Whereas some are extra cynical about it, I’ve been loving the ocean of remasters, ports, and remakes of traditional video games that at the moment are playable on present methods. The newest retro assortment is Restricted Run Video games’ Gex Trilogy, which brings Dana Gould’s media-obsessed gecko to fashionable methods. With fairly a number of quality-of-life upgrades and loads of particular options, that is greater than a easy port and offers Crystal Dynamics’ forgotten mascot the respect he deserves.
Whereas it’s potential to get the complete nostalgia impact and play the unique video games with purely digital controls and in a 4:3 side ratio, there are additionally numerous additions. Probably the most thrilling is the flexibility to play the Gex 2 and three, that are each 3D platformers, in native widescreen. Reasonably than simply stretching the display screen to realize this impact, you may see extra of the world directly within the widescreen model. This makes it the best option to play these platformers as they give the impression of being sharp and offer you a wider view than beforehand obtainable. There are additionally a number of different quality-of-life upgrades, reminiscent of the flexibility to rewind gameplay, make saves at any level, and play with a CRT tv filter.
The unique Gex is what I’m most nostalgic for, and I had a good time going via the sport once more. The 2D platformer continues to be fairly enjoyable, as you’ve actually received to discover the degrees as a way to discover TV remotes to unlock different levels, as merely going from left to proper received’t hold the sport going. The sport was a visible feat again in 1995, and whereas the sequels are clearly impressed by Tremendous Mario 64 being a phenomenon, it’s exhausting to not surprise what the video games would’ve been like if it had doubled down on 2D and advanced that manner.
The 3D sequels, Gex: Enter the Gecko and Gex 3: Deep Cowl Gecko, retain the nice humorousness and have former The Simpsons author Rob Cohen doubling down on gags. The popular culture references and parodies assist the sport really feel like an actual time capsule, though the gameplay hasn’t aged extremely properly. Gex 2 and three weren’t Tremendous Mario 64 upon launch, they usually actually aren’t as enjoyable to return to 25 years later. Nevertheless, there’s a attraction to platformers of the period, and these collectathons are faithfully put collectively within the Gex Trilogy. There’s worth past nostalgia right here, even when these aren’t platforming classics (though it’s enjoyable to see a few of the big names that labored on these titles, reminiscent of Glen Schofield, Evan Wells, and Bruce Straley).
I do wish to give a particular shoutout to the sport’s good assortment of bonus options. There’s an awesome interview with Dana Gould, prototype footage of the never-released Gex Jr. recreation, plus advertisements, manuals, and artwork for all three titles. This further effort, together with an entire music participant for all three titles, actually helps make Gex Trilogy really feel like a celebration of the collection. We like to see it.
Gex Trilogy (PS5) Evaluation: Closing Verdict
The Gex Trilogy lives as much as its identify and brings all three Gex video games to fashionable consoles. With strong quality-of-life updates and a pleasant array of bonus options, there’s lots right here for followers to sink their enamel into. Whereas the 3D sequels haven’t aged like wine, they’re nonetheless attention-grabbing to revisit, and the unique side-scroller continues to be numerous enjoyable.
The unique Gex continues to be fairly enjoyable
Good quality-of-life upgrades
Good array of bonus eatures
The 3D sequels aren’t fairly as beloved
Disclosure: The writer offered a digital copy for our Gex Trilogy PS5 assessment. Reviewed on model 1.000.000.
