Ape Escape 3

English Translation DifferencesNearly completely different English text.

Unused Graphics#

TV Station End Screen#

In the North American version, a texture file named ui_clear_bg_zero depicts an oddly colored monkey standing in a room of placeholder textures alongside four short cylinders. It can be inferred that this was meant to be shown to players after beating the TV Station stage at the very beginning of the game, whereas the final version cuts straight to Aki(e). This file resides in the same folder as the other level end screens. The connection to the TV Station stage is supported by the short cylinders, which likely represent untextured tables, and the file name "zero", which is the internal name used for the TV Station stage elsewhere in the files.

TV Station End Screen

Simian Cinema Menu#

Within the North American version's Simian Cinema movie maker files, there are multiple unused UI designs. Some textures match the style of the final level names, while others use the same font with a different color palette. Although the exact extent of the UI changes is unconfirmed, these early designs appear significantly less stylized than the final versions.

Unused Menu Text	Unused Help Text

Ape Escape 2 Leftovers#

Found within the Simian Cinema files (and elsewhere in the game data) is a leftover texture from Ape Escape 2. This file includes Jimmy/Hikaru's life icon, a coin from the previous game, the Slingback Shooter reticle, and various menu icons.

Ape Escape 2 Leftover

Early Logo#

The game data contains an early Japanese logo, showing a slightly different design compared to the version used in the final game.

Early Japanese Logo	Final Japanese Logo

Gendered Text Boxes#

Kei/Satoru and Yumi/Sayaka were originally supposed to have unique textboxes tied to their respective genders. These went unused, and the final game opts for a generic text box design instead.

Kei / Satoru	Yumi / Sayaka

Unused Audio#

This was sourced via the Ape Escape 3 BGM web player.

Regional Differences#

To do: Document the differences present in the Korean release.

Opening Logos#

Sony Computer Entertainment

In the European version, the "Sony Computer Entertainment Europe presents" screen is a colorful image featuring the game's characters.

Dolby Pro Logic II

The Dolby Pro Logic II logo that appears at startup differs across regions. The Japanese, Asia (Chinese), and US versions use a water-themed animation, while the European version uses a fire-themed animation.

Opening Movie#

The game's opening movie has minor changes between regions:

• The copyright year in the Specter TV logo was updated to match the game's respective release year.
• The Japanese version displays the game's logo on a white background. The other versions show the Specter TV logo before it transitions to black, similar to a CRT television powering off.
• Voices are absent in the Asia (Chinese) and European versions, leaving only the background music.

Title Screen#

Japan	Asia (Chinese)
North America	Europe

• The European version features a completely different logo design, and the copyright year is updated.

Japan	Asia (Chinese)
North America	Europe

• The Japanese and Asia (Chinese) versions play a short intro animation on the game's logo set to the Japanese title theme, similar to the previous game. This animation was removed in the North American and European versions.

• The Japanese and Asia (Chinese) title screens use "Yappari Saru Gecchu" by SHINGEN-MONKEYS, keeping with the tradition of the previous game. The international versions opt for an original track instead.

Data Desk#

The Data Desk in the TV Station, which handles saving and loading, differs between versions. The Japanese version displays a PlayStation 2 and memory card on the TV screen. The International versions replace these with a computer and a book, both featuring an image of Aki(e).

Japan	International

Final Tape#

• Each version comes with a different video for Tape #30 (unlockable via password) in the TV Station's Home Theater. The Japanese version features a trailer for Ratchet & Clank 4th: GiriGiri Ginga no Giga Battle, the North American version has a trailer for Ape Escape Academy, and the European version has a trailer for Ape Escape P.

Secret Monkey#

In the Japanese and European versions, players can capture a secret monkey modeled after Ratchet from the Ratchet & Clank series. The North American version replaces Ape Ratchet with a red variant of SAL-1000 named SAL-3000.

European Version Differences#

• The European version uses a completely different text font for specific UI elements. However, the name entry, monkey names, and most text boxes retain the North American version's font.
• As with previous games in the series, a distinct English dub was produced for the European version. Despite this, the characters in the Mesal Gear Solid mini-game retain their North American voice actors.

Gameplay Differences#

• In the Japanese, Asia (Chinese), and European versions, the main characters are named Satoru and Sayaka. The North American version renames them to Kei and Yumi.
• The Japanese version contains a glitch in the Airplane Squadron level that allows players to go out of bounds. This glitch, popular among speedrunners, was patched in the international releases.
• Each version uses different secret passwords to unlock the game's hidden content.
• The concept art images in the Gallery feature Japanese text that was removed in the International versions.

Staff Credits#

In the Japanese and Asia (Chinese) versions, the Japanese opening song, SHINGEN-MONKEYS, and Hajime Hayakkoku are additionally credited.