Summary
- Release Year: 1998
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation
- Developers: Crystal Dynamics
- Publishers: Eidos Interactive, Midway Games
Gex: Enter the Gecko (1998) Review
Gex: Enter the Gecko is a platforming game developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Midway Games. It was released for the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Dreamcast in 1998. The game is the sequel to Gex, which was released in 1995.
In Gex: Enter the Gecko, the player controls Gex, a wise-cracking gecko who must travel through various television channels to defeat the evil Rez and save the Television Realm. The game features a variety of levels, each of which is based on a different television genre, such as action, adventure, comedy, and horror.
Gex: Enter the Gecko was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its humor, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters. The game has been cited as one of the best platformers of the PlayStation era.
Gameplay
Gex: Enter the Gecko is a 2D platformer in which the player controls Gex as he runs, jumps, and attacks his way through various levels. Gex can use his tail to whip enemies, or he can pick up and throw objects. He can also use his special abilities, such as the ability to climb walls or glide through the air.
The game features a variety of levels, each of which is based on a different television genre. For example, one level is set in a Western town, while another is set in a haunted house. Each level is filled with enemies, traps, and puzzles.
Gex: Enter the Gecko also features a number of boss battles. These battles are typically more challenging than the regular levels, and they require the player to use all of their skills to defeat the boss.
Story
The story of Gex: Enter the Gecko begins with Gex relaxing at home, watching television. Suddenly, two secret agents burst into his house and inform him that the evil Rez is back and planning to destroy the Television Realm. Gex is initially reluctant to get involved, but the agents convince him to help by offering him a large sum of money.
Gex travels to the Television Realm and begins his quest to defeat Rez. He travels through a variety of television channels, each of which is filled with its own unique challenges. Along the way, Gex meets a number of allies, including a talking dog named Pogo and a wise-cracking parrot named Frankie.
Gex eventually reaches Rez’s lair and defeats him in a final showdown. With Rez defeated, the Television Realm is saved and Gex returns home a hero.
Characters
- Gex: The protagonist of the game, Gex is a wise-cracking gecko who is addicted to television. He is armed with a whip tail and a variety of special abilities.
- Rez: The main antagonist of the game, Rez is an evil monster who is planning to destroy the Television Realm.
- Pogo: A talking dog who is Gex’s sidekick.
- Frankie: A wise-cracking parrot who provides comic relief.
Development
Gex: Enter the Gecko was developed by Crystal Dynamics, who had previously developed the first Gex game. The game was directed by Gavin Blair and produced by Stephen White. The game’s soundtrack was composed by Tommy Tallarico.
Gex: Enter the Gecko was released for the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Dreamcast in 1998. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide.
Reception
Gex: Enter the Gecko was praised for its humor, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters. The game was also praised for its graphics and soundtrack.
The game was nominated for a number of awards, including Game of the Year at the 1998 Golden Joystick Awards. It won the award for Best Platform Game at the 1998 Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Awards.
Legacy
Gex: Enter the Gecko is considered to be one of the best platformers of the PlayStation era. The game has been cited as an influence on a number of later platformers, such as Jak and Daxter and Ratchet & Clank.
Gex: Enter the Gecko has been re-released on a number of platforms, including the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, and Steam. The game is still enjoyed by fans today.
Conclusion
Gex: Enter the Gecko is a classic platformer that still holds up today. With its humor, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10