Pure genius - not just for kids (Ape Escape (PS))

Member Name: dooyooman100

Product:	Ape Escape (PS)
Date:	15/02/01 (34 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great use of analogue sticks, big challenge

Disadvantages: Some put off by childish plot and characters

Ape Escape is one of those games that’s sometimes gets overlooked because it seems to be a kids’ game, but in fact it is one of the most innovative titles in recent years. You play a boy named Spike and have to round up hoards of rampaging monkeys, in a typically over-the-top platformer plot.

At the start you only have a club and a net, but later more gadgets become available, including the propeller, the magic punch, the water-net, the monkey radar, the dash hoop, the slingshot and the remote-controlled car. Each of these gadgets can be controlled using the right analogue stick, while you move Spike with the left stick. In some sections this control system is vital, in particular the remote-controlled car sections. The analogue sticks are put to good use all through the game, for example when you get to row a rubber dinghy across a lake in which an electric eel lives.

Catching a monkey is sometimes a lot harder than it sounds. At first the monkeys are slow and easy to net, but as you get on to the later levels the apes wield machine guns and bombs and are very alert. Using the monkey radar, you can find out what the monkey is like in the areas of speed, alertness and attack power. This profile also tells you the monkey’s name and an interesting fact about him/her. These are often quite amusing, for example one monkey called Marley likes reggae, and another called Bruce is a kung fu expert.

There are plenty of levels to keep you busy, and even when you finally catch all the monkeys (which is easier said than done) there are still the time-trials to be done to get 100% completion. The time-trials basically involve catching a set number of monkeys within a time limit. Add to these three excellent mini-games (monkey boxing, skiing and an old-skool shooter with extremely intuitive controls), which can be unlocked by collecting special Specter coins, and you have an excellent game which gives great value for money. It appeals
to children certainly, but the time-trials especially are quite a challenge even for adults.

This is one of the games great strengths. While children will be able to work their way through the game and beat the final boss, adults can carry on and do the more difficult time-trials that many children would struggle to complete. The only drawback is that some adults would see the game as being too childish for them and be a little embarrased to buy it. These people would be missing out on a great game – tell the cashier it’s for your kids! I would definitely recommend this game, especially as it is now available on Platinum for the bargain price of £19.99.

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