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Preface:

In my years of gaming, I’ve only replayed a handful of games. I generally prefer to experience something new rather than revisit games I already know I enjoyed. This mindset partly stems from my disappointment with the garbage HD ports of Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2 when I tried them out on the PS3/Xbox 360. However I’ve felt compelled to revisit certain classics that shaped my love for gaming. This pseudo personal journey has already included Shadow of the Colossus (2018 remake), (paid link) Crash Bandicoot 3 (via the N. Sane Trilogy), and (paid link) Spyro: Year of the Dragon (via the Reignited Trilogy). These experiences have rekindled my appreciation for the games that once captivated me. Another recent stop on this journey? Ape Escape.

Introduction:

Ape Escape holds a special place in my heart. It’s one of the few games I can recall with near-perfect clarity, and while most of my time with the series was through the PSP remake, prior to this review I still see the original game as an undeniable classic.

I won’t waste time rehashing the same Wikipedia-style breakdown of what Ape Escape is. If you’re unfamiliar with it, I’ll provide context, but if you already know, consider this a refresher rather than a history lesson. With that said, let’s dive into how Ape Escape holds up today.

Story:

The plot of Ape Escape is as simple as it is ridiculous. A monkey named Specter gains sentience after donning a prototype helmet. Unfortunately, the prototype also makes him go full Pinky & Brain mode, leading him to hijack a lab, amass an army of monkeys, and use a time machine to… do something. My guess is a monkey paradise because of the level “Spector Land”. However, Spector’s exact motives aren’t explained beyond “TIME TRAVEL,” but hey, that’s still a more honest excuse to change scenarios than Avengers: Endgame.

The earth shattering solution for this like (paid link) Pokemon, which is send two 10 year olds to save the day. These kids Spike and Jake, are sent through time to stop Specter and capture the rogue monkeys before they rewrite history. This would be ideal, until you realize that Jake is completely useless. He gets caught immediately and is brainwashed to face off with you throughout the game…..Thanks for nothing.

Jokes aside, it’s wild premise that doesn’t and will not hold up under scrutiny. It serves its purpose to justify the game’s variety of environments and use of futuristic gadgets. Speaking of which, how does the gameplay hold up?

Gameplay:

Ape Escape is a collectathon, but with a twist—the collectibles aka the Monkeys are not going down without a fight. Instead of simply running into collectibles like in old-school Mario games, you have to actively hunt them down. The vary on tough they are captured by the color of their pants and beware of the red monkeys—they will pop a cap in ya.

This means gameplay involves more strategy than just navigating level design. Each encounter with a monkey requires some thought. Do you rush in with your light saber stun baton, or sneak up like Metal Gear Solid and nab them with your net? Let the odds be in your favor. 

The game encourages creativity in capturing monkeys. Some require environmental manipulation—like luring a T-Rex into slamming its head into a wall to shake off a monkey riding it. Others are swimming or hiding in tricky spots, forcing you to think before you act.

To help, the game provides various gadgets, all of which feel useful. The RC car is great for puzzles and stunning monkeys, the Dash Hoop speeds up movement, and the slingshot takes out distant threats. My personal favorite? The Sky Flyer, which enhances vertical movement and opens up new paths if used skillfully. Aka you can bypass some of the BS caused by the apes and capture them from slamming into them from above. 

With all these mechanics in place, the game’s controls must be solid, right?

Controls:

Ape Escape is known for two things: its monkey mascots and its unique control scheme. It was the first game designed specifically for the DualShock controller, making full use of both analog sticks.

Unlike modern games, where face buttons handle core actions like jumping or attacking, Ape Escape assigns movement to the left stick and item usage to the right stick. For example, rotating the right stick activates the Hula Hoop or Sky Flyer. Meanwhile, jumping and crouching are mapped to the shoulder buttons rather than the face buttons, which are instead used for quick weapon selection.

This control scheme is both innovative and a bit cumbersome. On one hand, it offers a distinct feel, but on the other, it makes camera control awkward. The camera is mapped to the D-pad, with slow and clunky adjustments using the shoulder buttons. It’s forgivable for its time, but the PS5 version should have included an optional modern control scheme alongside the original. This would help smoothen out the jank, but gives the option to play with the original controls. 

The game’s worst offender, however, is vehicle handling. It was never that great in the PS1 version, but PS5 emulation of these controls is horrendous. The tank is manageable, though clunky. You feel like you’re driving a vending machine that can’t turn. The rowboat, on the other hand, is a complete nightmare. Steering it straight is a challenge in itself, often leading to frustrating, unintended rowing in circles. Unfortunately, the boat is necessary for a few collectibles, meaning you’re forced to wrestle with its janky controls. Luckily it’s such a small portion of the game that a player not going for a 100% may just try it once, say it sucks and never use it again. 

Outside of these grievances, the controls generally function well. Most of my issues stemmed from my own impatience rather than the game itself.

PS5 Enhancements 

The main two enhancements in this game is the trophy support and the ability to use emulator functions. Stuff like rewinding the game a few mins and creating save states can help in a few scenarios. Honestly outside of the final level I never really used the rewind feature because the game was generally fair with its design. The only reason I even used it in the final level was that there’s a lot of falls that caused you to retrace your steps. Instead of wasting another 5-7 mins to get back, the rewind can put me back where I messed up and try to avoid it. 

Overall:

Ape Escape is a solid game that remains fun despite its quirks. It innovatively utilizes the DualShock controller, offers engaging mechanics, and features a timelessly enjoyable premise. The music complements the experience without being intrusive, and while the controls haven’t aged gracefully, they’re still serviceable.

Newer players may be put off by the stiff controls and dated visuals, but if you are able to set aside those aspects, there’s a genuinely great game worth experiencing. Just don’t bother with the time trials—they’re more frustrating than rewarding.

Final Score: 8/10

A fantastic game with excellent mechanics, hindered slightly by aging controls. Its flaws aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re noticeable. Still, Ape Escape remains a classic that’s well worth playing even 30 years later. Thank you Andrew for allowing me to post this review and 

As Always Stay Frosty!