The Birth of a Hero
The brainchild of John Carmack, John Romero, Tom Hall, and Adrian Carmack, Commander Keen introduced players to the adventures of an eight-year-old genius named Billy Blaze. By donning his brother's football helmet, Billy transformed into the titular hero, Commander Keen, defender of Earth and all-around kid adventurer.
Commander Keen games are classic side-scrolling platformers. Players navigate through various levels, jumping between platforms, avoiding hazards, and battling enemies. The series is known for its precise controls, challenging level design, and a quirky sense of humor.
One of the defining features of the early Commander Keen games was their non-linear level structure. Players could explore levels freely, uncovering hidden areas and collecting items to progress. This sense of exploration added depth to the gameplay and encouraged players to revisit levels to discover all their secrets.
Legacy and Impact
Commander Keen was a groundbreaking series for several reasons. It was one of the first side-scrolling platformers to feature smooth scrolling graphics on the PC, thanks to the game engine developed by id Software. Additionally, it helped establish id Software as a pioneering force in the gaming industry.
The series also left a lasting legacy on the gaming landscape. Its influence can be seen in later platformers, particularly those developed by id Software alumni. The spirit of exploration and discovery that defined Commander Keen lives on in many modern indie games.
Evolution of the Series
Over the years, the Commander Keen series saw several sequels and spin-offs. These included titles like "Commander Keen in Goodbye, Galaxy!" and "Commander Keen: Aliens Ate My Babysitter!" Each installment built upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, introducing new levels, enemies, and gameplay mechanics.
In 2001, a new Commander Keen game was released for the Game Boy Color, marking the series' first foray into handheld gaming. While this iteration received mixed reviews, it demonstrated the enduring popularity of the franchise.
Commander Keen holds a special place in gaming history as a pioneering platformer that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on PC hardware. Its charming protagonist, challenging gameplay, and sense of adventure continue to captivate players to this day. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the series, Commander Keen offers an unforgettable journey through the cosmos with a hero unlike any other.
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WRITTEN BY AlexRider
EDITED BY WoorLord
IMAGES SOURCED FROM Phat Code - PC Gamer
Now I'll have to work out how to wire a floppy drive to a current-gen PC, find out if the floppys still work (3.5'') and see if i can convince DosBox to run my old collection.
Or if I can find them on the Interwebs. Together with Duke Nukem 1+2, Sokoban and others from that era.
Nice writeup, good read!