Ape Escape 2

Ape Escape 2 was released exclusively for PlayStation 2 in Japan July 18th, 2002. A year later, it made it's way to the EU and US. It was later ported to the PlayStation 4 in August of 2016 with updated visuals and trophy support. The soundtrack is composed by Koji Hayama. I been wanting to work on uploading this soundtrack for some time, I used to rent the first and second Ape Escape all the time back in the day and though the first game has an official soundtrack release—Ape Escape Originape Soundtrack—from 2011(over a decade after it's release) the second game has never received the same treatment. I never played the third game but that also has an official soundtrack - Ape Escape 3 Originape Soundtrack. I labeled and number the tracks according to how they are placed on the in-game music menu, considering that they are the official titles.

The music certainly stands out compared to similar platformers of it's time such as Banjo-Kazooie or Mario 64. Hayama delivers a quirky, upbeat style with cheery attitude that suits the game well. I can't say that I really listened to any of the game's music tracks since I last played Ape Escape 2 on the PS2 years ago but just like other chipper soundtracks of that time, I instantly remembered it when I heard them again. Casino City, Enter the Monkey, Moon Base, Staff Credits, Battle with Specter! Are some of my personal favorites. And as goofy and simple as it is... Good luck getting "Monkey Chorus" out of your head, It's maddening!

I also picked up the upscaled version for PS4 about three weeks ago and I've already completed the darn thing. It helped that I remembered where most of the monkeys are but there were still a couple that are well hidden and I gotta admit, had to look them up. The controls are also a bit clunky; there times when your clearly next to a ledge, and Hikaru just won't grab on! But, it's still a fun game overall and there are tons of unlockables to keep you busy.

One, unexpected reason Ape Escape 2 holds some sentimental value is whenever I hear the "Staff Credits" song now, I think of my 20 year old cat(well, just shy of his 20th). Over the years, no matter where I was gaming around my house, he'd always be there watching the screen, tracking the various things moving around and this PS4 port was the last game I finished with him by my side before he passed. It's hard to believe 20 years flying by like that. I think of all the games I finished over those years and how many of them he was always there just hanging out, but that's life. At least we all have good memories with him and we gave him a good life. That's the most important thing you can ever do for a pet.

The Ape Escape 2 Soundtrack is uploaded in both FLAC and MP3(320kbps). You'll find it in the archive.