Genre: 3d Platformer
Developer: Sony
Publisher: Sony

Ape Escape, which originally appeared on the PSX in 1999, contained some colorful and reasonably detailed visuals for that platform. In its retooled form, the game features full 3d acceleration, and the addition of perspective correction and mip mapping leads one to believe they are in fact playing Ape Escape 2 on the PS2. What Ape Escape lacks in special effects and detail it makes up for with crisp, colorful imagery and smooth framerates.

Ape Escape's off the wall, progressive light-techno soundtrack has proved somewhat of a turnoff to some, but I am quite fond of it. It fits the light-hearted mood of the game while also lending it a bit of a dark side, ala Kid Chameleon. The voice acting is really wonderful, and the sound effects are also clear and well done.

The big difference between the PSP and PSX versions of Ape Escape involve how gadgets are used. Because the PSP lacks a second analog stick, gadgets are switched to and used by pressing their corresponding button. They can then be swung around by spinning Spike with the analog nub. Some parts of the game really suffer for this (such as the rowboats, which are a sham now), but for the most part the new scheme works well.

Ape Escape is my favorite 3d platformer of all time for a reason; the game features world class map design, excellent pacing, and a marvelous story populated by characters flowing with personality. Even without the second analog stick and any major additional features, Ape Escape is an easy A-grade game that should be experienced by all gamers.