The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Choose ASTRO BOT if you have a PS5 and want a contemporary 3D platformer with planet-hopping exploration and PlayStation-character cameos. Choose Ape Escape if you want the original PlayStation’s gadget-driven ape-catching adventure—or need an option listed for PS4. They are very different games from different eras, and this recommendation is based on their official descriptions and platform listings, not a hands-on comparison.
At a glance: platforms and play styles
| Game | Platform listing | Core appeal | What to know about the version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ape Escape | PS4 and PS5, according to the US PlayStation Store listing | Track and catch time-traveling apes with gadgets, then explore levels and play bonus mini-games | A conversion of the original 1999 PlayStation game. Sony says it may play differently from the original and does not support the original PlayStation peripherals. PlayStation Store (US) |
| ASTRO BOT | PS5 exclusive | Modern 3D action platforming across planets, with powers, enemies, bosses, and PlayStation-character cameos | Released September 6, 2024; the official page describes it as a single-player game. PlayStation (US) |
How Ape Escape and ASTRO BOT differ
Ape Escape makes gadgets the point
The original Ape Escape launched on PlayStation in 1999. Its time-traveling adventure stars Spike, who tracks and catches escaped apes using tools such as a monkey net, radar, slingshot, propeller, and RC car. Sony’s current listing describes over 20 levels and bonus mini-games that include ski racing and Monkey Boxing. Those scale figures are publisher descriptions, not independently measured counts. See the US PlayStation Store listing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Sackboy: A Big Adventure – PlayStation 5 | $31.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart - PlayStation 5 | $41.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Toy Story: Retro Roundup! + Toy Story 3 Complete Edition Double Pack - PlayStation 5 | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Yooka-Replaylee - PlayStation 5 | $36.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Days Gone - Playstation 4 | $28.48 | Buy on Amazon |
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The PS4/PS5 listing is for a conversion, not an identical replay on original PlayStation hardware. Sony says it adds up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and video filters; it also supports DualSense and DUALSHOCK 4 controllers. The listing cautions that the game may behave differently from the original and that original console peripherals are not supported.
ASTRO BOT is built as a modern, larger-scale platformer
Team ASOBI’s ASTRO BOT is a PS5-exclusive, single-player 3D action platformer. PlayStation describes more than 50 planets, 300 bots to rescue, new powers, enemies and bosses, and over 150 iconic PlayStation heroes. These are the publisher’s descriptions of the game’s scale, not independent counts. One of the named cameos is Kakeru from Ape Escape, a direct connection between the two series. Read PlayStation’s ASTRO BOT page.
#1 Best Overall
- Face thrilling, unpredictable challenges as you explore distinctive hand-crafted lands through deeply immersive and expressive controls.
- PERILOUS PLATFORMING EXPERIENCE - Explore here, there and everywhere as you utilize Sackboy’s cool, diverse move-set to face a huge variety of thrilling challenges, fierce enemies and startling surprises.
- RE-STUFFED. RE-STITCHED. RE-ZIPPED - Sackboy returns to the big time stuffed with fresh moves and game-changing gadgets in an awe-inspiring and downright fun 3D adventure in this new, but familiar world.
When announcing the game, Team ASOBI studio head Nicolas Doucet wrote, “We listened to your comments and now, Astro is back in a super-sized space adventure, his biggest to date.” PlayStation.Blog, May 30, 2024.
Which one should you play?
Choose ASTRO BOT if you have a PS5 and want a contemporary platformer
- You want a game designed for PS5 rather than a conversion of a 1990s release.
- You’re drawn to planet exploration, varied powers, enemies, bosses, and PlayStation-character cameos.
- You want the newer game to include a nod to Ape Escape through Kakeru.
Choose Ape Escape if its capture tools or retro design appeal to you
- You want to try the original ape-catching concept, with gadgets at the center of play.
- You have a PS4: among these two games, Ape Escape is the one listed for it.
- You’re comfortable with a converted older game and the stated differences from original hardware.
Can you play Ape Escape on PS5, or ASTRO BOT on PS4?
The US PlayStation Store lists Ape Escape for PS4 and PS5. ASTRO BOT is listed as PS5-exclusive, so it is not the PS4 option in this comparison. Store availability and subscription-catalog access may vary by region or change; check your local PlayStation Store listing. Ape Escape on PlayStation Store (US) · ASTRO BOT on PlayStation (US).
Rank #2
- The intergalactic adventurers are back with Ratchet & Clank: Rift apart. Help them stop a robotic Emperor intent on conquering cross-dimensional worlds, with their own universe next in line.
- Built from the ground up by acclaimed studio insomniac games, go above and beyond with the mind-blowing speed and immersive features of the PS5 Console.
- Brand-new haptic feedback and adaptive trigger Technology creates astonishing physical sensations, bringing in-game actions to life in your hands via the dual sense wireless Controller.
Is ASTRO BOT like Ape Escape?
They share a PlayStation connection, including the Kakeru cameo in ASTRO BOT, but their central play styles are distinct. Ape Escape is organized around finding and catching apes with gadgets; ASTRO BOT is described as a planet-spanning action platformer with powers, enemies, and bosses. If you’re choosing between them, think of ASTRO BOT as a modern platforming adventure and Ape Escape as a chance to experience a distinctive older capture-focused design.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Harsh Open World: Using the power of PlayStation 4 and unreal engine 4, days one offers an incredibly realistic and detailed open world experience. But be careful— day and night cycles, all affect gameplay and enemy behavior
- Brutal Sandbox Combat: Perfect your gameplay with an endless combination of strategy and play in every situation. Craft customized items using pieces and parts found in the field, from brutal melee weapons to traps and more
- Compelling Story: At its core, days gone is about survivors and what makes them human: desperation, loss, madness, betrayal, friendship, brotherhood, regret, love and hope. It’s about how hope never dies
- Play as Deacon St.John, a bounty hunter facing a brutal struggle for survival while searching for a reason to live
Rank #4
- More Beautiful Than Ever - With an art and animations overhaul and enhanced performance and resolution, the favorite buddy duo has never looked or moved better. The original score from famed video game composers Grant Kirkhope (Banjo-Kazooie) and David Wise (Donkey Kong Country) returns but as a beautifully arranged orchestral score.
- New and Improved Challenges - Improvements to existing in-game challenges and many entirely new challenges to discover and undertake! Now you can get lost in the game, not in the world! A brand-new world map and challenges tracker helps you know where you are and what needs to be done. Hooray! A new tweaked move set allows you to combine moves more fluidly while the new camera controls makes framing the action a breeze.
- New Collectible Currency - Capital B's inept minions have dropped their hard-earned coins all over the place. Collect the official currency of the Hivory Towers to spend on video games' most beloved sentient vending machine.
- Vendi Has Planty to Offer - Tonics are back with all new flavors! With the option to equip multiple game-changing enhancements, you can truly customize your playstyle. And as if that wasn't enough, Vendi has new lines of merchandise for the modern fashionable adventurer.
- Languages - English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, and Spanish in-game text.
Rank #3
- Play five classic games, including four Toy Story games and A Bug’s Life. Includes 11 total versions of the games across console and handheld.
- Enhancements and quality-of-life improvements make the games easier to learn and understand for gamers of all ages.
- Use Rewind to fix your mistakes. Messed up a jump? Took too many hits? Simply hold a button and scrub back to before you made that mistake and try again
- Includes a behind-the-scenes experience featuring new interviews with Jason Katz – Head of Story, Pixar, Jim Hanks – Voice Actor, Luigi Priore – VP and GM, Disney & Pixar Games, and Jon Burton – Founder, TT Games.
- Explore the virtual museum filled with rare design documents, vintage development photos, and archival content.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
