Hands-onApe Escape 2

We just got the import version of Ape Escape 2 for the PlayStation 2 today and have been checking out what the game has to offer. The game is the proper sequel to the classic platformer released three years ago for the original PlayStation. For those who missed it, the game charged you with recapturing a chimp named Specter and his simian army before they reshaped time. The game featured very polished gameplay and made innovative use of the PlayStation's Dual Shock controller by requiring you to use both analog sticks while playing the game. Based on our initial impressions, Sony has stayed true to the original game and has served up a familiar and addictive experience with Ape Escape 2.

Those familiar with the original Ape Escape's gameplay and control will be right at home with Ape Escape 2. Our experiences with the initial levels in the game were comfortably familiar, as the game controls exactly like its PlayStation predecessor. You'll move the main character with the left analog stick, jump with the R1 and R2 buttons, and manipulate the camera with the L1 and L2 buttons. The various gadgets you'll use in the game are all accessed by the square, X, triangle, and circle buttons. The right analog stick will let you use your selected gadget. So far we've collected a batch of familiar gadgets: the net, the stun club, the monkey radar, the aqua net, and the dash hoop. Each gadget functions just as its PlayStation predecessor did. The net catches the monkeys, the stun club incapacitates them momentarily, the monkey radar helps you find hidden monkeys in a level, the aqua net lets you catch monkeys underwater, and the dash hoop serves as both a speed dash and special attack.

Gameplay in Ape Escape 2 roughly follows the structure of the original game. You'll be required to capture a set number of monkeys in a level in order to move to the next one, but you'll be able to return to levels you've already completed to catch every monkey in them. In addition to collecting monkeys, you'll be collecting yellow eggs, which you can use in a vending machine in the game's main hub to collect items. As you progress through the game, you'll gain more gadgets and have a chance to try them out before moving on to the next level. So far the game's learning curve is about as generous as the original's, keeping things basic in the early levels so you can accustom yourself to each new gadget you receive. Sadly, those hoping to find themselves vacuuming the trousers off the monkeys they encounter, like in last year's Japan-only release, Ape Escape 2001, may be in for a letdown--from what we've seen so far, your ape adventures revolve only around netting the little guys.

Graphically the game looks solid so far. You won't be blown away by anything, but then the game's quirky art style doesn't really lend itself to a Metal Gear Solid 2- or Baldur's Gate-style visual feast. Instead you'll find large, colorful levels filled with monkeys and bizarre enemies. The frame rate is high, and the characters are certainly detailed enough. The only head-scratcher on hand is the baby monkey who is perpetually perched on our hero's head. We admit to being a bit in the dark about the story at the moment, but from the looks of things, Specter has apparently returned and is raising the kind of trouble only netting monkeys can fix.

At the moment, SCEA has not stated that it plans to bring the game over to the US. Hopefully there's still a chance the game will find its way here. Look for more on the import version of Ape Escape 2 in the coming weeks.