Stronghold Showdown

Stronghold Showdown is a very short level in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest and Donkey Kong Land 2. It is simply a straight path with no enemies. However, in the middle of the level, Donkey Kong appears with metal chains tied around him. He is taken to King K. Rool's helicopter. Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong then chase him to the next world, the last world of the game. In the original Donkey Kong Country 2 and Donkey Kong Land 2, this level could be used as a free trip out of the level, without paying Funky's Flights II to get out.

In the Game Boy Advance remake of Diddy's Kong Quest, the level was completely changed. Instead the level now takes place on a castle-top, and the dangerous boss, Kerozene appears. This villain will begin to attack the monkeys by throwing miniature Kleevers at them. They can be defeated by a single blow from a Kannonball lying around, however. Once the heroes complete this first part, Kerozene's face will begin to glow, and he will begin to spit fire at them. This can be countered by the classic jump move, and a little skill. There are Kannonballs around on the ground, which the group can pick up and throw at the monsters face to damage it. Kerozene will also pound on the ground with its mighty fists, and cause the Kongs to be shortly stunned if on the ground at the time. Once the villain is defeated, the monkeys will be awarded with a Kremkoin, just as they are with any other boss.