Back in the 90s, character-themed platformers were all the rage. Literally all types of unexpected heroes got their own games, from Aero the Acrobat to…Awesome Possum? (Let’s just forget about that last one, okay?) It’s here that Crystal Dynamics’ Gex found his own place, making his debut in a 3DO adventure before moving on to bonus 3D entries. And now we celebrate his tales (er, tails?) with the lively Gex Trilogy from Limited Run Games.
The package features the original Gex, along with Gex: Enter the Gecko and Gex: Deep Cover Gecko. Utilizing LRG’s Carbon Engine technology, it faithfully recreates all three games via emulation, with some bonus goodies. The ability to play in widescreen is a nice touch, particularly with the 3D ventures. And it also includes a CRT filter and the ability to rewind. (After all, Gex certainly loves his remote, doesn’t he?)
Of course, since the games are from the 90s, they may be a little, ahem, “aged.” But they’re worth revisiting, particularly the first game. Plus the extras have a lot to offer, including a revisit with Gex’s voice himself, Dana Gouls.
Your mileage may vary depending how much you liked the gecko character to begin with. But Gex Trilogy is a fun little retro package, with hours of entertaining gameplay, humorous references and more. It would’ve been nice to have a playable Gex Jr. build, and maybe some more visual touches. But as it stands, it’s a compilation well worth tuning in for, man.
With Gex Trilogy, It’s Time To Enter the Gecko (Whoa, Not Like That)
As I mentioned, the game features all three Gex games.
In Gex, you’re introduced to Crystal Dynamics’ character. He’s a wise-acre gecko who’s suddenly warped into a TV world by the evil Rez. It’s here that he activates “tail time” to save the day. This original 2D adventure actually holds up well after all these years, and introduces some clever play tactics. You can eat little orbs around each world to activate power-ups (with your tongue, of course). But, in addition, climbing around walls is a nice touch, and there are hidden areas aplenty. This is probably my favorite game in the package, and it’s worth checking out again.
Next up is Gex: Enter the Gecko, the hero’s first foray into 3D. It’s not bad, though it’s obviously not aged as well as, say, Super Mario 64. But I digress. He’s once again in TV worlds, trying to save the day from the evil Rez. This one has a good deal of mileage when it comes to creative choices and hidden goodies. Plus the quips are a little bit better. The visuals may be a little fuzzy, but I did enjoy the ability to play in widescreen. This really opens options up aplenty, and lets you discover fun little things you missed on the old PSX.
Finally, there’s Gex: Deep Cover Gecko, his last go-around in the gaming world (well, for now). Surprise, he’s back in TV world, but with a much more elaborate stage design and, yup, more quips. This is a great one, even if, again, the visuals are slightly fuzzy. But the music definitely hits the spot, and the gameplay does have a startling amount of structure. Plus more bugs to eat because…well, yeah.
Limited Run Games did a fine job with the package overall. It’s got plenty of value from its three games alone. But there’s more!
What Else Is In Gex Trilogy?
Honestly, all three games are nicely refined. Despite some slight visual blemishes, the gameplay has improvement with analog controls (though you can play the old fashioned way if you prefer). I also like the 4:3 enhancements, as well as the ability to turn on a CRT filter. (Without having to drag out that GXTV from the closet, mind you.) And, of course, being able to rewind is definitely a Gex touch. (I’m just surprised he doesn’t say more about using it – “I was built for this!”)
The extras are excellent as well. You’ve got a music player that lets you enjoy any of the in-game tracks however you wish. (No “choose your own quips” feature though – maybe in an update.) There’s also footage of the cancelled Gex Jr., and it makes me wonder why we never got it. There’s also plenty of classic art as well. Finally, there’s a video interview with the voice of Gex himself, Dana Gould, discussing the origins of the character.
Could there have been more? Maybe with Danny John-Jules’ voiceovers from Deep Cover Gecko (update: it’s coming via a patch!) and a playable build of Gex Jr.? Perhaps. But there’s no denying that there’s enough 90s bliss here to make you wish for the simpler days of MTV. You know, back when it was actually a music channel. Remember those days?
That’s It, That’s the Spot
Even with minor issues here and there, Gex Trilogy is an undeniable love letter to 90s gaming. The original title remains my absolute favorite, probably for its sheer 2D vibe alone. But I like the other two Gex adventures as well, as they opened up all sorts of possibilities for the character. The emulation is (mostly) top notch, and the extras will definitely keep you occupied.
So, yeah, if you need a blast from the past and don’t mind an overabundance of quips (an Ed McMahon joke?!), then definitely set aside some “tail time” for it.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Limited Run Games for the review code! You can get the game now for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC. It’s also available for pre-order in physical format.
Need more classic gaming goodness? Check out our review of Castlevania Dominus Collection!
