Ape Escape

Specter, a popular attraction at the amusement park, has been transformed from a mild-mannered monkey into a scheming simian through the powers of the intelligence boosting Peak Point Helmet. Now he and his monkey army have taken over the Professor's time machine in order to travel back in time and replace human civilization with a simian society. There's just one catch: Spike was caught in the time machine as well, and has been pulled back into the past with them. With the help of the Professor's numerous gadgets Spike will travel through prehistoric lands and capture Specter's army to prevent his evil scheme.

The gameplay involves controlling Spike as he navigates levels filled with Specter's monkeys. Due to the game's requirement for a Dual Shock controller, all of Spike's items are controlled using the right stick. This allows for various tools such as stun sticks, RC Cars, and helicopter blades to be used in creative ways to capture the monkeys.

The objective is to capture enough Specter's monkeys to diminish their effect on history. Each monkey has unique stats and personalities, ranging from those that will ignore Spike to others that are aggressive and attack with deadly force. Weapons can only stun a monkey, requiring the Time Net to be used for capture.

Completing every level will unlock time attack modes, while collecting Specter Coins hidden within levels will grant access to bonus games like boxing and skiing, both utilizing the dual stick controls.