PSP-Spot reports today that Sony has announced a new Ape Escape title exclusively for the PlayStation Portable. And, in a role reversal for the long-running series, this time around players won't be the one's chasing chimps, but controlling them instead.

The storyline in the title named Sarugetchu Saru Saru Daisakusen (we'll be damned if it isn't changed for other regions) centres around Kakeru and Natsumi, the pair of established heroes throughout the Ape Escape franchise. Whilst inside Professor Hakase's research laboratory, the building is miniaturised by an evil the evil Spectre. Luckily, the professor has prepared for such an emergency, finding a way to pair the lab (which is shaped like a hat) with the "pipsaru" apes - the cheeky lot that are usually renowned for causing trouble.

Kakeru and Natsumi control the monkeys through headsets, but from the player's perspective they will be controlling the apes directly as you adventure through a number of obstacle-filled stages. As you progress, you'll encounter new apes, each with their own unique abilities (some are brilliant swimmers, others are better at fighting or possess the ability to glide through the air etc.) that you'll have to utilise if you're to further your quest to help return Professor's Hakase's workplace back into its original form.

The Ape Escape series, which debuted on the original PlayStation in 1999, has enjoyed many a sequel and spin-off over the years, including EyeToy: Monkey Mania (making use of Sony's motion sensing peripheral) and Ape Escape Racer (a grand prix driving simulation based on the Ape Escape games that featured many of its recognisable characters).

Developed by Hand, the new portable entry into the Ape Escape series is set for release in Japan this summer, however there's no word yet on a release in other territories.