Ape Escape was one of the first games to require mandatory use of the DualShock controller, using both analogue sticks for gameplay.
It's a 3D Platformer, where you explore stages from many different time periods to capture monkeys, that are causing chaos, and stop their leader, Specter, from taking over the world.
The control scheme that this game has is quite odd, as the D-Pad controls the camera (which is pretty awkward), and the face buttons are used for the gadgets, but in order to use them, you use the right analogue stick.
With some of the gadgets, I think this is fine, but with others, it can get quite awkward, especially in some of the game's platforming challenges, where you need to use the Sky Flyer for that extra 3rd jump, and I guess you didn't rotate the stick enough.
Those sections can get a bit annoying, but eventually, you'll get used to it.
The PSP version was actually the first version of this game I played, a couple years back, but it was nice getting to experience the PS1 original.
And this time, I tried out the American version, which contains a different English dub than the European one.
Ape Escape might be one of the few games out there that has both an American English dub and a British English dub, depending on the version you're playing.
The American English dub kinda sucks, gotta be honest. It feels very stilted, and the actors barely give emotion behind it. I wonder how they were directed.
Also, in terms of presentation, the music is really fucking good! Not every track is a winner, but there are a lot that are, and the D'n' B-like songs really are a bop. And its art-style makes this game age really well in the graphics department.
Either way, one of the things that I like the most about this game are the monkeys! Capturing them is the main objective of the game, and you'll find them throughout the stages, but either they can be in a position ready to attack you... or they're relaxing and doing some activity, like playing snooker, and I find that very charming!
For a first game in the series, I think it was good, and I had fun with it!
It's a 3D Platformer, where you explore stages from many different time periods to capture monkeys, that are causing chaos, and stop their leader, Specter, from taking over the world.
The control scheme that this game has is quite odd, as the D-Pad controls the camera (which is pretty awkward), and the face buttons are used for the gadgets, but in order to use them, you use the right analogue stick.
With some of the gadgets, I think this is fine, but with others, it can get quite awkward, especially in some of the game's platforming challenges, where you need to use the Sky Flyer for that extra 3rd jump, and I guess you didn't rotate the stick enough.
Those sections can get a bit annoying, but eventually, you'll get used to it.
The PSP version was actually the first version of this game I played, a couple years back, but it was nice getting to experience the PS1 original.
And this time, I tried out the American version, which contains a different English dub than the European one.
Ape Escape might be one of the few games out there that has both an American English dub and a British English dub, depending on the version you're playing.
The American English dub kinda sucks, gotta be honest. It feels very stilted, and the actors barely give emotion behind it. I wonder how they were directed.
Also, in terms of presentation, the music is really fucking good! Not every track is a winner, but there are a lot that are, and the D'n' B-like songs really are a bop. And its art-style makes this game age really well in the graphics department.
Either way, one of the things that I like the most about this game are the monkeys! Capturing them is the main objective of the game, and you'll find them throughout the stages, but either they can be in a position ready to attack you... or they're relaxing and doing some activity, like playing snooker, and I find that very charming!
For a first game in the series, I think it was good, and I had fun with it!
5 Comments
@RedBackLoggd
There is a beach level in this 1st game, but I don't remember monkeys (or as I like to call them now: P I P O S) being trapped in the sand, but that sounds like a funny situation! Looking forward to it whenever I get to the 2nd game.
Also, yeah, it is. So I gave up using the camera manually early on, and just constantly pressed the L1 button to recenter my camera. It's better than nothing.
There is a beach level in this 1st game, but I don't remember monkeys (or as I like to call them now: P I P O S) being trapped in the sand, but that sounds like a funny situation! Looking forward to it whenever I get to the 2nd game.
Also, yeah, it is. So I gave up using the camera manually early on, and just constantly pressed the L1 button to recenter my camera. It's better than nothing.
What does PIPOS stand for lol?
Yeah, that's as good a work around as any, but I may end-up taking your advice by playing the PSP remake.
Yeah, that's as good a work around as any, but I may end-up taking your advice by playing the PSP remake.
@RedBackLoggd
The name Pipo is actually what the monkeys are called in Japan, Pipo Saru.
Pipo is the Japanese onomatopoeia for an alarm (hence the helmets they have) and Saru means Monkey in Japanese.
Also, I find the word Pipo just funny, lol.
I think you could go either or in my opinion, because even though I like the PSP remake, most people don't. Maybe I'm weird, lol.
Also, from what I've heard, the control scheme for the PS1 Version is the one that's common with the sequels, so keep that in mind.
The name Pipo is actually what the monkeys are called in Japan, Pipo Saru.
Pipo is the Japanese onomatopoeia for an alarm (hence the helmets they have) and Saru means Monkey in Japanese.
Also, I find the word Pipo just funny, lol.
I think you could go either or in my opinion, because even though I like the PSP remake, most people don't. Maybe I'm weird, lol.
Also, from what I've heard, the control scheme for the PS1 Version is the one that's common with the sequels, so keep that in mind.
Oh lol, I thought you was making up an acronym using Piece of Shit (POS) cause you hated the monkeys so much haha.
Maybe we'll be weird together :)
Well that's interesting and would definitely prep me better for the sequels.
Maybe we'll be weird together :)
Well that's interesting and would definitely prep me better for the sequels.
RedBackLoggd
29 days ago
Man though, using the D-Pad to control the camera instead of the right stick definitely sounds like it would be tough to stomach.