Ape Escape PS1 box art

PlayStation · Platformer / Action

Ape Escape

Certified classic

SystemPlayStation
Released1998
GenrePlatformer, Action
DeveloperSony
PublisherSony
Players1 player
CommitmentWeekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours)
SeriesApe Escape
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 14

Ape Escape is a platformer released in 1998 for the PlayStation, developed by Sony. It blends platformer and action elements.

It landed about 3 years into the PS1's life. Other notable PS1 releases from 1998 include Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil 2 and Tomb Raider II. Among the 77 PS1 platformers in our database, it ranks #15 by legacy score.

It is part of the Ape Escape series. Sony also made The Legend of Dragoon, 2Xtreme and Aconcagua for the PS1.

Ape Escape is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

Pick it if…

  • you want to run, jump and explore
  • you have time for a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
  • you want to experience one of the PS1's defining games

Maybe skip it if…

  • you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Ape Escape is like

Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.

Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.

Ape Escape gameplay screenshot on PS1
In-game screenshot (PS1)

Ape Escape cheats & codes

26 codes on file (Action Replay, GameShark). Here are a few Action Replay codes to start with:

Infinite Health800EC388 0005
Infinite Oxygen800F4E88 0255
All weapons800F5284 00FF
Infinite missiles800F5282 010A
Infinite bombs300F5281 0009
Infinite Lives800F442C 0005

See all Ape Escape cheats

Ape Escape walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Ape Escape.

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Playing PS1 games today

PS1 games range from quick arcade racers to 60-hour RPGs. A selection is available through PlayStation Plus Premium, and if you own the discs you can play your backups in an emulator such as Rec0m88.

Ape Escape FAQ

When did Ape Escape come out on the PS1?

Ape Escape was released for the PlayStation in 1998.

Who made Ape Escape?

It was developed by Sony.

Is Ape Escape multiplayer?

No. Ape Escape is a single-player game.

How long does Ape Escape take to play?

As a platformer, Ape Escape typically falls into the "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Ape Escape on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you