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"This article is about the console game. For the handheld version, click here.

Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko (Gex: Deep Cover Gecko in PAL regions, Gex: Contre Dr Rez in France, and Gex 3: Deep Pocket Gecko for Game Boy Color) is the the third and final installment in the original Gex trilogy. It was released in 1999 for the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy Color. Dana Gould would reprise his role as Gex in the US release, while Danny John-Jules would voice the character for the PAL release. This is the first game in the Gex series to not have passwords as a saving method. Instead, a Nintendo 64 Controller Pak or PlayStation Memory Card is required for saving game progress. Due to the Nintendo 64's limited cartridge space and memory capabilities, many of the cut scenes and voice lines from the Playstation version were cut in the N64 release. It is the only game in the series that was never released for PC.

Plot[]

While watching the news on his TV one day, Gex discovers that Agent Xtra (who he met in Gex: Enter The Gecko's backstory), head of the TV Terrorist Defense Unit has been reported as missing. She then contacts him via his TV telling him that Rez has returned once more and has kidnapped her to get to Gex. He teleports to the batcave-like lair he has in the Media Dimension, and begins another adventure. Along the way, Gex teams up with his new friends Rex and Cuz.

In the PS1 ending, after defeating Rez for the third time, Gex returns with Xtra to his hotel room, where she tell him about her time in the Media Dimension. Just then, Gex's butler, Alfred, tries to warn his master of a world emergency. Gex ignores him and turns the computer off. He and Xtra then make love.

In the N64 ending, after Gex defeats Rez for the third time, Alfred purchases tickets for Gex and Xtra to go on a relaxing cruise, and Gex allows Alfred to use his remote island for some time off. Alfred informs the player that it was because of Alfred that Gex was able to save Xtra, and he assures the player that he and Gex will return soon.

Gameplay[]

Gameplay remains similar to the previous game, Gex: Enter the Gecko, with the addition of certain vehicles, such as a tank, a camel and a snowboard, as well as a swimming ability and a gliding ability available with certain disguises depending on the level. There are also some aspects of the game that are shared only with the first installment, such as: Gex can only collect bugs in all levels (100 per level earns a remote) and secret levels, instead of the variety of items he collected in Enter the Gecko (skulls, TNT plungers, carrots, TVs, police plates, etc.). He can spit fire and ice, as well as swim, the later ability having not been present in previous games. Unlike Enter the Gecko, when losing a life, Gex retains only the amount of bugs collected up to the latest checkpoint; if the level has no checkpoint, Gex has to start from zero. Since there are one hundred per level, collecting bugs can get significantly more difficult than the items in Enter the Gecko. Also, similar to the first Gex game, he can collect footprint icons throughout the game which give him more energy, though unlike the first game, Gex retains the energy (eight hits total) once he collects one hundred footprints. Levels are accessed via a more expansive hub, with more areas unlocked as the player collects remotes from each of the levels. Players can unlock and control three alternate characters, Rex, Cuz and Alfred, during bonus stages, though they play the same.

Development[]

Crystal Dynamics wanted Gex 3 to raise the bar with a greater focus on story than the series' previous entries. This lead to the inclusion of Gex's new partner and love interest, Agent Xtra, who was played by Baywatch TV actress, Marliece Andrada. Each level would feature a cutscene of Agent Xtra and Gex interacting with one another, and would remind the player of their goal. Crystal Dynamics also wanted to further emphasize the title character's personality by giving him "over-the-top animations," according to Product Marketing Manager, Chip Blundell. Several of the in-game mechanics used in levels were concepts that were thought of during the development of Gex 3D, but could not be included due to time constraints. Lead Designer, Chris Tremmel, wanted Gex 3's gameplay to hearken back to the series' roots as a 2D side-scrolling platformer. To achieve this, he included side-scrolling mini-games in addition to the main platforming parts, in order to make level missions less monotonous. According to Tremmel, most people who played Gex 3D weren't entirely invested into going out of their way to locate all of the collectibles in each stage as they were with other collectathon platformers like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie. In response, three core collectibles were created that would aided the player in their gameplay. The hub world used to access stages was also retooled, and changed from an empty environment with several doors leading to levels to being more like a level in itself with items and secrets hidden throughout.

With Gex 3 the developers tried to push the limits of the PlayStation's hardware, further than they had with Gex 3D. For instance, the size of levels was increased from the previous entry. Crystal Dynamics found a way to increase level sizes by a one-fifth margin, and included more enemies per stage while maintaining a high frame rate. Textures also made use of environment mapping, something which Tremmel initially did not think the PlayStation could handle smoothly. According to Tremmel, he suggested it to the programmers as a joke, not thinking that they could pull it off with the PlayStation's hardware limitations. However, the next day, he found that the programmers had already begun working on it and implemented it into the game. The technique was used primarily for metal surfaces, such as certain enemies and Gex's shield and metallic armor that he wears at points in the game. A particular area of focus for Crystal Dynamics was improving the game's 3D camera system, which was frequently criticized in Gex 3D for being glitchy and difficult to use at times. Rather than include a multitude of camera options, they opted instead to focus on a single camera system that was simple and did not work against the desires of the player.

Release[]

To promote the release of Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko, a number of retailers offered exclusive pre-order bonuses that could only be obtained by purchasing the game at select stores. For pre-ordering Gex 3 at Best Buy, customers received a demo disc of the game and a Gex Yo-yo, complete with a sheet of custom decal stickers. A game hint and yo-yo trick book was also made available for purchase at Best Buy stores. Electronics Boutique (now known as EB Games) offered a Gex 3 calendar with every pre-order of Gex 3. It covered the 1999-2000 calendar year, and each month features a unique image used in Gex 3's marketing. Toys 'R' Us bundled an exclusive copy of Prima's Gex 3 strategy guide with Gex 3 pre-orders. This strategy guide included a poster of the 3:16 Gex wrestling promotional image with Prima's logo in the bottom left corner. In the United Kingdom, retailers offered a Gex keychain pre-order bonus.


A number of contests and sweepstakes were also held to promote the game's launch. In February 1999, IGN ran a contest on their website giving out an assortment of Gex 3 merchandise. To enter, contestants had to answer a question related to the series. Winners would receive: a limited edition 8-inch Gex action figure made by ReSaurus, a PlayStation copy of Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko, a Gex 3 T-shirt, and an Analog Controller from Interact. These action figures were made exclusively for this contest, and were not related to the cancelled ReSaurus Gex action figures. New winners would be announced every two weeks following the contest's announcement. However, only two winners were ever announced publicly.

In September 1999, Game Fan magazine held a Shreddin' The Slopes Sweepstakes to promote the launch of Gex 3 on the N64. To enter, participants had to fill out the postcard included in the September issue of Game Fan (alternatively, they could use an unofficial postcard as well) or register on their website. One grand prize winner would win: A 3-day trip for two to Salt Lake City, Utah, a replica Gex 3 Snowboard from Five Axis, 2 copies of Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko, and a one-year subscription to Game Fan magazine. Five first prize winners would receive a Gex 3 snowboard and a copy of Gex 3. Ten second prize winners would receive a one-year subscription to Game Fan magazine.

Levels[]

Main Levels[]

Unlike in prior games, each main level in this game has a standalone theme that no two levels share.

Channel Level Description
Gex Cave Mission Control The starting area that resembles the control center of a headquarters. The Wreck Room, Gex Vault, Holiday Broadcasting, and Mystery TV are all accessible here.
Holiday Broadcasting Logo
Totally Scrooged This channel is a snowy Christmas themed level overrun with evil elves. It is inspired by Rankin/Bass holiday cartoon specials, as well as Claymation animation. Bad Santa is the Mini Boss for this level.
Mystery TV Screen
Clueless in Seattle This channel takes place in a dark and mysterious mansion. It is inspired by works of mystery such as Sherlock Holmes. There's also a bit of Dracula influence, as Gex can transform himself into DracuGex.
Gex Cave Lake Flaccid The second hub area consisting of a giant lake. The name is a parody of the movie, Lake Placid. Tut TV, the Army Channel, Western Station, and the Buccaneer Program are all accessible here. It also contains the first boss of the game: Rock Hard.
Tut TV Logo
Holy Moses! This channel is a sandy Egyptian themed level. It is influenced by many aspects of Ancient Egyptian culture.
Army Channel Logo
War is Heck This channel is a military themed level. It features an army base as well as several army tropes such as turrets, trenches and a tank.
Western Station Logo
The Organ Trail This channel is set entirely on a rocky mountain. It is influenced by Wild Western genre tropes.
The Buccaneer Program Logo
Cutcheese Island This channel is a pirate themed level that takes place entirely on a pirate ship. It is influenced by pop culture pirate portrayals.
Gex Cave Slappy Valley The third hub area that consists of a flower covered valley. The name is a play on Happy Valley. Mythology Network, Fairytales TV, and the Anime Channel are all accessible here. It also contains the second boss of the game: Brain of Oz.
Mythology Network Logo
Unsolved Mythstories (PS1) This channel is themed around Greek Mythology, and its depiction differs between both versions of the game. Both levels take influence from Jason and the Argonauts, Hercules, and even Odysseus.
Et Tu Gecko? (N64)
Fairytales TV Logo
Red Riding in the Hood/Bean Stalker This channel is a Fairytale themed level that primarily revolves around a giant beanstalk. It is influenced by folk tales such as Goldilocks, The Three Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack and the Beanstalk.
Anime Channel Logo
When Sushi Goes Bad This channel is a Japanese cartoon or anime themed level set on a spaceship. It is influenced by popular anime tropes such as mechs and skirt-wearing school girls.
Gex Cave Funky Town The final hub area that is a small, dingy town. Gangster TV and the Superhero Show are both accessible here. It also contains the final boss of the game: Rez.
Gangster TV Logo
My Three Goons This channel is a gangster themed level set in an early 20th Century city. It is influenced by gangster genre tropes and films such as The Godfather.
Superhero Show Logo
Superzeroes This channel is a superhero themed level set in a skyscraper metroplois. It is influenced by superhero tropes and works such as Super-Man, Spider-Man, and even Dick Tracy. The Mad Bomber is the Mini Boss for this level.

Bosses[]

This is a list of every main boss in Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko. Unlike prior games in the series, defeating them rewards the player with a Boss Key. Much like a remote, a key will unlock a new area of the Gex Cave for the player to explore. The only exceptions to this rule are the Red Boss Key (which is earned after collecting 5 remotes), and Rez (who grants a remote upon his defeat).

Channel Boss Description
WWGEX Wrestling Logo
Invasion of the Body Slammers/On the Ropes
Rock Hard The first boss in the game that is unlocked after collecting 13 remotes. The boss TV can be found in the Lake Flaccid hub area.

As the name implies, this boss level parodies World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) during the 90s (known then as the WWF). Rock Hard himself is a combination of two prominent wrestlers during this era: The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

For this boss, Gex has to avoid Rock Hard's wrestling moves and and tail whip him when he is left defenseless. Upon defeating the boss, a Green Boss Key is obtained and access to Slappy Valley is granted.

Lizard of Oz Logo
Lions, Tigers and Gex
Brain of Oz The second boss in the game that is unlocked by collecting 22 remotes. The boss TV can be found in the Slappy Valley hub area.

This boss level is a parody of the classic film, The Wizard of Oz. The Brain of Oz is based on a holographic projection of Oscar Diggs's head, better known by his alias as The Wizard.

For this boss, Gex has to avoid the Brain's attacks and any Crab TV Rezlings he summons. The boss can only be damaged by using any of the three cannons placed around the stage. Upon defeating the boss, a Blue Boss Key is obtained and access to Funky Town is granted.

Channel Z Logo
(Spacestation Rez): Rez-Raker
Rez The final boss of the game which takes place in a space-station built by Rez. The boss requires 30 remotes to unlock and the entrance TV can be found in the Funky Town hub area.

The setting of the boss fight appears to reference 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

For this boss, Gex has to avoid a plethora of attacks and deactivate three generators shielding Rez. He must then pick up a slime fly power-up and shoot at Rez's weakspot when it is exposed. Repeating this process three times rewards the player with the final remote of the game.

Bonus Bonanzas[]

Bonus Bonanzas are levels that require the player to complete a special task under an allotted amount of time. This usually involves hitting or destroying a number of objects within a level. Completion of a stage will reward the player with a password that can be used in the Gex Vault. Each bonus TV appears next to a main level, and usually coincides with the theme of that level in some way.

Channel Level Description Password(s)
Bonus TV
Marsupial Madness A series of bonus levels which involve using the helper, Paunch, to ring 10 bells before time runs out. Upon completion, the player will receive any of the codes listed for use in the Gex Vault. This bonus level is unique for being the only one in the game that is not based on a theme used in the main levels. L1 - ◻, ☆, ☆, ◻, △, △

L2 - ◯, △, ◻, ☆, ⬨, ☆

L3 - X, ⬨, ☆, △, △, ◯

Gextreme Sports A series of bonus levels that require Gex to whack 5 evil elves with his snowboard before time runs out. Upon completion, the player will receive any of the codes listed for use in the Gex Vault. This level is based on Holiday Broadcasting, and very similar to one of the objectives from that level. L1 - ◻, X, ◯, ◯, △, ◻

L2 - ◻, ☆, △ , ◻, △, ⬨

War and Pieces A series of bonus levels that require Gex to drive a tank and destroy 10 RezTanks before time runs out. Upon completion, the player will receive any of the codes listed for use in the Gex Vault. This level is based on the Army Channel, and is mechanically similar to one of the objectives from that level. L1 - ◻ X, △, ◻, ☆, ☆

L2 - ◻, ⬨, ◻, ◻, △, ⬨

True Grits A series of bonus levels which involve using the helper, Al Nino, to break 10 chicken crates before time runs out. Upon completion, the player will receive any of the codes listed for use in the Gex Vault. This level is based on the Western Station, and revolves around a core mechanic of that level. L1 - ◻, ⬨, ◻, ◻, △, ⬨

L2 - ◻, ☆, ☆, ◻, △, △

What a Crock! A series of bonus levels which involve using the helper, Scales, to eat 10 rubber ducks before time runs out. Upon completion, the player will receive any of the codes listed for use in the Gex Vault. This level is based on The Buccaneer Program, but is mechanically unique to any of the objectives from this level. L1 - ⬨, ☆, ◻, X, △, ◯

L2 - ☆, X, X, ◯, ◻, △

Secret TVs[]

Secret TVs can be found throughout the various hub areas of the Gex Cave. They require no remotes to unlock, however can be difficult to find. After completing a level, the player will be rewarded with a Vault Key. Collecting every Vault Key in the game allows the player to enter the Gex Vault. A Lost Gex Tape can also be collected in each level (except for Cheesy Rider). These tapes play an FMV cutscene upon completion of the level.

Channel Level Description
Secret TV Logo
Dial "A" for Arson (PS1 exclusive) The first secret level in the PS1 version of the game. It is located in Mission Control, and is accessible by hitting 3 magnetic tape mainframes to reveal a hidden entrance behind a painting.

In this level, the player must collect 50 Fly Coins before time runs out. Collecting all 50 Fly Coins will reward the player with the Shield Vault Key. A Lost Gex Tape can also be found in this level.

Peg Leg Polka (N64 exclusive)

The first secret level in the Nintendo 64 version of the game that replaces Dial "A" for Arson. The same method is used to access this level.

In this level, the player must traverse various obstacles to obtain the Shield Vault Key before time runs out. It is the only secret level that doesn't require collecting Fly Coins to obtain the Vault Key.

Braveheartless (PS1 exclusive) The second secret level in the PS1 version of the game. It is located in Lake Flaccid, and is accessible by breaking the wooden barrier on the mine shaft adjacent to the Western Station entrance. This level is based on another game made by Crystal Dynamics, Akuji The Heartless, which was being released around the same time.

In this level, the player must collect 50 Fly Coins before time runs out. Collecting all 50 Fly Coins will reward the player with the Skull Vault Key. A Lost Gex Tape can also be found in this level.

Temple of Gloom (N64 exclusive) The second secret level in the Nintendo 64 version of the game that replaces Braveheartless. The same method is used to access this level.

In this level, the player must collect 50 Fly Coins before time runs out. Collecting all 50 Fly Coins will reward the player with the Skull Vault Key. A Lost Gex Tape can also be found in this level.

The Abyssmal The third secret level of the game. It is located in Slappy Valley, and is accessible by locating the hidden passageway in the tunnel leading up to Fairytales TV.

In this level, the player must collect 50 Fly Coins before time runs out. Collecting all 50 Fly Coins will reward the player with the Star Vault Key. A Lost Gex Tape can also be found in this level.

Cheesy Rider The final secret level of the game. It is located in Funky Town, and is accessible by finding a way into the side yard of the warehouse containing Gangster TV.

In this level, the player must collect 50 Fly Coins before time runs out. Collecting all 50 Fly Coins will reward the player with the Radioactive Trefoil Vault Key.

Unused Levels[]

Due to time constraints, there were quite a few levels that were cut from the final release. Some of which were pretty far along in their development, but got the axe for unknown reasons. However, some of these levels remain present in the December 30th, 1998 prototype and are in somewhat playable states. It is possible these levels were meant to be companion levels to those that made it into the final game (i.e. Gtown1 would've been the "sister level" to the final Western Station level), or were meant to be exclusive levels for either the Playstation or Nintendo 64 version. However, these unused levels are inaccessible in the Feburary 8th, 1999 prototype.

Channel Level ID Description
Fish Frequency Logo
Water15 A cancelled underwater level that is only playable in the prototype of this game. It is the only prototype level to be given its own channel name and TV screen graphic.
Western Station Logo
Gtown1 A cut Western Station level that would've been featured in Slappy Valley. It is accessible from the prototype's debug menu. However, unlike other cut levels, it is also accessible in the debug menu of the Playstation retail release. This can be achieved by manipulating the game's files.
Fairytales TV Logo
Fvilla1 A cut Fairytales TV level that was intended to be an N64 exclusive level. It would be been placed in Slappy Valley replacing the current Fairytales TV present in both versions. It can only be played in the December 30th, 1998 prototype via the level select debug menu.
The Buccaneer Program Logo
Pirate88 A cut level which shares a striking resemblance to What a Crock! which consists of mainly a straight path, while avoiding obstacles and has an unused pirate enemy. According to the prototype, this level was intended to be exclusive to the Nintendo 64 version of the game. It's assumed to appear in Lake Flaccid.
Jaws Jaws1 A cancelled Jaws-inspired level that was intended to be an N64 exclusive boss level replacing the Lizard of Oz. However, it never made it into the retail release.
Unknown Proto55 This is a N64 level exclusive level, that can only be found in the Feburary 8th, 1999 prototype debug menu. However, its rendered inaccessible like the rest of the N64 levels in this build. It's unkown what this channel would be styled after or its layout.

Manuals[]

Click on the thumbnails to read the manuals
Gex 3 deep cover gecko english 0000

Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko PS1 Manual

197442 42211 front

Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko N64 Manual

See also[]

Gallery[]

Magazine Scans[]

Discs & Catridges[]

Other[]

Trivia[]

Scott Steinberg Gex 4

Quote from Scott Steinberg, supposedly referring to Gex 3 as "Gex 4."

  • The original working title for this game was "Gex 3: Revenge of the Gecko."[1]
  • Strangely, some publications would occasionally refer to Gex 3 as "Gex 4." It is unknown why this bizarre distinction was made, but it could be due to a quote from Scott Steinberg in Issue 37 of Official U.K. PlayStation Magazine. According to an interview with Daniel Griffiths, apparently a working title for the next Gex game was Gex 4.[2] This is despite their being no third game prior to Gex 3. Whether this was the actual working title or a typo on the writer's part is undetermined. However, the title stuck somewhat and would occasionally be used in reference to Gex 3, even after its official release.[3]
  • Just like the version differences of Gex: Enter The Gecko, there are quite a few differences between the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation version of Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko:
    • The Mythology Network is completely changed in the N64 version. The PlayStation version takes place in Mount Olympus, while the N64 version takes place in the Underworld or Hades. Gex wears a toga and leaf crown in the PS1 version, and a gladiator outfit in the N64 version. It's speculated that the level was changed due to the PlayStation rendition being 'too difficult' for the N64's largely younger player base.
    • The secret levels Dial "A" for Arson and Braveheartless were replaced by Peg Leg Polka and Temple of Gloom in the Nintendo 64 version. The reason behind these levels' replacement is unknown. However, it is possibly due to some of the more graphic elements of the PlayStation levels (Dial "A" for Arson featured a chalk-outlined dead body, and Braveheartless featured some skeletal imagery). Also, in the case of Braveheartless it was based on a PlayStation exclusive title. So it's possible this aspect could have further contributed in its omission from the N64 release.
    • The collectibles, Paw Coins, Remotes,and Bonus Coins have lower quality textures or no detail at all compared to the PlayStation versions.
    • While the story is still largely the same, the sexual innuendos and exchanges between Gex and Agent Xtra were removed from the N64 version. Gone, too, were the FMV cutscenes. This was due to the console's more child friendly nature and the memory limitations of the N64 cartridge. However, the cutscenes that did remain were rendered in-game. Instead of a pre-rendered cutscene playing, Gex's model would stand in place and perform unique animations exclusive to this version of the game.
    • The ending cutscene of the N64 version differed greatly from the PlayStation version as well. Instead of the more sexually suggestive cutscene featured in the PlayStation's ending, the N64 ending featured Alfred talking to the player and congratulating them for completing the game. He also informs the player that Gex and Xtra got married, and went on a honeymoon cruise.
  • Interestingly, there's some slight differences between NTSC and PAL releases of the game:
    • The option to play the Soul Reaver, Akuji The Heartless and Warzone 2100 demos present in the NTSC version were completed omitted from PAL region releases of the game.
    • The PAL version of the game included langauge options from English, French, Spanish, German and Italian which wasn't present in the NTSC release
    • Strangely, only the PS1 PAL release of the game received the name and logo changes. While, the PAL N64 release retains the same logo as the NTSC releases. The reason for the changes are unknown.
    • The French PAL PS1 release had a name change to the title called Gex: Contre Dr Rez. The title in question roughly translates to Gex: Against Dr Rez in English. But, the name change isn't present at the title screen.
    • The French and German PAL releases had TV channel names completed changed to French and German in their respective regions. Additionally, these are the only versions which had been dubbed over into foreign languages.
  • This is the only entry in the series without a PC port. However, it was possibly planned due to age rating for a Windows PC version being listed on the official Entertainment Rating Software Board (ERSB) website.[4]

References[]

  1. "First Look at Gex 3: Revenge of the Gecko," Joe Fielder. GameSpot. Posted on June 8th, 1998. Accessed on May 16th, 2021.
  2. "Scott Steinberg," Daniel Griffiths. Official U.K. PlayStation Magazine. Archived on archive.org.
  3. "Readers Top 50 Games." Official Australian PlayStation Magazine, August 1999. Archived on archive.org.
  4. Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko ESRB rating for Windows PC
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