Ape Escape Academy

Infobox VG| title = Ape Escape Academy


developer = Shift / SCEJ
publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment
designer =
engine =
released = vgrelease|JP=December 30, 2004|EU=September 1, 2005|NA=January 17, 2006
genre = Party
modes = Single-player
Multiplayer
ratings = vgratings|ESRB=Everyone 10+|PEGI=3+
platforms = PlayStation Portable
media = Universal Media Disc
requirements =
input =

"Ape Escape Academy", (also known as "Piposaru Academia: Dossari! Sarugee Daizenshuu" in Japan and "Ape Academy" in Europe), is a game for the PlayStation Portable system that consists of a collection of 45 mini-games, many of which borrow from elements of "Ape Escape 2". The game was first released in Japan and later in Europe and North America. By utilizing the PSP's Wi-Fi capabilities, up to 4 players can play at a time.

A sequel, "Ape Escape Academy 2" is currently out in Japan and Europe; there are currently no plans for a North American release.

Gameplay

Playing as a monkey working for Specter, the player must work up from junior class to senior class by playing mini games and meeting the criteria for each class. In each class, there are 9 mini games to complete. Failing to meet the criteria rewards you with an X, while meeting the criteria rewards you a O, similar to naughts and crosses.

Each level has a certain number of lines required to pass the class (one line consists of 3 naughts, either horizontally, vertically or diagonal). The game also offers review lessons, for players that have almost met the requirements. Usually, these are mini-games that the player has failed previously.

elected Mini-Games

The mini games are divided into 4 categories: Mind, Body, Tech and Special

Mind

Ask Darwin

A game where the player must answer questions given to them. Each question has 4 possible answers, one of which is correct. The player must press the button that corresponds with the correct answer. There is a set time limit on each question. The questions are generally basic, such as "Not 31 Days?" or "What question is this?"

Banana Guardian

The player has to protect a big banana in the middle of the arena. The player can move around the banana, and must fend off other monkeys from reaching the middle using a slingshot and a 'bananarang'.

alvage

By turning the PSP on its side, the player moves a boat using the directional buttons, and dives down to reach the treasure.

Tech

Mon Quixote

Armed with a shield, the player must fend off incoming arrows using the analog nub. The arrows descend from the sky and vary in speed.

Bombabooner

A mini-game where bombs are thrown at the player. The player has to catch the bombs and hand them over to the side. The bombs slip when the player catches them, and they explode after a certain amount of time.

Monkey Bowling

A mini-game where the player rolls a ball at 10 monkeys. The player must hit all 10 monkeys in order to get a strike. In the story mode, the player must go through rounds and must hit all the monkeys, whereas in the "mini-game" collection, the objective is to beat the computer and obtain a high score.

Scoring rules are similar to bowling.

Body

Hammer Throw

Similar to the real-life sport, hammer throw, the player has to wind up their shot, and then press the circle button to release. Building up power is done by rotating the Analog stick. The score is dependent on how far the player throws. The player also has to land correctly for extra distance. An easier version, called the U.F.O. throw, is also available.

Bridgeway To Bananas

The player has a group of monkeys balanced on each other vertically, and must make their way to the goal on the right side of the screen. In order to complete this mini-game, the player must use balancing skills, making the monkeys move backwards in order for them to sway forwards.

Monkey Soccer

A take on the game of soccer, the player plays against the computer, playing only as the goalkeeper. The winner is the player with the highest score.

This mini-game was used in "Ape Escape 2".

pecial

Dice Battle

In this mini-game, the player is pitted against another monkey, both of which have a giant dice. The monkeys roll the dice and if the player acts fast enough, the monkey will either defend (if his dice value is less than the other's ) or attack (if his dice value is higher or equal to the other's).

Critical Reception

The game received generally poor reviews, averaging just 55% on Game Rankings. [ [http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/924683.asp Ape Escape Academy Reviews ] ] Many reviewers criticized the difficulty of most of the mini-games, as the controls were not explained fully, often leading to a failure during the first run in these minigames. However, most reviewers liked the variations in the available mini-games.

It is believed that because of this game's lackluster reception, the future of the Ape Escape series in the North America is uncertain, as successive titles in the series (such as "Ape Escape Racer" and "Ape Escape Million Monkeys") have yet to receive a North American release. Recently, however, Ape Quest was released for download for the PSP on the Playstation Store in Japan & the US.

ee also

* Ape Escape series
* Ape Escape Academy 2

References

External links

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