It is widely accepted that the second entry in the original Donkey Kong Country trilogy, Diddy’s Kong Quest, is easily the best.  With a great atmosphere, and without the need to rely on gimmicks to keep the gameplay interesting, this game just focuses on fun and solid level design and new concepts that don’t feel random or forced.  Considering this is still one of my favorite games of all time, it is with great pleasure that I list for you all my top favorite levels, with the #1 spot going to a level we’ve already discussed a few times on this blog….

10: Glimmer’s Galleon – Considering my love for the first game’s Blackout Basement, it seems I really like dark levels for whatever reason.  This gloomy underwater stage is lit only by your anglerfish friend, Glimmer, who only makes an appearance in this one level.  I don’t know why, but I just find this level to be a good time, albeit undeniably spooky.  As if those toothy Lockjaws weren’t terrifying enough, now they’re lurking about in the dark?  Gulp!

9: Bramble Scramble – Okay, this bramble level is rather tough considering the sheer number of spikes surrounding you in all directions.  But it’s also got some of the best music in the game, so if you can just slow down and enjoy the level, it could make for a rather relaxing time.  Just focus on the music, not the thorns…

8: Chain Link Chamber – This is one of those difficult levels that’s unique enough to be memorable, in a good way.  As the name suggests, Chain Link Chamber is filled with chains.  So many chains.  And you’ll be climbing all over them, heading vertically as you do so, all the while avoiding plenty of enemies or even cannonballs!  And last time I played, Diddy just inexplicably zoomed off the screen, as if the mere sight of all those chains was driving him bananas (you see what I did there…).  Luckily, he returned to Dixie moments later, but it was…amusing, nonetheless.  

7: Barrel Bayou – I just enjoyed the general atmosphere of the bayou levels, and this one’s probably my favorite of the bunch.  You’ve got Kloaks throwing stuff at you and timed barrels that you can rotate, providing a light challenge.  The only thing I really didn’t like was that barrel at the end that launches you repeatedly upwards.  Rather annoying, that part was.

6: Castle Crush – I remember getting stuck on this level for so long when I was a duckling.  Now it’s not too bad, even if it’s a tad stressful.  The whole time, the floor is rising, and you’ll often be forced to defeat enemies in rather tight spots.  There are also two hidden animal buddies, Rambi and Squawks, to help you along the way.  Just don’t think too hard on the logistics of how a rising floor would even work…

5: Ghostly Grove – Gloomy Gulch is generally a cool world, and the first level is just a good time, what with the ghostly ropes that appear and disappear.  You better climb quickly before they vanish and drop you right into a pit!  Though I have to wonder how ghostly ropes even work.  It’s not like ropes can die and leave behind spirits…can they?

4: Hornet Hole – Despite my fear of bees, the beehive levels were rather fun.  Sure, there’s a lot of sticky honey to slow you down, but when it’s slathered all over the walls, it makes climbing vertical shafts a breeze!  This unique level gets even better when you gain the help of Squitter!

3: Target Terror – Yeah, you’re gonna see that the rollercoaster levels are easily my favorites.  In Target Terror, you’ll need to hit the green barrels to open the doors along the track or risk bashing into one and losing one of your Kongs.  While this would be a huge safety hazard at any remotely reputable theme park, this makes for a rather fun level when your actual life is not on the line.

2: Rickety Race – You don’t need to actually win this race in order to complete the level, but it’s a lot of fun to try.  And if you succeed, you’re rewarded with a shiny new DK Coin!  It’s just too much fun zooming along the track at increasingly high speeds as you wreck your competition!  

1: Haunted Hall – Haunted Hall has always been my favorite stage of the game, mainly because it’s the only appearance of the ghostly, skeletal croc, Kackle!  You spend the level riding on a little rollercoaster track through a haunted …library?  To survive, you’ll need to hit green barrels that add to the timer and avoid the red ones that decrease it because, if time runs out, Kackle will take you out, chuckling wickedly at your untimely demise!

So what are your favorite levels from DKC2?  Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments below!

DKC2 Title Screen from Official Nintendo Site