Gex Trilogy breathes new life into 90s platforming classics

Of all of the 90s platforming mascots, it’s a disgrace that Gex by no means caught on. That franchise has sat dormant for many years, and after countless clamoring from followers, the franchise is lastly getting some love. Gex Trilogy is coming this summer season and packages the unique three Gex titles in addition to the 2 video games launched on Sport Boy Colour. I obtained to play it at PAX East 2025, and I really feel like that is precisely the type of re-release that may inject new life right into a franchise.

Gex Trilogy strikes all 5 video games to Restricted Run’s Carbon Engine, including new UI options and high quality of life enhancements, like the flexibility to rewind gameplay or create save states. The Gex video games had been a bit tough across the edges, so having these trendy options actually simplifies your entire expertise. After all, the hardcore followers can choose to disregard these options and play it the old school manner.

I performed the whole thing of my demo on a Steam Deck OLED, which appropriately blended that old style, handheld feeling with trendy know-how. The colours completely pop on that display, way over they ever might have on the shows that existed 30 years in the past. The improved, HD visuals are a powerful sufficient argument on their very own to warrant this trilogy’s existence.

What’s actually necessary concerning the Gex Trilogy is that it’ll be loads of of us’ introduction to the sequence. I keep in mind taking part in Gex 3: Deep Cowl Gecko on the PlayStation as a toddler, however demoing the re-release at PAX East was my first time going hands-on with the unique 2D platformer.

Longtime followers of the previous Sq. Enix mascot are nonetheless pounding the desk for a correct new Gex sport, and this looks like step one to that turning into a actuality. It’ll be a great way for writer Sq. Enix to gauge trendy curiosity in the franchise, and a possible inflow of latest followers might lastly get the wheels turning on the gecko’s long-awaited return.

This preview relies on a demo performed on Steam Deck at PAX East 2025.

Donovan is a journalist from Maryland. His oldest gaming reminiscence is taking part in Pajama Sam on his mother’s desktop throughout weekends. Pokémon Emerald, Halo 2, and the unique Star Wars Battlefront 2 had been a number of the most influential titles in awakening his love for video video games. After interning for Shacknews all through faculty, Donovan graduated from Bowie State College in 2020 with a significant in broadcast journalism and joined the staff full-time. He is a large movie fanatic and can speak with you about motion pictures and video games all day. You’ll be able to observe him on twitter @Donimals_