Game: GEX Trilogy
Genre: Action, Platformer
System: Steam (Windows) (also on Nintendo Switch/Switch 2, PS4 & 5, and Xbox)
Developer | Publisher: Crystal Dynamics | Limited Run Games
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $29.99 | UK £24.99 | EU € 29,99
Release Date: June 16th, 2025
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Overload PR.
GEX Trilogy – A Nostalgic Leap Back to the Golden Age of Platformers
The GEX Trilogy marks the return of one of the 90s’ most overlooked mascot platformers. GEX, the wise-cracking, tail-whipping gecko, hasn’t quite enjoyed the same enduring fame as Crash Bandicoot or Spyro, but for many, including myself, he holds a fond place in gaming history. GEX 3D was one of the first platformers I truly owned and played beyond a weekend rental. I remember grinding through the demo until I saved enough for the full game. And while revisiting the trilogy made me realise why the mainstream may have forgotten GEX, I also rediscovered the charm, humour, and tight platforming that made him special.
TV Jumps and Pop Culture Quips
Each game follows a similar premise: GEX is sucked into the “Media Dimension,” a surreal world of TV-themed stages where he must take down the evil cybernetic villain, Rez. GEX’s dialogue is laced with pop culture references, some clever, some dated, but they help give the game its distinctive voice. Think Duke Nukem, but family-friendly and addicted to television.
The GEX Trilogy includes GEX (2D), GEX: Enter the Gecko (3D), and GEX: Deep Cover Gecko (3D sequel). The transition from 2D to 3D platforming was surprisingly smooth for the series, with GEX adapting well to more open environments and mission-based level designs. Each game has its own flavour, but they all share GEX’s sarcastic personality, themed levels, and plenty of secret areas to explore.
From Flat to Fully Formed
The first GEX is a classic side-scrolling platformer and the most difficult entry in the collection. With its punishing level design, precision jumps, and hazard-heavy stages, it’s a tough but rewarding experience, now made more accessible with save states and rewind features. These additions make a world of difference, transforming what was once a frustrating game into a more forgiving, replayable adventure.
The two 3D titles, Enter the Gecko and Deep Cover Gecko, are where GEX shines brightest. Levels are mission-based, often requiring you to collect TV remotes to unlock further areas. Not every mission is mandatory, which makes the games flexible for both completionists and casual players. The hub-world design is intuitive, the environments are imaginative, and the controls, now upgraded with analogue support, feel smooth and responsive.
Combat and traversal are simple but satisfying. GEX attacks with his tail, climbs specific walls, and uses his tongue to grab health-restoring bugs. Each 3D game includes unlockable weapons, suits, or transformations tailored to specific stages. There’s enough variety to keep things from feeling stale.
New Tricks for an Old Gecko
The GEX Trilogy brings a number of helpful enhancements to the table. Players can now toggle between CRT filters, widescreen support, and classic 4:3 presentations. Rewind and save-anywhere features make even the trickiest segments manageable. Analogue stick support in the 3D games is a major improvement, allowing for smoother movement compared to the stiff digital-only controls of the originals.
Camera control has been updated as well, though it can still be a bit clunky, an issue common to many 3D games of the era. Still, it’s more manageable here than in the original releases. Fans will also enjoy the museum section packed with concept art, commercials, and behind-the-scenes videos. It’s a loving tribute to a franchise that’s clearly remembered with affection, if not reverence.
A Few Missed Channels
There are a few missed opportunities. This collection only includes the American versions of the games, which means fans from the UK may be disappointed to find the alternate voice actors, Leslie Phillips and Danny John-Jules, are absent. Their interpretations gave the character a different personality, and their omission, while understandable, is still a loss for some long-time fans.
Additionally, none of the handheld or alternative console versions (like Game Boy or N64 variations) are included. While not essential, they would have added more depth and historical context to the package.
Conclusion: It’s Tail Time Once Again
The GEX Trilogy is a solid trip down memory lane. These games may not be genre-defining classics, but they’re better than many remember, especially with the modern improvements layered on top. The 2D original benefits greatly from quality-of-life features, while the two 3D titles still hold up with their quirky design and varied level themes. If you loved GEX back in the day, GEX Trilogy is the best way to re-experience it. And if you missed him entirely, this collection offers a polished, accessible way to see what all the wisecracking was about.
Final Verdict: I Like It a Lot
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