Banjo-Kazooie: Ranking Every Level From Worst To Best
2. Treasure Trove Cove
The second level in the game, Treasure Trove Cove, does what the first level did but does it better.
This level is a treasure, pun definitely intended. With its happy-go-lucky music and unforgettable side characters (looking at you, Captain Blubber), Treasure Trove Cove conjures up joy in ways that most 3D platforming levels cannot replicate. One thing that makes this level so special is that it's the first level that allows you to fly, giving you the chance to view the scenic landscape in its entirety.
On top of that, this level's Jiggy missions are remarkably fun and appropriately challenging. Who can forget the fight with Nipper, the "BANJOKAZOOIE" puzzle (an area you revisit several times thanks to Cheato), and scaling a lighthouse at the very apex of the level? From top to bottom, it's fair to say that this level has the most memorable Jiggy missions out of every level in the franchise.
Oh, and there's also a shark that will chase you around (complete with Jaws-inspired music) whenever you go into the water. In theory, this addition could make a level a lot less desirable to play, but in this particular case, the added suspense only makes the level more amusing.
It takes a rare kind of game to pull that off...I should slow down on the puns.