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"The Jet Gamer" Game Review: Ape Escape On The Loose
9 years ago
“The Jet Gamer” Game Review:
More monkeys, who knew I would do two games related to them in a row? XD
Ape Escape: On the Loose
I’ve wanted to have a physical copy of the original ape escape for a while, since I own the second and third in the series. Well, this isn’t the original on PS1, but this is pretty close. This is the re-release for the PSP. This is how people can once again, see how all the stuff with Ape Escape started. Does this PSP version of the game good, is it about the same, or is something lost in the transition to the PSP? Let’s find out.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Escape is pretty much, you go from level to level, chasing the monkeys that are loose in each and every level and try and capture enough of them to end the level to go to the next one. Each level has a set amount of monkeys out of the total number that is needed to capture in order to proceed. You do this by using the various gadgets you are given throughout the game to gain access or catch the various monkeys that are throughout the levels. These gadgets include items such as the simple net that is used for capturing the monkeys and sending them away, to things like the sword to stun monkeys, the hoola hoop which is used to run fast, and the rc car for getting into tight spaces. There are eight gadgets and you will need all eight of them to get all the monkeys. Mastering them can be tricky, but each has its uses, some more handy than others. This is pretty much what you do throughout the game. There isn’t much variation on this. Not that it is a bad thing of course, but I do think some variation would have been nice. The levels are at least offering some location variety, since the gameplay is exactly the same in each one of them. Some of the other things you can do in the game is find all the big coins in the levels which does unlock some mini games as you play. These are as they sound, just small mini games, but you can play these with friends and over Wi-Fi if it is still available. That is at least something to change things up, like with some boxing or snowboarding. As much as it may sound like there should be a lot more in this section to say, there really isn’t. That’s the thing with this game. The game is simple and the same throughout. It has some decent gameplay, but there is just a real lack of variety. I wish there were more boss enemies, for example, since while there are some in the game, having a harder time getting some of the monkeys might have been nice. It really is all about, most of the time, just finding where the monkeys are hiding, which is easy thanks to the radar gadget, and then netting them when you get close enough or stun them to catch them. So honestly, as long as you don’t mind doing the same thing over and over again, you might enjoy this, but just be warned for others, the gameplay, while fun the first time, is very samey at times.
Story
The story of Ape Escape is that a monkey named Specter has gotten a hold of a helmet, that when he puts it on, it gives him super intelligence and mind powers. He uses this power to give helmets to other monkeys, and they proceed to try and take over the world. They do this partly, by going into the past, thanks to the professor’s time device. It is up to Spike, the main character, to use the professor’s gadgets to capture these monkeys and to stop Specter from taking over. That’s the main set of the story. I will give this game series one thing. That is definitely a unique premise when it comes to a game story. A bunch of monkeys are going to take over due to super intelligent one? Alright, yeah that sort of sounds like something out of planet of the apes, but believe me, it is a welcome change to so many of the other game stories you hear out there. Throughout the game, you as Spike are looking to track down Specter, catch him, and to stop the monkeys from taking over the world. At the same time, Spike’s best friend Jake is under Specter’s control and trying to stop you as well. You have some story that pops up during the game, but for the most part, the story is go here and do this, or it is Specter taunting you or the professor and staff. You do care about them a little bit, but they could have added more story to this game. I know this is just a re-release pretty much of the original Ape escape, but I would have thought they could have added onto the game a little bit. The story isn’t bad, just short and sort of lacking in places.
Graphics
Well, the graphics are okay, but nothing spectacular here. This is a PS1 game being re-released on a handheld after all. You sort of have to judge it as so. When you look at it that way, this game isn’t that bad, but nothing impressive when it comes to graphics. There are definitely places that this game could improve on the looks as you can easily tell his is an early PS1 game with how some of the game is quite pixilated at times and there are some clipping issues. But everything in the game does look the part, and you have no trouble telling where you are and what things are supposed to be. Most of the graphical issues are not distracting, and honestly are just minor things. I can’t hit this game too much, because it does at least look like a good game, and does represent things well. I do think it could have been cleaned up a bit more though. If the clipping issues, and the slightly early 3D look could have been cleaned a tad, then I do think this game could have shined a lot more.
Sound
Once again, really, I can’t say much bad here about the game’s music and sound effects as they are good and just slightly above average. The music isn’t bad by any means, but honestly in my opinion, I don’t see the music as that memorable. It does its job and does represent the levels you are in while playing the game, but that is about it. I don’t see you wanting to hum too many of the tunes in this game. There might be one here or there, but for the most part, the music is a bit on the forgettable side. It isn’t bad, just forgettable. Though there are a few sound effects that can be a bit annoying in the game too. Just be careful when certain things are broken or exploding as that sound isn’t too pleasant. Luckily, that sound is very few and not heard that often. So really, the sound again is alright, just nothing great overall really.
Control
Alright, this is where the game sort of goes downhill a bit. This game was originally built around the dual shock concept when it was released. You are down to just one C stick now. I do think that sort of effected things a little bit in this game. That and the camera is now always your friend as well. At times, it really can be quite tricky to control your character precisely. That is going to be your biggest problem really, precision. There are several times you need to walk or jump on narrow areas, and with these controls, you are likely going over most of the time. There were a few spots where I did get a bit mad because trying to jump is a bit finicky and getting to go where you want exactly with the tricky camera angles, you will have a tough time. With no dual shock, you can’t control the camera as easily as I remember, and those odd angles are what makes some of the platforming a bit frustrating at times. Most of the rest of the controls for the gadgets are okay, but really, what is the point of alright gadget controls, when you are having trouble landing on platforms or turning the camera to see what you are trying to aim at. You have to constantly center the camera behind you with the trigger buttons on the PSP, and that will get old fast instead of it doing it for you all the time or being able to use a C stick to control the 3D camera for you. When you get used to the controls, the normal straightforward levels aren’t that bad. It is the more platform heavy levels that will make you little nuts at times. Once again though, thanks to the lack of variety at times, this isn’t as big of a problem if it could be if there was a lot more platforming in this game. It is there, but thankfully, the hovering gadget is there, which is sort of a saving grace in a way. Still, controls are tricky to explain, but believe me, it is a little frustrating when you are trying to do a platformer and the camera and the controls aren’t always cooperating.
Replay Value
Again, as I mentioned above, this game has an issue with sameness. Obviously, this is going to affect the replay value of this game. When the game is a bit samey, then you aren’t going to want to play it all the time or come back to it very soon after beating it. Throughout the game, you are doing the same thing over and over, and honestly, once you have done it all, unless you really liked the gameplay, I don’t see you wanting to continue even more. Plus, all you are doing in the game is catching monkeys and collecting the monkey coins. The monkey coins only unlock mini games, and very few of them. On top of that, they are quite short. There is a time attack mode to see how fast you can clear stages and catch the monkeys, so there is that. That is something extra, but really, that is about all there is. Once you beat the game, that’s it. Plus, you have to catch all the monkey’s to even get the ending of the game. So really, if you beat the game, you are pretty much done. Yeah, so much for after game gameplay there, but you did have to spend awhile catching all those stray monkeys to get the ending though. There is that. Really though, as mentioned a couple of times, this game just really suffers in the sameness category. It isn’t bad really, as I didn’t mind this gameplay, but it is just all the same.
Overall, I would say Ape Escape on the PSP is an alright game, and honestly, if you enjoyed any of the other Ape Escape games or platformers, then you are going to enjoy this game. Really though, this game does suffer from some tricky controls to get used to and a tricky camera. There is the issue of sameness and lack of replace value once you beat the game. When you are done with it, you are done with it more than likely, unless you just get the urge to go from the beginning once again. For those that want a lot of gameplay variety, then steer clear of this game. If you like a nice little unique platformer though, give it a try. It is a slight above average game, so if you can get it for cheap, check it out.
Overall, in my opinion at least, I give Ape Escape: On the Loose a six point five out of ten.
Gameplay: 7
Story: 7
Graphics: 7
Sound: 7
Control: 5
Replay Value: 5
Overall: 6.5
More monkeys, who knew I would do two games related to them in a row? XD
Ape Escape: On the Loose
I’ve wanted to have a physical copy of the original ape escape for a while, since I own the second and third in the series. Well, this isn’t the original on PS1, but this is pretty close. This is the re-release for the PSP. This is how people can once again, see how all the stuff with Ape Escape started. Does this PSP version of the game good, is it about the same, or is something lost in the transition to the PSP? Let’s find out.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Escape is pretty much, you go from level to level, chasing the monkeys that are loose in each and every level and try and capture enough of them to end the level to go to the next one. Each level has a set amount of monkeys out of the total number that is needed to capture in order to proceed. You do this by using the various gadgets you are given throughout the game to gain access or catch the various monkeys that are throughout the levels. These gadgets include items such as the simple net that is used for capturing the monkeys and sending them away, to things like the sword to stun monkeys, the hoola hoop which is used to run fast, and the rc car for getting into tight spaces. There are eight gadgets and you will need all eight of them to get all the monkeys. Mastering them can be tricky, but each has its uses, some more handy than others. This is pretty much what you do throughout the game. There isn’t much variation on this. Not that it is a bad thing of course, but I do think some variation would have been nice. The levels are at least offering some location variety, since the gameplay is exactly the same in each one of them. Some of the other things you can do in the game is find all the big coins in the levels which does unlock some mini games as you play. These are as they sound, just small mini games, but you can play these with friends and over Wi-Fi if it is still available. That is at least something to change things up, like with some boxing or snowboarding. As much as it may sound like there should be a lot more in this section to say, there really isn’t. That’s the thing with this game. The game is simple and the same throughout. It has some decent gameplay, but there is just a real lack of variety. I wish there were more boss enemies, for example, since while there are some in the game, having a harder time getting some of the monkeys might have been nice. It really is all about, most of the time, just finding where the monkeys are hiding, which is easy thanks to the radar gadget, and then netting them when you get close enough or stun them to catch them. So honestly, as long as you don’t mind doing the same thing over and over again, you might enjoy this, but just be warned for others, the gameplay, while fun the first time, is very samey at times.
Story
The story of Ape Escape is that a monkey named Specter has gotten a hold of a helmet, that when he puts it on, it gives him super intelligence and mind powers. He uses this power to give helmets to other monkeys, and they proceed to try and take over the world. They do this partly, by going into the past, thanks to the professor’s time device. It is up to Spike, the main character, to use the professor’s gadgets to capture these monkeys and to stop Specter from taking over. That’s the main set of the story. I will give this game series one thing. That is definitely a unique premise when it comes to a game story. A bunch of monkeys are going to take over due to super intelligent one? Alright, yeah that sort of sounds like something out of planet of the apes, but believe me, it is a welcome change to so many of the other game stories you hear out there. Throughout the game, you as Spike are looking to track down Specter, catch him, and to stop the monkeys from taking over the world. At the same time, Spike’s best friend Jake is under Specter’s control and trying to stop you as well. You have some story that pops up during the game, but for the most part, the story is go here and do this, or it is Specter taunting you or the professor and staff. You do care about them a little bit, but they could have added more story to this game. I know this is just a re-release pretty much of the original Ape escape, but I would have thought they could have added onto the game a little bit. The story isn’t bad, just short and sort of lacking in places.
Graphics
Well, the graphics are okay, but nothing spectacular here. This is a PS1 game being re-released on a handheld after all. You sort of have to judge it as so. When you look at it that way, this game isn’t that bad, but nothing impressive when it comes to graphics. There are definitely places that this game could improve on the looks as you can easily tell his is an early PS1 game with how some of the game is quite pixilated at times and there are some clipping issues. But everything in the game does look the part, and you have no trouble telling where you are and what things are supposed to be. Most of the graphical issues are not distracting, and honestly are just minor things. I can’t hit this game too much, because it does at least look like a good game, and does represent things well. I do think it could have been cleaned up a bit more though. If the clipping issues, and the slightly early 3D look could have been cleaned a tad, then I do think this game could have shined a lot more.
Sound
Once again, really, I can’t say much bad here about the game’s music and sound effects as they are good and just slightly above average. The music isn’t bad by any means, but honestly in my opinion, I don’t see the music as that memorable. It does its job and does represent the levels you are in while playing the game, but that is about it. I don’t see you wanting to hum too many of the tunes in this game. There might be one here or there, but for the most part, the music is a bit on the forgettable side. It isn’t bad, just forgettable. Though there are a few sound effects that can be a bit annoying in the game too. Just be careful when certain things are broken or exploding as that sound isn’t too pleasant. Luckily, that sound is very few and not heard that often. So really, the sound again is alright, just nothing great overall really.
Control
Alright, this is where the game sort of goes downhill a bit. This game was originally built around the dual shock concept when it was released. You are down to just one C stick now. I do think that sort of effected things a little bit in this game. That and the camera is now always your friend as well. At times, it really can be quite tricky to control your character precisely. That is going to be your biggest problem really, precision. There are several times you need to walk or jump on narrow areas, and with these controls, you are likely going over most of the time. There were a few spots where I did get a bit mad because trying to jump is a bit finicky and getting to go where you want exactly with the tricky camera angles, you will have a tough time. With no dual shock, you can’t control the camera as easily as I remember, and those odd angles are what makes some of the platforming a bit frustrating at times. Most of the rest of the controls for the gadgets are okay, but really, what is the point of alright gadget controls, when you are having trouble landing on platforms or turning the camera to see what you are trying to aim at. You have to constantly center the camera behind you with the trigger buttons on the PSP, and that will get old fast instead of it doing it for you all the time or being able to use a C stick to control the 3D camera for you. When you get used to the controls, the normal straightforward levels aren’t that bad. It is the more platform heavy levels that will make you little nuts at times. Once again though, thanks to the lack of variety at times, this isn’t as big of a problem if it could be if there was a lot more platforming in this game. It is there, but thankfully, the hovering gadget is there, which is sort of a saving grace in a way. Still, controls are tricky to explain, but believe me, it is a little frustrating when you are trying to do a platformer and the camera and the controls aren’t always cooperating.
Replay Value
Again, as I mentioned above, this game has an issue with sameness. Obviously, this is going to affect the replay value of this game. When the game is a bit samey, then you aren’t going to want to play it all the time or come back to it very soon after beating it. Throughout the game, you are doing the same thing over and over, and honestly, once you have done it all, unless you really liked the gameplay, I don’t see you wanting to continue even more. Plus, all you are doing in the game is catching monkeys and collecting the monkey coins. The monkey coins only unlock mini games, and very few of them. On top of that, they are quite short. There is a time attack mode to see how fast you can clear stages and catch the monkeys, so there is that. That is something extra, but really, that is about all there is. Once you beat the game, that’s it. Plus, you have to catch all the monkey’s to even get the ending of the game. So really, if you beat the game, you are pretty much done. Yeah, so much for after game gameplay there, but you did have to spend awhile catching all those stray monkeys to get the ending though. There is that. Really though, as mentioned a couple of times, this game just really suffers in the sameness category. It isn’t bad really, as I didn’t mind this gameplay, but it is just all the same.
Overall, I would say Ape Escape on the PSP is an alright game, and honestly, if you enjoyed any of the other Ape Escape games or platformers, then you are going to enjoy this game. Really though, this game does suffer from some tricky controls to get used to and a tricky camera. There is the issue of sameness and lack of replace value once you beat the game. When you are done with it, you are done with it more than likely, unless you just get the urge to go from the beginning once again. For those that want a lot of gameplay variety, then steer clear of this game. If you like a nice little unique platformer though, give it a try. It is a slight above average game, so if you can get it for cheap, check it out.
Overall, in my opinion at least, I give Ape Escape: On the Loose a six point five out of ten.
Gameplay: 7
Story: 7
Graphics: 7
Sound: 7
Control: 5
Replay Value: 5
Overall: 6.5
