Ape Escape

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: May 31, 1999
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Hot Games
    100
    This is one of those games that just screams out fun whenever you play, even though technically apes aren't the same as monkeys. An absolutely essential part of any platform fan's collection.
  2. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    100
    This awesome platformer makes use of the Dual Shock in creative ways. [Mar 02, p.34]
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  3. IGN
    95
    The best 3D platform game on the PlayStation. Hands down. It's not only innovative, it digs deep into the analog control's inherent movements and brings out a breadth of fantastic gameplay elements that are unique to the game.
  5. Electric Playground
    95
    Employs the most effective and rewarding controls ever developed for a platform-action game... An instant classic.
  6. Cheat Code Central Platinum
    95
    The genius is in the innovative gameplay and Ape Escape overflows with it.
  7. TotalGames.net
    94
    Tremendous fun... Gameplay is rarely this pure. Get monkey spanking!
  8. Happy Puppy
    90
    Quite basically, this game rocks... Plus it lives up to the peak level of story, animation, and performance that is expected from an adventure game these days, so it isn't just sitting back on its new control's gimmick value.
  9. PSX Nation
    90
    A refreshing twist on one of the oldest genres.
  10. Games Domain
    90
    The level structure and overall design is top notch, resulting in a game which is fun and which instils the player with a feeling of progression.
  11. All Game Guide
    90
    One of the most enjoyable 3D platform games to swing onto the PlayStation in quite some time. It's also one of the most innovative.
  12. GameSpot
    88
    One of the best 3D platformers to date, brimming with innovation, originality and fun.
  13. Absolute Playstation
    88
    The wealth of control and freedom of movement will make gamers wonder what took so long to implement something of this nature.
  14. Gamezilla!
    86
    Getting used to the controls can be a bit challenging at first, but you will soon be rowing the raft and netting monkeys with ease.
  15. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    85
    The amazing 3D actin game that made capturing monkeys popular again. [Jan 2004, p.188]
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  16. Game Revolution
    83
    The right stick control feels truly intuitive and you'll wonder why you haven't used it more often.
  17. Gaming Age
    83
    If there was some more powerful hardware behind it, some more tweaking done to the control, and a little more variety in the gameplay (capturing monkeys for over 30 something levels can get tedious) it would have made this a definite A game.
  18. Gaming Maxx
    80
    If you're starved for a platformer you'll find plenty to do here, but personally, I'm content to let the apes run free. For now.
  19. Total Video Games
    80
    It's not that great to look at, but you will be gripped for a long time, this has to be the best platformer on the PlayStation to date.
  20. GameCritics
    75
    Ape Escape borrows too heavily from games on other systems and doesn't deliver enough to help it stand out beyond the Mario clones flooding the market.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PS1 Game of 1999
12
#12 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1999
12
#12 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1999

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 107 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 107
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 107
  3. Negative: 5 out of 107
  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. JohnD.
    Nov 17, 2007
    10
    A perfect game experience! Controls are awesome, Sound track is awesome, The game looks awesome! The best PlayStation game ever!!
  3. WilliamW.
    Dec 19, 2003
    10
    This game rocks! The plot is cool. the graphics are good. You get awsome gadgets. And some monkeys have guns like how cool. It's the This game rocks! The plot is cool. the graphics are good. You get awsome gadgets. And some monkeys have guns like how cool. It's the best. I almost beat the game until my brother erased my game. But no hard fellings. … Full Review »
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