The Ape Escape Originape Soundtracks is the definitive collection of Soichi Terada's groundbreaking score for the original 1999 PlayStation classic -- a game that was revolutionary for requiring the DualShock controller and equally revolutionary for its music.
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Terada brought his background in house and electronic music directly into the PlayStation's sound chip, resulting in tracks like "Crabby Beach" and "Coaster" that still sound like nothing else in the platformer genre. The funky, sample-heavy approach was years ahead of its time.
The sheer variety on display here is remarkable. "Dark Ruins" and "Cryptic Relics" bring moody, atmospheric textures, while "Thick Jungle" splits into two distinct vibes for its woods and river sections. "Time Station" is a fan favorite for good reason, with its warped, glitchy rhythms perfectly matching the game's time-travel premise.
And then there are the wilder deep cuts -- "Wabi Sabi Wall," "Sushi Temple," and "Peak Point Matrix" show Terada channeling everything from traditional Japanese aesthetics to pure electronic experimentation. This 2011 compilation pulls together the complete musical picture of Ape Escape, from the iconic Opening through to the Staff Roll.
Tracks like "Specter's Castle" and "Haunted House" capture the mischievous menace of the game's villain, while "Hot Springs" and "Monkey Madness" remind you that at its heart, this was a game about chasing monkeys in silly pants.
It remains one of the most singular and infectious soundtracks the PlayStation ever produced.