GEX Trilogy review (PS5)

GEX Trilogy resurrects Crystal Dynamics’ pop‑culture loving gecko, packing all three of his adventures – the original classic 2D one and the two 3D sequels – into a sleek, nostalgic package. While firmly rooted in 1990s platformer DNA, the collection doesn’t merely plant Gex in time; it wisely arms him with modern quality‑of‑life tools. Think rewind, save‑anywhere, analog stick control, and native 16:9 widescreen for the 3D entries – originally made in the 4:3 era. Presented through Limited Run’s Carbon Engine, this embrace of the era’s quirks feels like a solid throwback, polished for today’s systems.

Playing the original Gex is surprisingly rewarding. Its slick 2D action and clever level design, built around collecting remotes and exploring vertically, maintain a certain appeal – with the rewind feature smoothing over the occasional rough patch. The 3D sequels, Enter the Gecko and Deep Cover Gecko, bring mission‑based level structure and varied aesthetics – ranging from haunted houses to sci‑fi space odysseys – that feel unexpectedly fresh. Though the visuals haven’t aged as well as those in the 2D original, these earn their keep through creativity and exploration-focused gameplay.

The new analog controls breathe life into these decades‑old titles, softening the janky edge common to late‑’90s 3D platformers. Visual filters – CRT, widescreen, borders – alongside rewind and save functions, allow players to curate how much nostalgia they want to indulge. Extras abound too, with a rich trove of art, trailers, interviews, prototype footage, and more fueling that collector’s joy – making this an easy purchase for Gex fans.

The driving force behind these games is Gex himself – especially his quips, puns, and pop culture riffs. For some players, that humor remains surprisingly effective; for others, it’s going to feel a bit outdated at times. Love him or leave him, there’s no denying the character’s charm once resonated – and still might, for nostalgia‑soaked fans seeking an old‑school laugh and/or their fond memories of first playing these.

Not everything has aged gracefully. The 2D original’s visuals have aged gracefully, but the game lacks modern polish – even with new features, the platforming can feel unforgiving. The 3D games bring better level design, but camera control never fully shakes its awkward heritage. A notable misstep is the absence of alternative regional voice tracks, which especially considering the museum style extra content would have been a nice extra.

Ultimately, GEX Trilogy is a well‑crafted homage deserving of its place in today’s remaster scene. It doesn’t rewrite history, but reframes it – wrapping vintage gameplay in accessible features that honor both the past and players new and old. For those with fond memories of game rentals and a gecko that was first connected to the 3DO, it’s a delightful dive into nostalgia. And for newcomers? It’s a quirky time capsule that’s fun while it lasts – even if its outdated inklings may grate once the tail‑whip misses.

Score: 7.6/10