Big Bad Ape

Aprimary to control a giant ape in Big Bad Ape, it feels just how you think, chaotic and very fun.

It's definitely a thrill to be an unstoppable force of nature capable of smashing cars, buildings and even gobbling up fleeing humans for energy as you guide your titanic simian through urban sprawl. The object of the game goes back to the simplicity of arcade classics; destroy everything in sight and keep moving onward.

Destruction is fun, but in the meantime, watch your back out for those pesky armed humans, they tend to be party poopers if you let them. A few players I’ve spoken with also praise the nostalgia the game brings, similar to some of those old-school, city-wrecking titles many of us grew up playing. Victory is rewarded with riches — in car-spare form — and it confirms that control-wise, it's pretty intuitive, a nice pick-up-and-play experience, but do not expect deep mechanics beyond the bash and crash.

In sum: Big Bad Ape makes for an enjoyable detour, the thing you turn to when you want to blow off steam. Just keep in mind, this isn’t exactly high-brow fare. If you’ve ever thought about the havoc that a King Kong could wreak, well, here’s your chance to experience it. And by the way about the apes — why did the big ape climb the skyscraper? Because the elevator was out of order!