Total Game Boy
28th May 2000
Publisher: Eidos
Machine: Game Boy Color
Published in Total Game Boy Issue 08
He's green, he's brown, he bounces on the ground!
Gex 3: Deep Pocket Gecko
The suave, sophisticated, yet slimy lizard is back for another appearance on the Game Boy Color in the originally-titled Deep Pocket Gecko. As in previous Gecko games, you'll be barraged by a consortium of genres as Gex takes you through the Wild West, Egypt, snow-covered pistes and so on. Access to the themed levels and bonus rounds is through a central hub, from which you jump into the levels with a TV remote!
Once you do get into a level, you are presented with a series of challenges. On the first level, for example, you have to create five ice sculptures, whack two ice skating elves and defeat an evil Santa! None of the tasks are exactly what you'd call difficult, but it's their simplicity that makes the game so incredibly playable.
This being a Gex game, you also get new clothing depending on what level you're on. This doesn't work quite as well as on other systems, but it is still fairly amusing to see Gex dressed up in a woolly hat and socks! If anything hampers fun in this game it's the controls, which can be a little awkward at times. Frustration levels will undoubtedly run high when you are trying to negotiate some of the levels. There are better platform games available for the Game Boy, but if you're a big fan of the suave green lizard you certainly won't be disappointed by this offering.
Second Opinion
He's Gex, he's green and you can't help but think you've seen it all before in endless platform games on your Game Boy!
This little game gives nothing new, but if you enjoyed Gex's last outing, Enter The Gecko, you will probably be pleased to know that this game continues where that one left off.
If platform entertainment does it for you, this could just be your cup of tea! Just don't expect too much originality in the mix!
Verdict
Graphics 100%
Really nice animation.
Sound 40%
Repetitive background music.
Playability 80%
Fun, if a little frustrating at times.
Lastability 80%
Lots of levels with loads to do!
Overall 87%
Gex returns to the Game Boy in style.