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OLEG's Ape Escape (PS)
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| [January 12, 2007 05:35:05 PM]
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YES!!
I was introduced to a function in the game that allows you move the camera immediately behind Spike (the only playable character in the game, apparently) by tapping one of the shoulder buttons. I discovered this almost on accident, up until now I had been using the D-pad to (slowly) move the camera around. Although I do wish that the automated camera movement were a bit less frustrating. But I digress. I suppose I should try to answer some of the questions that are being posed by my professor.
Level design, while starting off relatively simplistic, is solid in this game. Of note, there is a level in which you must navigate the bowels of a dinosaur in order to find... monkeys. The level is huge and presents maze-like constructions and just generally a huge space to explore. I believe that the designers did a good job of trying to take advantage of the new controller by making the use of both analog sticks an integral part of gameplay. The solid level design, and the promise of new and interesting gadgets really beg the player to keep going, as each new gadget allows for older areas that were not accessible before to be cleansed of monkeys. I am unsure as to the emergent nature of the game. I can't really say that it exhibits any, the plot is fairly linear and the progession through the levels is relatively straightforward. I think in the world of single player platformers that Ape Escape demonstrates competance and complexity that would keep even the oldest of children pleasantly occupied.
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| [January 12, 2007 05:07:58 PM]
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Ape Escape was one of the first games for the PS1 that tried to take full advantage of the then-new dual analong controller. Most of my gaming is done with cards, although back in the day I used to play a fair amount of RPGs and RTS games. Therefore I thought a platforming game would be interesting.
My first impression of the game, taken from my sister's game library, was somewhat tainted by the bizarre and quirky visual style. It is decidedly manga-esque, and the characters' voice overs are extremely awkward. The cut scenes were probably dubbed from the japanese and not re-rendered for the english version. But on with the gameplay. The controls definitely take some getting used to, although thankfully, the learning curve is relatively shallow. Movement is not really the issue; rather, the game asks that you move with the left control stick while simultaneously using the right control stick for directional attacks with "gadgets." You begin the game with 2 such gadgets: the "stun club" (which is really a lightsaber, probably renamed for liscensing purposes) and the "time net" (which allows you to capture escaped monkeys... who have travelled back in time with brain-enhancing helmets to take over the world). On a sidenote, the plot is rather silly. The most frustrating thing for me in the early levels is the camera. It always seems to impede my progress, especially during particularly heated battles with monkeys or at difficult platform-jumping sequences.
So far I have only unlocked 2 more gadgets: the underwater time net and the Monkey Radar, which allows you to locate your next target. Hopefully I can become more accustomed to the controls and camera and enjoy this assignment more.
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OLEG's Ape Escape (PS)
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Current Status: Playing
GameLog started on: Monday 8 January, 2007
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This is the only GameLog for Ape Escape. |
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