Gex

"Crystal Dynamics delivers enjoyable and amusing platformer"

In this platformer by Crystal Dynamics, you play Gex, a trash talking, TV addicted gecko voiced by Dana Gould. Playing through the game, you'll go through multiple themed worlds, such as The Cemetery, which is a "tribute" to horror movies/TV shows, Cartoon Land, which (obviously) is a tribute to cartoons over the years, Kung Fu Land, which is a tribute to all the Kung Fu movies we know and love (even with the funny dubs), and more.

Gameplay: 9

This really is a fun game to play. It's kind of simplistic in concept, but it gets fairly difficult depending on the situation. Gex has a few notable abilities. As any respectable Gecko should, he has the ability to use his tongue to get himself out of trouble, or to much on delights throughout the game. Also, his tail is used as a whip, which is your main form of attack. Jumping, as in any platformer, is also a necessary ability. Power ups throughout the game can be gotten by hitting them with your tongue. The power ups include Super Speed, Invincibility, Fire Breath, Ice Breath, Health Power ups, and more (seems pretty standard). Also, Gex has the ability to spring off of enemies or blocks by holding down on the D-Pad when jumping.

Story: 6

Not really the selling point of the game, as with most platformers. It all started when Gex was chilling out watching some tube after his "funkercizing". He decided to get a snack (a.k.a. eat a fly). However, the fly was a tracer sent by Rez, the evil guy of the game. Rez basically wants to make Gex the mascot of the network (I believe in the manual it says "Out with the peacock; in with the gecko". Can anyone guess what network they may be referring to?), so he summons Gex into the TV world to trap him.

Presentation (Graphics/Sound): 8

The graphics of the game aren't really spectacular or high tech, but they are pretty smooth. There aren't any times where you're asking yourself "What the hell is that?". Everything pretty much resembles what it's supposed to and fits with whatever themed world you're in. The sound is actually really good. There are about 400 different voice samples (Dana Gould) that Gex spouts throughout the game, and most are spoofs of famous TV phrases or impressions (Johnny Carson is a popular one),

Replay: 8

The game has lots of bonus levels hidden throughout the game, and even has a bonus world that you unlock through perfectly completing all of the bonuses.

Overall: 31/4 = 7.75 (rounded to 8)

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/27/04