Ape Escape: On the Loose - PSP Reviews


	Platform PSP Genre Platformer Publisher SCEA Developer SCEA ESRB E (Everyone) Released March 2005

- Humorous gameplay

- Long Load Time - Below-average graphics - Nothing New

Review: Ape Escape 2 (PS2) Review: Sly Cooper 2 - Band of Thieves (PS2) Review: Jak 3 (PS2)
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Ape Escape: On the Loose

Score: 6.9 / 10

One of the standout features of the original Ape Escape game was the use of the two analog sticks. It was one of the first games to truly exploit the two little “joysticks” in an innovative way. The game was really addictive and I still put it in the PS2 occasionally after all these years. Now, the game has come to the PSP with its conspicuous lack of a second analog stick, so the gimmick is gone and we are left with the remaining aspects of Ape Escape's gameplay. Luckily, this is enough to make the game worthwhile for fans of platformers during the current drought on the PSP. When the likely unavoidable explosion of platformers hits the system, Ape Escape: On the Loose will have little to recommend it, but as the only game in town, On the Loose delivers a fair experience.

Like the original, On the Loose’s gameplay is built around capturing monkeys using a net. The game plays as a typical platformer, but the protagonist here is charged with capturing monkeys that have escaped through time using a half-dozen or so gadgets at his disposal to help find and capture the primates. On the Loose forces the player to switch between devices that are linked to the action button while controlling the protagonist with the analog nub. It isn't as intuitive or fun as the dual-stick original, but the controls are learned easily enough and are certainly functional.

Like the typical platformer, On the Loose features simple puzzles and “boss” fights on top of the normal jump, climb, swim gameplay. Nothing really feels new, but the novelty of bopping monkeys on the head and scooping them up with nets hasn't worn off.

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The level design is also derivative of the many platformers that have come before it. It is nice, however, that certain areas are originally inaccessible and only become accessible when certain gadgets are acquired. Usually, these bonus areas only contain extra coins used to open up mini-games, but revisiting the levels to mop up adds some replay value to the otherwise rather short game.

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Graphically, the game is on the bottom end of the launch titles, which is strange considering Sony should have the inside track on programming for its own system. Still, other than Sony's own sports titles, every launch game looks better than Ape Escape On the Loose. I'd rate the graphics somewhere between the Dreamcast and PS2 in quality, which is good for a hand-held, but seems unimpressive after one has played Ridge Racer or WipeOut Pure.

In the end, I find it hard to really recommend Ape Escape On the Loose. It is fun in small doses, but hardly seems worth the $40US it is selling for.

- Danny Webb

(June 10, 2005)