Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest SNES

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest is Rare’s 1995 sequel, swapping out the original’s protagonist duo for Diddy Kong and newcomer Dixie Kong after Donkey Kong himself is captured by the villainous Kaptain K. Rool at the start of the story. Dixie’s helicopter-spin hover ability gives the pair a distinct traversal option the first game’s cast never had.

Built on the same pre-rendered-sprite technique as the original, it’s frequently regarded by critics and fans as a refinement over the first game — tighter level design, a pirate-themed setting distinct from the original’s jungle backdrop, and animal-buddy and bonus-stage variety that expanded meaningfully on what Donkey Kong Country established a year earlier.