Gex Trilogy XSX Review
Summary: The Gex Trilogy on Xbox Series X is a lovingly crafted remaster that delivers exactly what it promises: three quirky, nostalgic platformers with just enough modern polish to make them playable in 2025. It’s not a reinvention, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s a celebration of a character who never quite reached the heights of Mario or Sonic, but who carved out a unique, sarcastic niche in gaming’s pantheon.
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Nostalgia Ridden
In an era where remasters and retro revivals are as common as battle passes and loot boxes, Gex Trilogy arrives with a swagger that only a wisecracking, sunglasses-wearing gecko from the ’90s could pull off. Developed by Limited Run Games using their Carbon Engine, this trilogy bundles Gex, Gex: Enter the Gecko, and Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko into a single package for modern consoles. But does this tail-whipping trip down memory lane hold up in 2025, or is it a relic best left in the VHS cabinet with the Furby and Tamagotchi?
Graphics and Presentation
The Gex Trilogy has been given a respectable facelift. All three games now support native 16:9 widescreen, enhanced resolution, and full analog controls. The visuals aren’t a full remake—don’t expect Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy levels of overhaul—but they’re crisp, clean, and faithful to the original aesthetic. Optional CRT filters and screen borders are a nice touch for purists who want that authentic tube-TV vibe.
The environments, especially in Enter the Gecko and Deep Cover Gecko, benefit the most from the resolution bump. The textures are still dated, but the improved clarity makes navigating the TV-themed worlds far more pleasant. Gex’s animations remain charmingly exaggerated, and the UI has been modernized just enough to feel intuitive without losing its retro flair.
Gameplay
Each game in the trilogy offers a slightly different flavor of platforming:
- Gex (1995) is a 2D side-scroller with tight controls and surprisingly solid level design. It’s the most straightforward of the three, and arguably the one that’s aged the best mechanically.
- Gex: Enter the Gecko (1998) transitions into 3D, drawing heavy inspiration from Super Mario 64. It introduces hub worlds, themed levels, and more complex objectives.
- Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko (1999) builds on its predecessor with more variety, better pacing, and even more pop culture references.
The remaster introduces a rewind feature and save-anywhere functionality, which is a godsend for modern players. These quality-of-life improvements smooth over some of the original games’ rougher edges, especially in the 3D entries where camera control was once a nightmare.
That said, the camera system—despite being modernized—still struggles at times. Even with full analog support, there are moments when the camera fights the player, particularly in tight indoor spaces or during precision platforming. It’s not game-breaking, but it’s a reminder that these games were born in a time when 3D platforming was still finding its footing.
Sound and Humor
Gex’s defining trait has always been his mouth. Voiced by comedian Dana Gould in the U.S. versions, Gex delivers a constant stream of one-liners, pop culture references, and fourth-wall-breaking quips. Some of them still land—especially if you grew up in the ’90s—but others might feel dated or too obscure to younger audiences.
Still, there’s a certain charm in how unapologetically “of-its-time” the writing is. Gex doesn’t try to modernize its humor, and that’s arguably for the best. It’s a time capsule, and for those who lived through the era of Beavis and Butt-Head and The X-Files, it’s a nostalgic treat.
Bonus Content
One of the most delightful surprises in the Gex Trilogy is the extras menu. Limited Run Games has packed in a treasure trove of archival content: original box art, concept sketches, promotional ads, and even behind-the-scenes interviews. It’s a museum-worthy collection that adds real value for fans and game historians alike.
The new hub menu, styled with a Persona-esque flair, lets players jump between games, tweak settings, and explore the extras. It’s slick, stylish, and a welcome addition that ties the trilogy together cohesively.
Performance
On Xbox Series X, the Gex Trilogy runs flawlessly. Load times are near-instant, frame rates are stable, and bugs are virtually nonexistent. The Carbon Engine does a commendable job of preserving the original code while layering on modern enhancements.
The only technical gripe is the occasional camera hiccup mentioned earlier. Otherwise, this is a rock-solid remaster that respects its source material without overreaching.
Value Proposition
This is where the Gex Trilogy gets a bit niche. If you didn’t grow up with these games—or if you don’t have a soft spot for retro platformers—you might find the experience a bit rough around the edges. The humor can be hit-or-miss, the level design occasionally obtuse, and the gameplay mechanics dated by today’s standards.
But for those who do remember Gex fondly, or for players curious about a lesser-known mascot from gaming’s golden age, this trilogy is a gem. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s preserving a slice of gaming history, warts and all.
Final Thoughts
The Gex Trilogy on Xbox Series X is a lovingly crafted remaster that delivers exactly what it promises: three quirky, nostalgic platformers with just enough modern polish to make them playable in 2025. It’s not a reinvention, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s a celebration of a character who never quite reached the heights of Mario or Sonic, but who carved out a unique, sarcastic niche in gaming’s pantheon.
For £24.99, it’s a solid value—especially with the extras and quality-of-life features. Whether you’re revisiting your childhood or discovering Gex for the first time, there’s something oddly endearing about this wisecracking gecko and his TV-hopping adventures.
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