The Video Game Critic

Good point Adamant. How did I forget Spyro? I was trying to think of 3D platformers on the PSX in the late 90s, and that one somehow slip my mind. Personally, I was never a fan of the original, or the series-- for whatever reason, I could never get into it. But I definitely agree that Spyro was the king of 3D platformers on the PSX at that time.

Personally, my preference was the Crash Bandicoot series, but I wouldn't categorize CB with those others because of it's linear nature. Still, the selection of 3D platformers was so limited on the PSX, that I don't think Gex: Enter the Gecko is all that bad (but again, who knows how it's aged today). The N64 version, however, was considered inferior even back in '98. And then Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko was the downfall of the series. But with video game playing time so sparse these days, it really doesn't make sense to go back and play any mediocre games like Gex these days. In comparison to Croc, though, which is what I was doing, I do think it was a better game (in terms of the chronology, Gex 2 came out about 3 months after Croc; Spyro about 9 months after Gex 2).

If you're wanting to view the entire Brain Dead 13 game...just watch on youtube.

 

[QUOTE=PSX]Also, I was in the same boat as you when it came to 3D platformers on the PSX circa 1997. There was nothing to compete with the N64.

The only really good one I recall at that time was Gex: Enter the Gecko (1998), the 3D follow-up to the original Gex. But I haven't played that since 1998, so not sure how well it's held up. (The game was also released on the N64 with improved graphics, but a substantial hit to the number of Gex's wisecracks because of the limited cartridge format. Plus, since the N64 had top-class platformers already, most people only noticed the PSX version.)
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After Croc, I was hoping Gex: Enter the Gecko was the answer.  I still remember hopping around its small claustrophobic environments while fumbling with the camera controls and becoming annoyed with Gex's unfunny quips.  It wasn't very good back then, and I don't think I'd like it much now.  I recently picked up the N64 version which I intend to review soon, but don't have high hopes.

[QUOTE]After Croc, I was hoping Gex: Enter the Gecko was the answer.  I still remember hopping around its small claustrophobic environments while fumbling with the camera controls and becoming annoyed with Gex's unfunny quips.  It wasn't very good back then, and I don't think I'd like it much now.  I recently picked up the N64 version which I intend to review soon, but don't have high hopes.[/QUOTE]


Yeah, you're probably right. At the time I was still stuck with the SNES as my only home console. So in retrospect, I was in awe of just about any 3D console I laid eyes on. A friend had gotten a Playstation for his birthday in 1998, and the only game he got with it was Gex: Enter the Gecko.  That probably had a lot to do with me thinking it was actually a good game. In fact, I also remember loving the demo for Jet Moto 2.... so yeah, we can pretty much chalk it up to me just being in awe of the technology at the time, and Gex being my first true hands-on.


But speaking of PS1 platformers... forget about Spyro, Croc, Gex and all those... how did I forget about Tomba!?  That was definitely my all-time favorite platformer on the PS1 (though it was 2D, so maybe not directly comparable to the 3D platformers mentioned here).  Critic, is that one in your collection? And if so, any chance we see a review of it? I cry a little bit every time I look at your PS1 reviews and don't see Tomba! sitting next to Tomb Raider. It flew under the radar a bit upon release, but it's achieved quite the cult status among retrogamers.

PSX: I don't want you crying anymore, so I'll add Tomba to my wanted list.

Gex 2 and 3 are both pretty mediocre, but I do have a soft spot for them.

[QUOTE=The Video Game Critic]PSX: I don't want you crying anymore, so I'll add Tomba to my wanted list.
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Better break open the piggy bank. My curiosity was piqued when I heard "2D platformer", but after checking prices on it, I don't think I have much interest anymore.

[QUOTE=The Video Game Critic]PSX: I don't want you crying anymore, so I'll add Tomba to my wanted list.
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Better break open the piggy bank. My curiosity was piqued when I heard "2D platformer", but after checking prices on it, I don't think I have much interest anymore.

Thanks Critic! My family was really starting to get worried. But like Snakeboy pointed out, Tomba! usually sells for $40-$55. But you're probably already aware of that, and the tie-ins the game has to Ghosts 'n Goblins series, and the interest in it among collectors. And as we all know, 2D side-scrolling platformers like Tomba! were overlooked and quickly dismissed back when it was released in 1998. The game has finally gotten the recognition it deserved. But the game is not exceptionally rare so, on the bright side, it is the gameplay that has driven up the price of this one.

However, there is an alternative way to find out if you like the game before paying the $50.... the Jampack released in 1998 has a demo of Tomba! on it (same Jampack with Gran Turismo, Duke Nukem, Hot Shots Golf, etc.). Personally, playing that demo was what sold me on the game. This is the Jampack I'm referring to:

http://www.amazon.com/Playstation-Underground-Jampack-1998/dp/B00002STJ3/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1275091646&sr=8-1