Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender (1992)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender: A Hilarious and Challenging Adventure

Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender is a 1992 graphic adventure game developed and published by Sierra On-Line. The game follows the titular Rex Nebular, a bumbling but lovable interstellar adventurer, as he travels to the planet Terra Androgena in search of a priceless vase. The game is known for its humor, challenging puzzles, and groundbreaking use of digitized speech.

Plot

The game begins with Rex Nebular receiving a distress call from Colonel Bluster, the commander of the space station Starbase 12. Bluster informs Rex that a priceless vase has been stolen from the station and that it has been traced to the planet Terra Androgena. Rex is tasked with retrieving the vase and returning it to Bluster.

Rex travels to Terra Androgena and quickly discovers that the planet is populated entirely by bizarre alien women. These women are all vying for Rex’s attention, and they will stop at nothing to get it. Rex must overcome the dizzying array of obstacles and endless traps preventing him from returning the priceless pottery, including the frightening Gender Bender machine!

Gameplay

Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender is a point-and-click adventure game. The player controls Rex as he explores the planet Terra Androgena, interacts with its inhabitants, and solves puzzles. The game features a variety of puzzles, from simple inventory puzzles to complex logic puzzles.

One of the most unique features of Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender is its use of digitized speech. This was a groundbreaking technology at the time, and it helped to create a more immersive and engaging experience for the player.

Characters

Rex Nebular is the protagonist of the game. He is a bumbling but lovable interstellar adventurer who is always getting into trouble. Rex is voiced by comedian Mark Hamill, who brings his trademark wit and charm to the role.

Colonel Bluster is the commander of Starbase 12. He is a no-nonsense military man who is determined to get his hands on the stolen vase. Bluster is voiced by actor John Rhys-Davies, who brings his booming voice and commanding presence to the role.

The alien women of Terra Androgena are a diverse and colorful cast of characters. Each woman has her own unique personality and motivations, and they will all stop at nothing to get what they want from Rex.

Reception

Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its humor, challenging puzzles, and groundbreaking use of digitized speech. The game was also a financial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.

Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender is considered to be one of the greatest adventure games of all time. It is a must-play for fans of classic adventure games, comedy, and science fiction.

Legacy

Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s humor, challenging puzzles, and groundbreaking use of digitized speech have all been imitated by other games. The game has also been cited as an inspiration by many game developers, including Tim Schafer and Ron Gilbert.

Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender is a true classic of the adventure game genre. It is a game that is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is sure to continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Additional Information

  • The game was originally released for the IBM PC, Amiga, and Macintosh.
  • The game was ported to the Sega CD in 1993.
  • The game was re-released on GOG.com in 2014.
  • The game was included in the Sierra Adventure Collection in 2017.

Review

Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender is a hilarious and challenging adventure game that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s humor is top-notch, the puzzles are challenging but fair, and the use of digitized speech is groundbreaking. Overall, Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender is a must-play for fans of classic adventure games.

Score: 8/10

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More