There are plenty of smart-mouthed quips from comedian Dana Gould, who provides Gex's voice, but some of the jokes are too obscure (anybody care about Eva Gabors wig fridge?), and some rehash old territory (didn't we get our fill of Shining jokes last time)? But when Gex is on, you'll snicker. Smooth, responsive control makes movement easy. The adjustable camera can't always keep up, however, and tends to make you queasy.

Gex 3 certainly looks pretty, featuring clean lines and particularly cool reflections: Ice, metal, and water textures will catch your eye. Unfortunately, that doesn't add much the side-games are mere distractions from the main task of tail-whipping enemies and collecting endless icons just like Gex did all through the last game. There's more interaction with environments, plus special levels where you can ride donkeys, tanks, and snowboards or play as other characters like Rex and Cuz. Most of the games 34 levels resemble the last game: You collect icons, complete specific goals (such as 'Visit the worlds largest mound of poop'), battle sub-bosses, and earn remotes. This time around, Gex parodies Greek myths, Christmas specials, war flicks, Clint Eastwood, The Wizard of Oz, superheroes, Mafia movies, Sherlock Holmes, pro wresding-even Crystal Dynamics' own Akuji-donning 25 outfits along the way.

When Xtra gets Rez-napped, its up to Gex to brave the Media Dimension once more and save the girl. Gex retains his super-spy persona from last years Enter the Gecko, but this time he's got a partner: Agent Xtra, played by baywatch beauty Marliece Andrada.

Gex returns for another round of TV and pop-culture skewering-but despite plenty of exploration and strong visuals, the third game in the series starts to feel like a rerun.

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