This is really great! I'm pretty impressed with how deep the base moveset is (with the two types of attacks and 3 versions, neutral, up and down). The combat felt quite expressive as a result. It felt good to dominate the AI in single player, I might try this with my friends in 2 player mode to see who the king ape really is.
I also love the little FX everywhere. The white particles on hit and the health loss FX are all very nice. The animations for the apes are excellent. Very readable and very cool. I was considering recommending some extra 'juice', like screenshake and more particles on hits, but I can see how that might be distracting in 2 player mode so I think it's a tough choice.
Awesome job!