There have been countless PlayStation franchises over the years. While some of these franchises, like Gran Turismo and God 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 Bot references quite a few of these franchises.
While Astro Bot is 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 recent Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater release date trailer, and those two references shouldn’t just be coincidence.
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An Astro Bot Sequel May Not Be Able to Drink from the Same Well as the Original
Astro Bot is a loving celebration of PlayStation’s long history in the gaming world, but it might not be able to be able to rely on that in a sequel.
Astro Bot’s Ape Escape References Explained
At the end of each of Astro 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 Escape is one such franchise.
During the “Apes on the Loose” Astro Bot level, players take on the appearance of Ape 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 that Ape Escape hasn’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 leaked Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater’s August 28, 2025 release date, Konami released a trailer officially confirming the date. At the end of this trailer, one of Ape 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 of Metal Gear Solid 3. This mode will see players sneaking up on unsuspecting Pipo Monkeys in the forest and capturing them, just as they would in Ape Escape, albeit with a much different set of tools.
2005’s Ape Escape 3 featured a Metal 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 in Astro Bot, Ape Escape has been thrust back into the public consciousness. Fans of the original series have just been reminded of Ape Escape‘s existence, and gaming newcomers have just been introduced to the series for the first time. With Metal Gear Solid Delta also giving Ape Escape a spotlight, it seems like the perfect time for PlayStation to capitalize on the newfound intrigue and finally revive the franchise.
- Released
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September 6, 2024
- ESRB
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E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
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Team Asobi
- Publisher(s)
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Sony Interactive Entertainment