Bloodygoodgames: BTW, I never did play DK2. Have you? If so, what did you think?
I played it back when it came out, and was disappointed. I didn't think the switch to full 3D worked very well, as the models were very low poly. However, having replayed it years later, it's grown on me. It brings a few worthwile innovations to the game, and the missions are well crafted. I still prefer DK1 over DK2, but I think DK2 is a solid game anyway.
The mood in DK2 is different too. It is more light hearted and cartoony than DK1, which I initially found annoying, but have learned to appreciate on its own merits.
In my mind, DK3 is the greatest game that was never made. I was so bummed out when it got cancelled. Sadly, the only thing EA has been interested in doing with the IP since then, is to license it to some southeast Asian developer who wanted to make a southeast Asia-only MMO with it.