For younger gamers, the name Gex might not ring a bell, especially as it’s been over two decades since his last adventure. Even some veteran players might not be familiar, as the series never quiet reached mainstream success.

Gex the Gecko began as a mascot for the 3DO console. However,when the 3DO’s fate became clear,Gex quickly transitioned to other consoles and PCs. In an era saturated with mascot platformers, standing out proved difficult, and Gex was eventually overshadowed by his contemporaries.

now, years later, the original Gex remains a solid 2D platformer. The gecko is responsive, and the level design incorporates some clever ideas. While not groundbreaking, it’s visually appealing and has a catchy soundtrack. The inclusion of free saves in this new collection eliminates the need for the old password system.

Crystal Dynamics, the game’s developer, recognized Gex’s potential and transitioned him to 3D with GEX: Enter The Gecko in 1998. It was a decent game for its time, following the collect-a-thon formula popularized by Super Mario 64.

The 3D Gex features a central hub world with doors leading to different levels. Players collect items in these levels to unlock doors in the hub. However, Gex’s initial foray into 3D wasn’t entirely prosperous. The camera is notably problematic, often hindering gameplay. The levels can feel empty and confusing, and the game’s visuals haven’t aged gracefully.

Gex 3: deep Cover Gecko – A Surprising Improvement

“The third Gex is easily the best game in the entire set.”

Despite the shortcomings of the second game, Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko stands out as a surprisingly good entry in the collection. The camera is considerably improved, and the level design is much better. While the polygon graphics from the late 90s may not be as remarkable today, the game is still enjoyable, and the objectives are clear. The third Gex is arguably the best in the trilogy.

So, why didn’t Gex achieve greater success, especially considering the quality of the first and third games? Several factors likely contributed, including the abundance of platformers at the time. The series’ quirky humor, filled with movie references and aimed at teenage boys, may not have appealed to everyone.

Despite its shortcomings, the Gex series is worth remembering. It encapsulates the evolution of the platformer genre in the late 90s. From a mascot-driven 2D game to a 3D platformer that learned from its mistakes, Gex’s journey mirrors that of many other game characters of the time.

The gex Trilogy brings these games to modern tvs without any graphical enhancements. While there are a few filters in the menus, there are no other improvements besides free saves. If you have fond memories of Gex or missed out on the series initially, the Gex Trilogy is a worthwhile purchase.