Someone recently uploaded his DKC2 footage from the E3 in 1995.
Of course there are many differences, but the most interesting bit (at least for myself) was the animation of the beta title screen with the old "Diddy Kong's Quest".
https://youtu.be/Op5EkC7GbxQ?t=2h10m30s
Some obvious differences are:
- The Quest within the chest
- When they start the game, the camera moves from top to the bottom of the island
- Old KONG letters, when they are just about to reach their GUI placement, they disappear
- The prototype level-end targets are already there but not working yet, you have to exit the level the old way
- Rambi can't be gotten in the first level, so they placed a barrel next to the bonus room
- Mainbrace Mayhem was still set at night, i especially like the rain animation that is looking so smooth!
- The bonus cannon doesn't need the cannonball to get you to the bonus room
- Simple bonus room, no intro, no coin to acquire
https://youtu.be/Op5EkC7GbxQ?t=3h15m6s
- There are some additional bees in Kannon's Klaim
- No barrels with the arrow sign
Have fun!