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Ape Escape: On the Loose Review
Written by Modojo Staff on Wednesday, March 23, 2005
A lot of fun, especially if you're new to the Ape Escape series!
Could give veterans a feeling of been there, done that.
Sony's Ape Escape for the PlayStation was not only a fantastic game but also a milestone of sorts because it showcased the features of the company's now famous DualShock controller. With tons of whacky monkeys to catch and a unique visual style it was a huge hit with audiences, and now you can take all of the excitement with you in SCEA's Ape Escape On the Loose for the PSP. Essentially a port of the aged classic with high-res graphics and additional multiplayer games, On the Loose proves that what's old can be new again. Sort of.
Just like in the first Ape Escape (umm...because this basically is the first Ape Escape), an evil monkey named Specter has unleashed a barrel full of monkeys upon the land and, using a time machine, has sent them to various periods in history. His goal? To create an empire of apes that rule the world, of course. To the rescue is Spike (that'd be you), and with the help of his friends The Professor, Natalie, and a computer named Casi, you're sent to capture the over 200 monkeys using a host of cool gadgets that include a stun baton and a net.
If you played the original game you already know that you operated things with both analog sticks. Since the PSP only has one stick, Sony mapped all of the functions to the face buttons and the game plays fine. Using one button to whack the monkey and then another to nab him works great, though controlling vehicles such as the boat with just the analog nub can take some getting used to. Bottom line, if you're concerned with how the game controls there's little to worry about.
Visually, Sony's done an excellent job taking the jaggy graphics from the original game and dragging them into the PSP generation. The game features a clean high-res look that really highlights a lot of cool stuff such as fiery volcanoes and menacing T-Rexes. It's not the greatest looking handheld game, but it's definitely one of the cleanest. Even though it's no Wipeout Pure, you'll still have curious onlookers peering over your shoulder.
Sony could've stayed just with the single-player game but the developers have generously added a wireless multiplayer mode. While Boxing is pretty boring (same goes for the obstacle course game Jake Attack), Snowboarding and Ping-Pong are a lot of fun and worth replaying several times. In Ping-Pong, for example, you're able to fill up a meter that grants you a special attack, so you'll unleash this huge mega blast on your opponent. In a cruel twist, though, they'll counter with their own special attack, leaving you flat footed. It's great stuff for sure!
The only major problem with Ape Escape is it doesn't really offer a thrilling gameplay experience. Much like the original, it lacks that all important "wow" factor. You just bust out your baton and chase after some monkeys, and you do this with a wonky camera that loves to get in the way, especially when you're swimming. On the Loose is certainly not an awful game by any means, but it fails to be an exciting or particularly challenging one.
There are obviously different groups of people who are going to like this game. If you played the original to death and the thought of being able to take it with you to the doctor's office is very intriguing then by all means pick it up. Also, if you're one of the poor unfortunate souls that has never touched Ape Escape then rejoice because you have with you a fun little game that'll give you many hours of enjoyment. Of course, if you've captured every kooky primate and are looking for something different, keep looking.
Whatever group you belong to, know that Sony did a great job converting this game to the PSP. It's not the greatest game ever. In fact, it's not even the best PSP launch title, but it is a cool game that will boost your library. When you're through with Untold Legends, Metal Gear Acid, and most importantly Lumines, be sure to give On the Loose a serious look. You're just monkeying around if you don't.
posted October 31, 2005