DracuGex
DracuGex (also known as Count Gexula or simply Vampire Gex) is a power-up and costumed alter ego of Gex. This costume is notable for introducing the glide mechanic in Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko. It can be used in two areas: Mission Control and Mystery TV.
Background[]
One of the many Dracula bust switches in Mystery TV
As Gex explored the mansion of Mystery TV, he noticed a number of Dracula head busts hidden all over the place. Giving them a whack with his tail revealed new paths and secrets for him to discover. One in particular, located in the hedge maze, revealed a secret wine cellar. Curiously, Gex ventured over to this room and found a mysterious machine in the back of the room. It was labelled "Monster In A Minute." Throwing caution to the wind, Gex flips the switch on the machine and with a jolt of lightning is transformed into the blood thirsty, DracuGex!
DracuGex's design is very reminiscent of Count Dracula himself. His pale, albeit gray, skin, fangs, suit, and flowing red cape are all trademarks of the famous vampire. Although, unlike Dracula, DracuGex can't fly around by turning into a bat. Instead, he glides by using his cape. This allows him to reach places Gex normally can't, and comes in handy when trying to smash some Blood Coolers!
Involvement[]
The "Monster In A Minute" machine used to transform Gex
DracuGex is primarily used to reach high ledges inaccessible to Gex. It's also used to teach the player about the third game's new gliding mechanic. In Mystery TV, the level where the power-up is officially introduced, it is required in order to complete the mission: "Smash the Three Blood Coolers, Again!". The way to activate it is by accessing the secret wine cellar and hitting the switch on the Monster In A Minute machine. This transforms Gex into his vampire alter ego, and grants him unlimited flight. Immediately upon his transformation, Alfred is quick to inform Gex that by pressing the crouch button while jumping he can glide. There is no time limit on this power-up, and the player is free to play the entire level as DracuGex. Or, if they choose, can revert back to being regular Gex by hitting the "Monster" machine again. With Gex transformed, he can now tackle the Blood Coolers. All three Blood Coolers are located on far-off window sills that Gex's normal jumps can't reach. However, with the DracuGex costume, he can glide over there with ease and smash all three coolers in no time.
The portrait of DracuGex used to transform in Mission Control
Once the player exits the level, they lose the DracuGex ability. However, this doesn't mean they can't play as DracuGex outside of Mystery TV. In the Mystery TV lobby, the player should notice a portrait of DracuGex hanging on the wall. Viewing this painting in first person transforms Gex into DracuGex. This allows the player to reach the Paw Coin and Bonus Coin placed precariously high up on the opposite side of the room. It also allows them to grab some of the harder to reach collectibles in the Wreck Room. Unfortunately, much like Mystery TV, this power-up isn't permanent. Entering a TV portal or leaving the Mission Control hub area reverts Gex back to his normal self. However the player can fly around the Mission Control hub area as much as they like without fear of a time limit, much like in Mystery TV.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- At least in terms of costumed power-ups, this is probably one of the most recognizable power-ups in the entire series.
- This is the only "powered-up" version of Gex to receive an action figure in the cancelled ReSaurus toy line.
- This is the only costume power-up that physically changes Gex's skin color.
- This costume has a notable amount of exclusive dialogue.
| Special Costumes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Diver Gex - DracuGex - Sherlock Gex - Private Gex - HercuGex - Little Red Riding Gex - RoboGex - Gex Capone - Poultry Person - Atomic Gex - Astronaut Gex - Gex Jr. |