Ape Escape: Pumped & Primed

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Oct 20, 2004
Ape Escape: Pumped & Primed Image
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 11 Ratings

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  • Summary: (Also known as "Gacha Mecha Stadium Saruvatore" or "Ape Escape: Gacha Mecha Athlete" in Japan) Original characters of the Ape Escape series ? Spike, Natalie, Casi, Jake and the Professor ? have decided to enter the High Tech Tournament! Set in a computer-generated world, odd things start(Also known as "Gacha Mecha Stadium Saruvatore" or "Ape Escape: Gacha Mecha Athlete" in Japan) Original characters of the Ape Escape series ? Spike, Natalie, Casi, Jake and the Professor ? have decided to enter the High Tech Tournament! Set in a computer-generated world, odd things start happening when mysterious monkeys start to appear, along with archenemy Specter from Ape Escape 2. Trapped in the world by a new villain, our heroes must fight for their survival. Game features include: Two Game Modes: Play with up to two players in Story mode, consisting of 44 competing levels and eight boss battles, or Versus mode with 21 pre-made tournaments for up to four players. Additionally, players can create their own tournaments from the 28 stages in story mode. A Mix of Classic and New Characters from Ape Escape: Play original characters such as Natalie, Spike, the Professor or Jake. New characters include Pipotron, Helga and a mysterious new boss. Beat the Competition with a Wide Selection of Gadgets: Each character will have their own set of unique gadgets, including the Stunclub, Dragonfly, Slingshot, RC Car, Dash Hoop and WaterMech. More than 400 Unlockable Items: Special gadgets, clothes, fan emails, special summon abilities and movies. [Sony Computer Entertainment]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. Worth Playing
    77
    One of those games that tries to be ahead of its time, and tries to bend a genre to its will. Games that attempt the latter tend not to do a very good job.
  2. Siliconera
    71
    The game gets boring fast just playing with a friend or even a friend and two computers. The other problem with the versus mode is the camera. Opposed to the player following camera in the single player mode, the camera in versus mode pans out a wide range in most levels. While the camera does give a wide screen view of the battlefield, it rarely zooms back in when all the players are close together.
  3. Weekly Famitsu
    70
    7 / 7 / 7 / 7 - 28 [Vol 812; 9 July 2004]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. IGN
    63
    It's good enough for a little while, but if you're looking for a party game that will keep on going and provide kicks for more than one party you're looking in the wrong place.
  5. eToychest
    60
    It doesn't have much replay value aside from multiplayer battles, and the 28 arenas offered are uninspired and bland.
  6. 1UP
    55
    If you're hoping for something with the depth and substance of a true sequel to the likes of Ape Escape, the discovery that you're getting a party game is a bit of a letdown. It's like working up an appetite for a deluxe pizza and being given a plateful of "Bagel Bites" instead.
  7. G4 TV
    40
    Maybe if the characters were more iconic. Maybe if this would’ve been a true sequel instead of a party game. Maybe if the game were fun. Maybe if monkeys could tango.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. MedoElNaby
    Dec 29, 2021
    10
    Pumped & Primed is one of ape escape's greatest games, and it's a danm shame that many didn't give a fair chance. Especially many mainstreamPumped & Primed is one of ape escape's greatest games, and it's a danm shame that many didn't give a fair chance. Especially many mainstream game journalist at the time (G4's review is trash) the gameplay is a far more skill based style of party game that works very and feels very "ape escape" esc. The controls are some, if not the best the series has ever seen. The story while missable and hard to follow is an really outstanding once one get's the hang of it, and holy crap I love the characters. I love the old ones, I love the new ones, and the intermissions are just the best. And don't even get me started on the music. Hands down, the best in the whole series and no one can tell me otherwise. If you find a copy of this game. PLEASE play it. It's very likely you will enjoy it, ape escape fan or not. Party game fan or not. Ape escape: Pumped & Primed is amazing.… Expand
  2. Medoagamer
    Nov 30, 2021
    9
    Ape escape pumped and primed while a little ruff in some areas, is a misunderstood party game masterpiece, and a must have for any ps2 owner,Ape escape pumped and primed while a little ruff in some areas, is a misunderstood party game masterpiece, and a must have for any ps2 owner, especially for die hard ape escape fans like me. Though it's on the more rare side, so it's going to cost quite a bit. The game never saw a release in Europe/Oceana so those living in PAL regions will especially have a hard time trying to find one. Though if you do, it's more than worth it. Party game junkie or not, definitely find a copy or ROM of ape escape pumped and primed.… Expand
  4. DragonMonkey
    Jan 28, 2005
    8
    It's nice to get new equipments, especially the fire sword / ice sword and the electric sword, they are very cool! ^_^
  5. Untitled94
    Aug 25, 2017
    7
    It was a pretty decent party game, though could've been a little better. The controls aren't really the best, but they handle well enough.It was a pretty decent party game, though could've been a little better. The controls aren't really the best, but they handle well enough. Some weird things can happen here and there, like weird live action videos, so that's pretty charming. Most mini games are fun when you can get use to them. It's not as good as the main AE games, but it's a good spin-off.… Expand
  6. GrownUp
    Mar 9, 2005
    2
    An awful game. Controls are never explained and the camera angle is almost always useless. Not sure how many times you can play 'run An awful game. Controls are never explained and the camera angle is almost always useless. Not sure how many times you can play 'run around and hit things' but for me, the answer is two. If you want a party game, skip Ape Escape P&P and wait for Monkeyball to come out on March 15th.… Expand