Beloved PlayStation franchise Ape Escape is poised for a revival. A report claims Sony will announce Ape Escape 2 and Ape Escape 3 for PlayStation Plus Premium next week, alongside upgrades to its classic games library.
Key Details
- PS Plus Premium Additions: Both Ape Escape 2 (2002) and Ape Escape 3 (2005) will join the service, with Ape Escape 2 being delisted from current storefronts and re-released using Sony’s improved PS2 emulator for modern consoles.
- More News Incoming: The source hints at additional Ape Escape-related updates, though specifics remain unclear. Fans speculate this could involve remasters, new entries, or expanded legacy support.
- Sony’s Classic Games Push: The report mentions Sony is “doubling down” on PS Plus Premium’s retro offerings, though the scope of this initiative—such as more PS1/PS2 titles or enhanced emulation—is unconfirmed.
Developed by Japan Studio, the Ape Escape series debuted in 1999 as a quirky, innovative platformer requiring DualShock controls to capture mischievous apes. Its sequels expanded the formula with humor, pop-culture parodies, and creative spin-offs like Ape Escape: Pumped & Primed (2004) and PlayStation Move Ape Escape (2010). The franchise also made cameos in titles like Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and Astro Bot.
Despite its cult following, the series has been dormant since 2010, with many spin-offs (Ape Quest, Monkey Mania) never leaving Japan. The PS Plus Premium leaks suggest Sony is finally acknowledging fan demand to preserve and modernize its classics.
If true, this move aligns with Sony’s recent efforts to bolster PS Plus Premium’s value, following additions like Legend of Dragoon and Syphon Filter. Upgraded PS2 emulation could address long-standing complaints about performance and accessibility for older titles.
For Ape Escape devotees, the return of Spike and the gang could rekindle hopes for a full franchise revival. With Astro Bot’s recent success proving nostalgia still sells, Sony may see potential in revisiting its simian-centric IP.
Sony has yet to confirm the reports, but all eyes are on next week’s anticipated announcement. Whether this signals a full-blown Ape Escape reboot or simply a nod to legacy fans, one thing’s clear: the apes are (probably) escaping back into the spotlight.
