• Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Mar 22, 2005
Ape Escape: On the Loose Image
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 23 Ratings

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  • Summary: (Also known as "Ape Escape P" in the UK/EU) Ape Escape: On the Loose provides players the challenge of capturing more than 200 monkeys in eight vibrant worlds spanning across more than 20 levels in order to prevent them from changing history! When a trouble-making monkey named Specter gets(Also known as "Ape Escape P" in the UK/EU) Ape Escape: On the Loose provides players the challenge of capturing more than 200 monkeys in eight vibrant worlds spanning across more than 20 levels in order to prevent them from changing history! When a trouble-making monkey named Specter gets hold of the Professor's Peak Point Helmet, chaos ensues. The powerful device, which can increase a human's intelligence, has a disastrous effect on Specter, transforming him from a sweet, mischievous monkey to a power-hungry monster who has his heart set on ruling the world. The power of the helmet enabled Specter to break free from his cage while also allowing him to free hundreds of other monkeys at the zoo. Specter and the monkeys escape to a nearby laboratory where the Professor, who created the Peak Point Helmet, is working on his latest invention, a time machine. Taking control of the laboratory, Specter and the other monkeys use the time machine to escape into the past. The adventure begins when the player takes on the role of a brave young boy named Spike, a friend of the Professor. Spike's mission is to pursue Specter and the monkeys who have fled to the past in order to prevent them from changing history and taking over the world. [SCEA] Expand
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 35
  2. Negative: 2 out of 35
  1. Pick it up for the kids, but don’t be surprised if you end up playing it yourself (paranoia or not).
  2. Play Magazine
    75
    Of all the launch titles, while it may be the most basic visually, I find Ape Escape the most entertaining. Once a great game, always a great game. [May 2005, p.68]
  3. The finely tuned control that made the first game such a hit seems to have been lost in translation, but the game still has considerable charm.
  4. 70
    The game is long enough to keep most fans pleased, with the small multiplayer mode adding some additional lifespan if you have a friend who also owns a copy of the game.
  5. Knowing that this would otherwise be a great portable platforming, its sad to see Ape Escape: On the Loose plagued by poor camera and controls and suffer in quality as a result. The charm and enjoyment is all here if you can tolerate the pesky technical difficulties.
  6. Though it’s regrettable that Sony opted for a retrofit rather than a rebirth, and while series stalwarts might initially balk at controls that fit awkwardly, given a chance the cat-and-mouse charm shines through, and make On The Loose a fine first stab at a new wave of portable platforming. [May 2005, p.93]
  7. 40
    According to Sony, stripping a game of it's most distinguished component is a sure way to achieve success.

See all 35 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. MattW.
    Apr 22, 2005
    10
    Had the game for the playstation and it was awesome but the PSP has slightly changed the controls and was definitely for the better..Id say Had the game for the playstation and it was awesome but the PSP has slightly changed the controls and was definitely for the better..Id say if you liked it for PS1 or just like adventure games this a challenging must have game for your collection. Expand
  2. RonW.
    Mar 28, 2005
    10
    This is awesome. I just got it and I love it! Some idoits may tell you it is just the same as the first, but being a die-hard Ape Escape fan This is awesome. I just got it and I love it! Some idoits may tell you it is just the same as the first, but being a die-hard Ape Escape fan I know its different. They added a whole new level, redid other levels, updated the audio and visual, added new minigames (duh), changed monkey descriptions, and replaced most Specter Coins. All Ape escape fans MUST buy this game! Expand
  3. Jun 5, 2013
    9
    Near perfect remake of the original hit on the PS1 Ape Escape. Only thing that would have made it better is if it was remade for the PS2 orNear perfect remake of the original hit on the PS1 Ape Escape. Only thing that would have made it better is if it was remade for the PS2 or PS3, and if they kept the same control scheme. Expand
  4. PatrickF.
    Jul 11, 2005
    7
    The PSX version i must say was more fun. I thought it was a new storyline but it isnt. The inverted slingshot controls etc drive me nuts as The PSX version i must say was more fun. I thought it was a new storyline but it isnt. The inverted slingshot controls etc drive me nuts as well as the terrible camera control. Catching and walking is fine in my mind. Expand
  5. Apr 11, 2020
    7
    A pretty fun game for a kid running around and goofing off with monkeys. Its ok.
  6. ZoeM.
    Dec 30, 2007
    6
    I think that this game is fun and can get addicting although the the camera and bad controlling makes the gae less enjoyable and annoying. I think that this game is fun and can get addicting although the the camera and bad controlling makes the gae less enjoyable and annoying. The graphics are average and the sound really fits into the game but you find you put it on mute after a while as it gets annoying. Expand
  7. BlakeT.
    Apr 3, 2005
    4
    I never played the platform version, but if it is anything like the PSP version, it is a waste of money. The game might be ok if the controls I never played the platform version, but if it is anything like the PSP version, it is a waste of money. The game might be ok if the controls were not so terrible. The analog stick control is awful. Plus, I spend more time repositioning the camera than actually playing the stupid game. The music is boring and never changes. Wait for this one to hit the bargain bin -which should be pretty soon. Expand

See all 12 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

49
36
#36 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2005
13
#13 Most Shared PSP Game of 2005