The platformer genre has seen its share of ups and downs in the last few years. With games moving into more story-based gameplay and highly detailed, life-like visuals, it is almost amazing that platformers even exist. Still with the successes of the Mario series and Crash Bandicoot, platformers always seem to be reborn time and time again. Vexx, a 3D platformer title released late in the game, is a mediocre attempt to keep the tradition alive. Featuring slightly aged graphics, a familiar, non-innovative styled gameplay, and a few tricks, Vexx stays afloat, but only long enough for hard-core gamers to get their fix and move on to the future of the platformer genre.

Vexx makes some solid attempts at beauty with some relatively nice scenery and an excellent time span effect that changes the lighting based on the time of day. Levels are full of motion and life, which play well against most static platformers. In all of the worlds, each map can be traversed or seen in distant backdrop-like appearances or detailed up-close representations. However, noticeable flaws are brought about by some enemies, bridges, or land areas often popping up randomly as you travel. A camera flaw makes it difficult to see in the direction of choice. The camera cannot be positioned too close to a wall or the view will be skewed and Vexx will not see anything. Some issues with frame rates also mar Vexx's stability in the graphical region. Whenever Vexx encounters a rush of particle effects, the game takes a noticeable plummet in speed. The speed difference does not affect most of the game, but it does open up the flaws in Vexx's mediocre appearance.

The audible range seen in Vexx does little to enhance the situation, featuring no more than slightly stifled grunts and sheathe-like slinging attacks. Each enemy resorts to the same grunts and echoes as the last, and Vexx can do little more than make splashes when he jumps into water. The music, however, has a different aura. The music ranges from fast, blood-pumping action sequences to simple fun ditties. As long as the player is not completely horrible, the styles change often enough to stay entertaining.

Vexx's Grandfather was killed by the evil magician Dark Yabu. In his rage, Vexx then sets out to avenge his Grandfather's death by heading after Yabu. As Vexx, gamers will utilize Vexx's razor edged dual gauntlets during a journey through Vexx's land. Violence abundant, Vexx's physical capabilities carry the game through all of the title's massive and comprehensive levels.

Vexx has some overbearing resemblances to classic platformers, especially the popular Super Mario 64 and more recently Super Mario Sunshine. Aside from the plot, the general goals in Vexx nearly mimic that of Mario 64 and Sunshine. Nine worlds, each leading out of a primary hub, require a specific number of shadowwraith hearts to unlock access doors to the worlds. Shadowwraith hearts, similar to Shines in Super Mario Sunshine, are dispersed throughout each of the worlds. While some are easier to reach than others, they all require completion of a certain type of mission before you can claim the heart. Missions range from beating up a boss character to deciphering some sort of puzzle to navigating though difficult paths and platforms.

The environments Vexx experiences range from simple mini games to full scale puzzle-oriented locations. Vexx may run through the 3D landscapes seeking out items, or he could even jump into paintings, taking on a 2D persona in a traditional side-scrolling situation. Each environment builds upon steps towards locating the wraith hearts, and you'll be accompanied by messages and arrows guiding you towards each heart along the way.

Along with Vexx's talents at seeking out puzzles, Vexx also finds himself with an array of offensive moves at his disposal. Vexx can run, climb, jump, punch, and slash. Each of his abilities can also be maximized through a series of combination moves and super moves. Attacking at a rapid pace can even help to replenish Vexx's health bars.

The ability to choose which hearts you will seek out definitely puts a bit of control in Vexx's difficulty. At its root, finding wraith hearts depends on the players mind set. Some wraith hearts require an excellent response time, while Vexx leaps among virtually unreachable platforms. Others require a mental prowess. Gamers may find some aspects of seeking out the hearts compelling, and others, downright distressing.

While Vexx doesn't do much to innovate its genre, it does make use of all of the standard practices people have come to expect out of a platformer. The mechanics of Vexx feel natural taking their stride from similar titles. The ability to freely roam through the massive worlds adds to the sense of adventure as Vexx hops platforms, swims through channels and lakes, and battles enemies. Most actions require little sense to perform, nevertheless a simple tutorial level is set up at the beginning of the game. This not only gets a few story aspects out of the way but also provides a simple and easy to manage crash course in the platformer's controls setup.

Vexx makes for a simple, exciting challenge to platformer enthusiasts, but it sadly misses out on other core gamers looking for originality in their challenges. Vexx really is a hit or miss.