I think one true measure of a superb game development studio is the ability to make a game enjoyable and interesting within the construct of the chosen setting.

I think one true measure of a superb game development studio is the ability to make a game enjoyable and interesting within the construct of the chosen setting. It would have probably taken much more than the small team they had initially, but there's no reason in theory that they could have gone with their idea and made an extremely rich game, with different play styles in each thematic genre, for example. Dark Souls does this well. Without modifying the properties of the universe, each area requires modified strategies and this keeps the game fresh, and clever, while staying within the confines of this medieval fantasy world. Point is, you dont have to force platforming onto a game; but these guys were doing this 20 years ago on potato technology with an understaffed team. I didnt understand gex when I played it, but as a hobby game dev, I respect what they accomplished.