Ape Out

This is one of a number of legitimately perfect games. It is also a perfect demonstration of the way that computer games are a legitimate art form, because the experience of this game cannot be replicated in any other medium; it would not work as a film, book, comic, or anything else. For it to be what it is, it *has* to be a game.

There is little point attempting to describe it. You are an ape. You wish to be free. The story is as simple as that. In terms of gameplay, I would say it is most like Hotline Miami, although it is an altogether purer and less complicated experience than that. Aesthetically, it is perfect. Musically, it is perfect - and I say this as someone who does not remotely enjoy jazz.

You should buy this game. It is remarkable.

Yeah man I definitely want a game thats a jazz themed gorilla break out. like who tf thinks of this stuff? And why is it a masterpiece?

the most emotional game i have ever played. as long as that emotion is "kill"

APE OUT is a percussion jazz album hidden inside a video game where the gameplay itself is the composition. The choice of instrument (percussion) drives home the ham-fisted gameplay. This purposeful use of basically exclusively percussion audibly entrances us to what our gorilla friend is doing and is likely feeling. Even the enemy variety and different levels provide different soundscapes as you smash them into the terrain. Visually, the game skips out on photorealistic fidelity for minimalism. Accomplishing the immense readability a game like this needs. All this to say, the game is primarily about the visceral feeling of simply smashing something against a wall. Whether that wall is steel or wood, it cares how that would feel. Overall, this game is incredible at accomplishing its visceral feeling. I cannot recommend it enough.

APE OUT is basically a melee-focused Hotline Miami with Jazz and drums instead of synthwave music.
You just want freedom but they send Geneva-Convention breaking flamethrowers after you, bazookas shoot without a care for their surrounding, all while under enemy artillery fire and the entire base is out to hunt a single monke.
Violence is beyond justified at this point. Harambe go to town!
The violence and adjusting jazz music is exhilarating,
while the gameplay is simplistic yet hard and requires quick thinking and a tactical approach.
The controls are heavy but so are you, you gorilla.
Overall, the most important part of APE OUT is the style and aesthetic.
The game has an even tougher hard mode and an unforgiving single-life arcade mode for true masochists.
Absolutely great game design.
Good game.
This is how HARAMBE should have ended.
(that kid better become a constructive member of society or find the cure for cancer, otherwise the world will never forgive him Harambe.)

Ape Out is one of those games that might not hit just right for everyone, but if it does? Like it did for me? Holy sh*t does it hit.
This is another game that I can throw in my growing list of games that I use to argue Jazz is a fantastic way to soundtrack your games (thank you Genesis Noir for pioneering that list) and man alive does the jazz go insane in this game. I don't know if its entirely "reactive" but it damn sure feels like it and you really feel like a part of the music. It thumps, it carries you, it pushes you to slam more evil dudes into the wall.
This game is a steal for the price of 3$ currently during the summer sale, and for anyone interested, I made a short video joking around, yapping a bit about the game and showing off the gameplay and music. (also the art, this game *looks* amazing)
Here's that video if you're interested:
It might not be live just yet while you read this but that link should work, and here is my curator page where I do reviews of a whole lot of indie titles if you're interested in that:
But most importantly? Buy Ape Out.

To me this is like the perfect low budget indie game. The concepts are easily digestible, the art is minimalist but still quite eye catching, and the soundtrack is downright awesome. It's easy to start playing and understand, but further into the game it will also challenge you and force you to develop your techniques and strategies. Mechanics are super fun to play with too, it really FEELS like you're a rampaging murderous gorilla. The only negative thing I have to say is the main content is pretty succinct, so there's not a whole lot of game to play but the final level is still definitely a big highlight. I got this game on sale for less than $5 though so I'm not too chapped about it, I'll probably still go back to it again at some point anyways :)