Review: Gex Trilogy for PS5

Okay, so here’s the deal. We’re talking about Gex. Yes, Gex the gecko. The one that predates that insurance lizard everybody seems to know now. Ah, nostalgia, right? So, they’re bringing back the Gex Trilogy to modern platforms. And, I mean, does it really hold up after all these years? Spoiler: maybe, maybe not. Let’s get into it—where was I? Oh, yeah—

So there’s this original Gex game. The 2D one? On the 3DO, then it landed on Sega Saturn and PlayStation. Not even sure why they thought, “Hey, let’s make this gecko a mascot.” But it happened. Rez, the bad guy, just sucks Gex into the TV. Wild. Just hopping through channels like Cemetery and New Toonland. Collecting remotes to smash through levels. Classic. Using your tail to do, well, tail things. And there are checkpoints. Good news? You don’t need those old school passwords anymore, which is kinda cool.

Now, I remember playing it and thinking, “Why is this jump so… unpredictable?” Maybe I’m just bad at it, or maybe it’s the game. Who knows? Enemies? Weird hitboxes. Sometimes you climb stuff, sometimes you don’t. And Gex never shuts up. Ever. Some lines are funny—until they aren’t. Artistic? Sure. But let’s be real, it’s not for everyone.

Then there’s Gex: Enter the Gecko – boom, 3D time! The government paid him this time. Makes sense? No, but whatever. He moves better, okay. Floaty, though. Like, please stay on the grass, Gex. The Mario jump? Yeah, not so smooth. Oh, and set the camera to manual, because it swings like a pendulum on default. Trust me.

And these TV screen worlds? Kinda neat, really. You collect remotes. Hidden ones too, like a treasure hunt. Collectibles change appearance—pretty creative, honestly. Carrot to spinach can to whatever. Costumes too! There’s a bunny, a space suit, a disco gig—that jazz. Honestly, this one was my favorite. Fun, but also, confusing at times.

And last, we have Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko. Why is Gex here? Oh, right, Baywatch actress needs rescuing. Hub world’s different. They kinda messed it up this time. Sorry, but it’s just so extra. Collectibles are now boring, just Fly Coins. Bonus areas with annoying timer sounds. Who designed these soundtracks, seriously?

Levels? More connected. Gex even snowboards and tanks around—who saw that coming? Boss fights are entertaining. Feels like Enter the Gecko but with just more… stuff? Maybe you love the second game for its balance, or this one for its chaos. Go figure.

So, the whole Gex Trilogy, huh? Limited Run did tweak it with the Carbon Engine. Rewind and save states help, I guess. They tried keeping it authentic, with all its flaws. Props for that. Plus, extras like old ads and chats with Dana Gould, Gex’s voice. But let’s be real, it’s just alright. Not quite Mario 64 or Banjo-Kazooie. Still, I’m glad they’re saved on modern stuff. Gotta preserve these 90s chaos-magnets. They’re a time capsule, and that’s something special—like it or not.