Ape Out

 Switch
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

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  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.

    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    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.    … Expand
  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 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    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.    … Expand
  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 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 oldThis 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!… Expand
  4. dkmjr
    Mar 8, 2019
    9
    Extremely fun, worth the low price and quite challenging. I am in the minority when I say the jazz-styled music was mediocre if not a bit annoying at times. Even if I play this title with the volume on low, it is still a fantastic, unique game. The style of levels are quirky and fun and the gameplay lets you die and retry at a rapid pace. If you enjoy fast-paced games, this one is for you.Extremely fun, worth the low price and quite challenging. I am in the minority when I say the jazz-styled music was mediocre if not a bit annoying at times. Even if I play this title with the volume on low, it is still a fantastic, unique game. The style of levels are quirky and fun and the gameplay lets you die and retry at a rapid pace. If you enjoy fast-paced games, this one is for you. It plays wonderfully in the hand-held mode as well!… Expand
  5. Switchindiefix
    Apr 7, 2019
    9
    Ape Out takes a lot of unique and unusual aspects and smashes them all together to make an amazing game. The music is like nothing I’ve ever seen before in a video game. Your senses will be put in a trace with each level’s hair-raising drum beat and bright visuals. It feels like an arty version of Hotline Miami, but still keeps a brutal aspect that pays homage to that game.Ape Out takes a lot of unique and unusual aspects and smashes them all together to make an amazing game. The music is like nothing I’ve ever seen before in a video game. Your senses will be put in a trace with each level’s hair-raising drum beat and bright visuals. It feels like an arty version of Hotline Miami, but still keeps a brutal aspect that pays homage to that game.

    Determination is needed to beat the game, so expect a death count way into the hundreds. However, I never had a death that felt annoying. I was always willing to hit ‘retry’ and fling my hairy ape body at my enemies to gain my freedom. Plus, depending how good you are, the game can be beat in about 4 hours.

    Ape Out is well worth a buy on the Nintendo eshop, so stop monkeying around and get it bought!    … Expand
  6. bocomomark
    Mar 13, 2019
    10
    This is simply one of the best under $20 games I have bought. I got about 10-15 hours of grinning and laughing gameplay out of it, and I really enjoyed the unique aspects of the game, and it's simplicity. I've read several of the negative reviews and I simply cannot understand where the hate is coming from. No this isn't a game you will be playing solid for months to come. And no it'sThis is simply one of the best under $20 games I have bought. I got about 10-15 hours of grinning and laughing gameplay out of it, and I really enjoyed the unique aspects of the game, and it's simplicity. I've read several of the negative reviews and I simply cannot understand where the hate is coming from. No this isn't a game you will be playing solid for months to come. And no it's not as good as BOTW or Mario Odyssey. But it is a very unique and enjoyable experience with some fun charm and discoveries to be had.… Expand
  7. kzollove
    Mar 19, 2019
    9
    At about the half-way point of this game, I feel like it is time to review it. The high points of this game are that it is an absolute beautiful game. I've seen plenty of topdown video games but the art style is totally fresh. It feels outside of the genre. The soundtrack is on another level, and gives the game so much value. The controls are as simple as they need to be: two analog sticksAt about the half-way point of this game, I feel like it is time to review it. The high points of this game are that it is an absolute beautiful game. I've seen plenty of topdown video games but the art style is totally fresh. It feels outside of the genre. The soundtrack is on another level, and gives the game so much value. The controls are as simple as they need to be: two analog sticks and two shoulder buttons. You have complete control of the ape avatar. The only gripe that one could pick with this game is that the first run through of the entire game could probably be completed in 2-3 hours, depending on how quickly you pick up on it. If you are not interested in replaying for a higher score or new experience, this game may not feel worth the price. For one who values a tight audio-visual experience or wants to embrace a futuristic arcade-esque game, you will find plenty of enjoyment in this game. Bottom line is that it is not part of the trash heap that fills most of the e-shop store. It is a quality video game.… Expand
  8. mtanng8264
    Apr 3, 2019
    10
    Great game. Intriguing artistic style. Simple yet exciting gameplay. Levels become increasingly challenging but you can always overcome them.
  9. Walhalla
    Jun 19, 2019
    9
    I dont think the game is "short" as commented by other players. I spent about 15 hours on the game.. and still I´m not on the end. Its hectic. Some of the "sublevels" take 20 times to be finished. One of the levels took me more then 50 retries! Two days till I was able to go through the level.
    And still.. I was trying it again and again.. and this is something I enjoy on the games. I    I dont think the game is "short" as commented by other players. I spent about 15 hours on the game.. and still I´m not on the end. Its hectic. Some of the "sublevels" take 20 times to be finished. One of the levels took me more then 50 retries! Two days till I was able to go through the level.
    And still.. I was trying it again and again.. and this is something I enjoy on the games. I really like it. Its one of the games in my TOP 20 list :-)
    https://youtu.be/kSrHiqnWf50    … Expand
  10. drlowdon
    Jul 30, 2021
    7
    Played from a top-down perspective, Ape Out puts players in charge of a Gorilla attempting to run through a series of maze like levels, whilst evading and/or killing the many enemies that stand in the way.

    It won't take long for most players to see the entire game, and I didn't feel any real incentive to want to replay any of the levels, but the unique graphical style, reactive jazz    Played from a top-down perspective, Ape Out puts players in charge of a Gorilla attempting to run through a series of maze like levels, whilst evading and/or killing the many enemies that stand in the way.

    It won't take long for most players to see the entire game, and I didn't feel any real incentive to want to replay any of the levels, but the unique graphical style, reactive jazz soundtrack and fast paced gameplay made for a fairly enjoyable 2-3 hours of gaming.    … Expand
  11. memus
    Apr 23, 2021
    9
    Oh my, it's a masterpiece.

    The perfect blend of jazz drumming by Matt Boch in a form adaptive soundtrack, jazz album covers in the tradition of Reid Miles's covers for Blue Note label, and 'inverted' stealth gameplay.

    Each minute of this game was pure fun.
  12. SenDji
    Jan 1, 2021
    9
    5-10 hours of pure enjoyment! Don't expect a ton of depth to the game but enjoy it for what it is - an audiovisual masterpiece!
  13. smarf
    Mar 5, 2021
    4
    10 out of 10 style
    2 out of 10 gameplay: overly simplistic; more reliant on luck than skill; randomized levels don't work for this game often ending in unfair, cheap deaths
    Really wanted to like this game but it was just a huge disappointment. Huge difficulty spikes at the end. I'm the type of guy who will finish almost any game or movie no matter how bad it is. I stopped playing on the    10 out of 10 style
    2 out of 10 gameplay: overly simplistic; more reliant on luck than skill; randomized levels don't work for this game often ending in unfair, cheap deaths
    Really wanted to like this game but it was just a huge disappointment. Huge difficulty spikes at the end. I'm the type of guy who will finish almost any game or movie no matter how bad it is. I stopped playing on the 5th level, break out. Honestly don't think most reviewers made it that far.    … Expand
  14. coorhys
    Jun 18, 2019
    7
    Really fun game, good for something to switch on for a quick blast if you've only got half hour or so, or as a nice little palate cleanser between big games. Controls are tight and responsive, and procedurally-generated levels mean no two runs are the same, with new layouts and enemy placements every time.

    Ape Out has an excellent monochrome art style that cleverly changes during    Really fun game, good for something to switch on for a quick blast if you've only got half hour or so, or as a nice little palate cleanser between big games. Controls are tight and responsive, and procedurally-generated levels mean no two runs are the same, with new layouts and enemy placements every time.

    Ape Out has an excellent monochrome art style that cleverly changes during different parts of each level in ways that add to the atmosphere and frenetic pace of this game.

    It can quite simply be boiled down to 'get to the end of the level alive while smashing everything in your way', but sometimes being that simple is just what you need for some fun, and this game is definitely fun, however this can wear off after a while due to the simplicity and inevitable repetitive nature, and truthfully there is not much more to it than that.

    By far my favourite bit however is the soundtrack, full of frantic improvisational jazz-inspired drums which actually respond to the action on screen, such as adding cymbal crashes to your attacks and dynamically rolling along to accompany the animalistic movements of your ape.

    It's not a particularly long game, although it does have different difficulty modes etc to try, but it is definitely an enjoyable purchase while it lasts, even if it is not up there with the best on Switch.    … Expand
  15. aukalender
    Jul 31, 2021
    7
    A fun game, I really liked it. The music and the art style is great. The way the gameplay interacts with the music is really entertaining. The gameplay is not complicated, the scale of actions available to the player is quite simple: run, grab, throw, smash. But this is not a downside, I think it helps that the gameplay dynamics are simple, because that plays well with the up-tempo energyA fun game, I really liked it. The music and the art style is great. The way the gameplay interacts with the music is really entertaining. The gameplay is not complicated, the scale of actions available to the player is quite simple: run, grab, throw, smash. But this is not a downside, I think it helps that the gameplay dynamics are simple, because that plays well with the up-tempo energy of the free jazz style, and the colorful, simple, top-down art style. The only complaint I would have is that the number of enemies assigned to each level are randomly generated, meaning player success is somewhat bound to luck, and also that some chapters can be frustrating. These are not major gripes and I would recomment this game regardless.… Expand
  16. Pete112
    May 19, 2020
    7
    Very original and fun game.

    After playing for an hour or 2 it gets very difficult. I didn't have the motivation to carry on as the gameplay and levels dont really change throughout the game apart from getting harder.

    I had fun for a couple of hours though so if you can pick it up during one of the regular sales I would say it is worth it.
  17. jens76
    Mar 25, 2021
    8
    Donkey Kong steht über allem, dann kommt diese Flucht. Ape Out ist kurzweilig schön, Affen die kritisieren haben keine Ahnung.
  18. TheOhGee
    Apr 9, 2020
    8
    A work of art, both visually and aurally. Short-lived, but engrossing all the way through.
  19. mikest
    Oct 2, 2020
    7
    It was fun but there's not much to it in my opinion. Good for a few hours of fun but i don't have any reason to come back and the main draw of the game are the artsy visuals and music that responds to the situation. These are novel ideas and make for a fun few hours.
  20. Online_NPC
    Oct 2, 2021
    8
    Ape Out a very interesting game because it's very music-oriented. I really love the the music and the sound design for this game. The jazz-based soundtrack and dynamic sounds make the game a delight to play. As far as graphics go they're not the most complicated graphics in the world, there's no fancy 3D rendering. Everything is very flat and 2D but the color choices and styles that theyApe Out a very interesting game because it's very music-oriented. I really love the the music and the sound design for this game. The jazz-based soundtrack and dynamic sounds make the game a delight to play. As far as graphics go they're not the most complicated graphics in the world, there's no fancy 3D rendering. Everything is very flat and 2D but the color choices and styles that they have make the game very enjoyable, and very challenging sometimes. I enjoyed the vibrant colors and the simple graphic style. I think the biggest weakness of Ape Out is lack of story. You're basically an ape that has to get out; that's that's the plot of ape out. There's no there's no dialogue and everything is kind of implied.

    It's easy to make comparisons between Ape Out and Hotline Miami, but the differences are abundant. Unlike Hotline Miami, the enemies take a second or two to line up their shot and don't fire immediately. This gives you a couple of seconds to kind of close the distance and get the drop on them. Also unlike Hotline Miami, you can't see any more than your player's POV which actually adds a good bit of challenge to the game. You have a sense of where enemies are, but you have to keep peeking around corners to bait them into you a little bit. Ape Out definitely rewards slower gameplay. Overall the game's pretty fantastic and I'm giving it a 7.5 out of 10.    … Expand

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

Critic Reviews

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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. Pure Nintendo
    Apr 17, 2019
    75
    While it can be fun to run around smashing stuff and listening to a cool soundtrack, Ape Out is a bit of a one-trick pony. When you boil it down, it’s a maze runner with a smash-the-bad-guys element. Don’t get me wrong—the theme may be simple, but the game is fun to play. It’s challenging enough to keep you entertained for several hours so go let your inner monkey run wild for a while.
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  2. Nintendojo
    Apr 3, 2019
    75
    While Ape Out doesn’t last all that long, it certainly doesn’t overstay its welcome, either. The game is an absolute blast to play, and an experience that will delight most players. Between the game’s stylish presentation and unique use of music, Ape Out feels unlike much else on eShop. The game is very much an impressive achievement from developer Gabe Cuzzillo, and those who value quality over length will find a great option in Ape Out.
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  3. GameSpace
    Mar 20, 2019
    95
    Honestly, I adore Ape Out. Visually it seems very uncomplicated, but step into the shoes of this gorilla and you will find that its simplicity belies a very considered approach to game design.
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