Posted on: July 11, 2020

Megacyclo

Games: 3253 Reviews: 30

OK if you stomach the 90s style.

GEX was supposed to be the 3DO mascot and Crystal Dynamics's vehicle, he then got ported over to PC and PSX. the PSX version is nice, with a proper save system, while this only relies on the passwords, that you have to get from a special level in each section (you can get them multiple times to save at different spots). I got this game as a shop gift in 98 and loved it, I got it on sale here for the nostalgia. First things first, it's all sprites and renders, it looks quite good even today and the animation is crisp and rich. While the followups were 3D this is a 2D platformer. Plotwise, Gex is a lazy channel surfer millionaire who got sucked into TV world by the Tyrant Rez who wants to turn him into a statue for his collection. So Gex needs to escape. This a typical 90's 'tude game (see Gex's face). Gex seems amused and spends his time cracking references like this is a theme park ride. He can whack with his tail, run, use his tongue to eat power-ups and (if powered up) spit projectiles. Each of the 5 maps (each with a main theme and enemy look) contains various stages and a secret level (with a secret map to unlock) and the levels are long with many secrets and bonus rounds to find. Gex can also climb walls to explore and progress. Sometimes too long, it feels repetitive and tiresome (especially when you need to redo the VCR levels to get a password). The controls on the keyboard are a little stiff and Gex feels soapy, add to this weird hitboxes and you'll get into some frustration here and there. Controllers feel much better. Another annoyance is the camera, it's quite close and it snaps when you turn which can allow for cheap hits. Extra lives are quite generously given, which muddles the difficulty a little. This game is a testament to 90s design. On sale it's worth checking out, though it's no Mario or Sonic... I give it 4/5 because it runs fine and supports controllers, -1 for passwords only and it's nothing amazing. Still interesting.

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Posted on: June 20, 2021

_ToastyMann_

Games: 9 Reviews: 1

A great game, but...

Gex 1 is my favorite in the Series. However, proceed with caution if you want to play this version. Controller support is limited, it runs at a sickeningly low resolution, and it's capped at 30fps compared to 60fps on the console versions (not unplayable or anything, but worth noting). Not to mention this version also has the same password system as the PS1 and Saturn ports, as opposed to being able to save in the 3DO version. But for the price, this is an absolute bargain. As long as your controller works, and you're willing to jot down passwords, this is dirt cheap. Don't miss out if it's on sale.

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Posted on: June 13, 2018

ekebla22

Verified owner

Games: 525 Reviews: 5

No save/password

I love this game. It's amazing but it sucks that there is no save, and no way to view the passwords for the game. So you have to beat it in one playthrough or you're gonna have to start from the beginning every time.

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Posted on: March 23, 2024

SummerLaverdure

Verified owner

Games: 36 Reviews: 4

it's Gex!

the popular 3DO platformer and it's a damn good port too, that still works under Windows 11 0_o a lot of people think Gex is a joke or a 90s relic or a bad game but nothing could be further from the truth. It's some solid platforming action with some great art and music, clever level design and a funny protagonist the save system or lack thereof has not aged well and the controls take a bit of getting used to, but this is well worth picking up, especially on the sale prices GOG has all the time it's not going to change your life or anything but you'll get a few hours of enjoyment for sure, check it out

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Posted on: May 8, 2024

ChopinAndGogFan

Games: 40 Reviews: 24

One of the greatest games ever, meh PC version

A well crafted 32 bit platformer with tight controls, nice characters and level variety, and surprisingly, absolutely fantastic music. I love platformers and lizards, so this feels like this game was made for me. However, there are huge problems with this game, particularly the PC version. Let's start with the problems that can be fixed, to the issue that made me prefer the PS1 version with Duckstation. - ridiculously low resolution, that looks tragic on any larger display without good shaders (can be fixed with post-processing in Duckstation, CRT Royale / scanlines) or hooking up the game to a CRT monitor of course. -no geometry, colour and texture correction, that is in Duckstation, which can really enhance the game experience (playing in Duckstation will fix this problem) BUT the absolutely biggest problem for me with this game is, that IT IS HARD AS HELL, especially the last world. Even John from Digital Foundry did not finish this game on original hardware, it is that hard. You may say, the game saves after each level, so it is not a problem right? Well, unfortunately, the PC version uses the PASSWORD system. And you can save, when you find tapes IN THE GAME. Unless you are a god at platforming games or played this game a lot as a child, this can only be fixed by playing the game with Duckstation and using savestates. I mapped save at 0 and load at 1, and playing on a regular Logitech controller with a D-Pad. That way, when you mess up, you can easily load the part you saved before. Even with save states, the later levels are a real pain in the ass. I am glad GOG preserved the PC version without any outdated DRM code, but at the same time, I wish they implemented at least some minor improvements to make the PC port playable. Worth getting for preservation, but at the same time, I recommend playing the PS1 version on Duckstation. Another negative is Gex's monologue can get a bit tiring, but you can turn that off so it is a very small nitpick.

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