Ape Escape: Sony’s Mario 64 Successor

[@wizawhat]

Excellent breakdown and I love your ideas for a new game. I think Sony is in desperate need of some tonal diversity, but they're not going to adapt until they get their asses kicked (which may be approaching?). It is a damn shame they've been closing studios that could potentially be delivering us those sort of experiences. You know there was an entire generation and a half or so of people complaining about controller gimmicks, but innovation has to start somewhere and it's not always perfectly executed. I'm glad that Nintendo has kept and refined their execution of motion controls. Nowadays instead of being a forced feature they are typically used to enhance a control style or mechanic that would have been worse off without them. There's something about using new control options in a purposeful, intuitive way that leads to some extraordinary experiences, and the original Ape Escape is exactly one of those.

[@hunterbennett757]

Personally, my pitch for a new Ape Escape game is for the game to be about a video game within a video game that Specter tries to trap all humans inside so his monkeys can rule the Earth. You would have to catch apes, save humans, AND upgrade the gadgets you receive to get through levels!

[@ichimaxru]

Sony doesnt have the same support from their fans like nintendo does. Every time they try something new they fail thats probably why they are not willing to risk that much into something "diverse".

[@TerrorOfTalos]

While this comment was before the new Astro Bot being announced; I just wanted to say if that game doesn't hit at least 1 million sold at full price ($60 USD) *nobody* will have a leg to stand on when they complain about why Sony doesn't develop/publish more colorful and lighthearted games.

[@JJMcCullough]

I just wanted to say, this is a gorgeous thumbnail.

[@hotcyder]

Compliments to JetPackBraggin!

[@riversidepark4107]

@JJMcCullough when are you gonna make a sequel to the Mario 3 only as the Boot video?

[@supersonicmario56]

Nice to see that Ape Escape isn't forgotten. Liked how the trilogy had its own theme: 1 being time/history, 2 being culture, and 3 being media genres. Also, since this is a comparison of Mario and Ape Escape, it's interesting to note the similarities between Ape Escape 3 and the recent Princess Peach: Showtime.

[@hotcyder]

Funny enough an early draft of this script did compare the costume changes in 3 to Showtime ❤️

[@FoxMan_FF]

God, I love this franchise. I still can't believe Ape Escape and MGS collaborated as many times as it did.

[@JKmadu619]

It's kind of amazing how forgotten Ape Escape is compared to contemporaries like Spyro and Crash.

[@MattyStoked]

Holy shit what a thumbnail mate. Absolutely cracking video ❤

[@hotcyder]

Compliments to the chef (JetPackBraggin)!

[@MattyStoked]

​@@hotcyderactually I forgot to say, compliments to you for this absolutely stacked edit. Super impressive mate.

[@ledojaeger7474]

Back in 2020, on some random motivation, I got a PS1 copy of Ape Escape and played it in the cool basement during hot summer afternoons. It was as if I made a ‘new childhood memory’ for myself. Now, every time it gets to roughly this time of year, early summer, something in my brain goes “Ape Escape!!” - Last year I did a 100% run of it, but already one year later I kind of want to do it again. Anyway, this was a great video, and it’d be a dream come true if Sony made and lovingly marketed an Ape Escape 4.

[@canadianturtle7240]

The key difference between Ape Escape and Mario is that Nintendo takes the franchise very seriously. They will not release a new Mario 3D title unless there is some form of innovation to the series. They use the Mario franchise as a way to break industry ground. Ape Escape was not treated with the same prestige. But I'm so happy that someone made this video because I've always thought this game was highly innovative for it's time.

[@Austinator0630]

Also, Sony PlayStation has built a strong reputation for not touching older IPs.

[@loco_logic]

​@@Austinator0630 Yeah, Sony has always been REALLY bad at properly utilizing their legacy franchises. And unfortunately they wear that fact like a badge of honor.

[@Austinator0630]

@@loco_logic The focus on hyper-realistic action adventure games started during the ps3 era. Although this focus saved the brand from going under, the focus warped Sony's view of what they should put out. This warped view was building all throughout the ps4 era, and look at were they are now.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

Miyamoto needs a new gimmick instead of just improving...

[@canadianturtle7240]

@@fillerbunnyninjashark271 I disagree. Both, Mario Sunshine, Galaxy 1 and 2 heavily improved the already innovative predecessor (Mario 64).

[@loco_logic]

Like you addressed in this video, I think Astro has recently taken on the role of showcasing Sony's hardware innovations: First VR, and now the DualSense. It's a role that Ape Escape had with the original DualShock, and _should have continued to have_ with every other console generation since the PS1. In another universe, PS5 could have launched with a brand new AAA Ape Escape game that fully shows off all the innovative possibilities of the DualSense controller. But alas, Ape Escape remains one of the dozens of fertile franchises that Sony neglected to honor and properly nuture over the years. Such a shame.

[@SilentOnion]

the best platformer that sony basically denies the existence of except every now and then when they tease us with the monkey edit: ive never thought of ape escape as a stealth game. i often see casual players crawl to monkeys but i remember as a child just running after them which is way more goofy and fun than crawling. but the crawling (at least in ape1) has a really interesting feature where parts of the music are muted and you get a quieter stealthy version.

[@hotcyder]

Yeah! I nearly mentioned in the script how it cuts out the percussions like the caution music in MGS3. Totally agreed that Sony need to bring the apes back.

[@SilentOnion]

@@hotcyder id love if they made like a trilogy remake to test if the current generation would be interested in the series and also satisfy the already existing fans. and if the trilogy is a success they could make ape 4. but knowing sony they will not do anything with the monkeys we love

[@topherrobinson8674]

As a child I did the exact same thing right up until around the end of the game. And I only did that then because I realized it had an effect on the music.

[@thatonegeeksite5251]

I’ll never forget getting Ape Escape for my birthday with a green dual shock controller back in 1999. Such an amazing game. Would love to see a new entry on ps5 or even a remake. This franchise needs more love.

[@AnAverageGoblin]

Sadly Sony cares more about the most mid shit ever like Last of Us

[@i8dacookies890]

At least the puzzle side of this stealth puzzle platformer lives on through Bugsnacks.

[@LambHoot]

haven’t played the series, but loved how the theme of evolution was traced throughout this piece 👏

[@gamesandculture]

Came here to say this! A bonafide theme.

[@tristangruener9571]

It was all about that rc car, the novelty of that melted my brain in 1999 bring able to control the character and the car at the same time

[@HeavyMetalSonicRM]

It would have been amazing to have a new Ape Escape as a showcase title for PS5.

[@onlyme8780]

ESPECIALLY to show off the features of the Dualsense controller!!

[@EREBUS36]

@@onlyme8780yeah they 100% fumbled something there, if they announced Ape Escape & maybe even brung back another Cult classic the ps5 roll out would’ve been phenomenal

[@ryouhonoo5]

The series actually did expand a bit beyond Ape Escape 3 (though personally I find AE3 to be the best in the series). There’s Ape Escape Million Monkeys, which combines the ape catching and platforming elements of the main series with the mission based, party game competition elements of Pumped and Primed. Wasn’t a fan of the aesthetic overhaul they gave the series with Million Monkeys, but gameplay-wise its a novel evolution for the series. Unfortunately this was never localized. Same goes for the bespoke PSP entry Saru Saru Big Mission, which returns to the 3D platforming origins of the series; however, in this game the ape helmet shaped laboratory has been shrunk down to actual helmet size by Spectre, and you control the lab like a vehicle, jumping onto the heads of apes in the levels and using their unique abilities to conquer the linear, obstacle course levels. It doesn’t have the “enemy as collectible” element of catching apes, but instead focuses the game around playing as the apes and using their unique strengths in platforming challenges, swapping on the fly as the level design demands. This game also represents a unique evolution of the series gameplay mechanics. Understandable you didn’t speak on either of these games as they are Japan only, but I think your analysis of the series and it’s ability to evolve is a little lacking without their inclusion, as Sony’s Japan Studio was able to take the series in new directions, we just didn’t get to enjoy them in the west. Otherwise a great video, very much enjoyed it.

[@idiosimian]

I have to say, AE3 is one of my favorite games of all time and I think you take a very balanced approach in the innovative feeling that the Ape Escape gameplay brings out. It’s sad to see Sony be so afraid to touch the series and I think it’s long overdue for a reboot of some sort, and I love the idea you proposed. Here’s to hoping 🤞🏻

[@m3llytan]

This was so well written and edited! Loved the way you covered the series's place in gaming history and added your own commentary and ideas. A+ thumbnail too, really fit Ape Escape's eye-catching aesthetic that I love so much.

[@hotcyder]

Thank you!

[@HooDFoX2021]

I just want to tell you that your scriptwriting is superb. Every sentence is interesting; your channel is highly underrated.

[@hotcyder]

Thank you!

[@elhazthorn918]

Oh, Ape Escape 1 was wonderful. It really captured my imagination as a kid.

[@jurtheorc8117]

To focus on a very particular thing: Ape Escape isn't the only Playstation/PS2 3D platformer adventure where your enemies are your main collectable. There's a PS2 exclusive by name of Kya: Dark Lineage, with an art direction like Rayman 2 and 3, very light stealth, and a bunch of styles of platforming (board sliding, wind gliding, skydiving and animal riding) plus a surprisingly in-depth combat system that people have compared to Mini-Tekken. The way it works is as following: - Main villain makes his army out of Nativs which he magi-scientifically curses into werewolf creatures called Wolfun - Wolfun have to be exorcised to be "collected" and to do that you have to knock them unconscious in battle. - Exorcisms require balls of Mana, which can be found around the levels like coins. - Wolfun have different Mana costs depending on their type (Scrawny, Grunt and Kronos) and subtype (Blue, Yellow and Black clothing, presence of a weapon or unarmed). - You start out with a carrying capacity of 50 Mana orbs, and can increase them with 50 more by finding Medallion pieces which are essentially the MacGuffins. But the order in which you can find them isn't super strict. - At the hubworld/homebase, Nativ City, there are various buildings under construction. For every certain treshold of Nativs you have exorcised, a new building is built with a shop inside where you can buy more tools of progression (climbing gloves, taming whistle to ride certain creatures, wall bounce) as well as Bracelets. The Bracelets are, to me, like if you mixed Ratchet & Clank with martial arts (like Karate belts). Buying them adds new movesets on top of your base moveset, and each different color of Bracelet has a different branch of moves to offer. - White Bracelet is the base moveset that you get at the combat tutorial. Some kicks, punches, and kick and punch combinations. - Yellow Bracelet: Gives the Guard move and expanded kick capacities (Hold the stick in different directions while pressing Kick) - Green Bracelet gives Grab moves, which differ depending on where you stand in relation to the enemy (front, stick away from enemy while pressing Circle/Grab, sides, back, and on top) - Blue Bracelet (quick evasion and three special moves (one of which being a groin kick) and some more. There's a lot of good stuff to offer in that game. I'm aware it has its flaws, but it may prove interesting to look into more.

[@dapperfan44]

MORE Kya love like this, please.

[@jurtheorc8117]

@@dapperfan44 Other Kya fans here? What a delight :D

[@dapperfan44]

​@jurtheorc8117 I love it so much, the earlier forms of Kya music on the internet are actually because of me. 20 year old me in 2010 had free time back then.

[@AnAverageGoblin]

Yea but Kya doesn't have silly monkeys with brain hats

[@MrSamPhoenix]

The controls for this is very innovated for the time. Sony should’ve really pushed this game beyond the the original PlayStation. And we should’ve gotten games for the PS3 onwards

[@pommybomber]

Ape Escape 2 and 3 might not be the best, but I'm still sad that their modern ports are bad and non existent respectively.

[@DoctorMario606]

Glad to see you made a video on this. I love this series to bits

[@hotcyder]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@Mechaghostman2]

I wouldn't call it a successor, but it was most certainly inspired by Nintendo and Rare's platformer collectathons.

[@bananabike279]

Excellent video! I think the first Ape Escape hit the ball out of the park so hard, it was hard to improve on the controls with the sequels which why they can be somewhat lacking

[@FlavourFool]

Excellent link between Ape and game evolution! PS don't forget the original Playstation analogue controller too...

[@JuhoSprite]

That's a beautiful thumbnail

[@Meganarb]

Let's go! Absolutely adore Ape Escape.

[@jurtheorc8117]

Extra note on Kya which i'm putting in a separate comment as to not lose the fave heart by editing and i heard more comments help a video: In recent years, people have been hacking into the game, datamining, whatever the term is, and finding out there was bigger plans for the game than we thought. I believe there's still some videos online. One of the main things was a hidden bonus room, where a number of optional minigames can be found. Two-player football with some light manipulation of obstacles on the field, a Pac-Man like challenge with monster dogs (the Woofs as they're called appear in the main game and can give Slogs from Oddworld a run for their money), more wind gliding/skydiving and racing challenges if i'm not mistaken (these partially made it into the main game, in the hubworld), and most significant of all, a multiplayer arena where player 2 can play as pretty much any enemy in the game. Even some bosses. It's a bit rough in execution but nonetheless quite interesting. Even more recently, Eden Games' YT channel had a series of live streams for Kya's 20 year anniversary that revealed stuff like never-before-seen concept art and ideas for what the game could have been, as well as proper cheat codes to access this bonus room without needing to hack or something. Though these comments were not really of substance to talk about Ape Escape specifically, I hope they've proven interesting.

[@hotcyder]

Sounds neat! I didn’t realise it was Eden Studios either. Will peep 👀

[@jurtheorc8117]

@@hotcyder Oh, you know of the studio? I'm glad this is sounding interesting for you :) Thank you for replying, and wish you a good rest of your day!

[@Weighty68]

Finally got some time to watch this and you did a fantastic job showing the primate potential out of this cherished series of mine! Ape Escape will forever be the reason that "gimmicks" are more important than some might think. It this medium where imagination is only limited by your ability to program, it's crazy that we don't embrace these so-called gimmicks more in giving games their own unique timbre across the sea of games we face now versus when the simians were first let loose almost 25 years ago (in a couple months holy SHIT). In this current age, we see Sony embrace control options and accessibility features too so honing a modern Ape Escape game to one's tastes - without abandoning its crucial identity - is more possible than ever before. I always found it cool that Japan Studio never settled for standardization as they continued to experiment with game feel and control schemes on almost everything they touched. Even on less successful frontiers like the PSP, we saw Patapon and LocoRoco - or to credit their work on Sony's ill-fated Vita we saw something as brilliant as Gravity Rush come from them. Hopefully the simian spirit lives on through Team Asobi or.... if PlayStation begins to care about their Japanese portfolio again. Either way, awesome video and I'm happy you saw this entire thing through!

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

I beat the first ape escape on New Year's 2000. Got the last hit in when the ball hit zero

[@simeongprince]

One of my favourites. I beat this game. The colours were bright, but not too bright. The dialogue was good enough for what it is, the graphics and gameplay were fantastic.

[@ThatWolfArrow]

Hey now, there's gonna be a full Astro Bot game!

[@hotcyder]

Looks great too!

[@HarukaxYuuki]

Ape Escape is one of my favorite franchises, particularly my favorite of the main games was the 3rd, being my favorite PS2 game. I have now become game dev and had done some game ideas and even a prototype with hints of Ape Escape which I hope I will someday do it fully. Is sad that Sony decided to close the Japan studio, they were the most creative studio in Playstation first party, i know some dev when to Team Asobi, but I dont know if we will ever see it up to how SIE Japan was

[@s_callahan]

this video tickles my brain in the good way

[@hotcyder]

Glad to hear 🙌

[@Mienshaos]

Man I love Ape Escape, it's one of my favourite PS1 games for sure. Finding more video essays on the series warms my heart.

[@mesalgearsolid]

"the failure of the PS3 and the PSP..." uh...you might want to reword that one. Neither of those consoles were failures.

[@DontKnowDontCare6.9]

Stop licking Soyny's milk and touch grass.

[@mesalgearsolid]

@@DontKnowDontCare6.9 Are you an idiot? It's not opinion, they were both financial successes and both ended up as massive hits.

[@TerrorOfTalos]

PSP definitely wasn't though the PS3 did lose Sony a lot of money so eh.

[@mesalgearsolid]

@@TerrorOfTalos 82 Million sales isn't exactly a failure. And the PS3 outsold the Xbox 360 so calling them failures is a bit of a stretch.

[@TerrorOfTalos]

@@mesalgearsolid Yeah as a whole neither were "failures" but I can actually understand that angle for the PS3 from a business perspective. However him saying the PSP was a failure makes absolutely no sense since (unlike the PS3) they sold it at a profit and of course there were a bunch of notable games for it too.

[@KidBowsur]

I still dont understand why there hasnt been a sequel

[@elliottvantonder5477]

I love this! Thank you so much for shining a light on alternate uses for analogue sticks. Between Ape Escape, Fight Night, Death By Degrees and Skate, there simply wasn't the amount of experimentation that got us over many of the camera shaped hurdles of the sixth gen. I love your comparison of Ape Escape to Mario64, but I'm not sure the former had the same level of time and money stuck into the development of its right stick gameplay as the latter. Mainly because each gadget had to have its own moveset, whereas Mario was left to focus just on movement with the one stick and got the right stick entirely devoted to the camera by the time of Sunshine. I feel like there's still so much room to explore!

[@elliottvantonder5477]

Personally, I want to make a game where you have tank control movement on the d-pad, Metroid prime-esque reticle for shooting on the left stick, and motion-input melee on the right stick, with camera panning on the bumpers (king'sfield speed). This way you'd have to stand still to shoot, like in Resi4, but movement can still be incorporated into melee attacks - otherwise there would be no utility in bringing a sword to a gun fight, without weirdly skewed damage outputs. Combine this with a rally-esque mechanic, where you can siphon health from successful attacks at close range. That's the dream anyway.

[@hotcyder]

That all sounds pretty cool!

[@gjtrue]

I'd really like to see the first Ape Escape game get the same fun remake/remaster treatment Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Medievil got in recent years. Same for the other 2 mainline Ape Escape games too, though I personally have never played them as of typing this. Just the first installment and its awesome PSP remake.

[@PSRewind]

Really great video! I wish ape escape would make a comeback

[@ZellyJP]

This video is damn good. Ive never even played Ape Escape but the way you covered it, I am certain you have done it justice. Another project to be proud of cyder!

[@hotcyder]

Thank you! :)

[@theguyinthere]

i would love to see ape escape come back

[@mapleplatoon]

I really liked your video! I played Ape Escape 3 a lot when I was a kid, and it was one of the first games I actually completed! I haven't really thought of the Ape Escape games as stealth games, but when I think about it, it kind of makes sense. While I mostly just go chasing around the monkeys and there are some regular action combat mechanics, I do remember sometimes using stealth to deal with particularily annoying monkeys! And while I liked the Morph Gear as it is, I also like the idea of a second character using the costumes as the main mechanic, rather than gadgets. As someone who sometimes liked to 'roleplay' with the different Morphs, the idea of using them to blend in like a kid-friendly, magical girl-esque Agent 47 sounds like an amazing idea! It could even work as a game on it's own! Hopefully they do something like that if Sony continues the franchise. If not, there's always indie games!

[@hotcyder]

Thank you! :)

[@RakastanPorkkanakakkua]

Ape Escape is the only game that makes me consider getting a controller for my PC so I can play emulated. One day.

[@greenhowie]

MGSV but Ape Escape. That's all that would be needed. Maybe individual levels as "time zones" or "websites" or something within an open world, Sonic Frontiers style - maybe even Crash 4/Soul Reaver style time and dimension shifting. Have a Monkey City that grows so you can incorporate Dark Cloud style building. Combine gadgets that might be impractical together for unique playstyles that encourage discovering sequence breaks. I could write a damn wall of text... Really enjoyed this video, putting the track names in the subtitles is appreciated. Think I need to learn how to make games now.

[@Liminalboi]

Ape escape 1 is still one of my favorites i play every now and again still. The music in the Time station *chefs kiss* i’d just sit doing nothing just to listen to it on loop sometimes when i was a kid lol. Glad other people out there love this game as much as i do.

[@tuggmiffy]

Shout out to the opening scene with E.V.O! That's a game that I'd love to see get remastered

[@gnardawgyt]

Ape Escape 1 is an absolutely Incredible game, pure joy with one of the best soundtracks in gaming period. Ape Escape 2 is also great, have yet to play 3.

[@TeckGeck]

I reccomend playing Ape Escape 3, it's definitely an improvement over 2

[@gnardawgyt]

@@TeckGeck will do :)

[@sand-attack]

Fantastic video. I've always considered Ape Escape 1 as the third sibling to Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, and it's a must-play for people who enjoy those two games. Ape Escape 1's level design is incredible, and I initially thought that Ape Escape should have evolved by adopting more dynamic platforming controls similar to Mario and Banjo. Continue to emphasize the gadgets and their interactions with the level design and monkeys, while ditching the right stick control aspect. This video has me rethinking that stance now.

[@ChipmunkuChan]

There's hardly a game I miss more than Ape Escape. And even with the additions of 2 and 3 being less than stellar. The idea of a fourth installment is so deeply alluring. It makes me wonder if a stylized but hyper-detailed setting would work like it has for Odyssey. Dually, I also think that in more ways than one - seeing Ape Escape take a page from indie developers who wish recapture the magic of the PSX era would bring about a return to form in many ways unfounded. I really don't think I'd mind how it returned, but knowing that it would. That'd suffice me plenty. Absolutely illuminating work as always.

[@Austinator0630]

Sony has built up a strong reputation for not touching older IPs, so don't expect Ape Escape to return anytime soon.

[@rinnnnnnnnnnrinRinOnishi]

Meanwhile Japan got like 5 exclusive spinoffs

[@rinnnnnnnnnnrinRinOnishi]

​@@Austinator0630losers

[@dapperfan44]

"Less than stellar" what kind of blasphemy is this?! Maybe you could argue that 2 was good, but not great, but 3 is amazing.

[@AnAverageGoblin]

@@Austinator0630 Legend of Dragoon is old and they recently re-released it (albeit in a half-assed buggy way that got fixed)

[@ironleviathan89]

Hey, Ape Escape 2 was good. You could play a gacha machine, a soccer minigame, and Misty from Pokemon was in it.

[@hotcyder]

Misty's in the first one too! But fair point on the Soccer minigame.

[@facuruiz1995]

I was looking for a comment like this. I think 2 improved not only graphically but mechanically from 1 even if it wasn't as innovative (except from Pipotchi being a small aid). The boss fights also were a good way to section the game's difficulty and there was a lot of concept art and bonus items to grab from the gacha machine. My only gripe is with the lives being pretty much for a part of the game limited to the gacha machine, which made game overs kinda frustrating.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

2 was pretty mediocre. 3 was better

[@HarukaxYuuki]

The soccer minigame was everything, its the only soccer videogame I would play, and me and my brother had a ton of fun with it (I should finish AE2 on the PS4 just to play the Soccer minigame again)

[@thehans255]

I never played the core series, but I do remember liking the multiplayer spinoff, Pumped and Primed, for the PS2. It basically took the core concept of Ape Escape and threw it into races and battle arenas, having you pummel your friends with the sword or hunt them down with the Slingshot in split-screen mazes. If not something Ape Escape should do again, an indie successor should definitely take a crack at.

[@Gofioneta]

Bro, this is an incredible video. Absolutly gold!! Cheers

[@mighty_king92]

Missed out on this series unfortunately... the only games I have played are the eyetoy board game and the terrible PlayStation move demo. I love this franchise, it is one that bursts with so much creativity and charm that faded away too soon. I'm actually surprised there was no small mention of Pumped and Primed, Million Monkeys or Sarusaru Big Mission though

[@davidaitken8503]

The problem is anytime a game dares to do anything innovative or different with its' control scheme game reviewers, KZbinrs, and the rest of the casual crowd will dock points, pan it, or outright claim it is horrible. That happened with everything from Kid Icarus Uprising on 3DS to Star Fox Zero on Wii U. Both games have excellent controls, they just take a little practice, like anything new does. I know people that refused to learn gyro aiming in Splatoon games, got frustrated with getting their asses kicked by everyone that was using them, and subsequently stopped playing the game altogether. There was nothing wrong with Resident Evil 4's camera controls. It created tension and fear. The remake has the exact same camera as everything else now, and they threw in a parry system too, because every modern game apparently needs that too.

[@bunugable]

It was really interesting listening to your perspective on nostalgia and the overall quality of the Ape Escape Trilogy, as someone who was brought up on Ape Escape 2, whenever I go to replay that title im hooked and I completely look past the 'uninspired' sequel stance the game took. I'm waiting every day for Sony to reimagine this IP and it's great to hear that there are people like me who have fond memories of this series and speak highly of it. Really good video and breakdown I was hooked from the start :))

[@seibetsu]

This is one of the greatest thumbnails ive ever seen. Keep ip the work dude, the viseo is great as well. I imagine you'll get the subs you deserve quite soon.

[@rattlingbones1293]

I never played ape escape but the idea that Sony needs tonal if not game play variety is true my favorite game ever gravity rush was one of their experiments in doing something non hyper realistic or gritty action it was a magical girl anime you could play through it was great, a shame it’ll never get a 3rd game due to Sony banking on their current line ups for sequels and spinoffs, Astro bot shouldn’t be the exception but the rule for future titles inventive creative and fun!

[@FlintlockYT]

I only ever played the demo, but I played the hell out of it. Being so young, I couldn't afford to buy many games for myself, and this never made the cut, nor was it gifted to me. I should revisit it on an emulator. Thanks for the video.

[@OwlBinary]

I really appreciate this video, but I need to clarify one thing in the intro. Humans are a member of the great apes, a species cannot evolve out of a clade. That said, Ape Escape is a game where every character is an ape! And it makes me love the game even more for it! lol We need more ape games!

[@hotcyder]

Ape-reciate the correction!

[@kitzen1795]

completely missed out on these growing up, and suffice to say you've sold me on them! particularly ape escape one, and despite the short comings you mentioned, three. while may not be as innovative as the first the creativity in levels and character designs really caught my eye

[@mothcub]

thumbnail goes so hard

[@hotcyder]

Shout outs to twitter.com/JetpackBraggin

[@BulaienHate]

I'm glad someone is saying it

[@Justachamp772]

Hello man, it's criminal that this video has such low views, cause it feel like. It's production is this good that it would have around 1.5mil views, you are doing great man, you have god my subscribe, also I was interested in PS1 generation of games alot bizarre or famous, it was the time of biggest change in controls, and graphics. Games were veru creative back then, PS2 had some but 1 was peaked. Would love more or these like on Twisted Metal.

[@Randomii666]

I still consider Ape Escape one of the best 3D platformers of all time. The game was innovative, incredibly fun to play and very well made. Somehow it managed to feel familiar, but also completely new at the same time. Having to use the right stick to control the gadgets and being able to swap the said gadgets on the fly completely blew my mind back when i first played it. Paired with the amazing soundtrack and a huge variety of different level designs makes it one of the most enjoyable videogame experiences i've ever had

[@DewMan31]

You should play Wonderful 101 for innovative right stick controls.

[@hotcyder]

I have - it’s pretty good!

[@DewMan31]

@@hotcyder damn right. What about Astral Chain?

[@hotcyder]

@@DewMan31 Not yet!

[@DewMan31]

@@hotcyder oooooh. You'll like that one too.

[@MegaDrain]

"My uncle was in Ape Escpae" "My uncle was an apeist." "What does that mean, Chris? "He forcibly aped people"

[@arphaxadarphaxad1592]

Anyone else remeber a math based game where the protagonist explores caves and has a magic staff? ( same time as Bugdom)

[@Mcintron12]

Love your videos, man

[@hotcyder]

Thanks!

[@Masterge77]

I don't even think Sony would dare touch an IP like Ape Escape ever again, they've become far too "Western" and "Mature" for such titles, and would see something like it as "too Japanese", "too childish" and "too cartoony" for their lineup which consists entirely of gritty, realistic, M-rated titles aimed at an older audience and are basically over-glorified CGI movies more than they are video games. Modern Sony would rather go bankrupt than make another E-rated 3D platformer. The only way you could see such a franchise nowadays is from an indie developer, and most of them are more interested in copying 2D Sonic and Earthbound than any 3D platformer titles

[@TerrorOfTalos]

Explain the new $60 Astro Bot game then, that's an E-rated platformer releasing this year only on PS5.

[@Amygameing]

“PlayStation dolshock”

[@pian-0g445]

With how insomniac surprisingly seems to be making ratchet and clank games beyond that movie tie in, and team Aosobi (retains lots of people from the now closed studio japan) releasing a stand alone Astro bot game, it would be neat to see ape escape return. Sad though that sucker punch confirmed that there’s no plans for sly cooper to return.

[@Sneaky_racoon_sly]

there are rumors of a medi evil 2 remake. why the hell not ape escape

[@Bafo117]

APE ESCAPE MENTIONED LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@zacharywong483]

Very nice script here!

[@hotcyder]

Thanks! Wrote it myself :D

[@EatinBubsy]

Well edited!!!

[@Sneaky_racoon_sly]

I still think that every 3D platformer I have played has more Atmosphere than Mario 64. i was scared as a child to play this game on my ds and played new super mario bros instead. 2019 i played banjo kazooie and it grabbed and spinned mario around,like he did with bowser. this game has so much atmosphere

[@shawnmm1]

Hell yeah, goes to show you got good videos Jake, people are finally seeing it!

[@XxguaxinimxX.]

I really loved and played those games for more hours than I could count, when I was a kid! It's a little sad that there's some games that only released in japan and we don't have an AE 4 yet, but this game has a special place in my heart! Maybe a remake/trilogy bundle would be great! I'm def buy it! There was also an #ApesWillEscape at some point

[@brandon4622]

I’ve been hoping that Ape Escape would get Spyro/Crash-like remake of the first game, but sadly I think it’s never going to happen.

[@mrcrazyadd2]

A small correction in the intro; we just ARE apes. "Ape" is a category in which we meet all of the criteria.

[@BleekBrown]

Best ost around, the Ape Escape 1 on the PS1 that is

[@etherealbladerx8153]

I'm almost always daydreaming of this game but can't always remember the name. Thank you 😊

[@zelenpixel]

i like the constant biology jokes in this

[@hotcyder]

Thanks!

[@I_HRT_TallyHall]

Damn, I remember this game, great video!

[@russellgolden7546]

Media sank this series. By the sequel it was already “old, outdated, not innovative enough”. Fast forward to 2024 and the 3D platform genre is all but dead, and what’s left is primarily throwbacks to N64 era collectathons.

[@KingZomp]

Killer video. Awesome breakdown and ideas and references and concepts. Subscribed! I want to believe that there is a way they could bring Ape Escape back, and I think your idea is brilliant but I think it just kind of looks weird?? To be capturing monkeys in a small net, and then... Where do they go?? Like Pokemon have magical Pokeballs but...? I never played it but I always thought the design of the ape was super cool. I think the core issue with the IP is that the player isn't an ape. I want to be ape and I want to escape.

[@llipses]

I forgot this game existed! Loved ape escape

[@tomoe7255]

I always listened to the bgm, and wondered if I should get into it someday! Really well put together even for a non fan like myself

[@kawrght]

Sadly its likely we will, like all japanese games, never see ape escape again. Sony moved away from japanese games over a decade ago, and the japenese simply are not playing consoles, they are on mobile. Its the point where, as of this year, sony exited japan completely, studio and all. Even then, the psp burned the hell out of this franchise. Sony has *technically* reworked this franchise into its VR offerings, astrobots. You can buy 1, 2 and p(for some reason) on the store, but 3 is unavailable. Likely due to music rights at a guess. Share and buy, and maybe we can get sony to notice. I find it almost hilarious AI is taking off in the modern era, when a bunch of apes had it in the early 2000s.

[@why3994]

"like all Japanese games" bro what are you talking about

[@kawrght]

@@why3994 sony, like many developers, haven't made japanese style games in many years. And as stated, theres so little of a market they exited it

[@Austinator0630]

That's why PlayStation is on its last legs.

[@kawrght]

@@Austinator0630 no. They elected an idiot who doesn't play videogames(vs its previous two who did) is why that is

[@packpock4369]

I think for the time it worked and not just Ape Escape but other platformers. They made 3 games that were successful enough but where do you really go with a series like this? To bring it back they need the right ideas, it's definitely possible but unfortunately they're more concerned for triple a titles not vision and risk.

[@tomablott]

I missed this series when i was younger but I'm going to try it eventually on Playstation's Classic collection!

[@hotcyder]

Heck yeah, hope you enjoy!

[@Austinator0630]

Ape Escape isn't returning anytime soon, especially now that Japan studio is no more.

[@hotcyder]

@@Austinator0630 But what if this video gets Sony to change their mind?

[@Austinator0630]

@@hotcyder As you mentioned at the end of your video, Sony PlayStation is a shell of it's former shelf. They put excessive focus on third-person action games. They have built up a strong reputation for not touching older IPs.

[@OFFATHER13]

Convince me that Escape is inspired by Mario Sunshine, which was released 3 years ago.

[@MUSQUIZanimation]

God I love Ape Escape. Top 3 games of all time for me. I even love the controversial Ape Escape: On the Loose (the one I grew up with cuz I was too young for the PSONE)

[@megafox2x2]

I was just playing ape escape the other day. and was like AE1 is the best of the franchise and I wish they focused more on innovating on those ideas for 2 &3.

[@gmg9010]

I remember seeing that ape character somewhere I can’t remember where but it would of had to be in 2006 so I would of been around 5 years old.

[@AngeVNs]

I had no idea Ape Escape was the actual Sony version of Mario 64. Now I wanna try it.

[@BatsOnSaturn]

Play the whole trilogy my dude, you won't regret it.

[@BrookieSmallz]

Replaying through Ape Escape 3 now. The OST is still just as amazing

[@hotcyder]

Soichi Terada - best to ever do it

[@TheNewurban]

This might be a hot take but I actually prefer the control scheme of Ape Escape: On The Loose to the original.

[@hotcyder]

That *is* a hot take

[@TerrorOfTalos]

Fucking yikes