Ape Escape 2
A platformer where players catch monkeys using gadget controls.
Sony Computer Entertainment both developed and published Ape Escape 2, a platform game for the PlayStation 2 that hit shelves in 2002. Japan saw its July 2002 launch, while Europe followed in March 2003 and North America in July 2003 via Ubi Soft. As the second major title in the Ape Escape series, it also served as the foundation for a Frederator Studios animated series.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Sony Computer Entertainment Japan
- Publisher
- Sony Computer Entertainment (WW); Ubi Soft (NA)
- Director
- Naoto Ohta
- Producer
- Yasuhide Kobayashi
- Composer
- Koji Hayama
- Series
- Ape Escape
- Platforms
- PlayStation 2
- Released
- July 18, 2002 (JP)
- March 14, 2003 (EU)
- July 1, 2003 (NA)
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Players control Hikaru (Jimmy in the North American version) as he catches monkeys across levels. Movement uses the left analog stick and shoulder buttons, while the right analog stick controls Gotcha Gadgets unlocked through progression. Returning gadgets include the Stun Club, Monkey Net, Super Hoop, Water Net, Slingback Shooter, RC Car, and Sky Flyer. Three new gadgets are introduced: the Bananarang attracts monkeys with its scent, the Water Cannon extinguishes fires, and the Electro Magnet works on magnetic surfaces. The Magic Punch from the first game returns in the post-game. A monkey sidekick named Pipotchi accompanies Hikaru, offering hints, helping reach ledges, and reviving him once per life. Golden Gotcha Coins, more valuable when collected in quick succession, are spent at the Gotcha Box gashapon machine for bonus material. Unlockable content includes concept art, music, comic strips, fables, and three minigames: Monkey Football (association football), Dance Monkey Dance (rhythm game), and Monkey Climber (vine navigation). Completing the game unlocks New Game+, allowing play as Kakeru (Spike in North America).
Story
The story follows the events of Ape Escape. The Professor leaves for vacation, entrusting his granddaughter Natsumi (Natalie in North America) and Kakeru's cousin Hikaru (Jimmy in North America) with delivering monkey pants to Monkey Park. Hikaru accidentally sends Monkey Helmets as well, wrecking the lab. Specter obtains a helmet and creates an army of monkeys. Hikaru, accompanied by the friendly baby Pipo Monkey Pipotchi, sets out to capture all monkeys and stop Specter. Specter supplies five monkeys, the Freaky Monkey Five, with Vita-Z bananas, making them stronger and smarter. Hikaru captures all except Yellow Monkey, who flees after defeat. Before fighting White Monkey, Pipotchi is kidnapped to transfer data from his helmet into the Lethargy Laser. Hikaru rescues Pipotchi, proceeds through a monkey-controlled military base, and confronts Specter. Yellow Monkey, overdosed on Vita-Z bananas, becomes a giant monster and attacks; Hikaru downsizes and captures him. The Professor and Natsumi learn the Lethargy Laser would make humans lose will to fight. Hikaru confronts Specter at his Moon base, defeats his giant robot, captures Specter, and escapes the exploding base with Pipotchi.
Development
Naoto Ohta, formerly of Capcom, directed and produced the game. Koji Hayama composed the music, managed by Don Makkou and Bungo Fujiwara of Two Five, with data programming by Masaaki Kaneko of Procyon Studio. Sound effects were created by Takashi Kanai and Junko Sano. American voice acting was recorded by Dan Rich and Jeremy Blaustein, featuring Rachael Lillis as Natalie, Jay Snyder as the Professor and Spike, Gary Littman as White Monkey, Carter Cathcart as Yellow Monkey, Greg Abbey as Specter, Blue Monkey, and Red Monkey, Tara Sands as Pipotchi, and Kathleen McInerney as Jimmy. European voice acting was recorded at Side UK on Great Titchfield Street in London, directed by Andy Emery, with Jonathan Keeble as the Professor and Red Monkey, Marc Silk as Specter and White Monkey, David Holt as Hikaru, Yellow Monkey and Pipotchi, Rachel Preece as Natsumi and Pink Monkey, and Richard Pearce as Blue Monkey and Kakeru. The PAL version was re-released as a PSN title in 2016 with trophies, upscaled graphics, remote play, and second screen options.
Reception
The game received favorable reviews according to Metacritic. Famitsu gave it a score of 32 out of 40. GamePro praised its intuitive analog control scheme. Kotaku praised the PlayStation 4 port released on PSN in August 2016. IGN highlighted the addictive monkey collecting. GameSpot noted the game's relative ease offset by unlockable items, calling it great fun.
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