Ape Escape: On the Loose

"Damn Dirty Ape!"

Introduction

Not too long ago, before I got my PSP, I was looking through the launch games for it. The games I mainly wanted were Ridge Racers, Wipeout Pure and Lumines. The rest of the games... well, didn't really appeal to me. I also saw Ape Escape On the Loose on that list and... well, I've never played an Ape Escape before, so I wasn't really interested. I expect at least 99% of you have gasped by now! After reading into the launch games I wanted, I took a peak at what Ape Escape was. It looked like a charming little platformer and this got me interested! I love platformers.

So today I decided to get another PSP game to tide me over inbetween Lumines sessions. I wanted one of the 3 games I listed above (Ridge Racers, Wipeout Pure and Ape Escape) and thanks to some helpful GFAQ...ians, I decided to pick up Ape Escape. After a couple of hours of playtime, I'm prepared for a review.

Story

The story pwns. One day a little kid named Spike and his rival/friend raced over to see the jolly old Professor and his new device; a time machine. Upon arriving they were encountered by a strange, yet familiar white monkey and a bunch of other ones wearing weird ass helmets. In the corner was the Professor and his granddaughter Natalie all tied up. Before anyone could do anything, teh monkeys used the time machine to... go back in time! It's up to you to control Spike to use the time net (wtf?) and catch these pesky monkeys! See? The story does pwn. IT PWNS HARD.

Graphics

To me, the graphics really looked like Playstation one graphics at first. Blocky models and plain levels. Although I was right, it fits! Yup, I'd much rather have cute and colourful; albeit blocky, textures than realistic landscapes that take away from the fantasy focus of the game. Overall, the game looks great with the graphics it has. Who cares if it doesn't push the PSP's limits?

7/10

Sound

Sound Effects - Voice acting is in this game. No, it isn't the best of voice acting. Har har. It's quite generic, but sometimes a little on the forced side sometimes (in Spike's case). The rest of the characters' VAing is quite standard, though.

Music - Corny and pretty happy-go-lucky. The tunes in this game are happy little songs that add to the whole theme of the game. Nothing too dark and intense.

7/10

Gameplay

When done right, a platformer can be awesome. Super Mario 64 was done right. Banjo-Kazooie was done right. What's an example of one done wrong? Jak 2. ANYWAY onto Ape Escape. I was getting around to it anyway. Ape Escape is, indeed, done right. You could probably argue that I'm a sucker for collecting games (YOU'VE GOT SOME ATTITUDE, BUDDY... even though I am) but Ape Escape is just so charming and fun you can't help but get a true feeling that it was done well.

In Ape Escape, the main focus is to catch the little monkeys running and hiding in these levels. Once you catch the amount you need for the level you go onto the next one. The levels aren't awfully big at the starting, but they gradually become more and more expansive and difficult. In order to catch these monkeys and kick some enemy ass, you'll need some gadgets. Luckily the professor gives you tools for making this monkey catching easier. To actually get the monkeys he gives you a time net. To beat the enemies he gives you a light-saber-ish club. There are other gadgets you get too, but I don't want to spoil them. There is a lot of variety.

3D platformers usually call for awesome control. For the most part, Ape Escape can control pretty well... but for me, I hate that damn nub! I can work with it, but I need breaks. The actual direction arrows control the camera, which is nice too.

9/10

Replay

I've beaten Super Mario 64 over 10 times, but I haven't beaten Ape Escape yet so I wouldn't know much about the replay. From the looks of it, it looks pretty good. Don't quote me on it, though.

*Shifty eyes*

Pros
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+ Cute style and characters
+ Big levels
+ Lots of variety
+ Platforming goodness

Cons
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- Somewhat average voice acting
- Blocky graphics
- Iffy control
- Appears short

Final verdict: 8/10

~ Sunny

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/29/05