Ape Escape

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Jun 23, 1999
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 94 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 113
  3. Negative: 5 out of 113
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  1. WilliamW.
    Dec 19, 2003
    10
    This game rocks! The plot is cool. the graphics are good. You get awsome gadgets. And some monkeys have guns like how cool. It's the best. I almost beat the game until my brother erased my game. But no hard fellings.
  2. JohnD.
    Nov 17, 2007
    10
    A perfect game experience! Controls are awesome, Sound track is awesome, The game looks awesome! The best PlayStation game ever!!
  3. ccrogers15
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    WHERE IS NUMBER 4??? This game series is loved, sells good and such. But this is so far the last made. What is sony thinking? They made this year ape escape move which is a horrible game. Where is number 4??? i would buy it in a heart beat!
  4. kendrickson
    Oct 24, 2019
    1
    This game is for dumb stupid babies. I could beat this game blindfolded while my little brother's playing. I puke every time I see this godawful excuse for a game. 1/5
  5. SimeonR.
    Dec 11, 2002
    10
    This game is incredibly fun and addictive. I actually tried to play it with a regular controller (needless to say, it didn't work). Looking back on this game, I'm hoping that they'll eventually bring AE 2 over here from Japan. My thumbs are in need of a workout.
  6. drlowdon
    Jun 18, 2013
    8
    Amongst the very first games to make full use of the PSone analogue sticks Ape Escape was simply a superb example of the 3d platformer genre that continually added new ideas and gadgets form start to finish. Its clever twist, of having the player capture monkeys rather than the usual static collectibles found in most games, only added further to its appeal. It may now look a little datedAmongst the very first games to make full use of the PSone analogue sticks Ape Escape was simply a superb example of the 3d platformer genre that continually added new ideas and gadgets form start to finish. Its clever twist, of having the player capture monkeys rather than the usual static collectibles found in most games, only added further to its appeal. It may now look a little dated but this is one game still worth playing.… Expand
  7. rubin
    Apr 29, 2012
    9
    One of the most memorable platformers on PSX, and for a console that was overflowing with great platformers that's truly saying something. The apes themselves beat most of Nintendo's staple characters in both personality and quirkiness (with blue being my personal fave). Gameplay-wise, it has everything a true platformer should have. Great level design? Check. Multiple gadgets? Check.One of the most memorable platformers on PSX, and for a console that was overflowing with great platformers that's truly saying something. The apes themselves beat most of Nintendo's staple characters in both personality and quirkiness (with blue being my personal fave). Gameplay-wise, it has everything a true platformer should have. Great level design? Check. Multiple gadgets? Check. Brain teasing puzzles? Check. Awesome graphics? Check! It's a shame the PS2 sequels weren't as good as the first one, but oh well.… Expand
  8. mose14
    Feb 13, 2013
    8
    Ape Escape is a fun adventure through time. Oh and you catch monkeys, a lot of monkeys. The graphics do not hold up well, but it is still playable. The controls are unique and hard to get use to. For example the jump button is R1. Ape Escape was really the first game that used the analog sticks on the controller. One stick is used to move Spike and the other is used to control your gadget.Ape Escape is a fun adventure through time. Oh and you catch monkeys, a lot of monkeys. The graphics do not hold up well, but it is still playable. The controls are unique and hard to get use to. For example the jump button is R1. Ape Escape was really the first game that used the analog sticks on the controller. One stick is used to move Spike and the other is used to control your gadget. The story moves along and sets up the monkey madness well. Ape Escape is fun, uses the new controls well, and the story sets up all the monkey capturing mayhem.… Expand
  9. werten32
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    This game is just... fun, innovative, and all around just amazing. Just play it if you like platformers, the dual analog controls are just so marvelous.
  10. fijiboy
    May 14, 2014
    7
    the title and premise sounds goofy, but it is so much fun. basically you are trying to capture monkeys that have escaped through a time machine to take over mankind as the new dominant race by having them take over every major period in time starting from the dinosaur ages to modern day. lots of gizmos and gadgets to use, fun and interesting stages for the most part, and a very originalthe title and premise sounds goofy, but it is so much fun. basically you are trying to capture monkeys that have escaped through a time machine to take over mankind as the new dominant race by having them take over every major period in time starting from the dinosaur ages to modern day. lots of gizmos and gadgets to use, fun and interesting stages for the most part, and a very original and unique experience can be found in this game. there are a few flaws in some of the stage designs that can make the game quite frustrating at times, but doesn't subtract much from everything that is so fun from the game. the game feels like it drags on though, and although you get new items and such through out the game, it feels like your still just doing the same thing from the very first stage. Its not repetitive exactly, it just feels like that even though the environments are new, you don't feel like you moved on to the next stage. the game is definitely worth a play through for sure despite the negatives… Expand
  11. DudeFromIceland
    Jun 15, 2017
    9
    This game holds up extremely well for it being over 18 years old.

    Everything about this game is just brilliant, from the controls to the music. It's so campy and fun it's hard not to enjoy the weirdness of the game, I mean your going back in time to capture monkeys, that's weird. But weirdness aside I'd still play this game again and again and again. Among the finest 3D platformers    This game holds up extremely well for it being over 18 years old.

    Everything about this game is just brilliant, from the controls to the music. It's so campy and fun it's hard not to enjoy the weirdness of the game, I mean your going back in time to capture monkeys, that's weird.

    But weirdness aside I'd still play this game again and again and again. Among the finest 3D platformers to come from the good old PS1.    … Expand
  12. Broseph14
    Jul 8, 2015
    9
    One of the best ps one platformers money can buy and a true icon for sony and the orginal playstation. It plays great and its orginal. The only problem is you have to either have a ps one or ps2 to play thi game and a dualschock controller since this isnt backwards compatiable on the ps3 and there has not been a PSN re release (bar the psp version). If you have a method to play the game DOOne of the best ps one platformers money can buy and a true icon for sony and the orginal playstation. It plays great and its orginal. The only problem is you have to either have a ps one or ps2 to play thi game and a dualschock controller since this isnt backwards compatiable on the ps3 and there has not been a PSN re release (bar the psp version). If you have a method to play the game DO IT! It is one of the best games for the ps1 and is well worth your time.… Expand
  13. LuanGuilherme91
    Aug 5, 2023
    10
    Criei uma conta no Metacritic só pra avaliar um dos jogos que marcou minha infância, jogabilidade bastante divertida, os gráficos na época eram de impressionar, gosto muito da trilogia, espero q a Sony volte a lançar novos um dia
  14. Untitled94
    Jul 15, 2021
    8
    I am nostalgic for this game so I might be a little bias, but I love this game and it's still my favorite Ape Escape game. The others tried and while there are technically better things in future games, the first one just nailed it down pretty well and really utilized all of the PS1 Duelshock controller's controls.
  15. BananoXtreme
    May 7, 2018
    10
    Uno de los mejores videojuegos hechos por y para Sony Playstation.
    El concepto del uso del DualShock es bestial, es uno de los primeros si no el primero en usar la palanca derecha del DualShock en un videojuego de PS1.
    Como meta a lograr en el juego, deberas capturar a la enorme diversidad de monos que han escapado del laboratorio, con ayuda del profesor, su sobrina, tu red y diversos    Uno de los mejores videojuegos hechos por y para Sony Playstation.
    El concepto del uso del DualShock es bestial, es uno de los primeros si no el primero en usar la palanca derecha del DualShock en un videojuego de PS1.
    Como meta a lograr en el juego, deberas capturar a la enorme diversidad de monos que han escapado del laboratorio, con ayuda del profesor, su sobrina, tu red y diversos artilugios que a medida que le juego avanza podras conseguir. Graficamente no esta mal, podria ser mejor, pero en este juego lo que destaca es el uso del DualShock y la jugabilidad, en que deberas girar los joysticks, zarandearlos o pulsar R3 y L3 para que los artilugios sean efectivos a la hora de cazar monos. Los escenarios se basan en distintas etapas históricas, desde la época de los dinosaurios, pasando por el japon oriental hasta océanos, ciudades y junglas llenas de diversión. Los escenarios cuentan con mucha variedad y diversas zonas cada una con sus características. Los monos que se han de atrapar cuentan con una muy buena inteligencia artificial, a la minima que te descubran, huirán de ti, lanzarán plátanos para que te resbales, saltaran a superficies lejanas, nadaran e incluso montaran en O.V.N.I.S a los que tendras que destruir, pero los monos por mucho que les des golpes solo quedaran aturdidos, momento en que haras uso de tu red para capturarlos a todos y así completar el nivel. Pero no son solo monos el unico peligro que acecha, hay enemigos (animales, monstruos marinos, dinosaurios..) que tambien te pondran las cosas dificiles, y trampas tambien, ya que el plataformeo es lo que más predomina en este titulo, por lo que tendras que hacer uso de todas tus habilidades para recoger todas las monedas de Specter, capturar todos los monos y derrotar al rey simio Specter para completar este magnífico juego con diversión asegurada.    … Expand
  16. vipek
    Apr 20, 2022
    10
    One of the best games on PSX. If you enjoy 3D platformers, this one is a no-brainer.
  17. Leontorres7
    Nov 13, 2018
    8
    This is really a great game, there is so much to love about it, must play for sure!
  18. zoeticAlchemist
    Aug 10, 2019
    10
    I’ve been playing this game since I was 8 years old. 9 years later, it still holds up. Ape Escape is genuinely entertaining and well-made for its time. The combat is challenging and fun, and the levels are unique. Even the music is incredible. The story and voice acting is rather cheesy, but other than that, I would recommend this game to anyone. It can be replayed over and over withoutI’ve been playing this game since I was 8 years old. 9 years later, it still holds up. Ape Escape is genuinely entertaining and well-made for its time. The combat is challenging and fun, and the levels are unique. Even the music is incredible. The story and voice acting is rather cheesy, but other than that, I would recommend this game to anyone. It can be replayed over and over without losing its spark.… Expand
  19. KOROEGG
    Apr 10, 2020
    7
    It's a good game overall but I disliked the controls. I have never seen a game map a jump button to r1
  20. Xrayplayer
    Mar 2, 2021
    9
    One of the best ps1 games and possibly one of the best platforming games ever.

    The gameplay and controls are solid and I love how many gadgets you can use to navigate through the levels and " catching the monkeys " idea made the game special and unique with some great level design and great amount of themes and locations and the levels are different from each other and it's really    One of the best ps1 games and possibly one of the best platforming games ever.

    The gameplay and controls are solid and I love how many gadgets you can use to navigate through the levels and " catching the monkeys " idea made the game special and unique with some great level design and great amount of themes and locations and the levels are different from each other and it's really impressive for a ps1 game.

    the only problem I have is the draw distance some parts are difficult to see what's in front of you but it's just a minor issue.

    Ape escape is a really great game and it's extremely underrated.    … Expand
  21. MartinAZ
    Apr 16, 2022
    9
    Martin A. - Gatta catch them all!

    Ape Escape ,at the time, was revolutionary for showing me at a young age that the duel shock analog controller was not only the future of gaming, it will soon be "a must have" for years to come. One of the 1st games to ever require a $70 controller. I remember my father saying "This is your birthday present." around July, I was born in December and    Martin A. - Gatta catch them all!

    Ape Escape ,at the time, was revolutionary for showing me at a young age that the duel shock analog controller was not only the future of gaming, it will soon be "a must have" for years to come.

    One of the 1st games to ever require a $70 controller. I remember my father saying "This is your birthday present." around July, I was born in December and it was worth every penny and then some.

    What I hated. The graphics don't hold up but there is an HD version on the PSP called Ape Escape: On the Loose, which has cut content because of the lack of a 2nd analog stick. Most notably, a cut mini game called "Galaxy Monkey" which was my favorite of the three mini games. The voice actors aren't the same which is understandable. The game has an infinite jump glitch involving the sling shot, which I must point out as a negative even though in my opinion, improves the gameplay. Also, the game is too short, I wanted more than just a graphics update.

    What I loved. Everything. The location of the levels are imprinted in my mind. The music is on my phone today and one of them is my ringtone (Crabby Beach). Soichi Terada is the man responsible for the sound track and I'm eternally thankful. There are monkeys riding dinosaurs and doing all sorts of horsing around, almost making them come to life, as if they really do live in the game's environment. The monkey radar reveals not only where the monkeys are but their names and contains a reference to South Park.

    There's nothing more to say other than play it. I have to thank Susumu Takatsuka and the entire staff of the Ape Escape team for shaping my childhood and adding magic to my life. Thank you all so much! 9 out of 10.    … Expand
  22. Zot-Lar
    Mar 22, 2022
    9
    Un concepto interesante, la historia era peculiar, los items tenían creatividad y los diseños de los changuitos estaban geniales. creo que lo único que le falto pulir fueron los controles y un poco las graficas ya que para la época podía ofrecer algo mejor de lo que vimos.
  23. hyrts
    Jun 4, 2022
    10
    Such an amazing game! The soundtrack is the best of all time. Definitely worth visiting again.
  24. GAME-OVERcv
    Nov 1, 2022
    10
    The best and most rememorable thing about this game for me is the music, all the cool gadgets and monkeys along the way is a bonus
  25. Jegz8
    Dec 25, 2022
    10
    An incredibly wonderful game. Very innovative for its time, excellent graphics, very good music. The plot of the game is also interesting. Just brilliant. It is pure childhood.
  26. Warrior_of_Doom
    Jul 19, 2023
    8
    The overall score is based on how much fun I personally had with every component of the game
    and the overall experience.
  27. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    6
    It was fine. For the time, it was very impressive in many ways, but i never really liked it.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PS1 Game of 1999
12
#12 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1999
12
#12 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1999

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. IGN
    95
    The best 3D platform game on the PlayStation. Hands down. It's not only innovative, it digs deep into the analog control's inherent movements and brings out a breadth of fantastic gameplay elements that are unique to the game.
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  2. Electric Playground
    95
    Employs the most effective and rewarding controls ever developed for a platform-action game... An instant classic.
    Read full review
  3. Cheat Code Central Platinum
    95
    The genius is in the innovative gameplay and Ape Escape overflows with it.
    Read full review
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