Game review: Gex Trilogy (Xbox Series X)
The '90s was an interesting time in gaming because we received a ton of cartoonish platform games with unique mascots. Nintendo released the likes of Super Mario 64, Donkey Kong 64, Banjo Kazooie, and even the R-rated Conker's Bad Fur Day!
Earlier in that decade, Sega won over many new fans by creating Sonic the Hedgehog. PlayStation even had the excellent Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon video games near the end of the '90s too.
While I listed the more famous platform game mascots, there were several lesser-known characters that were created as well. I don't think casual or younger gamers will remember Croc, Cool Spot, or Bubsy. There was another mascot that had his own trilogy, and his name was Gex, who is a talking gecko.
Gex has pretty much been unemployed for nearly three decades, but now the character is somewhat back to work as his trilogy has been re-released for modern platforms. Gamers, both young and old, can experience his resume of games for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Typically, when a game gets a re-release, we expect either a remake or a remaster. Remakes are built from the ground up, featuring revamped visuals and modernized gameplay. Remasters, on the other hand, keep the original gameplay while updating the visuals for modern HD displays.
Well, I'm sad to report that the Gex Trilogy is really none of these. Aside from adding the ability to save at any time during gameplay and adding rewinds, the games are presented here in their original '90s glory. The cutscenes are still shown at a low resolution, the graphics are the same, plus the gameplay is still as outdated as ever. It's just a straight port with little to no improvements for the modern age.
The first game in the series is simply called 'Gex', and this was originally developed for the Panasonic 3DO back in 1993. Gex is a 2D side-scroller and he was the mascot for its developer Crystal Dynamics, at the time. People may know this developer more for making the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy from the 2010s.
In the original Gex, he has to face off against an enemy called Emperor Rez, and he plans to take over the 'Media Dimension'. Gex can literally enter inside televisions to try and put a stop to Rez and his plans for media domination.
In order to complete levels, you have to control Gex to find hidden remote controls. Gex can attack using his tail, climb some vertical walls, and even use his tongue. The first Gex is pretty linear because it's a side-scroller, so it's pretty easy to navigate around the levels.
Gex: Enter the Gecko is the second game in the franchise but the first to be fully 3D. Since the Panasonic 3D0 died a terrible death, the sequel was released on PC, PSOne, N64, and the Game Boy Colour instead.
Rez is pretty much back, and Gex has to return to stop him. The levels are much larger thanks to the 3D technology, so you have to look harder for any hidden remote controls. You can also earn more remote controls by completing specific missions at each level. This can include beating a certain enemy type or destroying certain items.
Despite the move to 3D, Gex still has the same type of abilities in this sequel. The combat is pretty simplistic; although I feel jumping puzzles can be frustrating due to the annoying camera. It's still a somewhat enjoyable experience, and you can rewind gameplay and save at any time thanks to this collection's new features.
The third game is called Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko, and Rez is back and has kidnapped his partner, Agent Xtra. People who grew up in the '90s may recognise Agent Xtra because she is played by former Baywatch actress Marliece Andrada. Unlike Gex and the other characters, Agent Xtra's cutscenes are live-action.
The gameplay is pretty much the same as the second game with 3D levels, and Gex has the same abilities. Much like the other games, Gex has to find hidden remote controls or complete missions to earn more. You have to collect a certain number of remote controls before you can progress any further.
Like I said before, Gex's gameplay and visuals haven't been revamped for the modern age, so it can be jarring to play in 2025. I've played the original Crash Bandicoot and Ape Escape games, and they feel timeless even in the 21st century. For some reason, the Gex games haven't aged too well.
One thing I don't like about the 3D Gex games is that they still have distance fog. Distance fog is non-existent in modern games, but it's an old feature where the levels don't load until your character comes closer. It makes exploration feel annoying because you cannot see the environment, which is just a few metres away from you!
The camera can also be a pan to try and control in these games too. There were many times I kept falling off because I mistimed my jumps. Not to mention, the soundtrack in these games is jarring, and Gex himself likes to talk lots of trash at any time.
While the games haven't been retooled, I do appreciate this collection does include a media gallery. Fans of the franchise can look back at the game's original manuals, artwork, commercials, and other promotional material. The picture of Gex cosplaying as WWE Legend Stone Cold Steve Austin always puts a smile on my face.
Despite the gameplay and graphics still being outdated, fans of the original games will love to revisit them in this collection. Whether or not this collection means we'll see a modern Gex game remains to be seen. I suggest newer gamers take time to get used to the archaic gameplay because this is what most PSOne-style games looked like in the late '90s!
Verdict: 6.5/10
