https://darth-azrael.tumblr.com/post/706459046212993024/retrogeekgamer-which-playstation-1-title-you
Ape Escape is a 3D platform game for the PlayStation that was released in 1999. This style of game was popularized by Mario 64 and the Tomb Raider series. I remember when I first saw this game I thought it was a new game in the Donkey Kong franchise but it turns out not to be the case. Besides, that would make more sense on a Nintendo system.
In any case, Ape Escape is the first game in a whole new franchise and is widely considered to be one of the best games on the PlayStation and perhaps THE best 3D platform game on that system. Like most 3D platform games, this one is played form the third person. The plot is pretty simple and straightforward which is really best for this type of game. You play the roll of a boy capturing escaped apes across time, preventing them from doing things that rewrite history. The control system at the time was considered fairly unique. It made use of both analog sticks with one controlling movement and the other controlling the various objects that you could use. The various objects, vehicles and time periods make for a fairly diverse game.
Reviews were almost entirely positive. The graphics and sound are excellent for the time, the control scheme, as mentioned above, was unique but intuitive and easy to use, and there was tons of variety. The only real complaint was minor criticism of some of the voice acting which is hardly worth mentioning. The game would be just as good without any voice acting at all. I was never big on 3D platform games like this but if you are, then this is definitely one to play.
There have been tons of sequels, spin-offs, re-releases and related games up until today. While there are party games and other spin-offs, the best games are probably the main series that continued tih Ape Escape 2 for the PS2 in 2001 and Ape Escape 3 for the PS2 in 2005. The original Ape Escape was originally released only for the PlayStation (PS1) but it is available with some enhancements for the PS4 and PS5 via PlayStation Plus. Otherwise, if you are looking for an original copy, it shouldn’t be too hard to find one as this was a big selling game. Emulation is also always an option.
