Editing Donkey Kong Country 2 (section)

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 90<!-- Please only use two digits of precision, per [[Template:Video game reviews/doc#Guidelines]] -->% (SNES)<ref name="GR">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588283-donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest/index.html|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest|publisher=GameRankings|access-date=22 September 2009|archive-date=9 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012658/http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588283-donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />81% (Wii)<ref name="Wii Rating">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/919611-donkey-kong-country-2/index.html|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (Wii Rating)|publisher=GameRankings|access-date=5 February 2016|archive-date=9 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209011445/http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/919611-donkey-kong-country-2/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| MC = 80/100 (GBA)<ref name="MetaCritic">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest|website=Metacritic|access-date=23 September 2009|archive-date=28 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128014010/https://www.metacritic.com/game/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Allgame = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=allgame>{{cite web|last1=Kosydar |first1=Aaron |title=Diddy's Kong Quest review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2476&tab=review |publisher=AllGame |access-date=5 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114212610/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2476&tab=review |archive-date=14 November 2014 |date=18 July 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| CVG = 94%<ref name="CVG170">{{cite magazine |title=The Computer and Video Games Christmas Buyers Guide |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[EMAP]] |issue=170 (January 1996) |date=10 December 1995 |pages=8–9 |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_170_1996-01_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n7/mode/2up}}</ref>
| EuroG = 8/10 (Wii)<ref name=EuroG>{{cite web|last1=Whitehead|first1=Dan|title=Virtual Console Roundup|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_vcroundup18507_wii|website=Eurogamer|access-date=2 January 2016|date=18 May 2007|archive-date=24 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024141242/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_vcroundup18507_wii|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8/10 (Wii)<ref name=GS/><br /> 8.3/10 (GBA)<ref name=GBA/>
| GI = 9.75/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url= http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=snes&path=nov95&doc=dkc2rev| title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest Review|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|url-status= dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990825104420/http://www.gameinformer.com/cgi-bin/review.cgi?sys=snes&path=nov95&doc=dkc2rev| archive-date=1999-08-25}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.8/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|url=http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/868/868009p1.html|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Review|last=Birnbaum|first=Mark|date=29 May 2007|website=IGN|access-date=22 September 2009|archive-date=16 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216064409/http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/868/868009p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''Nintendojo''
| rev1Score = 9.9/10<ref name=jeff/>
| rev2 = ''Cubed3''
| rev2Score = 8/10<ref name=cube>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/421/|title=Donkey Kong Country 2 Reviews|date=8 November 2006|publisher=Cubed3|access-date=22 September 2009|archive-date=1 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601203041/http://www.cubed3.com/review/421/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| award1 = {{nowrap|Editors' Choice Award}}<ref name=IGN />
| award1Pub = [[IGN]]
| award2 = Best SNES Game of 1995<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/a/aa/GamePro_US_079.pdf |author=The Feature Creature |title=Editor's Choice Awards 1995 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=79 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |date=February 1996 |page=26 |access-date=2020-03-26 |archive-date=2021-08-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808204102/https://retrocdn.net/images/a/aa/GamePro_US_079.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| award2Pub = [[GamePro]]
| award3 = Video Game of the Year<ref>{{cite web|title=Home Entertainment Awards – Video Games|url=http://www.entmerch.org/industry/awards/emavsda-home-entertainment-/home-entertainment-awards-v-2.html|publisher=[[Entertainment Merchants Association]]|access-date=5 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101201913/http://www.entmerch.org/industry/awards/emavsda-home-entertainment-/home-entertainment-awards-v-2.html|archive-date=1 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| award3Pub = [[Video Software Dealers Association]]
}}

Upon release, retailers struggled to meet the demand.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Chart-Topping Sales and New Ultra 64 Titles for Nintendo |magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=90 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=March 1996|page=16}}</ref> ''Diddy's Kong Quest'' sold a combined 4.37 million copies in the United States and Japan on the SNES; the total number of copies sold in Japan at 2.21 million, and 2.16 million in the United States.<ref name="magicboxjapan">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten2.htm|title=Japan Platinum Game Chart|publisher=The Magic Box|access-date=22 May 2008|archive-date=13 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213230402/http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten2.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="magicboxus">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |title=US Platinum Videogame Chart |publisher=The Magic Box |access-date=3 August 2008 |date=27 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070421003854/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=21 April 2007}}</ref> It was the second best-selling [[1995 in video games|game of 1995]],<ref name=Salesrank>{{cite web|last1=Antista|first1=Chris|title=New screens honor the legacy of Donkey Kong Country - but WHY?|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/new-screens-honor-the-legacy-of-donkey-kong-country-but-why/?page=2|publisher=GamesRadar|access-date=7 February 2016|date=14 October 2010|archive-date=5 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105194618/https://www.gamesradar.com/new-screens-honor-the-legacy-of-donkey-kong-country-but-why/?page=2|url-status=live}}</ref> after ''[[Yoshi's Island]]'',<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Welch|first1=Hanuman|title=The Best Selling Video Game Of Every Year Since 1977|url=http://uk.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/04/the-best-video-games-to-come-out-every-year-since-the-atari-2600/super-mario-world-2-yoshis-island|magazine=Complex|access-date=7 February 2016|date=23 April 2013}}</ref> and the [[list of best-selling Super Nintendo Entertainment System video games|sixth best-selling game on the SNES]].<ref name=Salesrank/> 

The game received critical acclaim, winning various Game of the Year Awards.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=The Feature Creature |date=February 1996 |title=Editor's Choice Awards 1995 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/a/aa/GamePro_US_079.pdf#page=28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808204102/https://retrocdn.net/images/a/aa/GamePro_US_079.pdf#page=28 |archive-date=August 8, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |page=26 |issue=79}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3VRFAAAAIBAJ&dq=best+overall+game+1995+donkey+kong&pg=PA24&article_id=1974,1086760 |title=Parent's Choice (1995) - Best Video Game: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest |date=5 Nov 1995 |publisher=The Telegraph-Herald |language=en |quote=Top games named - Parents' Choice, a nonprofit consumer guide to children's media, has picked its best five video games for 1995}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-11-01 |title=Home Entertainment Awards - Video Games {{!}} entertainment merchants association {{!}} Frank Lucca |url=http://www.entmerch.org/industry/awards/emavsda-home-entertainment-/home-entertainment-awards-v-2.html |access-date=2024-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101201913/http://www.entmerch.org/industry/awards/emavsda-home-entertainment-/home-entertainment-awards-v-2.html |archive-date=2013-11-01 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-12-30 |title=Check Out 25 Years Of Game Informer's GOTY Awards - Features - 1995 Winner: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/01/02/looking-back-at-25-years-of-game-informer-s-goty-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=1 |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=Game Informer |publisher=[[Game Informer]]|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230060137/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/01/02/looking-back-at-25-years-of-game-informer-s-goty-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=1 |archive-date=2017-12-30 }}</ref> The SNES version holds an aggregate score of 92% at [[GameRankings]],<ref name=GR/> whereas the [[Virtual Console]] re-release and the Game Boy Advance version both hold a score of 80% at GameRankings and [[Metacritic]], respectively.<ref name="Wii Rating"/><ref name="MetaCritic"/>

The graphics and gameplay were the most praised aspects of the game. Scary Larry of ''[[GamePro]]'' hailed the game as being longer, more graphically impressive, and more fun than the original ''Donkey Kong Country'', and having some of the most cleverly illustrated levels ever seen on a home system. He gave it a perfect 5/5 in all four categories (graphics, sound, control, and FunFactor), but said that some levels are too difficult for younger players.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=ProReview: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong-Quest|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=87|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=December 1995|page=94}}</ref> Aaron Kosydar of ''[[AllGame]]'' thought that ''Diddy's Kong Quest''{{'}}s graphics were superior to that of its predecessor.<ref name=allgame/> Dan Whitehead of ''[[Eurogamer]]'' said that the graphics of the game were similar to the first ''Donkey Kong Country'' installment, although he praised them both as "impressive". However, Whitehead expressed concern over the lack of ambition from the sequel, stating that the gameplay uses the defense of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".<ref name=EuroG/> Reviewing the SNES version, Frank Provo of ''[[GameSpot]]'' heralded the graphics as "more detailed" although admitting that it appeared stylistically similar to the first game.<ref name=GS/> In a separate review regarding the [[Game Boy Advance]] version, Provo praised the graphics as richer and "livelier" than those of the original.<ref name=GBA/> In a retrospective review, Mark Birnbaum of ''[[IGN]]'' stated that whilst its predecessor "boasted some of the most beautiful graphics" on the SNES at the time, ''Diddy's Kong Quest'' offered a superior experience due to its detail, smooth animation and varying colour palette.<ref name=IGN/>

Jeff Pearson of Nintendojo stated that Rare improved the graphics for ''Diddy's Kong Quest'', and that the character animations appeared "much smoother and more cartoon like" in contrast to the computer-generated feel of the original. Pearson also heralded the background designs as reaching "newer heights" of quality.<ref name=jeff>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendojo.com/reviews/SNES/view_item.php?1052508623|title=Donkey Kong Country 2 (Review by Nintendojo)|last=Pearson|first=Jeff|date=19 June 2003|publisher=Nintedojo|access-date=22 September 2009|archive-date=17 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061117065805/http://www.nintendojo.com/reviews/SNES/view_item.php?1052508623|url-status=live}}</ref> A reviewer of ''Cubed3'' heralded the visuals as "unbelievable" for a [[16-bit]] game.<ref name=cube/> A reviewer of ''Jeux Video'' stated that the game "pushed the boundaries" of the console and that every detail was "devilishly handsome", and also praised the handling of the gameplay as being "pushed to a climax".<ref name=jeux>{{cite web|title=Test de deu Diddy's Kong Quest|url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00011370-donkey-kong-country-2-diddy-s-kong-quest-test.htm|website=Jeux Video|publisher=Webedia|access-date=4 January 2016|language=fr|date=22 August 2008|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305190710/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00011370-donkey-kong-country-2-diddy-s-kong-quest-test.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The music also received widespread praise, and is considered one of the [[greatest video game soundtracks of all time]]. The track "Stickerbush Symphony" has received particular critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Antista |first1=Chris |date=15 October 2010 |title=New screens honor the legacy of Donkey Kong Country - but WHY? |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/au/new-screens-honor-the-legacy-of-donkey-kong-country-but-why/2/ |access-date=29 April 2021 |website=GamesRadar+ |archive-date=13 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213195816/https://www.gamesradar.com/au/new-screens-honor-the-legacy-of-donkey-kong-country-but-why/2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Writing for ''[[Kotaku]]'', Ethan Gach called it "melancholic and reflective" while still "up-tempo enough to be a bop" and that when combined with its accompanying level, it was "one of the most transcendent platforming moments in the genre".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gach |first1=Ethan |date=2 October 2020 |title=Donkey Kong Country 2's Soundtrack Is A Perfect Mix Of Hyped Up And Zoned Out |url=https://kotaku.com/donkey-kong-country-2-s-soundtrack-is-a-perfect-mix-of-1845232023 |access-date=29 April 2021 |website=Kotaku |archive-date=29 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429023402/https://kotaku.com/donkey-kong-country-2-s-soundtrack-is-a-perfect-mix-of-1845232023 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, ''[[Complex Networks|Complex]]'' ranked the game 17th on their "The Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Knight|first=Rich|date=April 30, 2018|title=The Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-100-best-super-nintendo-games/|access-date=2022-02-12|website=Complex|language=en|archive-date=2022-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109005057/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-100-best-super-nintendo-games/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Sequels and re-releases===
A sequel, ''[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]'', was released for the SNES in 1996 to positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web|title=Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! aggregate score|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588284-donkey-kong-country-3-dixie-kongs-double-trouble/index.html|publisher=Gamerankings|access-date=6 February 2016|archive-date=16 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016125930/http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588284-donkey-kong-country-3-dixie-kongs-double-trouble/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the game, Dixie Kong and Kiddy Kong must find both Donkey and Diddy Kong, who have disappeared while exploring the Northern Kremisphere, which has been invaded by the Kremlings.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lucas|first1=Thomas|title=Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! review|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/01/05/donkey-kong-country-3-dixie-kongs-double-trouble-review|website=IGN|access-date=5 January 2016|date=4 January 2008}}</ref> It was further followed by a succession of more related ''Donkey Kong'' video games, such as ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Casamassina|first1=Matt|title=Donkey Kong 64 review|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/1999/11/25/donkey-kong-64|website=IGN|access-date=6 February 2016|date=24 November 1999|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114132054/https://uk.ign.com/articles/1999/11/25/donkey-kong-64|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Despite [[Microsoft]] buying out Rare and essentially dissolving the company's second-party relations with Nintendo, they developed a remake of ''Diddy's Kong Quest'', which was released for the [[Game Boy Advance]] in November 2004. While the graphical quality of the remake is downgraded due to the console's limited display of contrast, it includes a more detailed introduction to the plot as well as exclusive multiplayer minigames.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=2004-05-11 |title=E3 2004: Donkey Kong Country 2 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/11/e3-2004-donkey-kong-country-2 |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

The original version was released for the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] in May 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (VC)|url=http://uk.ign.com/games/donkey-kong-country-2/wii-907463|website=IGN|access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref> It was made available for the [[Wii U]] and [[New Nintendo 3DS]] Virtual Console in 2015 and 2016, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (Wii U)|url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/EHWnVPhcGEx8ar6y61wWxN6dppMaKlyT|publisher=Nintendo US|access-date=5 January 2016|archive-date=25 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225045240/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/EHWnVPhcGEx8ar6y61wWxN6dppMaKlyT|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/03/zelda-metroid-earthbound-more-snes-games-headed-to-new-3ds-virtual-console |title=Zelda, Metroid, EarthBound, More SNES Games Headed To New 3DS Virtual Console |author=Goldfarb, Andrew |date=3 March 2016 |access-date=8 September 2016 |website=IGN |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304014316/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/03/zelda-metroid-earthbound-more-snes-games-headed-to-new-3ds-virtual-console |url-status=live }}</ref> It was later released on the [[Nintendo Switch]] via the [[Nintendo Classics]] service on September 23, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/15/21439181/donkey-kong-country-2-nintendo-switch-online-september-games|title=The next Nintendo Switch Online games include Donkey Kong Country 2|first=Sam|last=Byford|date=September 15, 2020|website=The Verge|access-date=December 15, 2020|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310132659/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/15/21439181/donkey-kong-country-2-nintendo-switch-online-september-games/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest-leads-september-2020s-nintendo-switch-online-snes-and-nes-games|title=Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Leads September 2020's Nintendo Switch Online SNES and NES Games - IGN|date=16 September 2020|via=www.ign.com|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=15 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215131252/https://www.ign.com/articles/donkey-kong-country-2-diddys-kong-quest-leads-september-2020s-nintendo-switch-online-snes-and-nes-games|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the United States, the game's [[Game Boy Advance]] version sold 630,000 copies and earned $19 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=19000000|start_year=2006}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) by August 2006. During the period between January 2000 and August 2006, it was the 41st highest-selling game launched for the [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Nintendo DS]] or [[PlayStation Portable]] in that country.<ref name=nextgensales>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010052300/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3557&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=0 | url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3557&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=0 | title=The Century's Top 50 Handheld Games | author=Keiser, Joe | date=August 2, 2006 | work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] | archive-date=October 10, 2007 | url-status=dead}}</ref>