The anime series "Ape Escape" is based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The story centers around a young boy named Hikaru, who becomes involved in a mission to stop a group of intelligent, time-traveling monkeys led by the mischievous Specter. These monkeys, equipped with advanced technology, have escaped from a research facility and are wreaking havoc across different time periods. Hikaru is recruited by Professor Gilbert, a scientist, to use specialized gadgets, such as the Time Net and Stun Club, to capture the monkeys and restore order to history.

Hikaru is joined by his friends, the resourceful Aki and the tech-savvy Satoru, as they travel through various historical eras, from ancient Japan to futuristic cities, encountering unique challenges and adversaries in each setting. The monkeys, each with distinct personalities and abilities, often collaborate with Specter to create chaos, but they also occasionally display moments of humor and camaraderie. Specter, the primary antagonist, is a cunning and ambitious monkey who seeks to dominate history and reshape it to his liking. His schemes often involve manipulating historical events or creating alternate timelines, forcing Hikaru and his team to adapt and outwit him.

The series blends action, comedy, and adventure, with each episode typically focusing on a specific time period and the monkeys causing trouble there. The narrative emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and the importance of preserving history. While the overarching goal is to capture all the escaped monkeys, the story also explores themes of friendship, responsibility, and the consequences of tampering with time. The dynamic between Hikaru, Aki, and Satoru, as well as their interactions with the monkeys and Specter, drives the plot forward, creating a balance of lighthearted moments and high-stakes scenarios.