Don Doko Don 2

Don Doko Don 2

Overview & History

Released exclusively in Japan in 1992 by Taito, Don Doko Don 2 for the Famicom is the charming sequel to the original arcade platformer. While the first game was a single-screen arcade title heavily inspired by Bubble Bobble, this NES-exclusive follow-up expanded the formula into a traditional, stage-clearing side-scroller. Players once again step into the oversized shoes of Bob and Jim, two stout lumberjack grandpas who must rescue the King and Princess from a newly awakened mechanical menace and his army of whimsical forest monsters. Though it never saw an official Western release, the game developed a cult following among retro collectors due to its vibrant sprite work, catchy chiptune soundtrack, and refined cooperative gameplay.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike its arcade predecessor, Don Doko Don 2 features sprawling, horizontal levels packed with secrets, hidden bonus rooms, and challenging environmental hazards across diverse worlds like icy peaks, dark caves, and mechanical fortresses. Gone is the old mechanic of picking up dazed enemies and throwing them; instead, our bearded heroes wield trusty hammers to pound foes directly into stunned, rolling balls that can be kicked away to clear out groups of oncoming adversaries. Along the way, players can collect scattered coins to purchase game-changing power-ups from shops, such as winged boots for higher jumps, extended hammer ranges, and elemental projectiles. Boss encounters at the end of each world require precise platforming and timing to bypass multi-stage attack patterns, making the journey both delightful and deceptively demanding.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause