=================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
=================
I. INTRODUCTION
II. LEGAL STUFF
III. UPDATES/REVISION HISTORY
IV. The Story
V. Game Options
VI. Controls
VII. Gadgets
VIII. Walkthrough
i. Fossil Field
ii. Primordial Ooze
iii. Molten Lava
iv. Thick Jungle
v. Dark Ruins
vi. Cryptic Relics
vii. Crabby Beach
viii. Coral Cove
ix. Dexter's Island
x. Snowy Mammoth
xi. Frosty Retreat
xii. Hot Springs
xiii. Sushi Temple
xiv. Wabi Sabi Wall
xv. Crumbling Castle
xvi. City Park
xvii. Spector's Fatory
xviii. TV Tower
xix. Monkey Madness
xx. Final Battle(s)
IX. Jake's Challenges
X. Minigames
XI. Tips
XII. FAQ
XIII. CREDITS
XIV. CONTACT INFO
Well, since there are absolutely no FAQs for Ape Escape on GameFAQS, I
decided to do one. I've had the game since it was released(sometime
during the summer of '99).
Ape Escape is one hell of a fun platformer, and is one of the best games
this year. It's also probably one of the most innovative games I've ever
seen.
*NOTE*-Ape Escape will NOT work unless you use an analoge controller.
That means if you want to play this game, you will need one. It's kind
of like DK 64, because it needs the expansion pak to play. If you don't
have an analog contoller, either buy one, or just forget about this game
all together.
And now, here's a review from IGN PSX that proves that I'm not the only
one who's going "ape" for this game:
Ape Escape Review:
A month or two after the Dual Shock Analog controller hit store shelves,
the guys at IGNPSX all sat around thinking how much more interesting
games would feel and play. Baseball would feel better when you hit a
home run, fighting games would be more arcade-like, and…well, the
future looked a little brighter as the PlayStation started its third
year and reached middle age. Unfortunately, no software company actually
utilized it to any real extent, except to make sure it worked in
conjunction with the digital pad. And we felt that with the exception of
some racing games (those that use both analog controls for steering and
acceleration), the analog pad was essentially a nice addition but
nothing worth writing home about. No game fulfilled the potential it
initially promised.
Apparently, Sony Japan felt the same way, and in a first for
PlayStation, the company created a completely analog-controlled platform
game, Ape Escape. For an industry that likes to push the technological
barriers in theory, but only occasionally in practice, Ape Escape not
only used the used the analog controller, but the game requires it. Ape
Escape is a big step in the evolution of the modern platformer. It's a
bold step. It is not only a more interesting game because of its analog
control, it's a genuinely mesmerizing and inventive platformer that uses
the analog in ways no one has ever seen before.
GAMEPLAY
Ape Escape is the story of a band of rogue monkeys that escape from the
amusement park and mistakenly break into a genius professor's
laboratory. They find the inventions called the Peak Point Helmets and
instantly become intelligent, with a particularly ingenious simian named
Specter running the others. In a theme reminiscent of Planet of the
Apes, these little creeps plan on changing history so that apes rule the
world and humankind becomes the special attraction at amusement parks!
You star as Spike, and with the help of your friend Natalie and the
Professor, you travel back in time to capture each and every one of the
precocious little monkeys. In the adventure, the Professor will assist
you with numerous gadgets, helpful TV-like transmissions, and warp your
body back and forth in time to complete the necessary tasks. What makes
Ape Escape so playable and so honest in the beginning are the tutorials,
of which there are many.
In the control room, players can try every single little tutorial, and
throughout the game, new ones will pop up to explain new gadgets,
puzzles, and the ways in which the game works. For instance, the levels
were created so that as players pick up later-level gadgets, frequent
returns to previously visited levels are necessary. The new gadgets,
such as the Sky Flyer, enable Spike to acquire monkeys he couldn't get
and bonuses that were once simply out of his reach. Those who don't like
analog controls will get into the swing of things because the tutorials
are brief and right to the point. Their appearance is woven perfectly
throughout the game.
In terms of straight gameplay, Ape Escape blends traditional platform
elements, such as jumping, running, and uncovering secrets, with all
sorts of newfangled ideas, and a few concepts right from some of your
favorite games. The game makes use of the analog controls in such
excellent ways, we're sure that the development team just sat around
brainstorming just how they could be implemented. Perhaps the team even
looked at some other games (such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter and maybe even Star Wars) for inspiration.
Here's the weapon and gadget list:
-Slingback Shooter (slingshot, with three kinds of shots, normal
bullets, flash bullets, and guided bullets)
-Monkey Radar
-Time Net
-Water Net
-Row Boat/Tank
-Super Hoop
-Sky Flyer
- Stun Club (Light Saber)
-RC Car
The Slingback Shooter, which is a whole lot of fun, is just like the
slingshot from Zelda. And those little golden triangular power-ups are
identical to those found in Turok. The Stun Club? That is a Light Saber.
In the ultimate compliment to Zelda, however, the gadgets and weapons
can be attributed to any one of the special buttons (Square, Circle,
Triangle, X). In some levels you'll require the Monkey Radar and the
Stun Club, and in others you'll just need the Sky Flyer and the Stun
Club, and all are switch-able. In almost all cases, you'll need the Stun
Club and the Time Net, which transports the monkeys back to the
professor. OK, so what? The ideas are from another game. They're still
fun in their own way, and they make the game work.
CONTROL
One of the strangely problematic parts of Ape Escape is its main
character, Spike. In most games, the lead character is somehow cute,
special, or cool. Spike is rather ordinary. Instead of him being the
marketable, hip, wacky mascot that we're so used to (and tired of), in
Ape Escape the monkeys get the spotlight. This may be why most people
confuse Ape Escape as some kind of Donkey Kong game, which it isn't.
Regardless of this odd lack of marketability, we're actually glad that
Spike's an everyman, because that leaves the cool factor to the gadgets
and the gameplay, which is what this game has in bucket loads. Spike is
also incredibly agile. He can move in all sorts of ways, and do all
sorts of things, including the abilities to:
-Walk
-Run
-Jump
-Double Jump
-Swim
-Swing
-Climb
-Crouch
-Crawl
-and pilot at least two kinds of transports (a tank and a rowboat)
Frankly, at first the game seems hard to control. It's often difficult
to get the little running monkeys into the Time Net. Once players get
the hang of the 3D spaciousness, nabbing monkeys becomes second nature.
But what elevates Ape Escape to new levels of greatness is its deep
gameplay and replay value. Always using the analog seems new and
refreshing throughout. With all of the gadgets, each of which enables
Spike to complete a mission in a different way, the missions are always
unique, too. To add to that are the 25 levels (plus submissions), which
must be revisited to fully complete the game. And finally, a series of
mini games exist to challenge your skills as your progress. In the end,
gamers will have their hands full for some time with Ape Escape.
GRAPHICS
Ape Escape is a simple looking game, packed with primary colors, like
those in Mario, Croc, or Gex, and mostly ordinary effects. While the
textures aren't terribly stunning and the character design rather
fundamental, there is something extremely cute about those damn monkeys.
With their goofy little helmets, their puny little screeches, and
adorable-as-can-be movements, the charm of Ape Escape is in locating and
nabbing the monkeys. But not without checking them out first. Using the
Monkey Radar, and pressing L2, Spike can learn each monkey's special
habits and characteristics. Some like to draw and others like to
collect. Some are mischievous or naughty, and some are more dangerous
than others. It's fun just to see what they're like. Other than the
peculiar attraction these homely little monkeys have, the rest of the
game is designed in a cartoony, simplistic way. This doesn't take away
from the game's value, it's just its style. But if you compare this to
say, the Dreamcast's upcoming Sonic Adventure, it's extremely crude and
simple.
A few special effects stuck out from the crowd. While the water effects
aren't anything special, the game designers did pay attention to detail.
In some levels you'll see the night sky, and shooting stars will pass
by. In every level, the special effect for capturing a monkey is
awesome. The mixture of transparent lights, designed in rings and
coupled with sparks (generated from a nice particle system), and a
quickly moving camera, create a fantastic and gratifying effect. A few
other notable special effects are also worth noting. The consciously
created TV effects, relay effects, and other lighting effects are cool,
and specific to the game.
SOUND
The other particularly Japanese touches are found in the music
department. Few platformers have music like this. A weird concoction of
J-Pop and techno-style synth music fills the levels, and in a strange
way, each style works well. In some cases, I noticed that I was humming
songs after the game (the poppy tunes), and in other cases, I couldn't
even remember the songs (the techno tunes). Both tilt toward being more
Japanese than Western. As with Spike's looks, his voice is nothing
special. The monkeys win in that department, too. The screeches, "eeps"
and "ooks" are all funny and loveable. Overall, the sound does a good
job of bringing an aural life to Ape Escape that's different that in
other platformers.
Ape Escape is the best 3D platform game on the PlayStation. Hands down.
It's not only innovative, it digs deep into the analog control's
inherent movements and brings out a breadth of fantastic gameplay
elements that are unique to the game. Strangely, once in a while I felt
that it was annoying. I got sick of those damn monkeys, especially the
ones that I couldn't get to and required secondary visits. That's most
because I'm so systematic and thorough, but it's also because sometimes
the monkeys or bonuses are only inches from reach.
In the end, Ape Escape is not the Mario of the PlayStation, it's
something different. It's a skilled-based platformer that is technically
deft but lacks the marketable mascot factor. That's good and bad, and is
the game's biggest problem. In a world filled with Crash Bandicoots,
Marios, and Sonics, Ape Escape seems to fall into a no-man's land in
which there is no real Hollywood-style star at all. Still, besting Crash
Bandicoot's tightly harnessed 3D gameplay, which is still great stuff,
Ape Escape provides a fresh, innovative way of playing in three
dimensions on PlayStation. It's different than the Crash Bandicoot
series, so it's not directly comparable, but on an overall scale, it's a
superior game.
***ATTENION WEBMASTERS***
FROM THIS POINT FORWARD, I WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING ANY MORE E-MAILS FROM
ANYONE WHO WANTS TO PUT THIS, OR ANY OTHER OF MY FAQS ON THEIR SITES.
I'M SICK AND TIRED OF PEOPLE ASKING ME IF THEY CAN PUT MY FAQ ON THEIR
SITE. I'M NOT TRYING TO BE MEAN OR ANYTHING, BUT IT'S JUST THAT I KEEP
ON RECEIVING E-MAILS FROM WEBMASTERS WHO WANT TO PUT MY FAQ ON THEIR
SITE. ANY MORE E-MAILS THAT I GET FROM NOW ON THAT ARE ASKING ME IF THEY
CAN USE MY FAQ ON THEIR SITE, WILL BE DELETED AND IGNORED. THE ONLY
SITES THAT CAN HAVE ANY OF MY FAQS ARE THE ONES SPECIFIED IN THE LEGAL
STUFF SECTION OF THIS FAQ.
HOWEVER, IF YOU DO PUT THIS OR ANY OF MY FAQS ON YOUR SITE WITHOUT MY
PERMISSION, LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IMMEDIATLY. I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU
FOR READING THIS, AND I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT IF YOU WANT TO PUT THIS
OR ANY OF MY FAQS ON YOUR SITE, THE ANSWER IS NO AND WILL ALWAYS BE NO!
SORRY IF I'M BEING RUDE, BUT I'M SICK OF PEOPLE JUST TAKING MY FAQS
WITHOUT MY CONSENT. THANK YOU.
This FAQ can only appear on the following sites:
-GameFAQS
-Cheat Code Central
-GameSages
If anyone finds it on any other site, please inform me ASAP.
Version 0.2 (12/20/99)
---------------------------------------------------------
* First version. Still need to complete a lot of levels. I should be
able to complete it within the next few days. Slowly, but surely...
Version 0.4 (12/22/99)
----------------------------------------------------------
* Added walkthroughs for levels 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3. Also added some more
tips.
Version 0.6 (12/27/99)
----------------------------------------------------------
* Added walkthroughs for levels 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3. I'm going to start
updating World by World from now on. So that means my next update will
include the walkthroughs for levels 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3.
Version 0.8 (12/30/99)
--------------------------------------------------------
* Added the walkthroughs for levels 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3.
Version 1.0 (12/30/99)
--------------------------------------------------------
* Quick update. It's 12:41 am, and I'm bored, so I added the ATTENTION
WEBMASTERS disclamer. Whoooooooopppppeeeeeee.
Version 1.2 (01/12/00)
---------------------------------------------------------
* Added the walkthroughs for levels 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3.
Version 1.4 (01/25/00)
----------------------------------------------------------
* Added the walkthroughs for levels 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 9-1, and the Final
Battle with Specter.
* This guide is COMPLETE, so this will probably be the last update. :(
Here's the story DIRECTLY from the game manual, so without further adou:
"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 sucsess!
The bad news is that you, Jake, 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!"
Anyway, the Professor and I were about to test the Time Station, because
we were pretty close to making it work.
When 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 Spector, that sly little symian
form 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 Spector 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!
We need you to stop them. You're ouronly 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!"
*NOTE*-I've had trouble loading a save that I downloaded from my Dex
Drive. It seems that the game couldn't read it or something. If anyone
else has had any trouble like me, please contact me.
ANALOG STICK (L3)---------Moves Spike in direction you want to go.
ANALOG STICK (R3)---------Used to operate the gadgets.
ANALOG STICK (L3, PRESSED IN LIKE A BUTTON)--------Used to crouch/crawl.
R1/R2---------------------Jump. Press twice in a row to double jump.
L1------------------------Moves camera into default position.
L2------------------------Rotates camera.
START---------------------Bypass cinemas, accept options, close screens,
displays pause menu.
X-------------------------Selects a gadget.
SQUARE--------------------Selects a gadget.
CIRCLE--------------------Selects a gadget.
TRIANGLE------------------Selects a gadget.
Each level has three requirements in order to properly beat it:
1) Catch every monkey
2) Get all the coins in the level.
3) Beat the best time in the Time Trial
In this section, I will NOT layout a step-by-step walkthrough for each
level. I will only tell you where each monkey and coins is, and later,
the time you have to beat in the Time Trials. This way, it's easier for
me, and easier for you, the reader, to read and understand it.
SPECTER COIN: It's in the water, underneath the island where you begin
the level.
MONKEY 1: On the small ledge right next to the island. Use the monster
to jump up to him.
MONKEY 2: On the ledge by the large log.
MONKEY 3: Swimming in the water near the beginning of the level.
MONKEY 4: Right ahead of you when you start the level, by the tree
stump.
MONKEY 5: On the high cliff above the water. Go underneath the water,
through the underwater entrance, and climb up the rocky steps to find
him on the cliff.
MONKEY 6: On another ledge-type of thing, near the water entrance.
SPECTER COIN: Go and find a flying saucer. Once you are there, go into
the passageway underneath it. Find an elevator in the passageway. The
Coin is right behind it.
MONKEY 1: Trying to get a tan on the beach. He's on a chair.
MONKEY 2: Around the water in the beach.
MONKEY 3: Near the beach also.
MONKEY 4: Yet another one on the beach.
MONKEY 5: Also on the beach.
MONKEY 6: Another one on the beach, but this one is in a flying saucer.
MONKEY 7: In the second section of the level, right around the two
dropping platforms.
MONKEY 8: Right around the trigger that is used for the bridge.
*************************
xvi. Level 8-1: City Park
*************************
MONKEYS: 13
SPECTER COINS: 03
___________________________________________________________________
SPECTER COIN 1: Located in the sewer section. You need the R/C car to
get to it.
SPECTER COIN 2: On top of a monkey cage, in the room with the cans
rolling around. Pretty easy to find.
SPECTER COIN 3: Right above the waterfall. Simple really. :)
MONKEY 1: Near the begining of the level, in the jungle gym.
MONKEY 2: By the waterfall, in the tiny crevice. Look out for a robot
near here.
MONKEY 3: Inside of the boxing ring.
MONKEY 4: Inside of the sewers.
MONKEY 5: Also in the sewers, but this one is inside of a cage. Use the
R/C car to get him out.
MONKEY 6: Swinging around in the sewers. Hit the nearby switch right
next to the Specter Coin.
MONKEY 7: On top of a very high up platform, inside of the room that is
right after the room with the cans.
MONKEY 8: In the room with the cans. Near the wall by where the cans are
rolling to.
MONKEY 9: Also in the room with Monkey 7, on another high platform.
MONKEY 10: In a cage, in the room with the cans.
MONKEY 11: This one is also in a cage in the room with the cans.
MONKEY 12: On top of a ledge, right past the fans.
**************************
xx. The Final Battle
**************************
First off, you need to dodge the car when it tries to ram you. Once it
goes by you, hit the green spot on the back. You need to be fast to do
this, so be careful.
Specter's Mech isn't all that hard. You only need three hits for each
arm to destroy them both. After destroying his arms, go towards the side
of the platform. Once the Mech destoys the ground, leap at it, and hit
it with the stun club.
This part is kinda tricky. Specter will appear ramdomly. Once he DOES
appear, you need to face him, dodge the shots he takes at you, then hit
him with the slingshot. You need to hit him about 4-5 times before he is
defeated...
This last part of Specter is the hardest, since he has a force field
around himself. Use the Magic Punch to destoy the shield, all while
dodging the rockets. Once the shield is gone, hit him with the Magic
Punch. After getting rid of the shield, use the Time Net to catch him!
All of Jake's Challenges are optional, so it really doesn't matter
whether or not you do it. But if you choose to take up his challenges,
you will be rewarded with 5 coins.
Criteria: You must beat Jake in a race to the finish.
The first Challenge is pretty easy, since all you have to do is beat him
in a race. The only tough spots are the jumps, and the lava pit. Here's
a tip: Cut corners while running to save time, thus improving your
chance to beat Jake.
Criteria: You must beat Jake again in another race.
The second Challenge is a lot tougher, since you must use your Sky Flyer
to race. Knowing the course is a big help, and try to make huge jumps
with your Sky Flyer to gain a lead.
There are 3 hidden mini-games in Ape Escape. To open them up, you must
earn a certain amount of coins. Here are the three mini-games and how to
open them:
***************
SKI KIDZ RACING
***************
THE DILLY O: Its a snowboarding game where you must use BOTH analog
sticks to move your character. It's a tough one.
COINS: 10
**************
SPECTER BOXING
**************
THE DILLY O: A boxing game that requires skill. Punch only when your
opponent is open for a punch.
COINS: 20
**********
GALAXY APE
**********
THE DILLY O: A tough, yet fun space shooter. Try to hang back and avoid
fire.
Here are some tips that helped me throughout the game:
-Save your explosive ammo(slingshot) for the larger ememies.
-During Time Trials, only double jump when absolutley neccessary.
-Use the dash hoop to cross any type of bridge.
-Use the Sky Flyer A LOT.
-Use the first level to get easy extra lives.
-For fast monkeys, wait until they hide, then use the Monkey Radar to
find them and sneak up on them when they least expect it.
-Use the rotate camera button when A LOT. Hey, the camera DOES act up at
in-opertune times ya know.
-Use the Golden Triangles to stop time temporarily in Time Trial Mode.
-Always use plenty of cookies, and know where they are just in case you
need them.
- Memorize the levels for Jake's Challenges; it'll make it a whole lot
easier to go through.
- Crawl to capture the harder monkeys to get.
- Combine your jump with your net-swinging to capture fast monkeys.
- Use the Monkey Radar.(Duh!)
- Know what the colors of the Monkey's helmets mean:
GREEN: Unaware of your presence.
YELLOW: They know of your presence. Lay low until they turn
green.
RED: Just be prepared to fight or run after him for awhile.
Q: What is the coolest Gadget in the game?
A: It's close, but I'd have to say the R/C Car, followed by the Sky
Flyer.
Q: How long is Ape Escape?
A: It took me about 23 hours the first time, so it's not that difficult.
Q: Is it possible to get 100% of the game complete the first time
around?
A: No. You must go back AFTER you finish the game, because when you do
finish it, you'll get the Magic Punch gadget, and you'll need it to find
the other apes and coins.
Shameless Self-Promotion: Other FAQs by me:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
PLAYSTATION:
-Ape Escape
-Brave Fencer Musashi
-Crash Team Racing
-Gran Turismo 2
-Medal Of Honor
-NBA Live 2000
-Need for Speed: High Stakes
-Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
-R4: Ridge Racer Type 4
-Rollcage
Types I WILL accept:
- Small questions that are NOT answered in the FAQ
- Comments
- Gltiches, complaints (about the game, not about me or the FAQ)
- Any types of contributions that can be HELPFUL to others
- Corrections for this FAQ
Types I will NOT accept:
- Hate mail
- Small contributions that will NOT help anyone
- Chain letters
- Any mail that is in ALL CAPS
- Any mail that demands an answer
- Mail asking me to send you this FAQ
- Unconstructive critism
- Any questions that are already answered in this FAQ
- Any mail asking if you can use this FAQ on your website. Read the
Legal Stuff section for all the details. NO MEANS NO!
