Ape Academy (PSP)

Are you after one addictive game that will keep you arguing with air hosties for ‘just another five minutes’ before you have to turn off all electrical equipment prior to landing, well look no further than Ape Academy!

Ape Academy, unlike its other Platforming Playstation cousin Ape Escape, is basically a collection of (very addictive) mini games, all with the aim to get your ape through Six years of the aforementioned Ape Academy.  Each year requires you to complete a certain amount of mini games to achieve a pass mark that allows you to continue to the next year.

Each year is structured in a noughts and crosses-like board of nine mini-games. Win the game and you get a nought—lose it and you get a cross. Early years will only require you complete one line to pass, while later years will need two or more lines to get through.

There are literally dozens of mini games to compete in such as Monkey Hockey (Very similar to Air Hockey), Monkey Bull Fighting (Where you have to jump out of the way of rampaging bulls) and Monkey Boxing (where you have to swing around a boxing ring trying to hit your opponent only with your left hand!)   Mostly the games consist of this type of ‘dexterity’ and ‘reaction’ type challenges however there are mini games that challenge your general knowledge and maths skills.  Some of the games are a little to ‘Eastern’ for the western market, however they are mostly fun and very frustrating.  Most of the mini games suffer from a severe lack of instruction and its extremely frustrating when you are almost through a year, only to fail miserably when two new games pop up.

Graphically Ape Academy is quite a slick looking title, the graphics are large and colourful due to the young market this game is aimed at, however they still look quick smick on the PSP console.

Musically this game is a real let down, apart from the very low volume level, the tracks in the mini games sound like some weird ‘Best of the Jamaican 80’s’ CD and is a little hard on the ear.  The sound effects however are a bit of a giggle, due to the constant Ape noises that generally get expressed during the mini games.

Overall, Ape Academy leaves me a little confused.  The game is obviously aimed at the under 8 market, however I cannot put this game down.  Its phenomenally addictive (albeit quite frustrating) and is the perfect title for a PSP.  There is barely any story to deal with and the games last around 2 – 5 mins, so its very easy to pick up and play when you have a spare half an hour.  Well worth a purchase if you’re a travelling PSP air Jockey.

Graphics – 3/5
Sound – 1/5
Gameplay 4/5
Longevity 4/5
Overall 3/5

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