Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gex: Enter the Gecko delivers a playful blend of 3D platforming with a heavy dose of tongue-in-cheek humor. Players guide Gex through a variety of themed television worlds, collecting three types of remote controls—Standard, Bonus, and Collector—to unlock new areas and secret levels. The mission structure is non-linear, allowing you to revisit levels at your leisure and pursue objectives in any order you choose. This open-ended approach encourages exploration and experimentation as you seek out hidden TVs, power-ups, and special unlockables.

Controlling Gex feels responsive and intuitive for its era. He can tail-whip enemies, execute karate kicks, and even stick to ceilings and walls in select areas. These abilities, combined with the occasional bug-eating power-up, create platforming challenges that keep you on your toes. While the camera can sometimes struggle to keep up with swift jumps or tight corners, it rarely obstructs your view to the point of frustration. The inclusion of mid-level save points ensures that long sessions of play don’t force you to start from scratch—ideal for on-the-go gaming or quick bursts of platforming.

Boss battles add another layer of variety, pitting Gex against oversized adversaries in set-piece encounters. These fights demand both pattern recognition and precise timing, offering a nice break from the usual collectathon gameplay. Moreover, the game spices up interactions with Gex’s signature quips and wisecracks, giving personality to standard platform challenges. The humor, though sometimes dated, still lands often enough to remind you that you’re more than just a gecko on a mission—you’re a TV-savvy frog wearing a tuxedo in pursuit of cable-controlled chaos.

Graphics

On the visual front, Gex: Enter the Gecko showcases the PlayStation’s capabilities in full 3D glory. Each TV world parodies well-known pop-culture tropes, resulting in diverse environments—from spooky horror sets to slapstick cartoon realms. Textures can appear blocky by modern standards, but at release, they contributed to a distinctive style that balanced whimsy with a hint of 90s retro-chic. The color palettes are bright and varied, helping each level feel unique and memorable.

Character models, including Gex himself, exhibit smooth animations and charming details, such as his snarky tail twitches and animated facial expressions. Environmental set pieces—like exploding safes in casino zones or rocking pirate ships—show off creative level design more than raw polygon count. Lighting effects may be simplistic, but shine features on TVs and neon highlights add pop to key objects. When screens flicker and holographic elements shimmer, you’re reminded of the game’s television-centric theme.

Visual feedback on Gex’s actions is clear and communicative. Tail whips send enemies flying with a satisfying burst animation, while successful jumps are punctuated by Gex’s celebratory stance. These small touches reinforce the game’s playful aesthetic. Even if you notice occasional clipping or camera pop-in, the overall presentation remains cohesive and engaging. It’s a reminder that strong art direction can outshine technical limitations, making the Media Dimension an inviting place to explore.

Story

The narrative setup in Enter the Gecko is straightforward and entertaining: after media mogul Rez hijacks the television universe, the government hires Gex to restore order. The premise leans into a James Bond–style spy motif, complete with an agent suit and a hefty paycheck for our lizard hero. Though the initial cutscenes establish this tongue-in-cheek storyline, the plot takes a backseat once you dive into the levels, allowing the action and humor to carry the experience.

Storytelling unfolds largely through environmental cues and Gex’s own quips. Each TV world acts as a self-contained episode, riffing on familiar shows, movies, or genre tropes. While there’s no deep character arc or dramatic twists, the game’s strength lies in its satirical spirit. Gex’s wisecracks—ranging from pop-culture one-liners to sly jabs at television clichés—keep the tone light and playful. Though some jokes feel rooted in 90s references, many still elicit a genuine chuckle.

Side objectives and hidden content further expand the narrative via collectible VHS tapes and bonus stages. These optional elements add context to the Media Dimension’s wacky inhabitants and disasters. Collectors will appreciate these nods to TV history and the game’s meta-commentary on entertainment. While story purists might find the narrative thin, Gex’s charm and comedic timing make up for any lack of plot complexity.

Overall Experience

Gex: Enter the Gecko stands as a memorable example of late-90s platforming flair. Its combination of non-linear level design, pop-culture parodies, and humorous protagonist create a package that remains entertaining over two decades later. Exploration is rewarded, and revisiting completed worlds often reveals new secrets, extending the game’s replay value. If you enjoy uncovering hidden areas and collecting every last remote control, Gex delivers plenty of content to keep you invested.

The game’s lighthearted tone and variety of themes make it accessible to both younger players and nostalgic veterans. While camera hiccups and dated textures hint at its age, they rarely detract from the overall enjoyment. Gex’s personality shines through his quips and animations, making even routine platforming tasks feel fresh. The mixture of standard jumps, combat maneuvers, and environmental puzzles provides a balanced challenge that ramps up nicely as you progress.

For anyone seeking a classic platformer with a humorous twist, Gex: Enter the Gecko is a solid choice. Its emphasis on exploratory freedom, coupled with engaging level themes and a charismatic lead, offers a unique spin on the genre. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgic appeal or discovering Gex for the first time, this game offers a fun and varied experience that holds up as a charming relic of 90s gaming culture.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10