Donkey Kong Country 2 is one of those rare sequels that actually tops the original—better levels, better music, and way more personality. You play as Diddy and Dixie Kong, swinging through vines, bouncing off enemies, and hunting down hidden bonus rooms while Kaptain K. Rool taunts you from afar. The controls feel perfect, and the level design? Ridiculously creative. One minute you're dodging bees in a honeycomb maze, the next you're riding mine carts through pirate ships.

The soundtrack slaps (seriously, Stickerbush Symphony alone is worth playing for), and the pixel art still holds up—those sunset backgrounds are gorgeous. Some of the later stages get brutal, especially if you're going for 100%, but it never feels unfair. If you missed this on SNES, you’re in for a treat. It’s pure platforming joy with just the right amount of banana-fueled chaos.