Ape Escape 2

**NoFace** · 10 Jul 2003, 03:28 PM

I also imported this last summer. Here's some brief, slightly hazy, impressions for any interested:

If you enjoyed the first game, you'll most likely enjoy the second if you can deal with more of the same. That's the game's biggest problem... it's very similar to the first game. The new gadgets added don't drastically alter the gameplay in any way, in fact they're rather gimmicky (such as the Bananarang or whatever they call it in the domestic version). But again, the first game was great fun, and the sequel does not disappoint in this regard.

Graphically the game has a very "soft" and subdued look to it... I can't explain what it is exactly but it don't expect to be wowed by it's graphics. The music is decent but I thought the first one easily trounced it in this category. I won't comment on the sound effects or voice work, since all the Japanese dialogue meant very little to me (although it did add to the wackiness factor a bit).

The game is painfully easy, I don't recall the first one being as much of a breeze as this one is. Tack on the game's pretty short length (I finished it in 2-3 days), and it almost falls into rental status until you can find it for less money.

Oh and my minor beef with the game's localization... changing the main character's name from Hikaru to "Jimmy". I know it's the U.S., but c'mon Ubi Soft, you can be a little more creative than that can't you?

So yea, there you go.

**Celeryface** · 10 Jul 2003, 03:34 PM

I picked up the domestic version the other day. I'm enjoying it, so far.

**Glass Joe** · 10 Jul 2003, 04:07 PM

I really loved the 1st one so I picked this up on day 1. It is a really good game, but I don't think it's as good as part 1. The levels don't seem anywhere near as creative as the first one. The double jump has a wierd lag to it that didn't exist in the first one. They also changed what the jump button does while you swim. In part 1 if you held the jump button it made you swim faster. In part 2 if you press it it makes you swim faster but it forces you to the surface?!?! Like I said, it is a really good game. some of the later levels seem to be on par with levels from part 1. I haven't finished it yet but I'm close to beating it with all of the monkeys captured. I stopped playing it for about 3 days, something I wasn't able to do with part 1 until I beat it. If you loved the first one, you will definitely enjoy this game. It has alot of the qualities that part 1 had. By the way, the mini game "Monkey Soccer" kicks ass!

**Compass** · 10 Jul 2003, 04:15 PM

Does the kid still say, "I'm goin' for it!" at the beginning of each level? I liked that.

**Glass Joe** · 10 Jul 2003, 05:04 PM

If I remember correctly, he says "Let's Go".

**Johnny Nighttrain** · 10 Jul 2003, 05:09 PM

i didn't think much of the first game. has a lot of great idea's, and for the most part, they were executed well, but over all the game just lacked something. dunno, just wasn't having much fun as i was playing it.

**EvilMog** · 10 Jul 2003, 06:02 PM

I bet if the box said Nintendo Lucas would be creaming over it.

ZING!

**NoFace** · 10 Jul 2003, 06:12 PM

A lot of the charm the first game had seems to be lost on the second... which is made up for by it's increased weird factor. Ape Escape 2001 seems to have rubbed off a lot on Ape Escape 2. At least there's no pants washing/vaccuming in this one.