Ape Out

Released

Release Date: February 28, 2019

Action, 2D, Beat 'em Up, Top-down, Indie Games, Singleplayer

An independent beat'em up game, which casts the player in the role of a mad gorilla that is trying to escape from captivity. The player's task is to complete subsequent, procedurally-generated corridors, as well as to deal with hordes of enemies, both soldiers and guards. The game is played from a top-down view and the only thing the protagonist can rely on is the power of his own muscles.

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Plot
Mechanics
Technical aspects

Ape Out for PC is a beat'em’up game created by Gabe Cuzzillo. In this indie game, the player takes on the role of a mad gorilla that tries to make it through subsequent levels filled with enemies and sophisticated traps that constitute a deadly threat to the humanoid protagonist. At first glance, Ape Out brings the classic Hotline Miami to mind; the game stands out with vivid brutality and energizing jazz music – the latter adjusts its tone to what is happening on the screen in real-time. On its way to freedom, the gorilla goes through subsequent corridors and eliminates the enemies with the power of its muscles, as well as using objects of the environment, such as different doors, which can serve the roles of shields; the same can be done with the enemies, but they can also be used as missiles. The game was published by Devolver Digital, which is popular mainly for the aforementioned Hotline Miami, but also for such games as Shadow Warrior or Enter the Gungeon.

Plot

The game offers a simple plot. A gorilla that managed to get out of the cage has no other desire but to escape from those who had captured them. On its way, the protagonist encounters resistance from guards and soldiers.

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Mechanics

Mechanics-wise, Ape Out for PC is a typical representative of the beat'em’up genre. The gorilla traverses subsequent, procedurally generated mazes, eliminating the encountered enemies. Because the locations are generated procedurally, the player cannot simply learn the levels by heart, as a bad surprise can be waiting around every corner. The game is played from a top-down view, which is another similarity to Hotline Miami. The controls are simple and intuitive – the player moves using the keyboard; as for attacking and grabbing objects or enemies in order to throw them into walls for instance, the mouse is used. When playing with use of a controller, both the analog sticks are used for movement and attacking.

In Ape Out for PC, the player makes use mainly of the protagonist's muscle power, as the gorilla literally crushes the enemies with its paws, leaving stains of blood behind. The player can also use objects of the environment as shields; after grabbing an enemy on the other hand, the player can throw them, using them as missiles. The game features several kinds of enemies, differing in their weapons. As a result, the player encounters guards equipped with rifles or flamethrowers for example. Interestingly however, fire has its impact both on the protagonist and everyone who gets in the stream of it.

Technical aspects

The game offers 2D graphics filled with bright, and even slightly psychedelic colors. What catches one's eye here, are characteristic splashes of blood left by the enemies that have been dealt with. What also plays a crucial part in Gabe Cuzzillo's game, is the music. The jazz soundtrack, which adjusts its tone to the events visible on the screen in real-time, is the driving force for the whole pace of the game, but also creates a peculiar, hypnotic atmosphere. For instance, each time an enemy gets smashed against a wall, the player hears a characteristic sound of drum cymbals.

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