Ape Escape 2

Ape Escape 2 followed up on the original idea of the first entry, which was one of the few games to use both analog sticks of the controller not just for movement but also to control a wide arsenal of tools for catching monkeys. The main character is a new hero named Jimmy, who, with the help of his niece Natalie, sets out to catch monkeys that escaped from a laboratory after a sabotage by the villain Specter, who had been using the monkeys for his own plans to take over the world.

The core of the game remains hunting dozens of uniquely named and characterized monkeys scattered across platforming levels, each requiring a different combination of tools — a net, boxing gloves, a water gun, or a musical instrument for hypnosis that temporarily stuns the monkeys. This combination of action platforming with hunting logic and exploratory freedom made Ape Escape 2 a refreshing experience even among otherwise similarly built games of the generation, since each level hides its own set of puzzles and procedures. Visually, the game uses bright, playful environments and a humorous tone aimed mainly at a younger audience, but with enough wit and inventiveness to hold up for older players seeking unconventional mechanics too.

At the time of release, the game received positive reviews for the originality of its controls and the variety of its levels, though its reach stayed rather niche compared to PS2's big brands like Jak and Daxter or Ratchet & Clank. Each level also hides its own set of side quests and bonus items, motivating players to thoroughly explore the environment instead of just rushing to the next level. Today, Ape Escape 2 is remembered as one of the most inventive uses of the two analog sticks in the entire generation, and for collectors of the PlayStation 2 library it represents a title that pleasantly stands apart from ordinary platformers through its mechanics, humor, and the overall character of its cast and its varied monkeys.

Why play: For collectors of the PS2 library and fans of unconventional controls, it's one of the most inventive titles to use both analog sticks, even though its reach stayed rather niche.