Ape Out

 Switch
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Video Chums
    Feb 28, 2019
    72
    Even though Ape Out is undeniably a top-notch production with its graphics and sound, its gameplay is disappointingly short-lived, especially after the novelty of it all starts to subside.
  2. GameSpot
    Feb 28, 2019
    70
    Ape Out is a game that draws you in with its strong aesthetic style and flair, but it feels short on ideas. When you're barrelling through a room, knocking multiple enemies into walls and watching them explode into puddles of blood, it can be quite exciting. But the game never really rises above being a mild thrill, and a lack the variety means that it’s too repetitive to truly make a strong impact. Ape Out isn't as creative with its level designs and challenges as it is with its soundtrack and art, but as it stands it’s a pleasant, jazzy way to spend a few hours.
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  1. Eurogamer
    Mar 1, 2019
    Ape Out is a beautiful and bloody game that's given surprising depth by a tremendous soundtrack. [Eurogamer Recommended]
  2. Polygon
    Mar 1, 2019
    Ape Out gives me an adrenaline rush every time I barely make it through a stage, bleeding and limping along after taking a few shots early on. I died often: 193 times in my approximate three-hour playthrough, to be exact. But jumping back into the game after a quick death is fast and easy...Whether or not I make it to the end of the level is almost immaterial; I feel powerful and free from the moment the game begins.

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best Switch Game of 2019
86
#86 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019
57
#57 Most Shared Switch Game of 2019

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 95 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 95
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 95
  3. Negative: 29 out of 95
  1. nusco
    Apr 7, 2019
    6
    Ape Out is one of the most stylish games I've evere played, and an amazing visual and auditory experience. Pity that it's not much of a game.Ape Out is one of the most stylish games I've evere played, and an amazing visual and auditory experience. Pity that it's not much of a game.

    What really makes the game, fron an aesthetic point of view, is its uncompromising consistency. The design team clearly loves and understands that jazz-infused Soul Bass style of graphics. Their love shines through in everything, from the menus to the closing soundtrack. The fantastic dynamically generated jazz percussions don't miss a beat, and they propel the action forward better than any other game soundtrack I've ever experienced. The album covers that mark the chapters are so beautiful, I wish I had real albums based on them.

    When it comes down to playability, however, Ape Out is a disappointment. The gameplay is almost skeletal: you run, you grab, you smash. The randomly generated environments are consistent with the theme of jazz improvisation, but they result in wildly different runs, where you often feel like your success or failure come down to luck more than skill. The difficulty of levels has much more to do with their length than anything else, as it's just harder to survive a longer level by relying on one lucky sequence. Even though the game does its best to introduce new elements in most levels, the basic run/grab/smash gameplay loop is just too wiry not to give a feeling of repetition.

    Ape Out makes you want to keep playing thanks to its beautiful style, but you don't always have fun while doing so.    … Full Review »
  2. Blaine
    Mar 15, 2019
    6
    I was anticipating this game but I hate to say that it was a bit of a letdown.

    Visuals are mesmerizing at times and the soundtrack blends    I was anticipating this game but I hate to say that it was a bit of a letdown.

    Visuals are mesmerizing at times and the soundtrack blends perfectly with the action...but that’s not much more left to it.
    The ape’s abilities are only two: grab, throw. 5 or 6 enemy types. Stage structure: left to right or right to left. The result is a very repetitive gameplay.
    Game length is fair for what it has to offer.

    Much love and support to Gabe Cuzzillo and the developer team for building an original experience nonetheless. Will keep following your work.    … Full Review »
  3. Pompopolous
    Mar 1, 2019
    9
    This game is a fast paced, jazzy, people smashing good time! If you're looking for a game under $25 that gives you nothing but pure fun withThis game is a fast paced, jazzy, people smashing good time! If you're looking for a game under $25 that gives you nothing but pure fun with an artistic jazz filled direction then this is the game. Story is not the selling point of this game, it is arcade, action packed nonsense where you control an ape, literally trying to get out. How you do it is a simple mix of Hotline Miami and old classic Rampage that takes nothing but 2 buttons and a joystick to complete. Starts out simple and fun and slowly ramps up to exhilarating and difficult. If you want handheld, goofy and quick action to kill some time in your days this game is a must buy and will keep you with a smile glued to your face for hours!… Full Review »
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