Seriously, the platform layout and style of the levels, as well as the music was serious old school.
Completely agreed. The gameplay was fantastic, and I loved the combo system.
But in ways of character, world, and music, it wasn't Donkey Kong Country. And the only returning gameplay element from DKC were the animal buddies, but none of them were the classic animal buddies. Why did they have to replace Enguarde, or Rambi, or Squawks? Why couldn't they have used DKC characters and locations? Dixie Kong or Diddy Kong?
Plus, the character and world designs were more suited for a Wario or Mario game than a Donkey Kong game. And the music didn't suit for me, either. DKC's music was always atmospheric, and sometimes downright eerie.
I don't know - that's just me, I guess.