My first Ape Escape game.
The Ape Escape series is a cheerful set of platforming adventures in which you catch various monkeys scattered across various levels. As this is the third game in the series, Sony has had plenty of time to perfect the formula that made the first game so great. Unfortunately, I have never played the first or second games and so this review is not biased in favouritism of the previous entries in the series. This game was my first Ape Escape game and stands as one of my favourite games of all time.
Story:
Platformers are never known for the spectacular storylines. Ape Escape 3 is very reminiscent of a children's anime. The storyline is decent, but intended to hold the attention of young people. However, similar to the average children's anime storyline, Ape Escape 3 does have its plot twists and turns (okay... maybe only one twist) and sad moments (near the end but I won't spoil).
Satoru and Sayaka (Kei and Yumi for the US) are twin brother and sister who happen to live with a friend of the original game's professor, Aki. One day, after hurrying home, your character (yes, you can choose Satoru or Sayaka) finds a message from a worried girl. Natsumi (Natalie in US) tells Satoru, Sayaka and Aki that (third time villain) Specter has escaped again and released all the monkeys. Apparently he is using them to broadcast television programs across the country through 'Specter TV'. Funnily enough, the stupidity of these programs is so stupid that it has all the people of the Earth under its hypnotic spell (even the first two heroes from the first two games). It's up to Satoru and Sayaka to travel through all the TV stations to capture the monkeys, along with the help of Aki. You certainly won't be playing the game to watch the next 'exciting' story scene but I must add that they are very well done. The storyline is a nice touch to the game and it definitely helps to bring out the humour.
Gameplay:
The basic idea for Ape Escape 3 is to catch a certain amount of monkeys in a level to pass onto the next level and do the same again. Each level has its own theme (some being parodies of popular movies) and each requires certain ways for you to go about catching the monkeys. In between these are boss battles against the Freaky Monkey Five. As you progress through the game, you are given more 'Gotcha Gadgets' which you use to pass through different puzzles of the platforming world. The main Gadget you will always be using is of course the monkey net. The Stun Club and Monkey Radar are also integral parts of the game and help you in your quest for monkey extermination. Each Gadget is used for some point in the game for its own unique puzzles. No new Gadgets have been added to Ape Escape 3 but that doesn't mean they are not as fun.
A new addition to this entry in the Ape Escape series is the addition of 'Personae' (or Morphs in the US version). After collecting enough energy (found in boxes or from enemies) you are able to transform into a persona for a small amount of time. Each persona has its own theme and each has its own abilities to enrich the platforming experience. Some puzzles or areas can only be reached by certain personae, such as the Miracle Ninja who can balance over tightropes and run along certain walls. Each personae has its own method of catching monkeys and these can sometimes help to catch those really who are really difficult. The Genie Charmer, for example can chant his or her genie into a dance, thus luring out hidden monkeys and paralysing them in a dance, allowing an easy capture. Other personae feel clunky and difficult such as Gotchaman (Cyber Ace for the US) who may sometimes zoom off the edge of a platform by mistake. All in all the personae definitely add to the platforming experience and provide great humour with their quirky abilities.
Controls:
One unique feature to the Ape Escape series is the method of control. The player controls either the male protagonist Satoru or female Sayaka with the left analogue stick. While this may be customary in platforming games the method of attack is not. Gotcha Gadgets are equipped to each of the buttons (Triangle, Square, Cross, Circle) but rather than mashing that button to use that weapon, it's the right analogue stick that does all the work. This means that whatever direction you push the right analogue stick, that is the direction your character will swing his/her Gadget. Some Gadgets require the player to spin to control stick around while other vehicles are piloted using methods of both sticks. This feature, while weird at first becomes easy to understand and makes the game so much easier. It's hard to imagine playing another platformer without this method, because it's so much more innovative than the typical button mashing. Catching monkeys actually feels like it requires skill, but it isn't necessarily too hard for younger players to do. Ape Escape 3 would not be the same without the left analogue stick control method.
Sound:
As previously mentioned, each level has its own theme. The music for these levels builds on this and adds to the strange and bizarre humour Ape Escape 3 offers. An example of this is the Kung Fu Street stage. Here, the background tune consists of the typical ancient Chinese rhythm, but with a strange woman's voice in the background imitating a man fighting Kung Fu. It's things like these, while barely noticeable that really add to the humour of the game and its soundtrack. Each persona has its own theme music and that helps to make them unique. Boss fight music is dramatic when need be but funny at the same time. Battle of the Yellow Monkey impressed me with the seriousness of its musical tone and had me searching through the game's extras to find the song. While average games have barely noticeable music, these tunes hold a place in my heart (lame as that my sound) because they are so original and fit so well with the perfect level design.
Graphics:
Ape Escape 3 follows an 'anime'esque graphical style. All of the main characters have giant googly eyes, which are expected of your typical anime, and the monkeys are smoothly detailed. There are plenty types of monkeys and each are beautifully displayed. While graphics never make a game, these certainly add to the charm that Ape Escape 3 holds. Each level is detailed and large. It's certainly nice to see vines hanging down from a forest or the cold wind blowing in the ice level. As you can see, I don't hold much regard on graphics and so this section isn't my area of expertise but I can tell you that all characters are smooth and well rounded and each level is beautifully portrayed. Nothing wrong here. Beautiful.
Replayability:
Are you kidding! This game is so replayable it will make your head spin. You have to re-do each level at least once to catch all the monkeys and once you finish the game for the first time, even more monkeys are released in all the previously accomplished levels. Each time you save your game you are given a percentage of how far you are through the game. After defeating the final boss for the first time I was only on 55% completion so that goes to show how much extras are included. At the central hub of the game, players can enter the market street where bonuses can be purchased. The Hobby Shop sells all sorts of mini-games (only 3...). Each of these is only up for purchase once you have accomplished something in the game. For example, Monkey Throw is only available once you have completed 25% of the game, Mesal Gear Solid (a surprisingly in-depth parody of Metal Gear Solid) requires you to beat the game once and Ultim'ape' Fighter requires 75% completion. Add to this the Simian Cinema (which allows you to make movies with monkeys you have captured) and you have a whole heap of unlockables. There are even coded monkeys, which, once entering in their special code, can be caught in special areas. There is a time attack mode (to redo each level in a set time limit) and a survival mode, which is only unlocked after certain conditions have been met. Finally, finally after completing all modes and purchasing all items from the Market Street will you be able to gain 100% completion, and believe me you will want to.
Rent/Buy:
To any fan of the Ape Escape series, this game may be to reminiscent of the first two. This being my first Ape Escape gave me a whole new experience and stands as one of my favourite games of all time. My advice is to buy it immediately. Those who are still cautious should rent first but be warned that a rental is nowhere near enough time to enjoy the game. Those experienced with the Ape Escape series will not be disappointed. Overall, Ape Escape 3 is a great game worth anyone's time.