Ape Escape
😊 8.2/10
Demo (Playstation - US, Action & Adventure)
.png)
![Ape Escape [Demo] box art for Playstation](https://media.retro.gold/moby_img/Sony_-_PlayStation/Named_Boxarts/Ape Escape [Demo]_Front_Cover.jpg)
![Ape Escape [Demo] screenshot 3 for Playstation](https://media.retro.gold/moby_img/Sony_-_PlayStation/Named_Snaps/Ape Escape [Demo]_screenshot_0.jpg)
![Ape Escape [Demo] screenshot 4 for Playstation](https://media.retro.gold/moby_img/Sony_-_PlayStation/Named_Snaps/Ape Escape_0.jpg)
![Ape Escape [Demo] title screen for Playstation](https://media.retro.gold/Sony_-_PlayStation/Named_Titles/Ape Escape [NTSC-U] [SCUS-94423].png)
![Ape Escape [Demo] title screen for Playstation](https://media.retro.gold/Sony_-_PlayStation/Named_Titles/Ape Escape (USA).png)
Manage Collection
Developed_By:
Sony
Published_By:
Sony
Released On:
01 Jan 1999
Ape Escape is an action-packed adventure game where the evil monkeys, led by the scheming Specter, have taken over the world. The Professor's time machine has been stolen, and Spike must travel back in time to stop them. Armed with the Professor's gadgets, Spike will navigate through prehistoric lands, capturing Specter's monkey army and preventing their plan for a simian society.
The gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, requiring the use of the Dual Shock controller's right stick to control Spike's items such as stun sticks, RC Cars, and helicopter blades. The goal is to capture enough monkeys to diminish their effect on history, each with unique stats and personalities. Some will attack or ignore you, while others will fight back with machine guns and UFOs.
Completing every level unlocks a time attack mode, allowing players to compete for the fastest completion times. Additionally, collecting Specter Coins hidden throughout levels reveals bonus games like boxing and skiing, which utilize the dual stick controls.
eBay Product ID:
1027 (United States)
UPC-A:
711719442325 (United States)
ASIN:
B00000JNHJ (United States)
Sony PN:
SCUS-94423 (United States)
YouTube
Reddit
Twitch
Wikipedia
DB
IGDB
RG
RAWG
M
Metacritic
HowLong
GF
GameFAQs
Input Devices Required:
Gamepad
Number of Offline Players:
1 Player
Number of Players Supported:
1 Player
Input Device Features Supported:
Vibration
Controller Types Supported:
Analog Controller
Save Game Methods:
Manual Save, External Storage
Miscellaneous Attributes:
DualShock Required, PocketStation
Gamepads Supported:
DualShock, DualShock 2, Dual Analog Controller
Prices as of 30 Jul 2026
New
Complete
Loose
Box
Manual
Smoothed
Log · Auto
Medians
Volume
Manual
Game Guide
Extracted from the original game manual
This is a sci-fi adventure game where the player, Spike, is accidentally sent back in time. They must stop an intelligent ape, Specter, and his monkey army from altering history and conquering the world. The player will use gadgets to defeat the monkeys and restore the timeline.
Story
Monkey Mayhem!
Spike, can you hear me? It's Natalie! You've warped through the Time Station and you're miles, actually centuries, away.
The good news is that the Professor's Time Station is a huge success! The bad news is that you, and a wild band of mean monkeys, are lost in the past!
I'm sorry we weren't able to explain what was going on in the lab before you were transported away, but we were "tied up!"
Specter's Plan
The Professor and I were about to test the Time Station, because it seemed like we were pretty close to making it work. All of a sudden, the door flew open and a gang of monkeys ran in and took control.
They were all wearing the Peak Point Helmets that the Professor had created! Their leader is Specter, that sly little simian from the Amusement Park. Somehow he got hold of the Peak Point Helmet and his intelligence level is unbelievable!
While they were tying us up, I heard Specter ranting about changing history! He's going to make the monkeys the masters of the world, and put all the humans in the Amusement Park!
Your Mission
We need you to stop them. You're our only hope. But beware, with their helmets on, the monkeys are much smarter than you think.
The Professor's putting the final touches on some new Gadgets. We'll send those to you as quickly as possible. In the meantime, watch out for those apes!
How to Play
Getting Started
Set up your PlayStation console as instructed in its manual. Ensure the power is OFF before inserting or removing discs.
Insert the APE ESCAPE disc and close the disc cover. Insert a DUAL SHOCK™ analog controller and turn on the PlayStation console. Follow on-screen instructions to start a game.
Important Controller Information
The DUAL SHOCK analog controller is required, or other official PlayStation brand or licensed controllers featuring the "ANALOG CONTROL" icon. Analog mode only. May not function or performance may vary with other controllers.
We recommend using the DUAL SHOCK analog controller for the coolest monkeyshines.
Memory Cards
To save game settings and progress, insert a Memory Card with at least 1 free block into Memory Card slot 1 of the PlayStation game console before starting play. You can resume your saved games from the same card, or from any other Memory Card containing previously saved APE ESCAPE games.
Note: Memory Card slot 2 is not used.
Starting a Game
•
When you see the Title screen, press the START, X, or O Button to start a NEW GAME.
•
If you have a Memory Card inserted with saved games, pull the left stick back to LOAD GAME, then press the START, X, or O Button and use the Load/Save Game screen to continue play.
The Great Ape Hunt
Specter and his apes are messing with the past. You must stop them before something terrible happens. Specter is already turning history into a mystery!
Swing the Stun Club that warped through time with you to knock down and stun the monkeys. Then flip to your Time Net to capture them and warp them back to the Time Station.
We'll send you other Gadgets as soon as we can. You'll be able to access up to four at a time. But remember, the Time Net is the only Gadget that snares monkeys. Never give up the Time Net!
Stop the Chimps!
The Professor will send you messages to help you, especially when you're entering new areas. Please listen carefully. He'll give you hints about surviving the unknown lands.
You'll need this, and he'll often have news about what Specter is up to. With the Professor on your side, you're good to go!
You've Got Mail!
Want to stay in the game longer? Check out your mail. Mailboxes are super sources for Gadget instructions, survival tips, advance warnings, "how to" hints, and loads of other information.
Press the O Button to read through an entire note. If a message doesn't appear when you approach a mailbox, swipe it with your Stun Club.
The Clue in the "Headlights"
With their helmets on, the apes are much smarter than you think. They'll attack you with different weapons, just to keep from being caught.
The lights on the monkeys' helmets are indicators that let them know you're near. Learn to read these giveaway "headlights" and you'll outsmart the ape escapees.
•
Blue: They have no clue you're there. Ignorance is bliss. Approach with stealth, and make the nab! Try crawling toward the simple simian with your Time Net ready, or hide behind objects to remain invisible as long as possible.
•
Red: They see you! They'll either attack or run away, or both. Avoid attacks, and chase the ones who run. If you're close, you have a good chance of netting them.
•
Yellow: They sense your presence but don't know exactly where you are. Lay low for a bit until the light turns blue and then get 'em!
•
Flashing: A helmet light flashes or changes color when they're hunting you or about to attack you.
Got Monkeys?
Before entering a stage, check Casi's WARNING message for the number of monkeys you MUST capture. Then watch the bottom right corner of the Status Window; each time you get a pillaging primate you'll see a tally.
When you net the required number, you'll clear the stage. Get ready for the next one!
Note: Once cleared, it's OK to replay a stage and capture more monkeys while solving riddles you missed before - not to mention, it'll ruin Specter's day! Sometimes you'll need a Gadget to get a monkey you've missed.
Man of Many Moves
Run/Walk
•
Push the left stick all the way in any direction to run.
•
Tilt it slightly to walk.
Crouch/Crawl
•
Press and hold down the left stick (like a button) to crouch.
•
While holding, push the stick in any direction to crawl.
Jump
•
Press the R1 or R2 Button to jump from a standing or running position.
•
Press either button twice to double-jump to higher places.
Climb/Swing
•
Jump on a tree or pole and use the left stick to climb and descend.
•
Jump on an overhead rail and use the left stick to swing hand-over-hand.
Checking Inventory - And More!
•
Health Bar
•
Cam Mode
•
Life Count
•
Ape Count: Remaining/Captured
Press the START Button to pause the monkey mayhem and check out your inventory. While on this menu, you can:
•
Press the X Button to check out your Gadgets and change their button assignments.
•
Press the O Button to see your Status.
•
Press the Triangle Button to set
Controls
left stick (tilt all the way)
RUN
left stick (tilt slightly)
WALK
left stick (press and hold down)
CROUCH
left stick (push while crouching)
CRAWL
right stick
operate Gadgets
R1 button
jump
R2 button
jump
R1 or R2 button (press twice)
double-jump
left stick (while on tree or overhead rail)
climb, descend or swing hand-over-hand
A button
activate Gadgets
X button
activate Gadgets
button
activate Gadgets
L2 button
view surroundings and search for apes at close range (Monkey Cam)
L2 button (with Monkey Radar)
special ability
left stick (in Monkey Cam)
Move the Monkey Cam
L1 button
return to normal view (behind Spike)
L2 button (with Slingback Shooter)
special ability
Directional Buttons
move the camera in either Moveable Monkey Cam or Normal Cam modes
START button
Bypass opening story
Left stick (in menus)
Select options
▲ Button (in Pause Menu)
Select GADGET
● Button (in Pause Menu)
See STATUS
✖ Button (in Pause Menu)
Select OPTION
✖ Button
Advance through Help screens
■ Button (in Pause Menu)
EXIT back to Level Select Menu
✖, ● Button (from Level Select Menu)
Start selected stage
▲ Button (from Level Select Menu)
Return to Time Station
Items & Weapons
HEALTH COOKIES
These cookies restore your health. Collecting more than five doesn't increase your health.
SPECTER COINS
Collect these coins to pay your way into Mini Games at the Mini-Game Corner in the Time Station.
ENERGY CHIPS
Collect 100 of these chips (solid gold are worth 1, hollow are worth 5) to add a Life.
OTHER ITEMS
These include flash and guided bullets for additional primate defeating power, and other strange items whose functions you must discover.
Search Games
Popular Consoles
Trending Now
By Year
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
© 2026 RetroGold. All rights reserved.