There have been countless PlayStation franchises over the years. While some of these franchises, likeGran TurismoandGod of War, have managed to survive multiple console generations, others haven’t been so lucky, disappearing after just one or two promising entries. But it’s the ones in between that often have the most tragic backstories, still being beloved IPs despite having not received a new entry in over a decade.Astro Botreferences quite a few of these franchises.
WhileAstro Botis filled with cameos from across PlayStation’s entire 30-year history, there are a handful of franchises that receive special treatment. One of these classic but dormant PlayStation franchises has also just reared its head in the recentMetal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eaterrelease date trailer, and those two references shouldn’t just be coincidence.
Metal Gear Solid Delta and Astro Bot’s Ape Escape References Need to Be Part of Something Bigger
Astro Bot’s Ape Escape References Explained
At the end of each ofAstro Bot’s main galaxies, players unlock a special level themed after a specific PlayStation franchise. These levels include unique enemy designs,Astro abilities, cameo Bots, and scenery all inspired by the chosen franchise.Ape Escapeis one such franchise.
During the “Apes on the Loose"Astro Botlevel, players take on the appearance ofApe Escape’s protagonist, Spike, and they’re given his trusty Time Net. Players are then tasked with hunting down all of the eponymous Apes on the loose, using their net ability to capture each one. Given thatApe Escapehasn’t had a game of its own since 2010,Astro Bot’s themed mission is far more than just a fun reference for fans of the classic PlayStation series, it’s a short but sweet revival of the gameplay they’ve been missing.
Metal Gear Solid Delta’s Ape Escape Reference Explained
After the PlayStation Store seemingly leakedMetal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater’s Jun 03, 2025 release date, Konami released a trailer officially confirming the date. At the end of this trailer, one ofApe Escape’s Pipo Monkeys pops out from behind a log, taunts the camera, and runs away. This final sting is a teaser for the “Snake vs. Monkey” mode that was originally available in the PS2 version ofMetal Gear Solid 3. This mode will see players sneaking up on unsuspecting Pipo Monkeys in the forest and capturing them, just as they would inApe Escape, albeit with a much different set of tools.
2005’sApe Escape 3featured aMetal Gear Solid-themed mode called “Mesal Gear Solid: Snake Escape.”
Why It’s The Right Time for an Ape Escape Revival
After playing such a prominent role inAstro Bot,Ape Escapehas been thrust back into the public consciousness. Fans of the original series have just beenreminded ofApe Escape’s existence, and gaming newcomers have just been introduced to the series for the first time. WithMetal Gear Solid Deltaalso givingApe Escapea spotlight, it seems like the perfect time for PlayStation to capitalize on the newfound intrigue and finally revive the franchise.
