Sometimes Sony just has the gall to do the right thing. There, I said it. Sure, I've never really gotten over the company rejecting the release of Capcom Generations for the original PlayStation while garbage like Punky Skunk slipped by for approval, but the company made a wise choice when they decided to pass on releasing Ape Escape 2 and Ape Escape: Pumped and Primed to US shores. Granted, that didn't stop Ubisoft from giving the games a go on the market (and watching them fail), but at least Sony recognized that the two follow-ups just simply weren't as good as the original PlayStation game that graced systems years ago with its charming gameplay and innovative smarts in ape-catching.

And they're geniuses yet again for picking back up on the brand just when it's getting good again. Call it "selective releasing" if you want, but the bottom line is Ape Escape 3 is the best game in the series since the original, and fans who were into the monkey-grabbing from before will want to re-enlist. Granted, I can't say the same for Ape Escape Academy, but that's another review for another day. Let's just stick with 3.

In the game, Specter, the evil little monkey that could (who reminds us so much of a politician), has taken to the airwaves, putting himself on television in an attempt to once again lead marsupial conquest of the world. Just like the previous game, you're given control of a human who sets out to stop the revolution and catch all the apes with the help of some capturing tools. You start off with the basic net but soon gain access to other tools, such as a slingshot which allows you to stun an ape from a distance, and a cool little RC car that allows you to race along with your hero and multi-task as a result. The right analog stick control allows you to perform a number of attempting catches, and also gives you control of the car independently from your movement, which is a nice touch once you get used to it.

But you've seen this type of gadget in the series before. It's the transformations that are really eye-catching. With these, you can put yourself in different personalities and use these people's talents to help you capture the runaway apes even quicker. The cowboy, for instance, is a quick draw with his nets, and the genie defies description, merely capturing monkeys with the power of dance. My personal favorite has to be the ninja, who can not only pull off some spiffy moves to keep up with the runaway suckers, but can also call upon spirits that enhance your attack skills. You'll need all of these, as the apes can get downright tricky as you dwindle down into the final two hundred or so that need to be caught.

Another thing that works in Ape Escape's favor is its longevity. There's over 400 apes that you need to capture here in order to call the game complete, all across a number of levels that resemble major hollywood hits such as Indiana Jones and even Titanic, as well as a number of mini-games that you can unlock just to kill time with. Most of the mini-games are effective timewasters, but one in general really stands out, and that's Mesal Gear Solid. Yep, apparently Sony of Japan worked hand-in-hand with Konami (and possibly Kojima) on a Metal Gear Solid parody, complete with stealth movement and an appearance by Solid Snake himself. It's downright hilarious and fun to play, so that alone warrants a closer look at the sequel.

There are a couple of nagging problems with the whole product, though. First off, like in previous games, it lacks full control of a camera, with the right analog stick being used for other purposes. This means you have to hit the L1 button in order to readjust, which can be a pain in the ass in the middle of a pursuit. Might as well just have the ape throw feces at you to slip you up...although that probably would've taken away the "E" rating, huh? Oh, well. Another really noticeable problem is that the game has pre-set goals on each level, so if you capture the required amount of monkeys in a level, before they can all be caught, you're back to the main hub, whether you like it or not. This will probably bug collectors more than anything, since that means they have to go ALL the way back through a level, starting from scratch to find the remaining simians.

The presentation's not too shabby, but there were moments when the frame rate seemed a little flaky. Furthermore, while the music is substantial enough and the sound effects fit the tone of the game, the voice work is just ANNOYING. It's like listening to Buffa try to work his way through Karaoke Revolution Party (which, thank God, he can't do any longer since we've hidden the game far, far away). And although there's plenty of tools and transformations to keep the game going, there's not really an amazing amount of stuff changed in the series itself. It needs some kind of momentum swing as it enters into the next generation. Maybe some online multiplayer team efforts? Or how about the ability to switch sides and help apes take over the world? It's enough to piss off Charlton Heston, I bet.

So Ape Escape 3 is a little long in the tooth in terms of originality, and it could've used some touch-ups here and there to make it really special. But it's still a nice turn-around for the series, and proof positive that Sony's willing to release a good game if just the right amount of effort is put into it. Gotta love the long-term play value, too, even if ape 339 is getting on your nerves or Mesal Gear Solid takes a little play to get into. Relax, don't go ape...er, nuts about it. Heh, almost got away with a pun.