GEX 3DO
GEX 3DO review
Introduction of Gex
In the ’90s, every console needed a mascot, and Gex became Panasonic’s attempt, with Crystal Dynamics introducing the green lizard Gex.
Release and Popularity
Released in late 1994, Gex became one of the memorable platformers available on the 3DO, alongside games like Soccer Kid, Flashback, Another World, and Johnny Bazookatone. It was even later bundled with the console. Gex managed to sell over 1 million copies on the 3DO, making it a top seller. After the demise of the 3DO, Gex became available on many other consoles.
Storyline and Gameplay
The nonsensical story follows Gex, a TV-addicted gecko who gets sucked into TV land by the evil Rez and has to navigate various television genres to escape. Despite Gex’s large on-screen presence posing challenges, the game excels in controls, offering diverse lizard abilities and a unique stacking power-up system.
Level Design and Exploration
Level design stands out with vertical exploration possible due to Gex’s climbing capabilities. Planet X Remote controls, crucial for progression, are hidden throughout the 24 levels, adding some exploration interest.
Graphics and Sound
Graphically, Gex is vibrant, with levels based around various TV genres like Horror, Sci-Fi, Kung Fu, and Jungles. The game features a well-animated protagonist and lively cartoon enemies. The standout one-liner quips could grate on you over time but are mostly diverse and don’t repeat too much.
Voice Acting and Overall Experience
The voice acting, done by American comedian Dana Gould, adds charm and uniqueness, making Gex a solid parallax platformer. While there are minor design flaws, overall, it is a recommended and very satisfying experience, best played using the Goldstar controller.
GEX intro and levels
GEX screenshots
GEX game box
Key points
- 90s Mascot Trend: Every console needed a mascot in the 90s… and Gex became the mascot for the Panasonic 3DO.
- Game Overview: Gex is a side-scrolling platformer developed by Crystal Dynamics, featuring an wise cracking gecko named Gex who must defeat evil Rez in the “media dimension.”
- Gameplay Mechanics: Gex traverses 24 levels across different TV-themed worlds, finding hidden remotes to unlock more levels. The game includes platforming stages ending with boss fights.
- Abilities and Power-ups: Gex can walk, run, jump, attach to walls/ceilings, and use his tail and tongue for attacks and collecting items. Power-ups grant abilities like shooting fire, freezing enemies, and temporary invincibility.
- Health System: Gex has three hit points, extendable to six, and gains extra lives by collecting golden bugs.
- Graphics and Animation: Uses pre-rendered graphics similar to Donkey Kong Country. While visually adequate, some animations cause game slowdown.
- Sound and Voice Work: Features extensive voice work by comedian Dana Gould, though the frequent one-liners can become annoying.
- Level Design: The level design includes varied and interesting obstacles, but some sections have unbalanced difficulty. Water stages are particularly awkward.
- Reception and Legacy: Gex received decent attention and is better than many contemporary platformers, and is considered a must-have title on 3DO. It has aged better than most 3DO games and was released on many other platforms.
- Long lasting Impact: Despite its shortcomings, Gex is showcases Crystal Dynamics creative approach at the time for the 3DO and stands as an interesting piece of gaming history from the 90s mascot era.