monkey magic! (Ape Escape (PS))

Member Name: indysangha

Product:	Ape Escape (PS)
Date:	23/07/01 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: fun for all ages, little monkeys

Disadvantages: none

Ever since Mario64, platformers on PlayStation usually don't do it for me. However, Ape Escape is right up there with the best of them.

The backstory: Specter, a monkey in a circus, comes across the Professor's Peak Point helmet. Donning this helmet, Specter becomes, well, one bad, smart monkey. With his band of helmetted monkey troopers, Specter goes back in time to change history allowing apes to rule. As Spike, your job is to chase the apes back through time and capture them with your Time Net, one of 9 gadgets in the game.

Gameplay:
At first, Ape Escape feels like familiar ground. A lush 3D space where you're expected to run, walk, jump, and stomp your way to the end of every level. After trying to nab your first monkey, you'll realize that there is much more in store for you. Levels are not linear at all. Upon entering a level, your goal is to catch a certain amount of monkeys, and which ones you capture first is up to you. Each level has quite a few monkeys, many of which you will not be able to capture right away. Return trips to levels will be necessary to catch all the monkeys.

Control:
Although control may throw you a bit at first, it does not take long for it to feel like second nature. This is the first game to fully utilize the analog controller for the PlayStation, and, boy, does it. This game allows- no, requires you to walk, run, jump, crawl, climb, push, pull, shimmy, stomp, swim, row and drive your way through the levels. The control may seem overwhelming, but actually feels dead on. Great level design incorporates these actions as part of finding those elusive apes. Look forward to row boating down river, driving a tank through the streets, or riding roller coasters in some of the levels. Of course, rumble support is included, adding greatly to the feel of your moves and rides.

Control is perfected in the gadgets you get, as well. Using the left analog control will move your character. Th
e right stick controls your gadget, giving you a real freedom of movement since you can run in a different direction from your attack. The game features an impressive list of original gadgets: a Stun Club, Time Net, Slingshot, Skyflyer, Radar, Hula Hoop, R/C Car, and Water Net. As a nod to Zelda's control scheme, 4 of these gadgets can be assigned to any of the four (O, X, T, S) buttons for quick gadget switching.

Graphics:
Ape Escape does hold its own in the graphics department. Don't expect to see super smooth graphics, though. Polygon characters and environments get the job done and don't distract. Some areas may feel a little blocky but these times are rare and forgivable for the frame rates you'll get. In game cinema sequences move the story along, albeit in a rather predictable way at times. Be warned, though, the story/cinema sequences are where the game falls a little flat. The story is a little boring, and the voice acting, well, looks like it was meant to be as cheesey as it is. Too bad it didn't turn out to be that funny.

Sound:
Game sound effects are great, however. Convincing crashes, water effects, radar sounds, etc. As so-so as the voice acting may be, everything sounds terrific- check out the R/C Car or the Monkey Radar. Chimp sound effects are realistic and clue you in on what's going on. Get those monkeys into a panic and you'll hear it before you see it at times. Music is fitting and even a little catchy. No complaints here, but I had no problems turning up the stereo instead at times.

Challenge:
Ape Escape is actually a little on the easy side. Thankfully, the jumping challenges are kept to a minimum. Most of the challenge comes in the form of tracking down a monkey and using the right tool to catch it. The few bosses in the game provide a slight challenge, but are figured out quickly. Time Challenges for completed stages, and unlockable Bonus Stages give the die-hard fan even mor
e to do.

Overall:
Ape Escape is a great game. If you're looking for a fun, fast platformer, look no further.

Summary: