GEX Trilogy

What’s the Gex Trilogy All About?

For those who might’ve missed the original console era, the Gex Trilogy introduces us to Gex, a chill gecko whose life revolves around binge-watching television. His idyllic, if somewhat sedentary, existence is shattered when the villainous Rez, overlord of the Media Dimension, drags him into a twisted world made entirely of TV shows and pop culture tropes. Gex’s mission? To traverse these bizarre themed levels, collect remote controls, and ultimately defeat Rez to escape the endless loop of syndicated reruns. This collection packages Gex, Gex 2: Enter the Gecko, and Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko, offering a comprehensive look at the franchise’s evolution from its pseudo-2.5D beginnings to full-fledged 3D platforming.

The charm of Gex isn’t just in its solid platforming; it’s in the character himself. Voiced by the legendary Dana Carvey, Gex constantly spouts one-liners, movie quotes, and fourth-wall breaks that, while sometimes dated, are undeniably part of his unique appeal. This port finally gives a whole new generation of PC Games enthusiasts a chance to experience a beloved series that might have previously been confined to console memory. It’s a journey through horror flicks, cartoon networks, sci-fi sagas, and even secret agent thrillers, all filtered through Gex’s unique, snarky perspective.

Gameplay: Tail Whips, Tongue Swipes, and Platforming Precision

The core gameplay loop across the Gex Trilogy revolves around classic 3D platforming. You’ll be jumping, climbing, and using Gex’s unique abilities to navigate often treacherous environments. Gex’s primary attacks include a powerful tail whip, great for dispatching enemies and breaking certain objects, and a sticky tongue attack, which can grab distant items or stun foes. A signature move is also his wall climb, allowing him to scurry up specific surfaces, granting access to hidden areas or higher platforms.

Each game in the trilogy builds upon the last. The original Gex, while technically a 2.5D platformer on PC, sets the stage with its themed levels and basic mechanics. Gex 2: Enter the Gecko, the first true 3D entry in the series, introduces larger, more open levels structured around hub worlds. Here, you’ll collect various remote controls to unlock new sections, much like classic N64 or PS1 platformers. Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko refines these mechanics further, adding new suit power-ups that give Gex unique abilities like gliding, magnetizing, or even becoming a mech. The level design is diverse, ranging from spooky haunted houses and martial arts dojos to prehistoric landscapes and outer space. Expect plenty of environmental puzzles, tricky jumps, and a healthy dose of hidden collectibles that reward thorough exploration. The platforming can be precise, demanding a good understanding of Gex’s movement and an occasional dose of patience.

The Story & Vibe: A Gecko, a Villain, and a Whole Lot of TV

The narrative in the Gex Trilogy is delightfully simple yet perfectly sets the stage for the chaotic fun. Gex, a self-proclaimed “media junkie,” is content with his life of endless television. This changes when Rez, a sentient glob of static electricity and the tyrannical ruler of the Media Dimension, pulls Gex into his realm, intending to make him his new network mascot. Across all three games, Gex’s primary goal remains the same: stop Rez from turning all TV into a bland, mind-numbing wasteland and return to his couch. Rez is a fantastically campy villain, constantly mocking Gex and issuing threats with a wonderfully exaggerated voice, fitting perfectly with the series’ over-the-top tone.

What truly defines the Gex experience, beyond the gameplay, is its distinctive vibe. It’s a game dripping with 90s attitude, pop culture references, and a self-aware, irreverent humor. Gex himself is a constant source of one-liners and fourth-wall breaks, often commenting on the absurdity of the game world or directly addressing the player. While some of the humor and references might feel a bit dated now, they are an integral part of the game’s charm and authenticity. The themed levels are not just visual changes; they’re packed with specific jokes, enemies, and sound effects that perfectly encapsulate the genre they’re parodying. Whether you’re fighting mummies in a horror movie world or sumo wrestlers in a Kung Fu movie set, the game commits fully to its comedic premise, making for an often laugh-out-loud experience.

Who is the Gex Trilogy For?

This collection is an absolute must-play for a few key demographics. Firstly, if you grew up with the golden age of 3D platformers – think Mario 64, Spyro the Dragon, or Crash Bandicoot – and crave that particular brand of exploration, collection, and character-driven adventure, Gex will feel like coming home. It captures that era’s spirit perfectly, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Secondly, nostalgia seekers will find a treasure trove here. Many of us have fond memories of Gex from our childhoods, and having all three games polished and accessible on PC is a fantastic way to relive those moments. The familiar voice lines, the unique level themes, and even the quirks of the old camera system are all part of the trip down memory lane. For newer players, if you appreciate games with a strong personality, a heavy dose of humor, and aren’t afraid of some old-school platforming mechanics, then Gex offers something truly different. It’s also for those who enjoy a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, embracing its silliness with open arms. It might not be for players who prefer modern, highly streamlined experiences with constant hand-holding, but for anyone looking for a unique entry in the PC Games List of platformers, Gex is a worthy contender.

Tips for Taming the Media Dimension

Venturing into the Media Dimension can be tricky, especially for newcomers or those returning after a long hiatus. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Master the Camera: This is an older game series, and while the port improves things, the camera can still be a bit… “of its time.” Take a moment in safe areas to get a feel for camera controls. Sometimes, a quick tap of the recenter button (if available) or manual adjustment is better than letting it do its own thing.
• Explore Every Nook: Remote controls and secrets are often hidden in clever places. Don’t just rush through levels. Use Gex’s wall climb and tail whip to investigate every corner, behind every prop, and at the top of every structure.
• Learn Your Moves: Gex’s moveset expands across the trilogy. In Gex 2 and 3, experiment with the different power-up suits. Knowing when to glide, magnetize, or use a specific attack will be crucial for navigating later levels and boss fights.
• Patience is a Virtue: Some platforming segments are genuinely challenging. Don’t get discouraged if you fail a jump a few times. Take a breath, observe enemy patterns, and time your moves carefully.
• Listen to Gex: His one-liners aren’t just for laughs. Sometimes, Gex will drop hints about the environment or even directly point out a secret or an upcoming challenge.
• Controller Recommended: While keyboard and mouse controls are supported, for a 3D platformer of this era, a gamepad often provides a more intuitive and comfortable experience, especially for precise movement and camera control.

Performance Notes & Modern PC Experience

Bringing a classic trilogy like Gex to modern PCs involves more than just slapping an emulator on it. The Gex Trilogy port generally runs quite well, offering significant improvements over the original console versions. You can expect higher resolutions, smoother frame rates (often locked at 60 FPS or higher, which is a dream for platformers), and improved texture filtering that makes the vibrant worlds pop without losing their original artistic charm. The input latency feels good, which is critical for precision platforming.

Most modern systems should have no trouble running these games at maximum settings. The developers seem to have done a solid job optimizing the experience. Controller support is robust, as expected, making it easy to plug in your favorite gamepad and play as it was originally intended. While there might be occasional minor visual quirks that are inherent to upscaling older games, they are generally few and far between and don’t detract from the overall enjoyment. It’s a clean, respectful port that allows the games to shine without unnecessary modernizations that would alter the original feel. The sound design, particularly Gex’s iconic voice lines, also comes through clearly, adding to the authentic retro experience.

Replay Value: Binge-Watching or One-Off Special?

The Gex Trilogy offers a surprising amount of replay value, especially for completionists and fans of the genre. With three full games included, you’re looking at a substantial amount of content right out of the gate. Each game encourages exploration and secret hunting to collect all the remotes and unlock every level, which can easily double or triple your playtime if you’re aiming for 100%.

Beyond simply finishing the game, the distinct themes of each world make revisiting levels fun. You might want to jump back into a particular horror-themed stage just to re-experience its unique atmosphere or retry a challenging boss fight. For those who enjoy speedrunning, the tight platforming controls and predictable enemy patterns in Gex provide ample opportunity for optimization and competitive runs. Plus, the sheer joy of Gex’s humor and constant quips is often enough reason to fire up a level for a quick laugh. While some may treat it as a one-time nostalgia trip, there’s enough depth and charm across the trilogy to warrant multiple playthroughs, particularly if you’re keen on finding every last secret or just want to bask in that unique 90s platformer glow once more.

Overall, the Gex Trilogy on PC is more than just a blast from the past; it’s a robust collection that genuinely holds up. Whether you’re a returning fan eager to revisit the Media Dimension or a newcomer looking for a genuinely unique 3D platforming experience with a big personality, Gex has something special to offer. It’s a testament to the character and game design that even after all these years, Gex remains a snarky, tail-whipping, tongue-lashing delight.

So, clear your schedule, maybe grab a snack, and get ready to spend some quality time with one of gaming’s most underrated mascots. The Media Dimension awaits, and Gex is ready to bring the laughs and the challenge. This is one trilogy you won’t want to fast-forward through!