Rumoured Ape Escape game reportedly being developed by Sonic Mania team

Earlier this week, we reported on insider claims that Sony was looking to bring back its long-dormant Ape Escape franchise as part of a wider push by the console manufacturer to return to its roots somewhat. While details on the project were light at the time, new reports have now shed light on the matter – with the talented team behind the excellent Sonic Mania said to be in charge of the revival.

As reported by Jeff Gerstmann and corroborated by the publication VGC, the previously leaked Ape Escape revival is said to be coming from a rather unexpected source.

For the uninitiated, while previous reports on the project did not offer any details as to who was in charge of the Ape Escape revival, it was claimed that neither Team Asobi (of Astro Bot fame) nor Bandai Namco (who have ported a number of PS1 classics to modern hardware) were given the responsibility.

Instead, we now ‘know’ that the honour is going to ‘Evening Star’; known best for developing the excellent 2D retro throwback Sonic Mania as well as the highly-underrated physics-based 3D platformer Penny’s Big Breakaway.

According to VGC, Ape Escape represents just one of many older franchises which Sony is looking to bring back. Other IPs which are rumoured to be returning include the likes of Killzone, Uncharted and Jak and Daxter.

Though it is unknown exactly how long this Ape Escape revival has been in the works, Gerstmann claimed to have heard about the project back in February, stating that “it sounded like it was a game that had been like just barely greenlit” and so don’t expect an official announcement any time soon.

All that said, it is exciting to see Sony going back to its well of classic franchises and doing so in a way which should hopefully honour the past while still bringing the franchise forward – as Evening Star themselves managed to do with the aforementioned Sonic Mania.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this latest rumour? Have you played Penny’s Big Breakaway? Is Evening Star the right team for the job? Let us know down below.

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