Donkey Kong Country 2 on the GBA is still one of the best platformers ever made—no nostalgia goggles needed. You play as Dixie and Diddy Kong (no DK this time—he’s been kidnapped by Kaptain K. Rool, the pirate croc with a serious grudge). The levels are packed with secrets, hidden bonus rooms, and those annoying Zingers you’ll swear at after the fifth death.

The controls feel tight, especially Dixie’s helicopter spin with her ponytail, which saves you from so many bottomless pit disasters. And the music? Absolute bangers—Stickerbush Symphony alone makes the cart worth owning. Some of the later stages get brutal (looking at you, Screech’s Sprint), but beating them feels like a real accomplishment.

It’s aged way better than most GBA ports, too—colors pop, the animations are smooth, and it’s just pure fun from the first barrel blast to the final showdown on K. Rool’s ship. If you’ve got a GBA and even a passing interest in platformers, this is a must-play.