Donkey Kong Country 2

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. Play Magazine
    100
    With its choice multiplayer extras in tow, this has to be considered one of the best SP games of all time. [Jan 2005, p.86]
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  2. Nintendojo
    95
    Amazingly, Donkey Kong Country 2 manages to hit the bullseye, serving gamers with a refreshing take on the gameplay gamers couldn't get enough of, and even improving on the formula by adding new challenges, new characters and a pirate ship full of new abilities.
  3. eToychest
    95
    Luckily, the level design is fantastic, making every repeat through a level bearable, as many sections are just fun. Who doesn't love getting launched out of a barrel into the sky to swing from post to post while grabbing bananas only to land in a mine cart which travels the worst kept track in existence? Everything flows beautifully.
  5. N-Insanity
    88
    From the side scrolling gameplay to the unique level design to superb audio I really enjoyed Donkey Kong Country 2 as I never had the opportunity to play the original on the SNES, I'm glad I did now.
  6. WHAM! Gaming
    88
    The graphics, while suffering a slight sacrifice in the parallax shading, are nevertheless incredible for the GBA.
  7. Game Informer
    85
    Hardcore platforming for the true believers, a game that dazzles the eye and even tickles the funny bone with its satirical dialogue. [Jan 2005, p.146]
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  8. NintendoWorldReport
    85
    The addition of multiple mini-games and more hidden secrets throughout the levels certainly makes up for it not being an exact port.
  9. GameSpot
    83
    A diverse platform game with excellent graphics and sound and an impressive list of bonus features. The game's most defining feature, though, is its sharp degree of difficulty, which may prove frustrating for some younger or less dedicated players.
  10. GameBiz
    83
    Definitely an improvement over Donkey Kong Country; the levels are designed better and are more fun to play, but unfortunately retain the same frustrating challenge.
  11. Yahoo!
    80
    But what's most remarkable is how much variety Rare squeezed into this game, mainly by liberally scattering minigames throughout the world.
  12. G4 TV
    80
    A solid platformer that will elicit nostalgia in some and déjà vu in others.
  13. IGN
    80
    The Donkey Kong Country series is better known for its graphics than its gameplay, but even still the game's level designs offer up more than the "routine."
  14. Armchair Empire
    80
    Not intended for those with moderate experience with sidescrollers.
  15. GameSpy
    80
    The challenges, environments, and cast of baddies are varied enough to prevent this game from ever seeming tedious. And, when you reach the final destination on a level, the amusing victory dance makes it all seem worthwhile.
  16. My Gamer
    80
    The platform experience is wonderfully balanced and the game's pace is spot on.
  17. Siliconera
    78
    Even though it's almost ten years old it's still a brilliant platformer.
  18. Nintendo Power
    70
    Its graphics look a little dated, but it changes up environments often and stashes tons of secrets - a good romp for platforming fans. [Jan 2005, p.137]
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  19. Weekly Famitsu
    70
    7 / 7 / 7 / 7 - 28 [Vol 812; 9 July 2004]
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  20. GMR Magazine
    70
    Good for boredom, bad for creativity. [Jan 2005, p.102]
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  21. Eurogamer
    70
    Not a bad package, really, just not a great one. It's never going to trouble the likes of "Super Mario World" or "Yoshi's Island" in the sheer artistry and quality of gameplay stakes, at least not in this reviewer's book.
  22. Computer and Video Games
    66
    Squeezed down to small screen size, it loses a lot of what made the Super NES game a classic.
  23. Cheat Code Central
    60
    Playing DKC 2 is the equivalent of going to a restaurant and only ordering the appetizer. Sure, it's something to eat but you're missing out on the filet Minot by chewing on cheese-covered tacos.
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
15
#15 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
6
#6 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 66
  3. Negative: 4 out of 66
  1. Jakezijisj
    Jan 10, 2017
    0
    He is not a donkey. Plain and simple. Call it gorilla Kong is you must, but don't lie to us like this. Jesus himself rode in on a donkey, soHe is not a donkey. Plain and simple. Call it gorilla Kong is you must, but don't lie to us like this. Jesus himself rode in on a donkey, so don't tell me they aren't worthy of their own game, I was promised a game about a donkey, living in his own country. Instead I got whatever this is supposed to be.… Full Review »
  2. ImranKahn
    Jul 3, 2004
    10
    On super Nintendo this is a hard game to beat, i loved the game but i couldnt beat the Boss. This game is a hard and loving game. Cool andOn super Nintendo this is a hard game to beat, i loved the game but i couldnt beat the Boss. This game is a hard and loving game. Cool and hard levels. Donkey Kong Country 2 is the best and challenge game that was created in life.… Full Review »
  3. GVB
    Nov 29, 2022
    7
    It's a good game, difficult, with collectibles and interesting bosses. My advice? Play first DKC 1, then this, and then take the 3 and bury itIt's a good game, difficult, with collectibles and interesting bosses. My advice? Play first DKC 1, then this, and then take the 3 and bury it in the desert and never look back. The 3 is a worst version of this with nothing new on the menu.… Full Review »
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