Gex 64: Enter the Gecko
Gex: Enter the Gecko is a 1998 platform game developed and published by Crystal Dynamics for the PlayStation. It was originally released in 1998, with ports later released on the Nintendo 64 and Microsoft Windows the same year. The game is the second installment of the Gex video game series and the first with 3D graphics. Its protagonist, Gex, a TV-binging, wisecracking gecko, seeks to collect three types of remotes to unlock different TVs in the overworld that aid in the fight against his arch-nemesis, Rez.
After creating the original Gex, which released for the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, PC, Sega Saturn, and PlayStation in 1995, developer Crystal Dynamics sought a sequel in the form of a 3D platform video game in the style of Super Mario 64. The Gex model was rebuilt with this perspective in mind, and much of the game's humor was inspired by the Fox animated sitcom The Simpsons, on which scriptwriter Robert Cohen had previously worked as a writer.
Critical reception of Gex: Enter the Gecko was mostly positive. Critics' main concerns centered on the game's camera, graphics, low-polygon enemies, and simplicity. A version for the Game Boy Color also titled Gex: Enter the Gecko (1998) was made in 2D and released in 1998. The game was followed by 1999's Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko, which was released on the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy Color.
From Wikipedia's article Gex: Enter the Gecko
Keyboard controls
| N64 | Player 1 |
|---|---|
| Stick | ↑↓←→ |
| A | X |
| B | C |
| Z | Z |
| L | A |
| R | S |
| C buttons | IKJL |
| D-pad | TGFH |
| Start | Enter |
Hotkeys
- 1 Quick save state
- 2 Quick load state
- 3 Change save slot
A gamepad with an analog stick plays much better than the keyboard.
Gamepads are detected when you press a button. Remap any key from the emulator’s Controls menu (gear icon).
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Keyboard controls
| N64 | Player 1 |
|---|---|
| Stick | ↑↓←→ |
| A | X |
| B | C |
| Z | Z |
| L | A |
| R | S |
| C buttons | IKJL |
| D-pad | TGFH |
| Start | Enter |
Hotkeys
- 1 Quick save state
- 2 Quick load state
- 3 Change save slot
A gamepad with an analog stick plays much better than the keyboard.
Gamepads are detected when you press a button. Remap any key from the emulator’s Controls menu (gear icon).
2.5 Could be better
GameRankings 61%
Review scorecard
- Graphics 2.5 out of 5 Overall fallback
- Sound 2.5 out of 5 Overall fallback
- Control 2.5 out of 5 Overall fallback
- Fun Factor 2.5 out of 5 Overall fallback
Overall fallback: GameRankings 61%. Overall source The same 61/100 overall rating fills missing categories using the face scale; these are not separate category scores.
What the reviews talk about
Key wordshumorousfungorgeousbeautifulannoyingmediocre
What the critics said
IGN had a much more positive overall assessment: "In the end, Gex is a surprising amount of fun, and gamers will like it because of its off-beat humor, large levels and great replay value."
— IGN, 1998
The magazine later said of the Nintendo 64 version, "Clean 3D worlds and humorous sounds complete the experience, though you should be wary of a few hiccups with the game's controls. All told, if you enjoyed Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, Gex is worth considering as your next purchase."
— GamePro, 1998
GamePro called the PlayStation version "A must-own for platform fans" and gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for control and a perfect 5 in every other category (graphics, sound, and fun factor).
— GamePro, 1998 · about another version
Edge gave the same console version seven out of ten, saying, "While Gex 3D is possibly the best free-roaming 3D platformer for the PlayStation, the game's design is ultimately bereft of real inspiration."
— Edge, 1998 · about another version
From the Reception section of Wikipedia's Gex: Enter the Gecko article.
Scores
- 80 GameRevolution1998 B; A−
- 78 Game Informer1998 7.75/10; 9.25/10
- 75 Nintendo Power1999 7.5/10
- 59 N64 Magazine1998 true; 59%
- 57 IGN1998 5.7/10; 8/10
- 55 Electronic Gaming Monthly1998 5.5/10; 8.5, 8/10. 8.5/10, 8.5/10
- 47 GameSpot1998 4.7/10; 6/10
- 40 CNET Gamecenter1998 4/10; 9/10
- 88 GameFan1998 87%, 85%, 91% · other versions
- 82 PC Zone1998 82% · other versions
- 70 Computer Gaming World1998 3.5/5 · other versions
- 70 Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine1998 3.5/5 · other versions
- 60 Next Generation1998 3/5 · other versions
- 58 Famitsu 23/40 · other versions
From the review table in Wikipedia's Gex: Enter the Gecko article.
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