Limited Run’s booth is a highly sought out location at every PAX, and this year, they’ve brought a great line up–including the titular gecko of video games’ past, Gex, in Gex Trilogy.

Limited Run has remade the Gex Trilogy: Gex, Gex: Enter the Gecko, and Gex: Deep Cover Gecko, using their proprietary Carbon Engine, and Pat and I were able to demo it while speaking with developer Seth Fulkerson and Marketing Manager, Jeremy Campbell.

Jeremy led us into a cozy room reserved for media (and where the gecko himself suits up) where we got to play Gex Trilogy while chatting with him and Seth. We played through the Scream TV and Toon TV levels in Gex: Enter the Gecko on a Steam Deck OLED, and man, was it gorgeous. While I already know the OLED helps make the games’ color pop, but it also is a showing of how the Carbon Engine levels up an older title.

We asked Seth what it was like utilizing the Carbon Engine and to elaborate on his focus when giving Gex the make-over treatment. Seth–whose previous project was Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore–explained that working with Limited Run’s proprietary engine allowed emulating the trilogy in a way that enhances the gameplay to modern sensibilities. For example, there will be a rewind functionality, save states, and other quality of life improvements.

Once of the biggest changes (and challenges) was updating the Gex games to have analogue controls. Seth had to reserve engineer the original controls and ensure everything mapped out appropriately, including controlling the camera angle with the other analogue stick.

Seth’s work shone brightly during our playthrough of the demo. Gex was easy to maneuver, and controlling the camera angle was a blessing I wish we had in the 90s. Everything felt smooth while transporting me to my childhood days of goofy-looking enemies and wriggling inanimate objects. It honestly felt like pure joy just to run and jump around.

Jeremy added that it was important for them to honor the legacy of any game they remade/remastered. They wanted to honor the roots of the Gex games, including the wacky pop culture references, and focus primarily making the game feel like “how we remember it, not how it actually was”.

This rolls back to much of Limited Run’s work with retro games in general. While some people may not want to admit it, but going back to play older games doesn’t always feel good or fun. Now, let’s also add the fact that many people may not have access to older games. Therefore, a marriage between accessibility and modern sensibility can be a recipe for successful video game preservation.

Seth and Jeremy were also excited about the other things they were able to add to Gex Trilogy, like trophies (PC, Xbox, PlayStation), a museum feature, and even an interview with voice actor Dana Gould. This is a very exciting time for Limited Run to tackle this legendary platforming mascot, as it is also their first “true” 3D game created with the Carbon Engine. We could see their sincere attempts to up the ante in presentation in the game and set a new standard.

We concluded our demo and interview by asking what their dream game would be to work on if given the chance. Racing and wrestling games were mentioned, but there was an enthusiastic nod to Chrono Trigger. Pat and I agreed we would surrender our wallets immediately if that ever happened. But, until then, we walked away impressed and excited to play more of Gex Trilogy. We also asked them a little bit about Switch 2 physicals. Check out our other article for that. We thank Seth, Jeremy, and everyone at Limited Run for their hospitality and time while at PAX East.

What’s next? Well, funny you should ask because pre-orders are officially open for Gex Trilogy. Check out the line of products you are pre-order at Limited Run below, which are open from May 9th – July 6th.

Standard $39.99 USD

Classic Edition $74.99 USD

• Game (PC version includes digital Steam Code with physical disc)
• Retro Box
• SteelBook
• Soundtrack Selection
• 12” x 16” Double-Sided Poster

Tail Time Edition $199.99 USD

• Game (PC version includes digital Steam Code with physical disc)
• Tail Time Edition Box Featuring art by Yoshitaka Amano
• Retro Box
• OST for all games
• SteelBook featuring art by Marcos Lopez
• 12” x 16” Double-Sided Poster featuring art by Alex TJ Campbell
• 36” Inflatable Gex Doll
• 7” Gex Statue
• Remote Pin
• Trading Cards

Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast About Video Games

The Boss Rush Podcast is the flagship podcast of Boss Rush Media and The Boss Rush Network. Each week, hosts Corey Dirrig, LeRon Dawkins, Stephanie Klimov, and Pat Klein, as well as their friends, fellow content creators, developers, and industry veterans come together to discuss their week in gaming, including what they’ve been playing, a randomly chosen rotating weekly segment, the Boss Rush Banter of the week, answer community write-ins, and more. New episodes are released every Thursday. Members of The Boss Rush Network’s Patreon will receive the exclusive Pre-Show at any tier along with other perks.

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Featured Image Source: Limited Run

Source: Limited Run