Deep Reef Grief

Deep Reef Grief is the twenty-first level in Donkey Kong Land III. Taking place in the depths of the Lower Ape Lake, it is also the third level in the Great Ape Lakes area.

To complete the level, Dixie Kong and Kiddy Kong must swim through a network of narrow passages, between massive coral reefs, while avoiding countless waves of enemies. Although Deep Reef Grief is more straightforward than the previous "Coral" levels, namely Seabed Shanty and Coral Quarrel, it is also much harder to navigate. Indeed, avoiding the countless schools of Bazzas, Kocos and Lurchins proves quite tricky. A few Bounty Basses can be found as well, taking advantage of their bulkiness in order to block the Kongs' way. Luckily, right after the Star Barrel, Dixie and Kiddy will encounter their friend, Enguarde the Swordfish, whose pointed bill will help them defeat their underwater opponents. However, in vertical passages, Enguarde's stabbing attack may be harder to use.

"Deep Reef Grief" is one of the only levels in Donkey Kong Land III where the DK Coin can be found without having to defeat a Koin. Actually, in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble, there was a small cave at the end of each "Coral" level, in which the Kong could find the Koin. Such caves do not appear in the Game Boy sequel.