The GEX Trilogy has officially launched, bringing the iconic wisecracking gecko back for the first time in nearly 30 years. Originally released across the 3DO and PlayStation platforms between 1995 and 1999, this compilation bundles the original GEX, Gex: Enter the Gecko, and Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko into one remastered collection. While primarily targeting fans of ’90s platformers, this remaster comes with some surprising updates that might intrigue newer players.
The trilogy offers widescreen support, full analog controls, CRT filters, a rewind feature, adjustable screen sizes, save-anywhere options, and even archival content like scanned manuals and concept art. Most impressively, it includes new interviews with Dana Gould—the original voice of Gex—adding a layer of historical context and entertainment.
Enter the Gecko Again: 2D and 3D Platforming Combined
The original GEX (1995) remains a 2D platformer with side-scrolling mechanics. Players guide Gex through 24 levels within five TV-themed channels to retrieve remote controls and unlock secret worlds. While nostalgic, this entry shows its age. Movement is sluggish, jumps feel awkward, and level design struggles to excite in 2025. Gould’s performance shines, but even his voice lines grow repetitive across repeated level attempts.
Power-ups, wall-sticking, and tongue grabs add charm, but control precision is lacking. It’s a challenging game, even with quality-of-life additions. Fans of the era will appreciate the aesthetic and difficulty curve, though newcomers may find its mechanics frustrating compared to modern standards.
Gex: Enter the Gecko Holds Up Surprisingly Well (GEX Trilogy Review)
Gex: Enter the Gecko (1998) marks the franchise’s jump into 3D, and it fares far better. Inspired by Super Mario 64, this sequel introduces hub-world progression, costume changes, and themed worlds full of references to ’90s pop culture. It improves dramatically on the original’s gameplay, with more polished platforming, fewer camera frustrations (especially thanks to modern refinements), and cleverer writing.
Rob Cohen’s script, combined with Gould’s energetic voice work, makes for a genuinely entertaining experience. Despite minor quirks, Enter the Gecko still offers a satisfying collectathon with distinct visual themes and creative level design.
Deep Cover Gecko: A PS1 Swan Song
Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko is widely seen as the best of the trilogy. Released in 1999, it pushes the PS1 to its limits. Building on Enter the Gecko, this entry features a more elaborate hub world, expanded level variety, and an absurd amount of cultural parody—ranging from TV detective spoofs to game show riffs.
Agent Xtra, a live-action character portrayed by a former Playboy model, adds to the surreal tone. While it’s more over-the-top than the previous entries, Deep Cover Gecko is tightly designed and more accessible for modern players. It feels the most polished of the three, and its humor holds up better thanks to faster pacing and refined controls.
Should You Play the Gex Trilogy in 2025?
The GEX Trilogy isn’t for everyone. Its references skew heavily ’90s, some jokes haven’t aged gracefully, and the earliest title struggles to compete with modern platformers. However, for longtime fans or anyone who grew up with Jenko jeans, Pogs, and Saturday morning cartoons, this remaster is a nostalgic joyride.
Limited Run could have taken shortcuts, but instead, this package feels like a love letter to a forgotten mascot. It may not hit the highs of more ambitious remasters like Croc HD, but it doesn’t need to. Gex’s return offers humor, history, and just enough tail-whipping charm to justify another spin through the Media Dimension.
