Ape Escape 4 vs New Super Mario Bros.
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Ape Escape 4 returns to the PlayStation 3 with a fresh storyline that sends players across different eras to capture mischievous monkeys. The game blends classic platforming with new mechanics, offering both nostalgic charm and modern polish. Developed by SCE Japan Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, the title delivers a single‑player experience packed with puzzles, collectibles, and inventive gadget use, all set within vibrant, era‑specific worlds.
New Super Mario Bros. brings the beloved side‑scrolling Mario experience to a modern handheld, combining tight controls with vibrant 2D graphics. Players dash, jump, and collect coins across dozens of inventive worlds filled with secrets and challenges. The game supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, letting friends team up to tackle levels together while discovering hidden paths and power‑up combos. Its timeless design appeals to newcomers and longtime fans alike.
- Varied time‑travel settings keep gameplay fresh.
- Extensive gadget system encourages experimentation.
- High‑quality visuals showcase the PS3’s capabilities.
- Rich amount of side content and collectibles.
- Tight, responsive controls that feel classic yet fresh.
- Rich variety of power‑ups and level designs.
- Engaging multiplayer modes for up to four players.
- High replay value with secret exits and collectibles.
- Limited to single‑player, no co‑op mode.
- Voice command feature can be finicky.
- Only released in Japan, limiting accessibility.
- Limited online features; focus is on local play.
- Graphics, while charming, may feel dated compared to modern 3D titles.
- No built‑in level editor for user‑generated content.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. is the safer, globally accessible default offering a critically acclaimed 95/100 experience with 4-player local co-op, whereas Ape Escape 4 is a single-player PS3 adventure restricted to a Japanese release. The main trade-off is choosing between Mario's classic family-friendly multiplayer action or Ape Escape's time-traveling, puzzle-oriented single-player gadget gameplay.
Key differences
- •Multiplayer: New Super Mario Bros. supports up to four players in local co-op or competitive modes, while Ape Escape 4 is strictly single-player with no co-op.
- •Accessibility and Release: New Super Mario Bros. had a broad publisher release (Nintendo, iQue), while Ape Escape 4 was only released in Japan, limiting its accessibility.
- •Gameplay Focus: New Super Mario Bros. focuses on classic side-scrolling platforming with power-ups like the Fire Flower, whereas Ape Escape 4 centers on time-traveling, upgrading gadgets, and capturing monkeys to solve puzzles.
- •Pricing and Critic Score: New Super Mario Bros. has a listed MSRP of $59.99 and a critic score of 95/100, while Ape Escape 4's pricing is not specified and it has no listed critic score.
Gameplay & fun factor
New Super Mario Bros. features tight controls and a 95/100 critic score; Ape Escape 4 features time-travel settings and gadgets but has a finicky voice command feature.
Platform availability
New Super Mario Bros. has global publisher backing (Nintendo, iQue), whereas Ape Escape 4 was only released in Japan, limiting accessibility.
Price & value
New Super Mario Bros. has a clear one-time MSRP of $59.99, while Ape Escape 4's pricing and MSRP are not specified in the facts.
Multiplayer / co-op
New Super Mario Bros. supports local multiplayer for up to four players; Ape Escape 4 is limited to single-player with no co-op.
Content & replayability
New Super Mario Bros. features over 80 levels across eight worlds with secret exits; Ape Escape 4 includes historical periods, mini-games, and achievements.
Difficulty & accessibility
New Super Mario Bros. offers responsive controls for beginners and experts with a dynamic camera; Ape Escape 4 has a finicky voice command feature.
Graphics & performance
Ape Escape 4 utilizes PS3 hardware for high-definition graphics; New Super Mario Bros. has charming graphics that may feel dated compared to 3D titles.
Choose Ape Escape 4 if…
Platforming fans with a PS3 who want a single-player time-travel adventure featuring gadget-based puzzles, released only in Japan.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Players wanting a globally accessible, critically acclaimed platformer with 4-player local co-op and secret exits.
Common questions
How much does each game cost?
New Super Mario Bros. has an MSRP of $59.99, while Ape Escape 4's pricing is not specified.
Can I play either game with friends?
New Super Mario Bros. supports local multiplayer for up to four players in cooperative or competitive modes, whereas Ape Escape 4 is limited to single-player with no co-op.
Are there any regional release restrictions?
Ape Escape 4 was only released in Japan, limiting accessibility, while New Super Mario Bros. does not have this regional restriction listed.