Step back into the 90s with Gex, the classic side-scrolling platformer that launched a franchise filled with pop culture references and attitude. As an anthropomorphic, television-obsessed gecko, Gex must navigate through the "media dimension," traversing various themed worlds to track down elusive TV remotes and ultimately defeat the sinister antagonist, Rez.
A Journey Through the Media Dimension
Originally released in 1995, Gex stands out as a highly creative 2D platformer. Unlike standard side-scrollers that simply move from left to right, Gex features maze-like level designs characterized by impressive verticality and hidden paths. The gameplay loop revolves around exploration and skill; players must navigate through complex environments to find the TV remote required to exit each stage.
The game offers a variety of power-ups to assist our hero, ranging from temporary speed boosts to ice-based projectiles that allow for new ways to interact with the environment. When faced with formidable bosses, players will need to study various attack patterns to overcome them. To enhance the retro experience, the game can be played in its original 4:3 aspect ratio with a CRT filter for that authentic throwback feel.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
While the core gameplay remains true to its 1995 roots, modern enhancements make the experience more accessible than ever. Whether you are playing the original 2D title or the later 3D entries in the series, several quality-of-life features have been integrated:
- Modernized Saving System: No more worrying about passwords or memory cards. Players can manually save their progress in up to three different slots at any time using a sleek overlay menu triggered by the R3 button.
- Gameplay Rewind: To mitigate frustration during difficult platforming sections or mistimed jumps, players can use the L2 and R2 triggers to rewind gameplay, allowing you to scrub back through recent minutes of action.
- Enhanced Controls: For the 3D titles in the series, full analogue control support provides a wider, more fluid range of movement for Gex.
- Visual Options: While the 2D original retains its classic look, the 3D entries can be played in native 16:9 widescreen with scaled resolution.
Legacy and Content
The world of Gex is more than just platforming; it is a celebration of the era. For longtime fans, the "Gextras" section provides a goldmine of historical content, including original concept artwork, magazine advertisements, game trailers, and digital copies of the original instruction manuals. Even the main menu pays homage to the character's obsession, featuring a "Gexflix" interface styled after modern streaming services.
Gex appeals to nostalgic 90s gamers looking to revisit a beloved mascot, as well as new players who enjoy challenging, exploration-heavy platformers. With its witty one-liners and imaginative themed worlds, it remains a standout title in the action-platformer genre.
Platform Availability
The original Gex was available on platforms including PC, PlayStation, SEGA Saturn, and 3DO. Modern collections, such as the Gex Trilogy, bring these classic adventures to contemporary hardware with updated features.
