Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of Ape Escape 3 on PlayStation 2

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Jul 2005
Cover image of Ape Escape 3 on PS2
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PS2 PS2 logo
Released: 14 Jul 2005
Genre: Platform, Action-adventure
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Introduction

Welcome back to the jungle, where the only thing crazier than my uncle's dance moves are the antics of the Pipo Monkeys. In 'Ape Escape 3', our heroes, Kei and Yumi, are on a mission that would put most superhero flicks to shame. With a mix of gadgetry, quirky humor, and a plot that involves a bald scientist and an evil monkey trying to take over the world via questionable TV shows, this game provides a colorful canvas for absurd chaos. Ready your nets and prepare for a swinging good time!

Gameplay

The gameplay mechanics of 'Ape Escape 3' retain the series' classic formula of chasing and capturing monkeys with the use of various gadgets. Players can take control of either Kei or Yumi, each equipped with a stunningly useless (yet charming) array of gadgets used primarily via the right analogue stick. But wait! There's more! Coupled with the classic monkey net, players can now morph into different animals thanks to Aki's quirky inventions. Want to be a frog? Sure. A mouse? Done. Who wouldn't want to bounce around like a caffeinated kangaroo while chasing mischievous monkeys? A notable twist comes in the form of Monkey Pink, who somehow becomes the show's main antagonist, leading to numerous failed monkey captures, reminiscent of my attempts at flirting at a party. If Yi or Kei capture Monkey Pink, they can proceed to thwart the sinister television network plots. Also worth mentioning is the amusing mini-game, 'Mesal Gear Solid: Snake Escape', where players control Pipo Snake, reminiscent of Solid Snake, trying to rescue, surprise-surprise, another monkey. Quite the monkey-fueled adventure for a single-player game, where memorizing gadget controls could feel like a mini-exam.

Graphics

As far as visuals are concerned, 'Ape Escape 3' serves up a colorful, albeit slightly cartoony aesthetic that would make even the most jaded artist crack a smile. The character designs are charming, with the monkeys exhibiting a variety of personalities through their expressions and antics. The level designs are vibrant and diverse, ranging from movie sets to fantastical environments that look like they've jumped straight from a brightly colored dream. If visuals were a banana, this game would be the world's shiniest one, glowing like it's on a tropical vacation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Ape Escape 3' is more than just a game; it's an exuberant celebration of silliness in the form of monkey madness. The characters are delightful, the gadgets and gameplay are inventive, and the humor is just the right amount of goofy. Sure, it may not redefine the platformer genre, but it definitely reminds us that sometimes, all we need is a bit of laughter and some cheeky monkeys to bring back the joy in gaming. If you haven't already, grab your net and join Kei and Yumi on this wild ride. Just try not to let the monkeys steal your heart (or your snacks) along the way.

See Prices for Ape Escape 3 on PS2 on Ebay

See Latest Prices for Ape Escape 3 on PS2 on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...