Ape Escape 2

 PlayStation 2
Ape Escape 2 Image
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: Ape Escape 2 is all about no-holds barred expansive gaming - with 20 stages to navigate and 8 boss fight stages as well as second and third playthrough, this game will keep you playing well into the wee small hours! With so many monkeys gone mad, heavy artillery is Hikaru's only chance ofApe Escape 2 is all about no-holds barred expansive gaming - with 20 stages to navigate and 8 boss fight stages as well as second and third playthrough, this game will keep you playing well into the wee small hours! With so many monkeys gone mad, heavy artillery is Hikaru's only chance of saving the planet. As such you get to try out a feast of gadgetry - 12 items in total - to try and catch the ape anarchists. Think weird and wacky - The Banana Boomerang and the Radio Controlled Car are just a few of the Professor's spectacular creations! [Sony]… Expand
Buy On

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. GameNow
    100
    No, it's not revolutionary, but there's enough variety that it never feels monotonous or repetitive. [July 2003, p.54]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Total Video Games
    90
    The game can be used a classic example of great game design, everything from the levels to the control set-up to the actual game structure is as near to perfection as we could have hoped for.
  3. IGN
    90
    More than anything, the inescapable level of addiction in COLLECTING monkeys is the overriding reason to not just rent, but to buy and cherish this game.
  4. PSM Magazine
    80
    A wonderfully controlling game, with vibrant (if a bit simplistic) graphics and great presentation. [Aug 2003, p.28]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. eToychest
    80
    100% completion can be had in a few days play, and after that I am afraid the game will be yet another dust magnet on the shelf. In that time, however, players can experience a truly well made, and magical game.
  6. Into Liquid Sky
    75
    It's a shame that Ape Escape 2 is so easy and that there are so few new gadgets as the game is quite fun. With some more decent minigames (in place of the mundane Monkey Fables) and a little more challenge, I would recommend this to anyone.
  7. Eurogamer
    60
    Sony has at least attempted to approach the genre from a quirky and strategic angle, but our lasting impression of the game is one that mostly entertains, but rarely inspires.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. ccrogers15
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    WHERE IS NUMBER 4??? This game series is loved, sells good and such. But this is so far the last made. What is sony thinking? They made thisWHERE IS NUMBER 4??? This game series is loved, sells good and such. But this is so far the last made. What is sony thinking? They made this year ape escape move which is a horrible game. Where is number 4??? i would buy it in a heart beat!… Expand
  2. Whatsupbetches
    Jan 4, 2017
    10
    Ape escape 2 is the first and foremost reason why I am the person who I am today. I used to be like Arlo and get nervous whenever I saw aApe escape 2 is the first and foremost reason why I am the person who I am today. I used to be like Arlo and get nervous whenever I saw a rabbit hopping across my room but as I inserted the DVD into my ps2 I felt a rush of testosterone gush through my veins. I couldn't imagine how in depth this game actually was until I hit the start button, there's more apes in this game than there are Xbox ones even sold, and the fluid controls made the experience all the most better. Buy this game or I'll buy it for you.… Expand
  4. MarkS.
    Jun 27, 2003
    10
    Way better than the first, which was an awesome game itself. Not much different, yet it still has appeal. Go out and buy it now!
  5. PlayedonSwitch
    Jun 6, 2019
    10
    Let's play monkey soccer! It's the best minigame I've ever played, I wish the monkeys had better variety and the goalie is the worst but I hadLet's play monkey soccer! It's the best minigame I've ever played, I wish the monkeys had better variety and the goalie is the worst but I had so much fun playing either with my brother or in the single player that it didn't matter, I still play to this day (2019) Also the main game of catching monkeys is fun too I guess… Expand
  6. NickV.
    Jul 11, 2003
    9
    Good game some pretty creative characters and gadgets and it is good to see a game that does not sell out to all the systems and stays only Good game some pretty creative characters and gadgets and it is good to see a game that does not sell out to all the systems and stays only on the Ps2 like GTA.… Expand
  7. gamerplusxx0313
    Apr 8, 2017
    9
    Ape Escape 2 follows the footsteps of it's predecessor on PS1. The story is very short and simple, and it feels like a last minute edition toApe Escape 2 follows the footsteps of it's predecessor on PS1. The story is very short and simple, and it feels like a last minute edition to the game. This may not be a bad thing for some people, seeing as how it is a 3D platformer. The presentation of the story is told through voice-acted cutscenes that vary depending on region. The presentation of the game is much higher quality than it's PS1 counterpart. Even though it might be due to the higher quality texture rendering of the PS2, it's very visually appealing. This time, it sports a more cartoon-ish art style, which adds to the more child-like representation of the characters and enemies. The soundtrack has seen a change from the first game. This time, instead of having a heavy emphasis on bass and jungle-like sounds, this soundtrack varies per location and always sounds upbeat. While some people might see that as a downgrade from the unique music of the first game, it never disappoints and not one song sounds "out of place". The gameplay takes the main character, Jimmy (or Hikaru) to many diverse locations to capture monkeys spread throughout the worlds. Capturing monkeys is done with the use of Gadgets, which are items obtained as the game is played. Items such as the Stun Club, Time Net, or the Monkey Radar return from Ape Escape on Playstation One. However, items like the Bananarang, the Water Cannon, and the Electro Magnet are all brand new. Using each gadget, across the variety of levels will make the game have a change in depth that isn't traditionally found in a 3D platformer. The monkey radar allows the player to see individual statistics of each monkey, allowing for fun and challenging puzzles. Ape Escape 2 doesn't evolve the series... at all. Unfortunately, most of the things just stated can be done in the first game; therefore anyone who plays the first game, then immediately moves on to the second one, may be a bit disappointed in the results. All in all, Ape Escape 2 is worthy of a purchase, but it is also notable of some issues, like a funky control style, reuse of the same aspects, and a very "1990s" camera system. It might seem old, but it is very fun in an age where 3D platformers are more an more difficult to come by.… Expand
  8. BillyC.
    Nov 27, 2003
    1
    This game sucks who would play a game that has a lot of monkeys in it and one monkey is evil. the graphics suck the fiction is way to high theThis game sucks who would play a game that has a lot of monkeys in it and one monkey is evil. the graphics suck the fiction is way to high the game is only for little children like toddlers.… Expand

See all 18 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best PS2 Game of 2003
72
#72 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
12
#12 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003