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APE OUT

Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2019

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Quick resume

APE OUT is a wildly intense and colorfully stylized smash ‘em up about primal escape, rhythmic violence, and frenetic jazz.

Global score

95/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Fighting, Arcade, Adventure

Pros

  • Unique and stylish art design
  • Dynamic jazz soundtrack integrated with gameplay
  • Addictive and satisfying combat mechanics
  • Procedurally generated levels for replayability
  • Challenging and skill-based gameplay

Cons

  • Short main campaign length
  • Random level generation can cause frustrating difficulty spikes
  • Lack of story depth
  • No multiplayer or cooperative modes
  • Some find controls and camera awkward at first

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to improvise and adapt to procedurally generated levels with multiple approaches to combat and movement."

  • Competence
    4

    "Game requires skillful timing, quick reflexes, and mastering mechanics like grabbing, throwing, and positioning to succeed."

  • Competition
    3

    "Leaderboard support and arcade modes encourage competing for high scores and times against others."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Addictive gameplay and challenge encourage repeated play, though base campaign is short and some find it frustrating."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience focused on individual play without multiplayer or cooperative elements."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players creatively use enemies as shields or projectiles; procedural levels and emergent combat encourage experimentation."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over other players; interactions are with AI enemies only."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players escape into a stylized, violent jazz-themed world, providing catharsis and distraction from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and artistic experience, not out of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Procedural generation and varied enemy types encourage trying new tactics and adapting on the fly."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Levels are procedurally generated with some variation, but exploration is limited to maze navigation and combat."

  • Expression
    2

    "Unique art style and music provide artistic expression, though player customization is minimal."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Players embody a powerful rampaging ape in a stylized, exaggerated setting with surreal violence."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; experience is solitary."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skill mastery and learn enemy behaviors to improve performance."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and quick reflexes; not suited for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional connections formed; purely individual experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player only."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression through levels and unlocking harder modes; no item or upgrade accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Fast-paced, intense gameplay creates excitement and tension rather than relaxation."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Strong sensory stimulation from dynamic jazz soundtrack, vivid visuals, and visceral combat."

  • Status
    2

    "Leaderboards provide some social recognition, but overall focus is on personal achievement."

  • Story
    -3

    "Minimal narrative; story is abstract and mostly conveyed through atmosphere rather than plot."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Requires tactical thinking, planning routes, and using enemy types strategically."

  • Thrill
    4

    "High tension and adrenaline from fast-paced combat and risk of instant death."

  • Value
    1

    "Mixed opinions on value; praised for quality and style but criticized for short length and replayability."

  • Violence
    5

    "Core gameplay centers on brutal melee combat and violent enemy takedowns."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must avoid death and manage threats in procedurally generated hostile environments."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026