Ape Escape 2
We're not monkeying around when we say this is one of the most addicting and unique games on the PS2. Now find out why.
Published: July 18, 2003
To say the least, Ape Escape on the PSone was a hidden gem that truly had an impact on the console by taking a new concept on the controls of the game, as well as for being a fine platformer. As you may or may not know, Ape Escape pulled this off by becoming the first PlayStation game to make full use of the Dual Shock analog controller. Unique? Yes. Innovative? You bet. But the real question is, could the same revolutionary accomplishment be repeated as well as enhanced? That's where Ape Escape 2 comes into play, the follow-up sequel that, thanks to Ubi Soft, has made its way to the U.S. And after getting our grimy hands on the game, it's safe to say that Ape Escape 2 surpassed all expectations. Sure, it may be more of the same, but the game adds so much new flavor, but keeps intact the unexplainable joy of running around and catching monkeys - 300 monkeys, to be more specific. Yes, it's that fun.
But what makes Ape Escape 2 different from all of the other solid platformers out there (aside from its predecessor)? Monkeys, yes, monkeys. The game's entire storyline and motive revolves around these primates, which makes it both unique and very comical to go with the flow of the story. It's like this: the Professor has gone on vacation and has left little spunky Jimmy (cousin of the AE1's hero, Spike) in charge of sending boxes full of Monkey Pants over to the monkeys at Monkey Park via a transportation device. While he does what he is told, Jimmy makes the mistake of including a batch of Monkey Helmets in the shipment, and that's where the trouble begins. Once all of these monkeys put on the helmets, they all become under the command of the leading monkey villain Specter (also AE1's antagonist) and obey his orders to try to take over the world. Yep, so now it is your job as Jimmy to save the world from being ruled by...monkeys.
At its core, Ape Escape 2 is a platformer in almost every way. Think about it - you're on a mission to capture (or "collect", so to say) a plethora of monkeys, and in addition, have the option of collecting gold coins, which you can use on the Gotcha Box in order to collect various items, from mini-games to monkey fables. And if you're like me, the need to catch every last monkey and every single Gotcha Box item is a joy in itself. The beauty of it is, though, is that there is so much more to the overall experience. The game's task may seem basic - run around and catch a bunch of rambunctious monkeys using a net - but it is a task that requires a good amount of strategy. These monkeys aren't as dumb as you think - you'll come across primates totting Uzis, wearing boxing gloves and throwing punches, and even launching missiles out of a backpack. And as you can see, charging at these apes with solely a net will get you nowhere.
This is where the game's inventory system plays out. Think of it as an RPG in a way or similar to the weapons system used in Ratchet & Clank (similar, although the Ape Escape series came first). See, as you progress in your adventure, you'll be constantly granted new Gotcha Gadgets to use, created by the Professor himself. These gadgets vary from a Stun Club (one of the two gadgets you begin the game with - the other's the Monkey Net) for, well, stunning monkeys and enemies, to a slingshot for shooting at things out of your range, to even an RC Car for getting to those hard-to-reach places. If you remember, many of these gadgets were also available in the first Ape Escape, yet Sony Computer Entertainment threw in a few more toys for this time around. One is the Bananarang (which I found quite useful), which you can sling like a boomerang, and while it's great for nailing enemies at a distance, it also gives off a banana scent in order to attract hungry monkeys. Another, the Water Cannon, is perfect for putting out fires, as well as hosing down fiery enemies. Others include an Electro Magnet for pulling and clinging onto metal objects, and a final secret gadget which I won't reveal, but let's just say it packs a punch. While all of these gadgets may seem there for optional use, the game wisely makes it so that each Gotcha Gadget is necessary in order to advance through a certain level or to catch a certain monkey.
Another aspect, which I found truly innovative, is that with the Gotcha Gadgets, the ways to capture the monkeys are as freeform as you can get. For example, if you're attempting to snag a monkey who's armed with a weapon, running right at it and trying to bonk it with the Stun Club may cost you some health (or cookies, as the game uses for its health system). On the other hand, stand from a distance and launch the Bananarang towards the hungry monkey (which it must be, in order for the device to work) and this primate will be wooed to the fruity scent, rendering it defenseless and allowing you to run in and capture it. And the possibilities are endless - in a way, it's like the developers are saying, "Here are the Gotcha Gadgets. They'll be required once in a while, but otherwise, use them as you please." And with open-ended fun like that, who can complain?
While your hunt for the cheeky monkeys of Ape Escape 2 is where most of the game's fun is to be had, the mini-games and boss battles also deliver an enjoyable experience. Unlike in its predecessor, AE2 features an elite team of evil monkeys under Specter known as the Freaky Monkey Five, who were given their superpowers by eating supercharged Vita-Z bananas. After every three or four stages or so, you'll have to square off against one of these minions, defeating each one throughout your adventure until you face Specter himself. Personally, I think the numerous boss battles add a nice twist to the monkey-catching action, and act as a nice alternative to the game's "collect this and that" basis.
Another new addition to Ape Escape 2 that was well worth it is the mini-games. You'll be able to collect a total of three of them from the Gotcha Box, and every time you reach a certain point in the adventure, another becomes unlocked. One of the mini-games, Dance Monkey Dance, is a cute version of Dance Dance Revolution, where you'll have to test your reflexes by pulling off a number of directional commands using the analog sticks to go along with the beat of the song playing in the background. Another, Monkey Soccer, a surprisingly deep and addicting soccer game, is one that could keep you side tracked from the game's main adventure for hours at a time. The last, which I didn't find myself too involved in due to its extreme difficulty, is a rope climbing mini-game known as Monkey Climber. Those looking for a real challenge may find some excitement in this mini-game, though most will likely shunned away by its ungodly difficulty.
With so much goodness packed into this game, Ape Escape 2 must have a few key flaws to it, right? Well, honestly, no. AE2 does a marvelous job of introducing you into the game with its step-by-step instructions for the Gotcha Gadgets, as well as through game tips via the message phones scattered throughout some levels. If I had to gripe about one minor aspect of the game, it would be the fact that AE2 does feel a bit too easy in some certain areas. You may find yourself defeating certain bosses without having to try twice or venturing through a few stages without difficulty, but rest assure, the game WILL challenge you when you need it, a platforming-must that AE2 pulled off perfectly.
By using the same control scheme as its predecessor, whereby full use of the Dual Shock analog controller is used, the controls of Ape Escape 2 feel right at home. The game allows you to control all movement using the two analog sticks, and you're able to assign gadgets to the X, Circle, Square and Triangle buttons, making it extremely easy and comfortable to switch from one gadget to the next in a flash. The D-Pad, as well as the L1 and L2 buttons are fully dedicated to camera control, allowing you to zoom in and out, re-center the camera, and even use a first-person mode with ease. Both of the R shoulder buttons are for jumping and double jumping, and they remain very responsive and comfortable to use.
While AE2's remarkable control scheme may seem worthy of a perfect 10, I do feel that some of the game's gadget and vehicle controls were a bit flimsy. The Gotcha Gadget I had the most trouble with was the Bananarang, mainly because the game forces you to aim, launch, and set off the Bananarang's banana-scented gas with solely one analog stick. Since the Bananarang is new to the Ape Escape series, though, I'm quite certain that Sony Computer Entertainment will deliver more responsive controls for this gadget for the series' next installment (let us keep our fingers crossed). Almost all of the other Gotcha Gadgets felt comfortable to use, but with a few of the game's vehicles, mainly the Tank and Snowmobile, I had a difficult time getting comfortable with their control scheme. They could have felt a bit more responsive, and with the Tank in particular, I just wasn't able to fluently control the thing how I'd wished. Minor gripes aside, though, the classic Ape Escape control scheme reinvents itself almost flawlessly in AE2, taking full advantage of the Dual Shock controller and enabling you to nab every last monkey with ease.
When it comes to the sound and graphics of Ape Escape 2, they both fall under an overall description: simple, but satisfying. You won't be seeing any amazingly realistic visuals here, but the cartoony style of AE2 is very appropriate and eye-appealing. And kudos to the developers for making hands-down the funniest looking monkeys on the planet - seeing these monkeys dance and prance around and even "Do the Monkey" (dance) is a treat that'll keep your smiling throughout the whole game.
Concerning the game's voiceovers and soundtrack, there's nothing really fantastic enough to call home about. The character voices are well done and sound like something you might hear on an episode of Pokemon (or a similar Japanese cartoon translated to English). In addition, the musical tracks seem fairly basic, yet entertaining, each song setting the perfect mood for each and every stage you'll play through. And what can be said about the pop song, "Escape the Ape That's In You", sung by Pink Monkey of the Freaky Monkey Five? A very funny spin-off of the pop music floating around these days, indeed.
In a nutshell, Ape Escape 2 is freshest thing to hit the market since bananas. The wildly addicting gameplay and monkey-catching offer hours and hours of enjoyment, and completing 100% of the game is a rewarding task that can easily offer 20+ hours of gameplay time. The control scheme is right on-target, making the monkey nabbing as accessible as it should be. Each of the monkeys is perfectly and hilariously portrayed thanks to the game's solid graphics, while the voice acting and music accompany the adventure beautifully. If you have the slightest interest in the action/adventure genre, or just plain love monkeys, then this game is a must have for your collection, period. And that's no monkey fable.
But what makes Ape Escape 2 different from all of the other solid platformers out there (aside from its predecessor)? Monkeys, yes, monkeys. The game's entire storyline and motive revolves around these primates, which makes it both unique and very comical to go with the flow of the story. It's like this: the Professor has gone on vacation and has left little spunky Jimmy (cousin of the AE1's hero, Spike) in charge of sending boxes full of Monkey Pants over to the monkeys at Monkey Park via a transportation device. While he does what he is told, Jimmy makes the mistake of including a batch of Monkey Helmets in the shipment, and that's where the trouble begins. Once all of these monkeys put on the helmets, they all become under the command of the leading monkey villain Specter (also AE1's antagonist) and obey his orders to try to take over the world. Yep, so now it is your job as Jimmy to save the world from being ruled by...monkeys.
At its core, Ape Escape 2 is a platformer in almost every way. Think about it - you're on a mission to capture (or "collect", so to say) a plethora of monkeys, and in addition, have the option of collecting gold coins, which you can use on the Gotcha Box in order to collect various items, from mini-games to monkey fables. And if you're like me, the need to catch every last monkey and every single Gotcha Box item is a joy in itself. The beauty of it is, though, is that there is so much more to the overall experience. The game's task may seem basic - run around and catch a bunch of rambunctious monkeys using a net - but it is a task that requires a good amount of strategy. These monkeys aren't as dumb as you think - you'll come across primates totting Uzis, wearing boxing gloves and throwing punches, and even launching missiles out of a backpack. And as you can see, charging at these apes with solely a net will get you nowhere.
This is where the game's inventory system plays out. Think of it as an RPG in a way or similar to the weapons system used in Ratchet & Clank (similar, although the Ape Escape series came first). See, as you progress in your adventure, you'll be constantly granted new Gotcha Gadgets to use, created by the Professor himself. These gadgets vary from a Stun Club (one of the two gadgets you begin the game with - the other's the Monkey Net) for, well, stunning monkeys and enemies, to a slingshot for shooting at things out of your range, to even an RC Car for getting to those hard-to-reach places. If you remember, many of these gadgets were also available in the first Ape Escape, yet Sony Computer Entertainment threw in a few more toys for this time around. One is the Bananarang (which I found quite useful), which you can sling like a boomerang, and while it's great for nailing enemies at a distance, it also gives off a banana scent in order to attract hungry monkeys. Another, the Water Cannon, is perfect for putting out fires, as well as hosing down fiery enemies. Others include an Electro Magnet for pulling and clinging onto metal objects, and a final secret gadget which I won't reveal, but let's just say it packs a punch. While all of these gadgets may seem there for optional use, the game wisely makes it so that each Gotcha Gadget is necessary in order to advance through a certain level or to catch a certain monkey.
Another aspect, which I found truly innovative, is that with the Gotcha Gadgets, the ways to capture the monkeys are as freeform as you can get. For example, if you're attempting to snag a monkey who's armed with a weapon, running right at it and trying to bonk it with the Stun Club may cost you some health (or cookies, as the game uses for its health system). On the other hand, stand from a distance and launch the Bananarang towards the hungry monkey (which it must be, in order for the device to work) and this primate will be wooed to the fruity scent, rendering it defenseless and allowing you to run in and capture it. And the possibilities are endless - in a way, it's like the developers are saying, "Here are the Gotcha Gadgets. They'll be required once in a while, but otherwise, use them as you please." And with open-ended fun like that, who can complain?
While your hunt for the cheeky monkeys of Ape Escape 2 is where most of the game's fun is to be had, the mini-games and boss battles also deliver an enjoyable experience. Unlike in its predecessor, AE2 features an elite team of evil monkeys under Specter known as the Freaky Monkey Five, who were given their superpowers by eating supercharged Vita-Z bananas. After every three or four stages or so, you'll have to square off against one of these minions, defeating each one throughout your adventure until you face Specter himself. Personally, I think the numerous boss battles add a nice twist to the monkey-catching action, and act as a nice alternative to the game's "collect this and that" basis.
Another new addition to Ape Escape 2 that was well worth it is the mini-games. You'll be able to collect a total of three of them from the Gotcha Box, and every time you reach a certain point in the adventure, another becomes unlocked. One of the mini-games, Dance Monkey Dance, is a cute version of Dance Dance Revolution, where you'll have to test your reflexes by pulling off a number of directional commands using the analog sticks to go along with the beat of the song playing in the background. Another, Monkey Soccer, a surprisingly deep and addicting soccer game, is one that could keep you side tracked from the game's main adventure for hours at a time. The last, which I didn't find myself too involved in due to its extreme difficulty, is a rope climbing mini-game known as Monkey Climber. Those looking for a real challenge may find some excitement in this mini-game, though most will likely shunned away by its ungodly difficulty.
With so much goodness packed into this game, Ape Escape 2 must have a few key flaws to it, right? Well, honestly, no. AE2 does a marvelous job of introducing you into the game with its step-by-step instructions for the Gotcha Gadgets, as well as through game tips via the message phones scattered throughout some levels. If I had to gripe about one minor aspect of the game, it would be the fact that AE2 does feel a bit too easy in some certain areas. You may find yourself defeating certain bosses without having to try twice or venturing through a few stages without difficulty, but rest assure, the game WILL challenge you when you need it, a platforming-must that AE2 pulled off perfectly.
By using the same control scheme as its predecessor, whereby full use of the Dual Shock analog controller is used, the controls of Ape Escape 2 feel right at home. The game allows you to control all movement using the two analog sticks, and you're able to assign gadgets to the X, Circle, Square and Triangle buttons, making it extremely easy and comfortable to switch from one gadget to the next in a flash. The D-Pad, as well as the L1 and L2 buttons are fully dedicated to camera control, allowing you to zoom in and out, re-center the camera, and even use a first-person mode with ease. Both of the R shoulder buttons are for jumping and double jumping, and they remain very responsive and comfortable to use.
While AE2's remarkable control scheme may seem worthy of a perfect 10, I do feel that some of the game's gadget and vehicle controls were a bit flimsy. The Gotcha Gadget I had the most trouble with was the Bananarang, mainly because the game forces you to aim, launch, and set off the Bananarang's banana-scented gas with solely one analog stick. Since the Bananarang is new to the Ape Escape series, though, I'm quite certain that Sony Computer Entertainment will deliver more responsive controls for this gadget for the series' next installment (let us keep our fingers crossed). Almost all of the other Gotcha Gadgets felt comfortable to use, but with a few of the game's vehicles, mainly the Tank and Snowmobile, I had a difficult time getting comfortable with their control scheme. They could have felt a bit more responsive, and with the Tank in particular, I just wasn't able to fluently control the thing how I'd wished. Minor gripes aside, though, the classic Ape Escape control scheme reinvents itself almost flawlessly in AE2, taking full advantage of the Dual Shock controller and enabling you to nab every last monkey with ease.
When it comes to the sound and graphics of Ape Escape 2, they both fall under an overall description: simple, but satisfying. You won't be seeing any amazingly realistic visuals here, but the cartoony style of AE2 is very appropriate and eye-appealing. And kudos to the developers for making hands-down the funniest looking monkeys on the planet - seeing these monkeys dance and prance around and even "Do the Monkey" (dance) is a treat that'll keep your smiling throughout the whole game.
Concerning the game's voiceovers and soundtrack, there's nothing really fantastic enough to call home about. The character voices are well done and sound like something you might hear on an episode of Pokemon (or a similar Japanese cartoon translated to English). In addition, the musical tracks seem fairly basic, yet entertaining, each song setting the perfect mood for each and every stage you'll play through. And what can be said about the pop song, "Escape the Ape That's In You", sung by Pink Monkey of the Freaky Monkey Five? A very funny spin-off of the pop music floating around these days, indeed.
In a nutshell, Ape Escape 2 is freshest thing to hit the market since bananas. The wildly addicting gameplay and monkey-catching offer hours and hours of enjoyment, and completing 100% of the game is a rewarding task that can easily offer 20+ hours of gameplay time. The control scheme is right on-target, making the monkey nabbing as accessible as it should be. Each of the monkeys is perfectly and hilariously portrayed thanks to the game's solid graphics, while the voice acting and music accompany the adventure beautifully. If you have the slightest interest in the action/adventure genre, or just plain love monkeys, then this game is a must have for your collection, period. And that's no monkey fable.
