Gex: Enter the Gecko

1998 · Platform · PlayStation

About Gex: Enter the Gecko

Gex: Enter the Gecko (1998) is Crystal Dynamics' first 3D Gex, a TV-themed platformer in which the wisecracking gecko collects remotes to defeat his nemesis Rez.

Gex: Enter the Gecko in Depth

Gex, a TV-binging, wisecracking gecko, must collect three kinds of remote to unlock TVs in the hub world and fight his arch-enemy Rez. He runs, jumps, tail-whips, tail-bounces and flying-karate-kicks his way through television-themed levels, and like a real gecko can climb certain walls and ceilings. Attacks defeat enemies, activate hint icons and break small TVs holding coloured flies that add health or lives, grant temporary upgrades, provide oxygen in outer space levels or mark checkpoints. Some stages require power-ups to progress, such as the cyber energy that activates jump pads and bridges in futuristic levels, and some enemies can only be beaten by using objects or machinery.

The hub world grows as Gex collects remotes and defeats bosses. Red remotes are earned by meeting level objectives, in any order, then standing on a green button before a TV. Each normal stage also holds two silver remotes, one hidden and one for collecting 120 items, and silver remotes unlock bonus levels that award gold remotes. Collecting every remote unlocks a special ending of concept art. Critics almost unanimously praised the level design: Electronic Gaming Monthly's Dan Hsu said it was ninety per cent of the fun, and GameSpot's Jeff Gerstmann said its look and frame rate were "about as close to Mario 64 as you'll ever get on a PlayStation".

Making Gex: Enter the Gecko

Crystal Dynamics announced a Super Mario 64-style 3D sequel in early 1997. Lead programmer Adrian Longland recalled that it began as a 2D prototype with a hover mechanic until E3, when Crash Bandicoot and Mario 64 convinced the team to combine 3D graphics and an open world. Gex was rebuilt for the new perspective with a skeletal system and stretched skin to avoid tearing. Released on PlayStation in 1998, with Windows and Nintendo 64 versions, the latter by Realtime Associates, and a 2D Game Boy Color game of the same name, it received mostly positive reviews; the main complaints concerned the camera, low-polygon enemies and simplicity, and the N64 version was received less well.

Gex: Enter the Gecko Trivia

Much of its humour was inspired by The Simpsons; Simpsons writer Rob Cohen wrote Gex's one-liners.
It began as a 2D game until E3 convinced the team to go 3D.
Gex has a full skeleton, with more bones than a real gecko, so his mouth moves with his dialogue.
The Nintendo 64 version, Gex 64, cut levels, cut-scenes and voice lines.
Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko followed in 1999.