History YMMV / ApeEscape

* BrokenBase: The Frederator Cartoon has a rather mixed reception, fans can overall agree it has ugly character designs but whether the show itself is bad or good varies. Some find it boring and juvenile while others find it incredibly funny and may even enjoy it more than the anime.

* BarelyChangedDubName: In an bizarre change from the first two games, the American localization for ''3'' retains the Japanese names for most of the monkeys and has fewer cultural references.
** Averted by the PAL version, where Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe continued the trend of English names and cultural references - with even a few ("Dale Monkhardt" and "Joe Monkana") that would've fit better in the US localization.

* PolishedPort: Due to a region mismatch, the European [=PlayStation=] Network version of ''Ape Escape 2'' ended up being the full framerate North American version.

** The PSN version of ''Ape Escape 2'' is based off the European version. [[note]]Seems to be a region mismatch, as Europeans got the North American version in exchange.[[/note]] This includes the artificially lowered framerate in an era where the physics are tied to the framerate.

* FirstInstallmentWins: Even though the sequels have made their share of improvements and have their fans, the first ''Ape Escape'' is regarded as one of the all time classic games for the [=PS1=], and is definitely the most recognizable of them all. It also received a remake in 2005 titled ''On the Loose'' for the UsefulNotes/PlayStationPortable.

* ItsTheSameNowItSucks: Apart from making the leap to the [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 PS2]], ''Ape Escape 2'' doesn't change the main formula, with Jimmy unlocking the same base gadgets from the first game with three new gadgets that don't alter gameplay heavily. ''Ape Escape 3'' also doesn't really try to change core gameplay outside of the costume transformation.

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: The first game was the first to require the use of the [=DualShock=] controller. Back in 1999, this was a big deal. Thanks in part to this game, the [=DualShock=] became the standard controller for the [=PlayStation=] consoles. Today the game is still fun, but the reliance on the sticks of the [=DualShock=] now feels very gimmicky.

* TheyChangedItNowItSucks: ''Million Monkeys'' gets this reaction from some fans, for attempting to take a series [[WidgetSeries known for extremely weird silliness]] and make it DarkerAndEdgier.

* WidgetSeries: The series is about catching monkeys in brightly flashing helmets in nets, whether it be following [[TimeTravel them through time]], around the world or even [[spoiler:into space]], or [[TrappedInTVLand chasing them into parodies of famous TV programs and stories]]. Even then, the game makes no attempt to hide the fact that it's based in Japan, with Japan-based levels, gadgets, and even characters popping up frequently in all the games.

* EvenBetterSequel: Both ''2'' and ''3'' have their own distinct elements for an overall better game experience. ''2'' has smoother movements, improved controls for gadgets, new gadgets, bigger worlds to explore, and a whole slew of [[WidgetSeries unusual unlockables]]. ''3'' uses a unique costume morphing mechanic and has it's own off-the-wall tone and movie themed locations.

* ItsTheSameNowItSucks: Apart from making the leap to the PS2, ''Ape Escape 2'' doesn't change the main formula, with Jimmy unlocking the same base gadgets from the first game with three new gadgets that don't alter gameplay heavily. ''Ape Escape 3'' also doesn't really try to change core gameplay outside of the costume transformation.

* ContestedSequel: Both ''2'' or ''3'' can be particularly divisive. Some view ''2'' as [[ItsTheSameNowItSucks simply more of the same]] with mostly the same gadgets and less unique level theming compared to the time-travel theme of the first game and movie theme of the third. Others view ''3'' as[[TheyChangedItNowItSucks too different,]] with different core gameplay mechanics and wackier tone and style.

* EvenBetterSequel: Both ''2'' and ''3'' have their own unique elements for a better overall game experience. ''2'' has smoother movements, improved controls for gadgets, new gadgets, bigger worlds to explore, and a whole slew of [[WidgetSeries unusual unlockables]]. ''3'' uses the morphing mechanic and it's own off-the-wall tone and movie themed locations.

* ItsTheSameNowItSucks: Apart from making the leap to the PS2, ''Ape Escape 2'' doesn't change the main formula, with Jimmy unlocking the base gadgets from the first game with three new gadgets that don't alter gameplay heavily. ''Ape Escape 3'' also doesn't really try to change core gameplay outside of the costume transformation.

* ContestedSequel: ''3'' is a particularly divisive game. Some view it was an inferior sequel which [[ItsTheSameNowItSucks didn't change the gameplay enough]] and [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks changed the tone and style too much]]. Others find the formula didn’t really need improving and the game has the best level design and is overall the most charming game.

* EvenBetterSequel: ''Ape Escape 2'' is considered to be a very good sequel. It has smoother movements, improved controls for gadgets, new gadgets, bigger worlds to explore, and a whole slew of [[WidgetSeries unusual unlockables]].

* ItsTheSameNowItSucks: Besides moving away from the standard character design of the protagonists, ''Ape Escape 3'' doesn't really try to change things much outside of the costume transformation.

** In ''3'' the monkeys are able to steal and use your Gotcha Gadgets, even capable of capturing ''you'' in the Monkey Net and sending you back to the Hub. This ''could'' have been a game changer, but if you're careful it will rarely happens, and will likely only happen to the Net and Stun Club. Even when it does, you can just transform into one of your personas.

* VindicatedByHistory: Aside from the PortingDisaster on the PSN versions, ''Ape Escape 2''. A lot of fans back in the day experienced HypeBacklash yet as time went on, it became seen as a pretty good example of the collect-a-thon subgenre.

* EnsembleDarkhorse: Aki from ''Ape Escape 3'' barley appears in the series after her debut, but is likely the most well liked MissionControl in the series for her [[NiceGirl warm personality]] and voluptuous figure.

* TheWoobie: [[spoiler:Specter in the [=PlayStation=] Move reboot. Here, he was a monkey raised by a female scientist who was forced to be launched into space against his owner's wishes. He was later rescued by the descendants of other monkeys launched into space and was made their leader. He is shown to be rather bitter and sad about all of it, in contrast to his previous portrayal.]]

* FandomRivalry: With ''VideoGame/BanjoKazooie''.

** Early in the first game you are forced to paddle across a river with an enormous electric fish that falls slap into the UncannyValley. The controls make it extremely easy to jump into the water with it when trying to exit your boat.

* UncannyValley:
** The Pipo-Monkeys, with their enormous unblinking eyes, unfortunately fall into this at times, particularly during cutscenes.
** Thanks to the limited graphics, Specter in the first game looks more like a short person than a monkey.
** Pink Monkey gets hit the worst out of the Freaky Monkey Five since she's meant to look cute. The others all have their eyes mostly obscured, or are intentionally {{Gonk}}. Given she is meant to be a creepy parody of idols though, this might have been intentional. Idiotically, she actually comes off more pleasant looking when [[OneWingedAngel transformed]].

Averted by the PAL version, where Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe continued the trend of English names and cultural references - with even a few ("Dale Monkhardt" and "Joe Monkana") that would've fit better in the US localization.

* HilariousInHindsight:
** In the North American version of ''Ape Escape 2'', all of the voices were provided by some of the cast members of ''Anime/PokemonTheSeries''. Giving the nature of the ''Ape Escape'' series, it's fitting.
** The main gameplay mechanic of ''Sarusaru Big Mission'' allows the player to control the apes using the shrunken Professor's Lab as a makeshift Pipo Helmet. [[VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey Sounds familiar?]]
** Monkey Pink was originally voiced by Creator/VeronicaTaylor, and then Creator/DebiDerryberry in the third game. Both actors would work together on the Viz Media dub of ''Anime/SailorMoon'' in 2015.

* ItsTheSameSoItSucks: Besides moving away from the standard character design of the protagonists, ''Ape Escape 3'' doesn't really try to change things much outside of the costume transformation.

** ''Pumped and Primed'' had two that stand out. One being the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btBHnntTuak Pipotron Theme]], the other being the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv9jVAXyyfE Grid Core Theme]]. And yes, the lyrics in the Pipotron Theme are the same as in [[VideoGame/{{Einhander}} "Shudder."]]

* ContestedSequel: ''3'' is a particularly divisive game. Some view it was an inferior sequel which [[ItsTheSameSoItSucks didn't change the gameplay enough]] and [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks changed the tone and style too much]]. Others find the formula didn’t really need improving and the game has the best level design and is overall the most charming game.

* {{Narm}}: The voice acting in the first game. The most notable are Spike and Jake, though. While the others barely ever reach above [[DullSurprise dull]], they at least sound fitting for the character. Spike and Jake, however, despite looking like kids, [[VocalDissonance sound like they're fully grown adults]]. Besides the voice acting, it also has some really bad HongKongDub moments. Spike in particular is prone to long moments of his mouth flapping without saying anything, and there's one point in the opening cutscene where Natalie's mouth is moving but the Professor's voice is the one playing. This error notably persists in the PSP remake, even though the voice acting was re-recorded.

* FoeYay: It's not exactly thick with UnresolvedSexualTension, but Specter seems more than just casually interested in Spike.