The goal of each level is to use a vacuum cleaner to remove a required amount of pants off of the apes and put them into an oversized washing machine, while preventing the monkeys from re-obtaining their shorts or attacking the player.

Sony Computer Entertainment revealed that a Ape Escape sequel was in development in August 2000.

[5] In a June 2001 preview GameSpot said: "The game may not be visually outstanding, and it plays somewhat differently from the original, but it is still fun.

"[6] In a July 2001 preview GameSpot wrote: "[...] Ape Escape's charm and wit have remained intact in this title.

[1] In another preview in June, IGN said the game is like a faster paced Luigi's Mansion and concluded: "Don't expect a technical work-horse for the PS2, but the graphics get the job done just fine, and the fast play helps to keep the interest level up.