Game overview

Panic of the Apes is a fast-paced, 1–4 player party game where you compete to collect the most bananas before a volcano erupts. Grab bananas, knock out rivals to steal theirs, use power-ups from chests, and dodge volcanic hazards. First player to win three rounds becomes King Chimp.

Gameplay

• Best-of-three rounds: Each round lasts 2–3 minutes (configurable).

• Banana collection: Shake banana trees, grab dropped bananas, or steal from downed opponents.

• Combat: Throw bananas to knock others out, use melee to deflect projectiles, or dodge roll for brief invincibility and deflection.

• Power-ups: Chests contain shields, keys for locked chests, or bananas. Locked chests contain more powerful items and effects.

• Environment: Lavaballs start falling late in the round; run to the safe zone to avoid them but watch out for other players doing the same. Most bananas when time hits zero wins the round.

Modes

• Local multiplayer: 2–4 players split-screen on one TV.

• Online multiplayer: Host or join matches over Steam Remote Play.

• CPU opponents: Add AI players with customizable difficulties for 1–4 player matches.

Features

• Customizable controls: Full keyboard and gamepad remapping.

• Level Builder: Create and share custom maps. (Under Construction during Early Access) 

• Steam Workshop: Download and play community-created levels. (Under Construction during Early Access) 

• Steam Input: Controller support via Steam Input API and in-game controller remapping.

• Multiple maps: Varied layouts and arenas with customizable gameplay options.

• Original soundtrack: Map-specific music created for use here by Daedalus Blueprints.

• Isometric Pixel-style art: Character sprites, environments, and particle effects.

Playtime & replayability

Rounds last 2-3 minutes and complete matches usually last 8–15 minutes. Replay value comes from varied power-ups, scalable CPU difficulty, multiple maps with customizable gameplay settings, and Workshop levels.

What makes it unique

Chaotic couch PvP with simple rules, fast rounds, environmental hazards, and local + online play all in one highly affordable package.