Gex Trilogy

The reviews of the Story of Gex Trilogy highlight its nostalgic and quirky charm, with many critics appreciating its unique character and retro-inspired narrative. Impulsegamer acknowledges Gex as a "unique character who carved out a niche in gaming," while TheXboxHub and XboxEra praise the game’s simple yet imaginative premise of Gex navigating the Media Dimension and confronting antagonist Rez. Nintendo Life and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize the '90s pop culture references and the whimsical, themed environments that add to the trilogy’s nostalgic appeal. ZTGD notes the evolution of the story across the trilogy, from 2D to 3D platforming, and Multiplayer.it and KonsoliFIN celebrate the concept of a television-obsessed gecko, which resonates as a retro homage. These positives underscore the trilogy’s identity as a playful, if not deeply complex, experience rooted in 90s gaming aesthetics. However, the narrative is consistently criticized for its lack of depth and repetitive structure. ZTGD describes the story as "somewhat repetitive and lacks depth," while GameCritics calls it "disjointed" and "aimless," citing an underdeveloped villain and a plot that feels perfunctory. Loot Level Chill and Noisy Pixel dismiss the humor and pop-culture references as outdated, and COGconnected and GameBlast note that the story serves merely as a "backdrop for gameplay." Player 2 and Gaming Age similarly label the narrative "forgettable" and "paper-thin," with the latter pointing to Rez’s underdeveloped role. These critiques highlight a consensus that the trilogy prioritizes gameplay and style over a compelling or cohesive storyline, leaving the plot feeling secondary to the platforming mechanics. Overall, the critics agree that the Story of Gex Trilogy is a product of its era, blending nostalgia with lightweight storytelling. While Impulsegamer and Nintendo Life appreciate its quirky charm and retro appeal, others like GameCritics and Loot Level Chill find the narrative lacking in modern relevance. The consensus leans toward the story being a nostalgic, if superficial, framework that supports the games’ platforming and thematic variety. Despite its shortcomings, the trilogy’s unique character and 90s-inspired humor resonate with fans of the era, even as its narrative fails to leave a lasting impression. The mixed reception reflects a balance between celebrating its retro identity and acknowledging its limitations as a story-driven experience.

The Gex Trilogy receives praise for its varied and evolving gameplay, with critics highlighting its creative platforming mechanics and unique design elements. Impulsegamer and XboxEra commend the trilogy’s “chaotic level designs” and “unique moveset for Gex,” emphasizing the blend of exploration and experimentation. ZTGD notes that modernized features like improved camera controls and a rewind function make the games more accessible, while Checkpoint Gaming and Critical Hits appreciate the refinement of mechanics in later entries, comparing Gex 2 and 3 to the “semi-open environments” of Super Mario 64. GameGrin and KonsoliFIN praise the maze-like level designs and the inclusion of power-ups, while Player 2 highlights Gex: Enter the Gecko as a significant upgrade with “clever level design.” These positives underscore the trilogy’s enduring appeal through its mix of creativity and nostalgic charm. However, several critics point to persistent flaws that detract from the experience. TheXboxHub and XboxEra criticize the “camera issues” that hinder gameplay, while ZTGD and Nintendo Life note that some levels remain “frustratingly difficult.” COGconnected and GameBlast highlight awkward controls, with the latter mentioning “confusing hitboxes” and “camera control problems” in 3D sections. Gaming Age and GamingTrend describe the gameplay as “finicky” or “lacking rhythm,” particularly in the collectathon-style later entries. Player 2 and SpazioGames point to the original Gex as “primitive” and “outdated,” while TheSixthAxis criticizes the “floaty controls” and “confusing level design” of the first game. These issues, coupled with narrative shortcomings noted by GameCritics, reveal a mixed reception to the trilogy’s technical and design execution. Overall, the critics agree that the Gex Trilogy offers a nostalgic yet uneven platforming experience, with the first game serving as a flawed but charming foundation and the sequels improving upon its mechanics. While ZTGD and Checkpoint Gaming acknowledge the “modernized” and “refined” later entries, many, like TheSixthAxis and SpazioGames, feel the 3D transitions and collectathon elements lack the depth of earlier classics. Despite persistent issues with controls and camera systems, the trilogy’s creativity and exploration-driven design earn it a place as a niche but memorable series. The consensus leans toward appreciation for its ambition and evolution, even as its flaws—particularly in the original entries—remain a point of contention.

The reviews of the Gex Trilogy highlight a generally positive reception for the remastering efforts, particularly in terms of maintaining the original aesthetic while introducing modernized features. Critics like Impulsegamer and XboxEra praise the enhanced resolution, widescreen support, and optional CRT filters, which preserve the retro charm while making the games more accessible on contemporary hardware. XboxEra also notes the art style’s nostalgic resemblance to a “90’s raunchy kids show,” a unique identity that resonates with fans of the era. COGconnected and Player 2 commend the visual fidelity improvements in the 3D entries, such as better draw distances and polygon quality, while PlayStation LifeStyle and PlayStation Universe acknowledge the original game’s once-impressive visuals and the remasters’ sharper look. These enhancements, though modest, are seen as respectful to the source material and effective in appealing to longtime fans. However, the negatives are more pronounced, with many critics pointing to the games’ dated technical aspects and lack of substantial modernization. XboxEra and GamingGrin criticize the 3D sequels for low-poly assets, glitches, and a “grungy” or generic design, while TheXboxHub and GamingTrend note graphical pop-in and sluggish camera controls in the 3D titles. Critical Hits and GameCritics highlight that the remastering process failed to address the original 2D games’ visual shortcomings, leaving them looking unimpressive. Multiplayer.it and TheSixthAxis emphasize the limitations of the late-90s aesthetic, with sparse world details and a lack of richness that feels out of place compared to modern standards. Even ZTGD and SpazioGames acknowledge that the visuals, while improved, remain “decent but not groundbreaking” or “average for a remaster,” suggesting the effort fell short of expectations. The overall consensus among critics is a balanced acknowledgment of the Gex Trilogy’s nostalgic value versus its technical limitations. While the remasters are praised for their respectful preservation of the original art style and basic upgrades like widescreen support, they are also seen as falling into the “hit or miss” category, with some levels and games feeling more dated than others. XboxEra and Gaming Age note the varied level themes and retro charm, but many agree that the graphics lack the polish of modern titles. SpazioGames and ZTGD suggest the remastering was minimal, and TheXboxHub and GamingTrend point to specific technical flaws. Despite these shortcomings, the collection is viewed as a worthwhile trip down memory lane for fans, with its visual design serving as a time capsule of 90s platforming aesthetics. The mixed feedback reflects a shared understanding that while the trilogy’s graphics are not cutting-edge, they retain a certain charm that aligns with its era.

The sound design and music of the Gex Trilogy are largely praised for their nostalgic appeal and ability to evoke the spirit of the 1990s. Reviewers like TheXboxHub highlight the soundtrack as a fitting complement to the gameplay, with its mix of sound effects and music that "reflects the humor and style of the 90s." XboxEra and ZTGD commend the voiceovers, particularly those by comedian Dana Gould, which add charm and character to the game, even if some references feel outdated. The jukebox feature, noted by Multiplayer.it, COGconnected, GameBlast, and PlayStation LifeStyle, is a standout element, allowing players to revisit the music from all three titles and enhancing the retro experience. GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe also appreciate the "enjoyable themes" and cultural nods, while Nintendo Life acknowledges the music’s contribution to the overall experience, despite its lack of alternate soundtracks. These positives collectively emphasize the trilogy’s ability to transport players back to its era through its audio elements. However, several critics point to flaws in the sound design and music that detract from the experience. Checkpoint Gaming and GameGrin criticize the soundtrack for being inconsistent, with some tracks "catchy" and others "grating," while SpazioGames and Loot Level Chill describe Dana Gould’s voice acting as "annoying," "cringe-worthy," and "repetitive," noting that the original Gex had "limited voice-over work" that became tiresome. Player 2 adds that the sequels’ dialogue "crosses into inappropriate territory," and TheSixthAxis calls the music player "clunky and difficult to use," undermining its accessibility. KonsoliFIN also mentions that some tracks are "annoying," while Gaming Age points out the lack of variety in Gex’s one-liners. These critiques suggest that while the audio elements resonate with older audiences, they may feel overdone or poorly executed to others. The overall consensus among critics is a mix of admiration for the trilogy’s nostalgic value and frustration with its dated or inconsistent audio design. While many praise the jukebox and 90s-inspired music as a highlight (TheXboxHub, COGconnected, PlayStation LifeStyle), others find the voice acting and sound effects polarizing, with some calling them "excessive" (GameGrin) or "cringe-inducing" (SpazioGames, Loot Level Chill). The trilogy’s audio is seen as a double-edged sword: it successfully captures the era’s humor and style but struggles with modern relevance and polish. Critics like Nintendo Life and GamingTrend acknowledge the music’s role in enhancing the experience, yet the lack of variety and occasional technical issues (e.g., clunky interfaces) reveal its limitations. Ultimately, the Gex Trilogy’s sound design and music are a love-it-or-hate-it proposition, with older fans likely to appreciate the retro charm, while newer or more critical audiences may find it grating.

The voice acting in the Gex Trilogy is largely praised for its energetic and distinctive portrayal of the titular character, with Dana Gould’s performance being a central highlight. Critics like Impulsegamer, TheXboxHub, and XboxEra emphasize that Gould’s delivery brings Gex to life through a stream of cocky quips, pop culture references, and a sharp sense of humor that aligns with the game’s over-the-top personality. ZTGD and Critical Hits note that his voice work contributes to the game’s charm, with memorable lines that have left a lasting impression, particularly in the context of bonus content like an included interview. COGconnected and Checkpoint Gaming acknowledge the recognizability of Gould’s voice, while PlayStation LifeStyle highlights the writing’s quality, including contributions from The Simpsons writer Rob Cohen, which likely enhances the comedic tone. These reviews collectively frame Gould’s performance as a defining feature of the trilogy’s identity, even if it leans into era-specific humor. However, several critics point to drawbacks in the voice acting, particularly its dated nature and occasional over-the-top delivery. SpazioGames and Loot Level Chill describe Gould’s performance as irritating, with lines that have aged poorly and may alienate modern audiences. Player 2 criticizes the original game’s limited voice acting, calling it a negative experience, while Gaming Age and Checkpoint Gaming note that the frequency and variety of quips can detract from immersion, with some finding his delivery obnoxious. Nintendo Life and PlayStation Universe highlight missed opportunities, such as regional voice actor replacements that failed to maintain the original charm, and TheSixthAxis mentions that some references and lines feel outdated or inappropriate by today’s standards. These critiques suggest that while Gould’s work is notable, its effectiveness is tied to nostalgia and the era’s comedic sensibilities. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting the polarizing nature of the Gex Trilogy’s voice acting. While Impulsegamer, TheXboxHub, and XboxEra celebrate Gould’s contributions as a cornerstone of the game’s humor and character, others like SpazioGames and Loot Level Chill find it grating or outdated. The trilogy’s voice acting also shows variation, with TheSixthAxis pointing to differing performances across regions and Player 2 noting improvements in later games despite lingering issues. Ultimately, the reviews suggest that Dana Gould’s voice acting is a defining trait of the series, but its reception hinges on players’ tolerance for dated humor and the balance between charm and annoyance. The regional inconsistencies and reliance on era-specific references further complicate its legacy, making it a divisive element for modern audiences.

The technical performance of the Gex Trilogy remaster receives generally positive feedback across platforms, with several critics highlighting its stability and modernized features. On the Xbox Series X, Impulsegamer and ZTGD praise the remaster for running smoothly, with stable frame rates, near-instant load times, and updated controls, including a "save anywhere" function. For the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life acknowledges the Carbon Engine’s ability to adapt the games to new hardware, calling the performance "adequate" despite some bugs, while Multiplayer.it notes the conversion is "generally stable" even if Gex 3 struggles with frame rate issues. On the PS5, GameGrin, GamingTrend, and SpazioGames emphasize the remaster’s "smooth" performance and the addition of quality-of-life upgrades like rewind and save points, which enhance playability. Meanwhile, PC reviews from GameCritics, Loot Level Chill, and Noisy Pixel describe the remaster as "playable" and "nearly perfect," with fluid transitions and minimal bugs, though TheSixthAxis points out the experience leans more toward emulation than a full remaster. These positives collectively suggest the remaster is a solid technical upgrade, though not without flaws. However, the technical performance is not without its drawbacks. On the Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub and XboxEra note persistent issues like "camera hiccups" and "graphical pop-in," with the latter criticizing the remaster for retaining "many graphical glitches" from the original 3D titles. For the Nintendo Switch, Multiplayer.it highlights Gex 3’s "significant frame rate issues," while Nintendo Life points to "stiff controls" and "bugs" that detract from the experience. On the PS5, Checkpoint Gaming, COGconnected, and Critical Hits all point to "camera issues" in 3D gameplay and the retention of "original bugs" in 2D titles, with KonsoliFIN and GameBlast adding that "frame rate" and "hitbox" problems, respectively, remain unresolved. The PC version, while technically sound, faces criticism from TheSixthAxis for being "more akin to emulation than a full remaster," and Noisy Pixel reports a "minor crash in the Extras menu." These issues, while varied, collectively point to a remaster that prioritizes nostalgia over modern polish. Overall, the critics agree that the Gex Trilogy remaster is a stable and functional release, but it falls short of fully addressing the technical shortcomings of the original games. The Xbox Series X and PS5 versions are lauded for their smooth performance and modern features, though both platforms face criticism for unresolved camera and control issues. The Nintendo Switch version, while stable in its conversion, struggles with Gex 3’s frame rate and control responsiveness, as noted by Multiplayer.it and Nintendo Life. The PC port, while technically solid, is seen as a hybrid of emulation and remastering, with some critics like TheSixthAxis questioning its depth. Despite these flaws, the remaster’s inclusion of features like save-anywhere, rewind, and widescreen support is widely appreciated, as highlighted by GameGrin, GamingTrend, and SpazioGames. The consensus is that while the technical performance is improved, the trilogy’s legacy issues—particularly in 3D camera mechanics and original bugs—continue to impact the experience, leaving room for further refinement.

The Gex Trilogy’s replay value is largely framed by its nostalgic appeal and collectible-driven mechanics, which resonate strongly with fans of the original games and retro platformers. Critics like TheXboxHub highlight the encouragement of replayability through the inclusion of multiple remotes to collect in each level, creating a sense of completion that motivates revisiting content. ZTGD and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize the added value of extras such as original artwork, videos, interviews, and bonus features, which deepen the experience for dedicated fans. GamingTrend and COGconnected also note that the 3D sequels, in particular, offer opportunities to revisit levels for collectibles and unlock new areas, suggesting that the trilogy’s structure rewards completionist players. These elements collectively position the trilogy as a worthwhile revisit for those with a sentimental connection to its 1990s origins or a fascination with retro gaming aesthetics. However, the replay value faces significant limitations due to dated gameplay mechanics, humor, and a lack of modern refinements. XboxEra and Multiplayer.it (on both Nintendo Switch and PS5) argue that the trilogy’s original content, while nostalgic, fails to offer substantial improvements that would entice new players. Nintendo Life and Gaming Age point to fetch quests and plodding gameplay loops as deterrents, while KonsoliFIN and Loot Level Chill criticize the outdated humor and mechanics as barriers to engagement. GameGrin and GamingTrend acknowledge that the collectibles and secrets provide some incentive, but many reviewers, including Critical Hits and TheSixthAxis, suggest that the overall experience feels repetitive or unpolished, reducing the likelihood of frequent revisits for those unfamiliar with the series. The lack of depth and innovation in core gameplay is a recurring concern across multiple platforms. The overall consensus among critics is that the Gex Trilogy’s replay value is niche and conditional, primarily appealing to retro enthusiasts rather than a broad audience. While TheXboxHub, Checkpoint Gaming, and GamingTrend recognize the appeal of collectibles and bonus content, they also concede that these elements may not compensate for the series’ dated design. Impulsegamer and GameBlast explicitly state that the trilogy is best suited for fans of the original games or those with a strong retro bias, with limited draw for newcomers. Despite some praise for the quirky humor and nostalgic charm, the majority of reviews suggest that the trilogy’s replayability hinges on personal attachment to its era rather than its modern relevance. This creates a mixed reception, where the collection is seen as a must-play for die-hard fans but a less compelling choice for those seeking fresh or engaging experiences.