Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko

About Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko

Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko (1999) is Crystal Dynamics' third Gex game, in which the wisecracking gecko returns to the Media Dimension to rescue the live-action Agent Xtra from Rez.

Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko in Depth

Gex returns to the Media Dimension to rescue Agent Xtra, a government spy played in full-motion video by model Marliece Andrada, the only live-action character, kidnapped by his arch-enemy Rez. The hub is Mission Control, Gex's secret hideout, overseen by his butler Alfred the Turtle, and it expands as remotes from each level unlock new areas. Gex is voiced by Dana Gould in the US and by Danny John-Jules in the UK and Europe. Bigger levels, more on-screen characters and a retooled camera were made possible by better use of the hardware.

Play is similar to Gex: Enter the Gecko, adding vehicles such as a tank, a camel and a snowboard, plus swimming and gliding in some levels. Instead of the previous game's themed collectibles, Gex collects only bugs, as in the original, limited to 100 per level and kept only up to the last checkpoint on death, making the targets harder. Power-ups let him spit fire and ice, and collecting 100 footprints raises his energy permanently to eight hits. In bonus stages players can control Rex, Cuz and Alfred, and collecting all 50 remotes, including by beating Rez, unlocks a special ending featuring the development team. Side-scrolling minigames recall the series' 2D roots.

Making Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko

Crystal Dynamics wanted the third Gex to focus more on story and on Gex's personality through "over-the-top animations", according to product marketing manager Chip Blundell, and Eidos Interactive published it on the PlayStation in 1999, followed by Nintendo 64 ports. The PlayStation version received favourable reviews, helped by impressive graphics and less platforming competition, while the N64 versions were criticised for stuttering frame rates, poor use of the analogue stick, with Gex running full speed however lightly it was pressed, and comparing badly with Super Mario 64.