Ape Escape is a 3D platform game for the PlayStation, which launched a series of the same name. It was the first game to require an analogue controller rather than simply for their use to be optional.The game was first released in North America on May 31, 1999, and shortly after in Japan under the name Saru! Get You! (Saru Getchu), on June 24, 1999. It was released in PlayStation Network Japan on August 30, 2007. The brainchild of Kenkichi Shimooko, Ape Escape's Pipo Monkeys went on to become unofficial mascots of Sony. Ape Escape was the first game on the PlayStation to require use of the DualShock controller.Reviews of the game were mainly positive, focusing on the platforming aspect of it as well as the style.