Ape Escape 2

Ape Escape 2 for PlayStation 2 is a 3D platform adventure from Sony Computer Entertainment, first released in Japan in 2002 as Saru! Get You! 2 and brought to Europe and North America in 2003. It follows the original PlayStation Ape Escape as the second main entry in the series, turning its unusual two-analog-stick control idea into another globe-spanning hunt for runaway monkeys. Sony published the Japanese and European versions, while Ubi Soft handled the North American release, whose English localization calls its young hero Jimmy rather than Hikaru.

The story begins at the Professor's laboratory, where Hikaru accidentally sends intelligence-boosting Monkey Helmets to Monkey Park along with a delivery of monkey pants. Specter, the helmeted ape who led the previous game's revolt, quickly turns the mistake into a new plan for domination. Under Natsumi's direction, Hikaru sets out with Pipotchi, a friendly baby Pipo Monkey, to recapture the escaped apes and stop Specter's organization before its schemes can spread any further.

Each area in Ape Escape 2 combines platforming, exploration, and a collection objective: locate monkeys, work out how to approach them, and use the Monkey Net to make the capture. There are 300 monkeys distributed through the adventure, and their individual names, outfits, behavior, and abilities affect the chase. Some sit in exposed places, but others flee, hide, launch attacks, or require players to use the surrounding level to gain an opening. Capturing enough monkeys advances the journey, while returning to stages for missed targets supports the game's completion-oriented design.

The PlayStation 2 controls are central to how the game plays. The left analog stick moves Hikaru, while the right stick activates and aims his currently equipped Gotcha Gadget, rather than treating every tool as a conventional button attack. The Stun Club and Monkey Net provide the basic capture routine, and a growing selection of equipment changes the way obstacles and monkeys are handled. The Ape Radar points toward nearby targets, while tools including the RC Car, Sky Flyer, Super Hoop, Water Cannon, Bananarang, and Electro Magnet are used for movement, puzzles, environmental interactions, or setting up a difficult catch.

Pipotchi gives the sequel a regular companion in the field. The little monkey can offer hints, help Hikaru reach certain ledges, and provide one rescue when health is depleted, adding support without replacing the player's gadget work. The campaign also leads to confrontations with Specter's enhanced Freaky Monkey Five and moves through varied themed locations on its way to the villain's larger operation. Once the main story is finished, the game still encourages further monkey collecting and offers a New Game+ option that lets players revisit the adventure as Kakeru, known in English as Spike, the first game's protagonist.

Golden Gotcha Coins provide another reason to explore carefully. Building a quick collection streak raises their value, and the coins can be spent in the Gotcha Box to unlock extras such as artwork, music, comic material, and other gallery items. Ape Escape 2 also includes three unlockable side games: Monkey Football, known as Monkey Soccer in North America; the rhythm-focused Dance Monkey Dance; and Monkey Climber. These diversions can be played by up to two players where supported, giving this otherwise single-player platformer additional competitive or cooperative social play.

Ape Escape 2 remains closely tied to the identity of the series: colorful stages, mischievous apes, and a control scheme built around manipulating a net and specialized gadgets with the right analog stick. Its 2003 Western release arrived after Sony had not initially planned a North American localization, making Ubi Soft's publishing role especially notable there. Later, the PS2 game was converted for PlayStation 4 digital release, but the original PlayStation 2 version is the foundation for its character-driven monkey hunts, gadget puzzles, bonus collection, and sequel connection to Spike, Specter, and the Professor's lab.