Gex (video game)

Gex
Developer(s)	Crystal Dynamics Beam Software (PS1 and Saturn Versions)
Publisher(s)	BMG Interactive (3DO Version) Crystal Dynamics (PS1 and Saturn Versions) Microsoft (Windows Version)
Producer(s)	Lyle Hall David Zse
Designer(s)	Mira F. Ross Lyle Hall Justin Norr
Programmer(s)	Andrew Lacey Chris Schladetsch Peter Litwiniuk Shane Lontis
Artist(s)	Mira F. Ross
Writer(s)	Robert Cohen Dana Gould
Composer(s)	Greg Weber Steve Henifin
Series	Gex
Platform(s)	3DO, PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Microsoft Windows
Release	3DO NA: April 1995 EU: 1995 PlayStation NA: December 13, 1995 EU: April 1996 Sega Saturn NA: 1996 EU: 1996 Microsoft Windows NA: November 7, 1996 EU: 1997
Genre(s)	Platform
Mode(s)	Single-player

Gex is a side-scrolling platform game developed by Crystal Dynamics and originally released for the 3DO in 1995. Versions of the game were later released for the PlayStation, the Sega Saturn and Microsoft Windows. It was a pack-in game for Panasonic models of the 3DO later in the console's life.^[1][2]

It is the first game in the Gex series and introduces players to the title character, a wisecracking gecko, voiced in this game by comedian Dana Gould. Gex served as Crystal Dynamics's mascot, and was intended as a competitor to rival the likes of popular video game mascots such as Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog.^[3][4]

Gameplay

Gex in a horror level. The jumping tomato is an enemy. The features in the display bar, from left to right, are the player's score, number of lives, number of flies, and health.

In addition to being able to walk, run, and jump through levels, Gex can attach himself to walls and crawl along them using the suction pads on his feet. This technique is sometimes necessary to progress, but can also be used to bypass enemies and hazards.

Gex primarily attacks by whipping enemies with his tail.

The objective in almost every level in Gex is to explore and find television remotes hidden throughout the levels.

Certain levels require players to find two remotes to access the next world. There are also hidden portals to bonus levels, and completing a bonus level perfectly gives players a piece of the Planet X remote. Though there is a bonus level in each regular level, players need only beat one in each world to reach Planet X, an optional secret world.

On the original 3DO version, players can save their progress to the system's internal memory; all other versions use a password system instead. To receive a password or gain access to the 3DO's internal memory, the player must find a VHS tape, hidden in the level. The tapes are usually hidden every other level in each world.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score Aggregator Score GameRankings (3DO) 79.58%[5] (PC) 71.00%[6] (SAT) 69.35%[7] (PS1) 63.33%[8] Review scores Publication Score EGM 8.675/10 (3DO)[9] 7.875/10 (PS1, SAT)[10][11] Game Informer 9.25/10 (PS1)[12] Maximum (PS1)[13] Next Generation (PS1)[14] Sega Saturn Magazine 62% (SAT)[15]

Gex was one of the 3DO's best-selling games. In July 1995, roughly a month before it became a pack-in game, its sales exceeded one million units.^{[16][17][note 1]}

Gex received positive reviews. Aggregating review website GameRankings gave the 3DO version 79.58%,^[5] the PC version 71.00%,^[6] the Sega Saturn version 69.35%^[7] and the PlayStation version 63.33%.^[8]

The game was awarded best 3DO game at the 1994 Consumer Electronics Show by GamePro^[19] and "Best 3DO Game of 1995" by Electronic Gaming Monthly.^[20] Tommy Glide of GamePro reviewed that "Gex is destined to become the 3DO equivalent of Sonic or Mario, as this cool little lizard sets high standards for all future 3DO platform-hoppers."^[21] Electronic Gaming Monthly gave it a 8.675 out of 10 and their "Game of the Month" award.^[9] Both magazines focused praise on the game's numerous secrets, detailed graphics, witty one-liners, and the player character's ability to climb walls.^[9][21]

The four reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave both the PlayStation and Saturn versions a 7.875 out of 10, commenting that the audio and cinemas in both versions were cleaned up compared to the 3DO original. They especially praised the game's humor and solid platforming action.^[10][11] Tommy Glide likewise stated in GamePro, "We marveled at Gex on the 3DO. Now this platform-hopping lizard debuts on the PlayStation and earns even more affection with cleaner graphics and smoother gameplay." He again applauded Gex's unique wall climbing ability, the vast size and numerous secrets of the levels, and Dana Gould's numerous one-liners.^[22] He remarked the Saturn version has "the same graphics, sound, and control that earned acclaim in the PlayStation version", and that "Gex eats Bug for lunch".^[23] A reviewer for Next Generation contested that Gex's wall climbing ability is "not completely unique" but that it nonetheless adds an interesting dimension to the gameplay, and also praised Gould's one-liners and the "unique and humorous" area themes. He concluded, "In a world of polygons, we're not sure one last side-scroller is what the 32-bit universe needs, but you could do worse."^[14] In a rare negative review of the game, Rob Allsetter commented in Sega Saturn Magazine, "I suppose I should point out that the graphics and animation are polished, that the game moves at a decent pace and that it's certainly playable, but ... none of these things make up for the utter predictability of it all."^[15] Maximum gave the PlayStation version a mixed review, saying that the player character has a remarkable variety of abilities, but that the level design is often dull and frustrating.^[13]

Notes

References

External links

• Gex at MobyGames
• Gregg's Blog: Gex - Lead programmer talks about the making of Gex