Ape Escape 2

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
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  1. GameNow
    100
    No, it's not revolutionary, but there's enough variety that it never feels monotonous or repetitive. [July 2003, p.54]
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  2. Gamezilla!
    93
    A solid platform game through and through. Simply put, Ape Escape 2 is worth going bananas over.
  3. TotalPlayStation
    91
    The 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.
  5. 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.
  6. GamePro
    90
    What makes Ape Escape 2 rule is that it simply feels like no other game, thanks to an intuitive analog control scheme in which pressing or rotating the right stick both aims and activates your various gadgets.
  7. Village Voice
    90
    Several diverting mini-activities unlock along the way, like a remarkably in-depth soccer game. These are only the largest unexpected bonuses in the game's cascading series of thrills, which rely on aesthetics as much as action.
  8. 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.
  9. Deeko
    90
    Though the game is uncannily similar to the first one, with very few changes having been made, it is an exceptional game and one Sony shouldn't have glossed over.
  10. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    90
    Basically more of the same, but with better graphics and some nifty new gadgets and vehicles. That's a good thing, by the way. [July 2003, p.92]
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  11. Gamer.tv
    89
    One of the most instantly likeable games you're apt to play this year, with bags of charm, but there's also real substance, as well as many, many bizarre extras to keep you coming back for more.
  12. TotalGames.net
    88
    The learning curve of Ape Escape 2 is damn near perfect... If you’re looking for top-flight platform entertainment then you really cannot go wrong with Ape Escape 2, it’s brilliant.
  13. GameSpy
    86
    A wonderful platformer with a fresh gameplay mechanic and a great sense of humor.
  14. Game Chronicles
    86
    There’s nothing too innovative here; just a great solid platform title with loads of content and fun.
  15. GameSpot
    84
    The game's relative ease is offset by the sheer number of weird unlockable items, and the end result is a platform game that is, above all, great fun.
  16. Armchair Empire
    83
    Despite being a somewhat easy game that’s visuals are slightly long in the tooth, Ape Escape 2 still proves to be a fun game.
  17. 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.
  18. G4 TV
    80
    It's a great platformer with a lot of the strong, fun play mechanics that are simply missing from a lot of the PlayStation 2's platformers these days. However, if you played the first game, Ape Escape 2 won't be a shining gem but just a fond reminder of the first time you played this series.
  19. Cheat Code Central
    80
    A great example of a successful collective consciousness. It just lends credence to the saying: If a group of programmers that are confined to a room are placed in front of computers, eventually they will create a great game.
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  20. PSM Magazine
    80
    A wonderfully controlling game, with vibrant (if a bit simplistic) graphics and great presentation. [Aug 2003, p.28]
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  21. Gamestyle
    80
    Ape Escape 2 just hooked me by being just plain fun while being different and original from today’s generic platform games. Oh and it has monkeys in it.
  22. GamingWorld X
    78
    A fun and addictive game.
  23. 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.
  24. Game Informer
    75
    It's cute as hell, fun as can be, but a few steps back on the evolutionary ladder. [July 2003, p.104]
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Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best PS2 Game of 2003
73
#73 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
12
#12 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 55
  3. Negative: 5 out of 55
  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!… Full Review »
  2. JakeW.
    Jul 24, 2006
    10
    A great game. Me and my mates spent hours on it!
  3. MartinAZ
    Apr 17, 2022
    9
    Martin A. - They're on the loose again.

    Ape Escape 2 is the successor to Ape Escape 1 in every way. The music is somehow better, the    Martin A. - They're on the loose again.

    Ape Escape 2 is the successor to Ape Escape 1 in every way. The music is somehow better, the graphics are polished and still hold up today. I slept on this title for years, and regretted it.

    What I hated. Jimmy replaces Spike from the 1st game and maybe that's because it's a different team but he would have made a good skin or would have been involved in the story somehow. Close to none of the original makers return for this sequel but I didn't notice at all.

    What I loved. The Ape Escape 2 team makes one heck of a game and you don't need to play the 1st to understand. The levels are bigger and styled after tourist attractions around the globe. The monkeys are more creative and this time there is a team of colors. The music is done by the Koji Hayama, which seamlessly sounds like the 1st game to my amazement.

    What a duel of voice actors, Ash and Misty from Pokemon are Jimmy and Natalie respectfully. This game also added one of my favorite mini games called "Monkey Soccer" which is impressively fun and addicting. The magic of the 1st game is alive and even more magical here.

    It's a perfect sequel, and if not, it's at least a good example of how to approach making a sequel. Thank you Ape Escape 2 team for everything. 9.5 out of 10.    … Full Review »
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