Ape Escape [Model SCUS-94423]

Ape Escape was released on May 31, 1999 in the USA.

The development of Ape Escape lasted approximately two-and-a-half years. Shortly after the development team began conceiving the design and concept for Ape Escape, they attended a meeting regarding the development of the DualShock. Intrigued by the potential of the controller, the team implemented its use in Ape Escape, making it the first video game to require the use of the DualShock for gameplay. Conceptualizing the controls for the controller's analog sticks was the greatest challenge for the team, and the controls underwent great testing prior to finalization.

The game's music was composed by Mr. Terada. After a game director listened to Terada's track 'Sumo Jungle', he was given the opportunity to compose the music for Ape Escape. The music changes in-game depending on the situation and level; for example, should players act stealthily, the music alters slightly to give a mellow atmosphere. Music from the game was included in Ape Escape Originape Soundtracks, published on November 18, 2011 by Terada's label Far East Recording.

Ape Escape was officially announced in the April 1999 issue of Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. Promotions for the game were held on Cartoon Network during Sony's winter holiday marketing campaign of 1999.

Export releases:
[JP] "Saru! Get You! [Model SCPS-10091]"
[EU] "Ape Escape [Model SCES-01564]"