Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of Ape Escape on PlayStation

by Chucky Chucky photo Jun 1999
Cover image of Ape Escape on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 9
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 22 Jun 1999
Genre: Platform, Action-adventure
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Introduction

Ladies and gentlemen, put down your bananas and pay attention! In a world where monkeys have decided to take matters into their own hands, literally, we find ourselves thrust into the chaotic, tree-twitching adventure that is 'Ape Escape.' That's right! Instead of being the usual heroic knight or a Jedi in training, we get to chase down a group of mischievous primates like a hyped-up zoo keeper on a caffeine spree. What could possibly go wrong? Let's dig into the madness!

Gameplay

So, the story kicks off with our not-so-heroic hero, Spike. He slaps on a net and gets to work capturing the runaway ectoplasm of the monkey kingdom. Picture this: apes, equipped with helmets, doing everything from sipping juice to plotting world domination from their time-traveling escapades. The villain? A particularly intelligent primate named Specter, who now has all the smarts and none of the common sense. If only he had used those skills to organize a proper zoo outing. You'll wander through vividly colored landscapes that oscillate between being pretty as a postcard and chaotic as a toddler's birthday party. The main goal: use a wild assortment of gadgets—because what’s more fun than combining monkey-catching with high-tech toys? From nets to a vehicle that I can only describe as a 'time-traveling banana boat,' you'll be navigating crazy environments while trying to lasso these escapees like a pro cowboy at their annual rodeo. The real twist? The controls! 'Ape Escape' was the first title to make full use of the PlayStation’s DualShock controller, literally putting the “wacky” in “wacky control schemes.” Expect to twiddle your thumbs as you wrestle with joysticks like they’re mashed potatoes. Left moves Spike, right twiddles the gadgets, and don’t even think about getting into an argument with the monkeys—they're more agile than a squirrel on a sugar rush.

Graphics

Now, let's talk visuals. For a game that's over two decades old, it still looks like a candy shop exploded on a sunny day. The colors are vibrant, so much so that they could probably power a small city if you could bottle them up. The environments are crafted with enough attention to detail that you might forget you're chasing monkeys and start looking for Easter eggs hidden by the devs instead. Just don't let those pastel hues fool you; they mask the sheer terror that comes from trying to chase down these little furballs as they swing away like they own the place.

Conclusion

'Ape Escape' is that delicious slice of nostalgia you didn't know you needed. It brings back the joy of being a kid trying to catch a wayward kitten (but way more chaotic) and takes you on a wild ride through time, where monkeys have somehow gotten their paws on time machines. The zany gameplay, innovative controls, and a plot that can only be described as absolutely bananas make it an absolute must-play. In short, whether you're a fan of platformers, a retro gamer, or someone who just likes watching monkeys do ridiculous things, 'Ape Escape' is an experience you'll want to dive into. Unless you're afraid of monkeys. In that case, might I suggest a walking simulator instead?

See Prices for Ape Escape on PlayStation on Ebay

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Astro Bot's Galactic Sweep at The Game Awards 2024'
Max Rathon - 13 Dec 2024
In a twist that left even the most cynical gamers doing a double-take, <em>Astro Bot</em> rocketed past the competition to snag th...
image for news article 'PlayStation's 30th Anniversary Events'
Hemal Harris - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, fellow gamers and button-mashers! As we commemorate three decades of PlayStation, it's time to dust off those memory ca...
image for news article 'Xbox Year in Review 2024: A Hilarious Recap'
Tanya Krane - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, esteemed gamers and joystick jesters! As 2024 takes its final bow, it's time to don our virtual party hats and revel in...
image for news article 'PS5 Pro: The Mega-Souped-Up Console That’ll Melt Your Brain (And Wallet)'
Hemal Harris - 10 Oct 2024
Alright, gamers. Ready for your wallet to cry? Say hello to the PS5 Pro, the next-gen beast that’s about to rock your gaming life ...
image for news article 'The Wacky History of Platform Games'
Chucky - 04 Oct 2024
Platform games - the genre that made us believe we could jump higher, run faster, and collect floating coins while avoiding spike ...
image for news article 'Xbox is turning 25!'
Gemma Looksby - 23 Sep 2024
So, Xbox and Halo are turning 25 soon, and Microsoft’s like, “Dude, we HAVE to party!”...
image for news article 'PS5 Disc Console vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Which One Should You Get?'
Jay Aborro - 20 Sep 2024
Compare the PS5 Disc Edition and PS5 Digital Edition, highlighting key differences such as price, physical media capability, and c...
image for news article 'PlayStation Turns 30!'
Chucky - 20 Sep 2024
Holy controller buttons, Batman! PlayStation has been rocking the gaming world for 30 whole years!...