⭐ Review Summary:
The GEX Trilogy resurrects a cult classic mascot from the ’90s and gives him a fresh coat of paint — but not without a few wrinkles. This collection includes GEX, GEX: Enter the Gecko, and GEX 3: Deep Cover Gecko, all rebuilt using Limited Run Games’ Carbon Engine. It’s a nostalgia-fueled journey full of one-liners, channel-hopping level designs, and mixed gameplay mechanics that can feel both fun and frustrating.
The Gex Trilogy Review: A Gecko’s Triumphant Return
After more than two decades in the shadows, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking gecko is finally making his comeback. The Gex Trilogy, set to release in summer 2025, brings together three classic platformers that defined an era of gaming when mascot characters ruled supreme and pop culture references were the height of comedy.
What You’re Getting
This isn’t just a lazy cash grab – Limited Run Games has rebuilt the entire trilogy using their Carbon Engine, giving these 90s gems the modern treatment they deserve. You get all three games: the original 2D Gex (1995), the 3D breakthrough Gex: Enter the Gecko (1998), and the final adventure Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko (1999).
The Good Stuff
Modernized Without Losing Soul: The Carbon Engine rebuild maintains the original charm while adding quality-of-life features that make these games actually playable in 2025. Visual smoothing eliminates those jagged pixels, the rewind function saves you from rage-quitting, and save-anywhere functionality means you’re not hunting for checkpoints like it’s 1999.
Dana Gould’s Comedy Gold: Over 1,000 wise-cracks and celebrity impressions return, and honestly, they still hit. Sure, some references feel dated, but that’s part of the charm. Gex’s commentary on everything from remote controls to pop culture creates a time capsule that’s genuinely entertaining.
Varied Gameplay: The trilogy showcases the evolution from 2D to early 3D platforming. The original Gex offers tight 2D mechanics, while the sequels dive into the experimental 3D era with all its quirky camera angles and ambitious level designs.
Secret Content: Hidden playable characters and bonus features add replay value beyond the nostalgia factor.
The Not-So-Good
Dated Humor: While the 90s references are charming for returning players, newcomers might feel lost in a sea of forgotten TV shows and celebrity impressions. The humor is very much of its time.
Early 3D Growing Pains: The 3D entries still carry the limitations of their era – wonky cameras, imprecise controls, and level design that sometimes prioritizes spectacle over playability.
Limited Innovation: This is fundamentally a preservation project. Don’t expect major gameplay overhauls or contemporary design sensibilities.
Who Should Play This?
Nostalgia Seekers: If you grew up with these games, this trilogy is a must-have. The improvements make revisiting these worlds genuinely enjoyable rather than a frustrating trip down memory lane.
Platformer Enthusiasts: Anyone interested in gaming history will appreciate seeing how mascot platformers evolved during the 90s transition from 2D to 3D.
Comedy Game Fans: If you enjoy games that don’t take themselves seriously and appreciate clever voice acting, Gex’s personality-driven gameplay still works.
Final Thoughts
The Gex Trilogy succeeds because it knows exactly what it is – a loving restoration of three games that captured lightning in a bottle during gaming’s wild west period. Limited Run Games hasn’t tried to reinvent the wheel; instead, they’ve polished it until it shines.
Yes, the humor is dated. Yes, the 3D games show their age. But there’s something genuinely refreshing about a character who just wants to crack jokes while jumping through television-themed worlds. In an era of serious, cinematic games, Gex’s irreverent attitude feels almost revolutionary.
For longtime fans, this trilogy offers the best way to experience these classic adventures. For newcomers, it’s a fascinating glimpse into gaming’s past, complete with all the charm and quirks that made the 90s such a unique time for interactive entertainment.
The Gex Trilogy isn’t trying to compete with modern platformers – it’s preserving a piece of gaming history while making it accessible to today’s audiences. And honestly? That’s exactly what it needed to be.
Bottom Line: A well-executed collection that honors its source material while making necessary modern improvements. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time, this trilogy delivers exactly what it promises – pure, unapologetic 90s gaming nostalgia.
🎯 Verdict:
GEX Trilogy is a love letter to ’90s platforming — delightfully dated in style, but endearing in charm. It’s not perfect, and some mechanics are definitely from another era, but for fans and curious newcomers, it’s a solid retro revival. Just don’t expect it to hold up to today’s best platformers.
System Requirements
Minimum:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 (64-bit OS required)
Processor: Intel(R) Core 2 Duo E7500
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 or equivalent
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 10 GB available space
Recommended:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 (64-bit OS required)
Processor: AMD Phenon(TM) II X6 1035T @3100
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Raedon HD 7800 Series / NVIDIA
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 10 GB available space
Pros
- Charming Nostalgia: If you grew up with GEX, the return of this wisecracking gecko will hit the right notes.
- Upgraded Presentation: Visuals are upscaled nicely, with smoother frame rates and improved UI for modern displays.
- Solid Voice Work: Dana Gould’s snappy, pop-culture-heavy dialogue still lands — if you're into that '90s vibe.
- Multiple Games in One Package: 3 full games in one collection is good value, especially for platforming fans.
- Carbon Engine Boost: Faithful emulation and controller support across all modern consoles and PC.
Cons
- Clunky Controls: Movement and jumping can feel stiff or floaty, especially in Enter the Gecko.
- Aged Design: Some level structures and camera mechanics haven’t aged well, particularly in 3D segments.
- Joke Fatigue: GEX’s constant wisecracks can get repetitive — you’ll either love it or mute it.
- Minimal Bonus Content: Don’t expect a treasure trove of extras or developer insights beyond the games themselves.
- Switch Performance: Occasional framerate dips on Nintendo Switch, especially in more complex levels.
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