whitehead of ''[[Eurogamer]]'' said that the graphics of the game were similar to the first ''Donkey Kong Country'' installment, although he praised them both as "impressive". However, Whitehead expressed concern over the lack of ambition from the sequel, stating that the gameplay uses the defense of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".<ref name=EuroG/> Reviewing the SNES version, Frank Provo of ''[[GameSpot]]'' heralded the graphics as "more detailed" although admitting that it appeared stylistically similar to the first game.<ref name=GS/> In a separate review regarding the [[Game Boy Advance]] version, Provo praised the graphics as richer and "livelier" than those of the original.<ref name=GBA/> In a retrospective review, Mark Birnbaum of ''[[IGN]]'' stated that whilst its predecessor "boasted some of the most beautiful graphics" on the SNES at the time, ''Diddy's Kong Quest'' offered a superior experience due to its detail, smooth animation and varying colour palette.<ref name=IGN/>

Jeff Pearson of Nintendojo stated that Rare improved the graphics for ''Diddy's Kong Quest'', and that the character animations appeared "much smoother and more cartoon like" in contrast to the computer-generated feel of the original. Pearson also heralded the background designs as reaching "newer heights" of quality.<ref name=jeff>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendojo.com/reviews/SNES/view_item.php?1052508623|title=Donkey Kong Country 2 (Review by Nintendojo)|last=Pearson|first=Jeff|date=19 June 2003|publisher=Nintedojo|access-date=22 September 2009|archive-date=17 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061117065805/http://www.nintendojo.com/reviews/SNES/view_item.php?1052508623|url-status=live}}</ref> A reviewer of ''Cubed3'' heralded the visuals as "unbelievable" for a [[16-bit]] game.<ref name=cube/> A reviewer of ''Jeux Video'' stated that the game "pushed the boundaries" of the console and that every detail was "devilishly handsome", and also praised the handling of the gameplay as being "pushed to a climax".<ref name=jeux>{{cite web|title=Test de deu Diddy's Kong Quest|url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00011370-donkey-kong-country-2-diddy-s-kong-quest-test.htm|website=Jeux Video|publisher=Webedia|access-date=4 January 2016|language=fr|date=22 August 2008|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305190710/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00011370-donkey-kong-country-2-diddy-s-kong-quest-test.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, ''[[Complex Networks|Complex]]'' ranked the game 17th on their "The Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Knight|first=Rich|date=April 30, 2018|title=The Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-100-best-super-nintendo-games/|access-date=2022-02-12|website=Complex|language=en|archive-date=2022-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109005057/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-100-best-super-nintendo-games/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The music also received widespread praise, and is considered one of the [[greatest video game soundtracks of all time]]. The track "Stickerbush Symphony" in particular has received critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone describing it as "a dreamy, forlorn, new-age ballad unlike anything we typically heard in console mascot games."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Antista |first1=Chris |date=15 October 2010 |title=New screens honor the legacy of Donkey Kong Country - but WHY? |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/au/new-screens-honor-the-legacy-of-donkey-kong-country-but-why/2/ |access-date=29 April 2021 |website=GamesRadar+ |archive-date=13 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213195816/https://www.gamesradar.com/au/new-screens-honor-the-legacy-of-donkey-kong-country-but-why/2/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Winkie |first=Luke |date=2016-08-24 |title=Why 'Donkey Kong' Super Nintendo Soundtrack Lives on Through Endless Remixes |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/why-donkey-kong-country-soundtrack-lives-on-through-endless-remixes-251558/ |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> Writing for [[Kotaku]], Ethan Gach called the track "melancholic and reflective" while still "up-tempo enough to be a bop," and said that when combined with its accompanying level, it was "one of the most transcendent platforming moments in the genre."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gach |first1=Ethan |title=Donkey Kong Country 2's Soundtrack Is A Perfect Mix Of Hyped Up And Zoned Out |url=https://kotaku.com/donkey-kong-country-2-s-soundtrack-is-a-perfect-mix-of-1845232023 |website=Kotaku |access-date=29 April 2021}}</ref> Writing for ''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]'', musician Skott called the song "good music to cook to. Or drive to," and "one of my favourite moods."<ref name="skott">{{cite web |title=Skott Salutes The Finest Computer Game Soundtracks |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/features/skott-salutes-the-finest-computer-game-soundtracks |website=ClashMusic.com |access-date=29 April 2021}}</ref> Brett Elston of ''[[GamesRadar+|GamesRadar]]'' also praised the theme, saying its "mood is right in between somber and inspirational, as if it's calling us to action but we're too caught up in thought to comply."<ref>{{cite web |last=Elston |first=Brett |title=Game music of the day: Donkey Kong Country 2 |date=18 March 2010 |website=GamesRadar |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/game-music-of-the-day-donkey-kong-country-2/ |access-date=24 July 2025}}</ref> Taking it a step further, Luke Winkie, writing for ''[[VICE (magazine)|Vice]]'', said the track was "one of the best songs ever written." He believed that it had "charisma, an otherworldly mystique, a gorgeous, misty aesthetic, and some of the best [[MIDI|midi]]-[[Saxophone|sax]] of all time."<ref>{{cite web |last=Winkie |first=Luke |title=Video Game Music: Demystified |date=30 October 2012 |website=Vice |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/video-game-music-demystified/ |access-date=24 July 2025}}</ref>

===Sequels and re-releases===
A sequel, ''[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]'', was released for the SNES in 1996 to positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web|title=Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! aggregate score|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588284-donkey-kong-country-3-dixie-kongs-double-trouble/index.html|publisher=Gamerankings|access-date=6 February 2016|archive-date=16 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016125930/http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588284-donkey-kong-country-3-dixie-kongs-double-trouble/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the game, Dixie Kong and Kiddy Kong must find both Donkey and Diddy Kong, who have disappeared while exploring the Northern Kremisphere, which has been invaded by the Kremlings.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lucas|first1=Thomas|title=Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! review|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/01/05/donkey-kong-country-3-dixie-kongs-double-trouble-review|website=IGN|access-date=5 January 2016|date=4 January 2008}}</ref> It was further followed by a succession of more related ''Donkey Kong'' video games, such as ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Casamassina|first1=Matt|title=Donkey Kong 64 review|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/1999/11/25/donkey-kong-64|website=IGN|access-date=6 February 2016|date=24 November 1999|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114132054/https://uk.ign.com/articles/1999/11/25/donkey-kong-64|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite [[Microsoft]] buying out Rare and essentially dissolving the company's second-party relations with Nintendo, they developed a remake of ''Diddy's Kong Quest'', which was released for the [[Game Boy Advance]] in November 2004. While the graphical quality of the remake is downgraded due to the console's limited display of contrast, it includes a more detailed introduction to the plot as well as exclusive multiplayer minigames.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=2004-05-11 |title=E3 2004: Donkey Kong Country 2 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/11/e3-2004-donkey-kong-country-2 |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

The original version was released for the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] in May 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (VC)|url=http://uk.ign.com/games/donkey-kong-country-2/wii-907463|website=IGN|access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref> It was made available for the [[Wii U]] and [[New Nintendo 3DS]] Virtual Console in 2015 and 2016, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (Wii U)|url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/EHWnVPhcGEx8ar6y61wWxN6dppMaKlyT|publisher=Nintendo US|access-date=5 January 2016|archive-date=25 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225045240/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/EHWnVPhcGEx8ar6y61wWxN6dppMaKlyT|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/03/zelda-metroid-earthbound-more-snes-games-headed-to-new-3ds-virtual-console |title=Zelda, Metroid, EarthBound, More SNES Games Headed To New 3DS Virtual Console |author=Goldfarb, Andrew |date=3 March 2016 |access-date=8 September 2016 |website=IGN |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304014316/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/03/zelda-metroid-earthbound-more-snes-games-headed-to-new-3ds-virtual-console |url-status=live }}</ref> It was later released on the [[Nintendo Switch]] via the [[Nintendo Classics]] service on September 23, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/15/21439181/donkey-kong-country-2-nintendo-switch-online-september-games|title=The next Nintendo Switch Online games include Donkey Kong Country 2|first=Sam|last=Byford|date=September 15, 2020|website=The Verge|access-date=December 15, 2020|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310132659/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/15/21439181/donkey-kong-country-2-nintendo-switch-online-september-games/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest-leads-september-2020s-nintendo-switch-online-snes-and-nes-games|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Leads September 2020's Nintendo Switch Online SNES and NES Games - IGN|date=16 September 2020|via=www.ign.com|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=15 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215131252/https://www.ign.com/articles/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest-leads-september-2020s-nintendo-switch-online-snes-and-nes-games|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the United States, the game's [[Game Boy Advance]] version sold 630,000 copies and earned $19 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=19000000|start_year=2006}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) by August 2006. During the period between January 2000 and August 2006, it was the 41st highest-selling game launched for the [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Nintendo DS]] or [[PlayStation Portable]] in that country.<ref name=nextgensales>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010052300/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3557&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=0 | url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3557&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=0 | title=The Century's Top 50 Handheld Games | author=Keiser, Joe | date=August 2, 2006 | work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] | archive-date=October 10, 2007 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Unofficial port ===
Super Donkey Kong 2 ([[Chinese language|Chinese]] name: Chaoji Da Jingang) is an unofficial [[port]] by publisher Ka Sheng of Donkey Kong Country 2 to [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom]], targeting users of Chinese "[[Famiclone]]s". [[Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]] praised the port's gameplay as "as solid as the original", but criticized its visuals and how it only included four of Donkey Kong Country 2's levels.<ref>{{Cite book |last=UBM TechWeb |url=http://archive.org/details/GDM_May_2009 |title=GDM May 2009 |date=2009 |language=english}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote|Donkey Kong Country}}
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/19980705000402/http://rare.co.uk/recent/games/dkc2/}} at the [[Internet Archive]]
* {{MobyGames|/6587/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest/}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170508235701/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/a9vAHzn0JxMqEIq2IY7m8LDnGGCIknpS Official Nintendo Wii minisite] {{in lang|en}} at the [[Internet archive]]

{{Donkey Kong}}
{{Rare}}
{{Portal bar|1990s|United Kingdom|Video games}}

[[Category:1995 video games]]
[[Category:2004 video games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Virtual Boy games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country video games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance games]]
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[[Category:Nintendo Classics games]]
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[[Category:Video games about pirates]]
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[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
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