Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Steam

MONSTER

Gex Trilogy

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Gex Trilogy
Item: Gex Trilogy
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Single Player

AvailableJun 16, 2025

PlatformXbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperCarbon Engine

Overview

Gex Trilogy is the definitive edition of the classic platforming series with Gexcessive attitude, complete with Gextras like rewind and save anywhere. Relive Gex's snark-laced adventures through the warped lens of twentieth-century pop culture and use your Gexterity to survive an onslaught of television-themed challenges.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Gex Trilogy charms with its '90s nostalgia and quirky premise of a TV-loving gecko, offering fun platforming gameplay. However, critics widely see the narrative as "paper-thin," lacking depth and coherence, and filled with dated humor that may not resonate with modern audiences. While Gex's character and colorful worlds attract retro fans, the storytelling ultimately disappoints, serving more as a backdrop than a compelling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

86%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Gex Trilogy has garnered a mix of appreciation for its quirky charm and nostalgic appeal, particularly in its storytelling. Critics like Nintendo Life and GameBlast highlight the unique premise of Gex, a television-obsessed gecko, who navigates through various themed media dimensions, reflecting a playful homage to '90s pop culture. The narrative serves as a backdrop that allows for creative platforming opportunities, as noted by XboxEra, who appreciates the simple yet engaging nature of the story that facilitates diverse gameplay experiences. Furthermore, the character of Gex, with his humorous quips and charm, resonates with some players, as indicated by KonsoliFIN, who emphasizes the nostalgic humor tied to North American culture. However, the overall sentiment surrounding the narrative of the Gex Trilogy leans towards criticism regarding its depth and coherence. Many reviewers, including Impulsegamer and Gaming Age, describe the story as "paper-thin" and lacking in significant narrative development, with the plot often overshadowed by gameplay mechanics. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected echo this sentiment, stating that while the story provides a whimsical backdrop for the various themed levels, it ultimately feels nonsensical and forgettable. The dated cultural references and humor, as pointed out by Loot Level Chill and TheSixthAxis, may not resonate with modern audiences, leading to a perception that the narrative has not aged well. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while the Gex Trilogy offers a nostalgic and quirky experience rooted in '90s culture, its narrative is largely seen as superficial and serves primarily as a vehicle for gameplay rather than a compelling story. The charm of Gex's character and the colorful media dimensions may attract players who appreciate the retro aesthetic, but the lack of depth and coherence in the storytelling leaves much to be desired. As noted by critics like ZTGD and Player 2, the trilogy's narrative is enjoyable in a light-hearted sense but ultimately fails to provide a memorable or impactful experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Gex Trilogy evolves from a challenging 2D platformer to a more refined 3D experience, praised for improved mechanics and quality-of-life features like a rewind option. However, persistent camera issues, awkward controls, and outdated mechanics in the original hinder gameplay. While the sequels, especially Gex: Enter the Gecko, enhance engagement, the trilogy is a mixed bag—nostalgic for retro fans but potentially frustrating for those wanting a polished modern experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of the Gex Trilogy has garnered a mix of praise from critics, particularly for its evolution across the three titles. Reviewers such as Checkpoint Gaming and Player 2 highlight the transition from a challenging 2D platformer in the original Gex to a more refined 3D experience in the sequels, noting improvements in mechanics and level design. Impulsegamer and ZTGD commend the introduction of quality-of-life features like a rewind option, which enhances accessibility and enjoyment. Critics also appreciate Gex's unique abilities, such as wall scaling and tail whipping, which contribute to varied platforming experiences. The maze-like level designs and the integration of collectibles, as mentioned by GameGrin and GamingTrend, provide a sense of exploration that many found engaging. Despite the positive aspects, the gameplay of the Gex Trilogy is not without its flaws. Many critics, including Multiplayer.it and TheSixthAxis, point out persistent camera issues that can hinder gameplay, especially in the 3D entries. Additionally, the controls have been described as awkward or finicky by several reviewers, such as Gaming Age and XboxEra, which can lead to accidental actions and frustration. The original Gex is often criticized for its outdated mechanics and confusing level design, with Player 2 and Noisy Pixel noting that it feels primitive compared to its sequels. Furthermore, backtracking and a lack of rhythm in exploration, as mentioned by Nintendo Life, detract from the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the Gex Trilogy offers a nostalgic and varied platforming experience, it is marred by inconsistencies in gameplay quality. The sequels, particularly Gex: Enter the Gecko, are generally viewed as significant improvements over the original, with more engaging mechanics and level designs. However, issues such as camera control, awkward mechanics, and frustrating level designs remain prevalent throughout the trilogy. Critics like SpazioGames and COGconnected acknowledge these shortcomings while still recognizing the charm and creativity embedded in Gex's gameplay. Ultimately, the trilogy offers a mixed bag that may appeal to fans of retro platformers but could frustrate those seeking a polished modern experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Gex Trilogy remaster strikes a nostalgic chord with improved resolution and CRT filters, but critics highlight serious visual shortcomings. While some 3D visuals hold up, many suffer from low polygon counts and glitches, leaving the overall quality feeling dated. The remaster respects the original charm but fails to elevate the visuals to modern standards—decent but not groundbreaking.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

95%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of the Gex Trilogy have received a mix of praise from critics, particularly for their nostalgic charm and the efforts made in the remastering process. Many reviewers appreciate the retention of the original aesthetic, with Multiplayer.it noting the inclusion of CRT filters that enhance the retro feel. Critics like Impulsegamer and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the improvements in resolution and widescreen support, which contribute to a more modern viewing experience. Player 2 specifically points out that "Gex: Enter The Gecko" showcases 3D visuals that hold up well, indicating that some titles within the trilogy have managed to maintain a level of visual appeal despite their age. However, a significant number of reviews also point out the limitations and shortcomings of the graphics in the Gex Trilogy. Critics such as XboxEra and GamingTrend emphasize that the graphics, particularly in the 3D sequels, suffer from low polygon counts and visual glitches, which detracts from the overall experience. Critical Hits and SpazioGames note that the remaster does not significantly improve the original visual issues, with some areas described as "dated" or "ugly." Moreover, Loot Level Chill describes the visuals of the original Gex as "grungy and unappealing," suggesting that the remaster, while maintaining authenticity, does not elevate the visual quality to modern standards. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the Gex Trilogy remaster offers some enhancements and retains a nostalgic aesthetic, it largely reflects the limitations of its time. Many reviewers acknowledge the charm of the original design but agree that the visuals have not aged well, with various titles in the trilogy exhibiting inconsistent quality. For instance, ZTGD mentions that the graphics are "decent but not groundbreaking," which encapsulates the general sentiment that while the remaster is a respectful nod to the past, it falls short of delivering a visually compelling experience by contemporary standards.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Gex Trilogy's sound design and music evoke nostalgia, praised for its jukebox feature and '90s charm that enhances gameplay. However, Dana Gould's voice work receives mixed reviews—some find it humorously nostalgic, while others see it as repetitive and cringeworthy. Overall, critics appreciate the nostalgic elements but note the sound design's dated execution and lack of variety as major drawbacks, leaving a bittersweet impression.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of the Gex Trilogy have garnered a mix of appreciation and critique from various reviewers. Many critics highlight the nostalgic value of the music and sound design, particularly noting the inclusion of a jukebox feature that allows players to enjoy tracks from all three games. Multiplayer.it and COGconnected both commend this aspect, emphasizing how it enhances the nostalgic experience for players. Additionally, the soundtrack is often described as well-complementing the gameplay, with TheXboxHub noting a good mix of sound effects and music that reflects the humor and style of the '90s. Critics like GamingTrend also appreciate the enjoyable themes in the soundtrack, contributing positively to the overall gaming experience. On the flip side, there are significant criticisms regarding the sound design, particularly concerning the voice work of Dana Gould. While some reviewers, like XboxEra, acknowledge the humor brought by Gould's voiceovers, others, such as SpazioGames and Loot Level Chill, find the repetitive nature of his quips to be annoying and cringe-worthy. Critics like Player 2 point out that the original Gex's limited voice-over work can be grating, and the sequels contain dialogue that may not have aged well, with some references feeling outdated or inappropriate. Furthermore, Checkpoint Gaming mentions that the audio experience can become overwhelming, particularly due to Gex's constant voice lines, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a blend of nostalgia and frustration. While the jukebox feature and some catchy tracks are celebrated for enhancing the nostalgic experience, the dated and repetitive nature of the voice lines and sound design often leads to mixed feelings. Critics such as KonsoliFIN and GameGrin encapsulate this sentiment well, noting that the humor and voice lines are hit or miss, depending on personal taste. Ultimately, while the Gex Trilogy's sound design and music offer a nostalgic trip down memory lane, the execution leaves room for improvement, particularly in terms of variety and modern appeal.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dana Gould's voice acting in the Gex Trilogy is praised for its humor and charm, making Gex memorable for many players. However, critics also note drawbacks, with some finding his delivery irritating and the pop culture references dated. Overall, while his performance is a highlight for nostalgia fans, its appeal varies among newer players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in the Gex Trilogy, particularly the performance by Dana Gould, has garnered considerable praise from multiple reviewers. Critics such as Nintendo Life and XboxEra highlighted Gould's ability to infuse Gex with humor and personality, noting that his quips and pop culture references significantly enhance the game's charm. TheXboxHub echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Gould's distinct voice contributes to Gex's character, making him memorable for players. Additionally, Critical Hits mentioned the positive reception of Gould's voice acting in the context of an included interview, suggesting that his performance resonates with fans of the series. Overall, the consensus among many critics is that Gould's voice work is a strong point of the trilogy, bringing a lively and comedic element to the character. However, not all feedback is positive, as several critics pointed out significant drawbacks to the voice acting. Checkpoint Gaming noted that while Gould's performance is consistent, some fans of the original PAL version might find it disappointing, and SpazioGames described his delivery as irritating, with many lines having aged poorly. Critics like Loot Level Chill and GameGrin expressed concern that the humor and references may not resonate with modern audiences, suggesting that the content feels dated and could detract from the overall experience. Player 2 also mentioned that the original game's limited voice acting negatively impacted the experience, and GamingTrend warned that some of Gould's lines could become grating over time. In summary, while Dana Gould's voice acting is widely recognized as a highlight of the Gex Trilogy, contributing humor and character to the gameplay, there is a notable divide in how it is received. Many critics appreciate the nostalgia and charm of his performance, as seen in reviews from TheXboxHub and XboxEra, while others raise valid concerns about the dated nature of the humor and the potential irritation it may cause, as highlighted by critics like SpazioGames and Loot Level Chill. Ultimately, the overall consensus suggests that while Gould's performance adds a unique flavor to the trilogy, its appeal may vary significantly among players, particularly those who are newer to the franchise or less familiar with the cultural references embedded in the dialogue.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Gex Trilogy's remaster receives mixed reviews across platforms. Switch suffers from serious frame rate issues and stiff controls, while Xbox Series X performs well but has unresolved graphical glitches. PS5 improves stability but still faces camera control problems and retains some original bugs. Overall, fans may appreciate the nostalgia, but persistent technical flaws hinder the experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of the Gex Trilogy has garnered a mix of opinions across various platforms. On the Nintendo Switch, critics like Multiplayer.it and Nintendo Life noted that while Gex 3 suffers from significant frame rate issues, the overall conversion remains stable. Nintendo Life highlighted that the Carbon Engine brings the games to new hardware adequately, despite some bugs and stiff controls. Meanwhile, on the Xbox Series X, Impulsegamer praised the remaster for running flawlessly with stable frame rates and near-instant load times, while ZTGD mentioned modernized controls and a save-anywhere function that enhance the experience. On the PlayStation 5, many reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming and GameGrin, acknowledged that the remaster improves performance and stability, with features like save-anywhere and rewind options contributing positively to gameplay. However, there are notable negatives across the platforms. For the Nintendo Switch, Multiplayer.it emphasized the significant frame rate issues that detract from the experience, while Nintendo Life pointed out the stiff controls that can hinder gameplay. The Xbox Series X also faced criticism, with TheXboxHub mentioning camera issues and graphical pop-in, and XboxEra highlighting that many graphical glitches from the original games remain unaddressed. On the PlayStation 5, several critics, including COGconnected and Critical Hits, pointed out persistent technical issues, particularly with camera controls in 3D gameplay, and noted that some original bugs and exploits were retained, indicating a lack of polish. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a mixed reception regarding the technical performance of the Gex Trilogy across all platforms. While there are commendable improvements and features that enhance the experience, such as save-anywhere functionality and rewind options, significant technical flaws persist. Critics like Gaming Age and KonsoliFIN noted that while the remaster is generally stable, it lacks modern enhancements and suffers from outdated camera controls. The varying degrees of performance across platforms indicate that while some players may enjoy the nostalgic experience, others may find the technical shortcomings a barrier to fully appreciating the remaster.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Gex Trilogy sparks nostalgia for fans, with extras like artwork and collectibles enhancing replay value. However, dated gameplay and humor alienate new players, leading many critics to argue that its appeal is largely confined to those who loved the originals. While nostalgia offers some replayability, the lack of significant updates may hinder broader interest, making the trilogy a mixed bag for today's gamers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

91%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Gex Trilogy has garnered a mix of opinions regarding its replay value, with many reviewers highlighting the nostalgic appeal as a significant positive. Critics like Impulsegamer and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize that the trilogy's charm lies in its ability to evoke fond memories for fans of the original games. The inclusion of extras such as original artwork, videos, and interviews, as noted by ZTGD, adds further value, making the collection enjoyable for those who have a connection to the franchise. Additionally, the presence of collectibles and secrets, as mentioned by COGconnected and GamingTrend, provides players with reasons to revisit levels, contributing to a sense of replayability for completionists and fans of retro platformers. Conversely, several reviewers point out substantial drawbacks that may hinder replay value for a broader audience. Critics like Multiplayer.it and XboxEra express concerns that the lack of significant improvements and depth in gameplay limits the overall experience, particularly for new players who may not find the dated mechanics engaging. The fetch quests and repetitive gameplay loops, highlighted by Nintendo Life and PlayStation Universe, could deter players from returning after their initial playthrough. Additionally, critics such as GameBlast and Loot Level Chill note that the outdated humor and gameplay design may not resonate with newer audiences, suggesting that the trilogy primarily appeals to those who grew up with the series. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while the Gex Trilogy offers a nostalgic experience and some replay value through collectibles and extras, its appeal is largely limited to fans of the original games. Many reviewers, including Player 2 and KonsoliFIN, suggest that new players may struggle to find motivation to revisit the titles after their first run, given the dated mechanics and humor. The combination of nostalgia and completionist goals does provide some replayability, as noted by GameGrin and SpazioGames, but the overall sentiment leans toward the idea that the trilogy may not capture the interest of a wider audience, limiting its long-term replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

79%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Gex Trilogy has garnered a mix of opinions from critics, with many highlighting its nostalgic value and charm. Reviewers like Nintendo Life and GamingTrend appreciate the collection for capturing the essence of '90s platforming, praising its quirky humor and engaging themes. Critics such as ZTGD and COGconnected commend the remaster for providing modern quality of life improvements and extensive extras, making it appealing for both fans and newcomers. The remastered collection is seen as a solid representation of gaming history, with Impulsegamer and Checkpoint Gaming noting its fair pricing and enjoyable experience for those familiar with the franchise. However, several reviewers pointed out significant drawbacks that hinder the Gex Trilogy's appeal, particularly for new players. Critics like Multiplayer.it and XboxEra expressed concerns about the outdated mechanics and minimal remastering improvements, suggesting that the collection lacks modern enhancements that could attract a broader audience. The dated humor and gameplay were also highlighted by critics such as Loot Level Chill and KonsoliFIN, who noted that these elements may not resonate with contemporary gamers. Additionally, some reviews, like that of Critical Hits, pointed out the basic package and lack of extras compared to emulation options, which could deter potential players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the Gex Trilogy offers a nostalgic return for fans of the original games, it may not successfully convert new players due to its dated elements. Most reviewers agree that the collection serves as a charming reminder of '90s platforming, but it struggles with technical issues and outdated gameplay mechanics. As noted by PlayStation Universe and SpazioGames, the remaster appeals primarily to those who have a fondness for the original titles, while newcomers may find it less engaging. The Gex Trilogy is ultimately seen as a mixed bag, balancing nostalgia with the challenges of modern gaming expectations.

TL;DR

The Gex Trilogy remaster appeals to '90s platforming fans with its nostalgic charm and quirky humor, praised for modern quality of life upgrades. However, critics highlight major drawbacks like outdated mechanics and minimal enhancements, making it less engaging for newcomers. Ultimately, it serves as a nostalgic trip for die-hard fans but struggles to attract a broader audience due to its dated gameplay and limited extras.

MONSTER

Reviews

43 reviews found

GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Jun 17, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Gex Trilogy is a fun and engaging collection that balances nostalgia with modern gameplay features, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

Read full review

Impulsegamer

Xbox Series X

Jul 1, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gex Trilogy is a solid remaster that preserves a slice of gaming history, appealing to fans and newcomers alike, with a fair price for the content offered.

GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Jul 7, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

GEX Trilogy is a nostalgic collection of fun platformers that, while dated, are enhanced by modern features, making them enjoyable for fans.

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Jul 10, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Gex Trilogy is a fun and faithful throwback to classic platforming, despite its flaws. It captures the essence of 90s gameplay but may not appeal to everyone due to its dated elements.

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 5

Jun 16, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gex Trilogy is a solid remaster with quality updates and bonus content, appealing to fans despite some gameplay aging.

Read full review

Noisy Pixel

Jun 16, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gex Trilogy may not appeal to all platforming fans, but those who appreciate its charm and the quality of emulation will find it enjoyable despite its shortcomings.

Read full review

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Jun 16, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gex Trilogy is a faithful re-release that appeals to fans of the original games, offering nostalgia and improved features, though it may not attract new players unfamiliar with the series.

Read full review

XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Jun 16, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Gex Trilogy is a nostalgic collection of 90's platformers that, while charming and humorous, suffers from outdated mechanics and minimal remastering improvements.

Read full review

Critical Hits

PlayStation 5

Jul 11, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gex Trilogy is deemed worthwhile for fans and retro platformer enthusiasts, but the basic package and lack of extras make it less appealing compared to emulation options.

Gaming Age

PlayStation 5

Jun 17, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Gex Trilogy is a nostalgic collection of fun games that stays true to the original experience, though it could benefit from modern enhancements.

Read full review