In a world where people still talk about the iconic legacy of Mario 64, I’m here to tell you something that might ruffle a few nostalgic feathers: Ape Escape might actually be more fun.
I know, I know—Mario 64 changed the game. It defined 3D platforming. But after revisiting Ape Escape, something clicked. The charm, the gadgets, the sneaky little monkeys—it’s just a different kind of charm. And honestly? I had WAY more fun catching hyperactive primates with a time net than I ever did jumping into paintings to chase down Power Stars. Yes, I mean it. And no, I’m not open to changing my mind.
Ape Escape is one of the most criminally underrated 3D platformers of the ’90s—a game that dared to be weird, creative, and mechanically ambitious at a time when most developers were still figuring out how to move a camera. It was Sony’s secret weapon, and it deserved to be remembered as a classic.
So, let’s talk about why this goofy, gadget-filled monkey hunt might just be the greatest 3D platformer you’ve never played.
Story
Let’s set the stage: a white-furred monkey named Specter puts on a mysterious Peak Point Helmet, becomes self-aware, and immediately decides that monkeys should rule the world. Naturally, chaos erupts. With a monkey army at his command and access to time travel, Specter starts sending his banana-loving minions across different eras to rewrite history.
Your job? Track down these rogue primates, capture every last one, and stop Specter before the world becomes a furry dystopia. No pressure, right?
It’s gloriously bonkers, and part of what makes Ape Escape so charming. The plot doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it gives just enough sci-fi flair to justify all the gadgetry and time-hopping fun. Think Mario 64, except Princess Peach is replaced by dozens of hyper-intelligent, banana-obsessed monkeys with attitude—and honestly, it works.
Gameplay
Ape Escape wasn’t just a fun little platformer—it was a revolution. Seriously. It was the first game that required the use of the PlayStation’s DualShock controller. In an era where most games barely knew what to do with one analog stick, Ape Escape said, “We’re gonna use both, and we’re gonna make it awesome.”
Movement? Left stick. Gadgets? Controlled with the right stick. That might sound normal today, but back then? Mind-blowing. And it wasn’t just for show—it made gameplay feel immersive and tactile in a way that no other platformer of the time could touch.
You’re equipped with a growing arsenal of monkey-catching tools, and each one feels unique and essential. There’s the Time Net for snagging your simian targets, the Monkey Radar for tracking them down, the Sky Flyer for reaching high places, the Slingshot, the Stun Club, and more. As the game progresses, the monkeys get smarter, faster, and way more aggressive—forcing you to think on your feet and mix up your gadget strategies.
At first, it all feels easy. You chase a few slowpoke monkeys around some prehistoric landscapes, swing your net, and move on. But then? They start getting sneaky. And fast. And violent. Some will throw projectiles. Some will straight-up ambush you. Others will sprint into the distance like they’ve got a marathon to win. Suddenly, this lighthearted monkey hunt becomes a legitimate tactical challenge.
What makes it special is that it’s not just about platforming—it’s about problem-solving. You’ve got to learn the behavior of each monkey, pick the right tools for the job, and execute with precision. And when it all clicks, it’s incredibly satisfying. It’s less “follow the dotted line” and more “figure it out yourself,” and that freedom is part of what makes Ape Escape feel so ahead of its time.
Level Design
If Ape Escape’s gameplay is the engine, then its level design is the beautifully weird world it lets you explore—and wow, does it deliver.
From prehistoric jungles teeming with dinosaurs, to snowy mountain ranges, to high-tech underwater labs, the game throws you into wildly different environments every few stages. Each world isn’t just a fresh coat of paint—it brings with it unique challenges, atmosphere, and environmental hazards that directly influence how you approach each monkey mission.
You’ll dodge spinning lasers in a futuristic fortress, slip and slide across icy cliffs, or time your jumps carefully through lava-spewing volcanoes. These aren’t just aesthetic choices—they actively change how you play. One moment you’re gliding with your Sky Flyer across wide open gaps, and the next you’re deep-diving with a propeller to chase a monkey through sunken ruins.
What’s more impressive is that each stage feels like it was handcrafted with purpose. The game doesn’t rely on padding or repetition. There’s always something new to learn, some twist to the formula, or some secret path tucked away behind a climbable ledge. It rewards exploration just as much as it rewards skill.
And the monkeys? They’re not placed randomly—they’re strategically positioned to take advantage of their surroundings. Some are snipers, perched in hard-to-reach areas. Others sprint toward hazards, hoping you’ll back off. Every encounter feels like its own mini puzzle, wrapped in a lively, creative world that keeps you constantly guessing.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a die-hard retro gamer or someone just dipping their toes into the golden era of 3D platformers, here’s the deal: don’t sleep on Ape Escape. Emulate it, buy it used, fire up your dusty PS1—whatever it takes. Just play it.
This is one of those rare games that still feels fresh, fun, and wildly inventive decades later. It’s got that nostalgic charm, sure—but it also dares to be different in all the right ways. The gameplay holds up, the level design is brilliant, and those sneaky little monkeys will keep you on your toes from start to finish.
If you’re tired of replaying Mario 64 for the 15th time, give Ape Escape a shot. It might just change your mind about what the best ’90s platformer really was.
It’s familiar enough to scratch that retro itch, but weird and wild enough to feel totally new—even today. So go on. Grab that Time Net, fire up the Sky Flyer, and get ready to monkey around with one of the most underrated gems of the PlayStation era.
Verdict
Ape Escape
Amazing
