Developer: id Software

Hovertank 3D (1991)

by Christopher May 20, 2021

written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1991
Genres: Shooter
Platforms: DOS
Developers: id Software
Publishers: Softdisk

Hovertank 3D: A Pioneering 3D Shooter from id Software

Released in 1991, Hovertank 3D is a groundbreaking first-person shooter (FPS) developed by id Software, the legendary studio behind Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, and Quake. While it may not be as well-known as these later titles, Hovertank 3D holds a significant place in gaming history as one of the earliest examples of a true 3D FPS.

Gameplay

Hovertank 3D puts players in control of a futuristic tank that hovers just above the ground. The game is set in a series of 3D mazes filled with敵 and obstacles. Players must navigate these mazes, using their tank’s weapons to destroy敵 and reach the exit.

The game’s controls are simple but effective. Players use the arrow keys to move their tank forward, backward, and sideways. The mouse is used to aim and fire the tank’s weapons. Hovertank 3D also features a unique “look up/down” feature, which allows players to aim their weapons at different heights. This feature was groundbreaking at the time and would become a staple of future FPS games.

Graphics

For its time, Hovertank 3D’s graphics were impressive. The game used a combination of scaled sprites and drawn walls to create a sense of 3D space. While the walls were solid colors with no textures, the sprites were detailed and well-animated. The game also featured a variety of different environments, including deserts, forests, and mountains.

Sound

The sound in Hovertank 3D is simple but effective. The game features a variety of sound effects, including explosions, gunfire, and the sound of the tank’s engine. The music is also well-composed and helps to create a sense of atmosphere.

Legacy

Hovertank 3D was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, graphics, and sound. It also helped to popularize the FPS genre and paved the way for future classics like Wolfenstein 3D and Doom.

In addition to its historical significance, Hovertank 3D is also a fun and challenging game to play today. The game’s simple controls and addictive gameplay make it easy to pick up and play, but the challenging levels will keep players coming back for more.

Conclusion

Hovertank 3D is a groundbreaking FPS that helped to define the genre. With its innovative gameplay, graphics, and sound, the game set a new standard for 3D shooters. While it may not be as well-known as some of id Software’s later titles, Hovertank 3D deserves to be remembered as one of the most important games in the history of FPS gaming.

Additional Information

Hovertank 3D was developed by a team of four people: John Carmack, John Romero, Tom Hall, and Adrian Carmack.
The game was originally released as shareware, but was later sold commercially by Apogee Software.
Hovertank 3D was ported to a number of different platforms, including the Atari ST, Amiga, and Macintosh.
The game’s source code was released in 1999, and it has since been ported to a number of modern platforms.

Personal Opinion

I think Hovertank 3D is a great game that still holds up today. The gameplay is simple but addictive, the graphics are impressive for their time, and the sound is well-composed. If you’re a fan of FPS games or the history of gaming, I highly recommend checking out Hovertank 3D.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Spear of Destiny (1992)

by Christopher January 2, 2021

written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1992
Genres: Adventure, Shooter
Platforms: DOS, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: id Software
Publishers: FormGen, id Software, Psygnosis, Zodttd

Spear of Destiny (1992): A Wolfenstein 3D Prequel

Spear of Destiny is a first-person shooter game developed by id Software and published by Apogee Software in 1992. It is a prequel to Wolfenstein 3D, and uses the same engine and gameplay. However, Spear of Destiny is not divided into 6 separate episodes – all the levels are one long episode. The enemies and weapons are pretty much the same as in Wolfenstein 3D, with only a few new additions.

The story of Spear of Destiny takes place before the events of Wolfenstein 3D. The player takes on the role of B.J. Blazkowicz, an American spy who has been sent to Nazi Germany to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Blazkowicz must fight his way through hordes of Nazis and other enemies in order to reach Hitler and complete his mission.

Spear of Destiny introduces several new features to the Wolfenstein 3D formula. One of the most notable new features is the addition of new bosses. These bosses are much more difficult to defeat than the regular enemies, and they require the player to use different strategies to take them down.

Another new feature in Spear of Destiny is the addition of a new type of enemy. These new enemies are called “Uber Soldiers”, and they are much stronger and more durable than the regular Nazis. Uber Soldiers are also armed with powerful weapons, so they can be very dangerous.

Finally, Spear of Destiny also introduces a new pickup: a large box of ammo. This pickup can be found in some of the levels, and it gives the player a full supply of ammo for all of their weapons. This can be very helpful in the later levels of the game, when the player is facing increasingly difficult enemies.

Overall, Spear of Destiny is a solid prequel to Wolfenstein 3D. It offers more of the same fast-paced, intense first-person shooter action, with a few new additions to keep things fresh. If you’re a fan of Wolfenstein 3D, then you’ll definitely want to check out Spear of Destiny.

Gameplay

Spear of Destiny plays very similarly to Wolfenstein 3D. The player controls B.J. Blazkowicz from a first-person perspective, and must fight their way through hordes of Nazis and other enemies in order to complete their mission. The game is divided into 21 levels, which are all connected together into one long episode.

The player has a variety of weapons at their disposal, including pistols, machine guns, shotguns, and rocket launchers. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the player must choose the right weapon for the job.

In addition to the regular enemies, the player must also face off against a variety of bosses. These bosses are much more difficult to defeat than the regular enemies, and they require the player to use different strategies to take them down.

Spear of Destiny also introduces a new type of enemy: Uber Soldiers. These enemies are much stronger and more durable than the regular Nazis, and they are also armed with powerful weapons. Uber Soldiers can be very dangerous, so the player must be careful when fighting them.

Development

Spear of Destiny was developed by id Software, the same team that developed Wolfenstein 3D. The game was originally intended to be an expansion pack for Wolfenstein 3D, but it was eventually released as a standalone game.

Spear of Destiny was developed using the same engine as Wolfenstein 3D, but with a few minor improvements. The game’s graphics are slightly improved, and the sound effects are more realistic. The game also features a new soundtrack, composed by Bobby Prince.

Release

Spear of Destiny was released on September 18, 1992, for MS-DOS. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. Spear of Destiny was later ported to a variety of other platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Sega Genesis, and the Atari Jaguar.

Reception

Spear of Destiny was praised for its fast-paced, intense gameplay, and its improved graphics and sound effects. The game was also praised for its new features, such as the new bosses and the new type of enemy.

However, Spear of Destiny was also criticized for its short length and its lack of innovation. The game is only 21 levels long, and it does not offer much new content compared to Wolfenstein 3D.

Legacy

Spear of Destiny is considered to be one of the most important first-person shooter games of all time. The game helped to popularize the genre, and it set the standard for future first-person shooters. Spear of Destiny is also notable for its

Review Score

8/10

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Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994)

by Christopher November 18, 2020

written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1994
Genres: Puzzle, Shooter
Platforms: DOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PC-9800 Series, Tapwave Zodiac
Developers: id Software
Publishers: Bethesda Softworks, GT Interactive Software, id Software, Imagineer, Tapwave, Virgin Interactive Entertainment (Europe) Ltd.

Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994)

The seminal first-person shooter returns with a vengeance.

Doom II: Hell on Earth is the sequel to the groundbreaking first-person shooter Doom, and it’s every bit as good as its predecessor. In fact, many fans consider it to be even better. The game was developed by id Software and released in 1994.

Story

Doom II picks up where Doom left off. The player character, known as the Doomguy, has defeated the forces of Hell on the moon of Phobos. However, the demons have now invaded Earth, and it’s up to the Doomguy to stop them.

The game features 30 levels, each of which is set in a different location on Earth. The player must fight their way through hordes of demons, including new enemies such as the Revenant and the Mancubus. The game also features a variety of new weapons, including the Super Shotgun and the BFG 9000.

Gameplay

Doom II is a fast-paced, action-packed first-person shooter. The player character is armed with a variety of weapons, and must use them to defeat the hordes of demons that stand in their way. The game features a variety of different environments, from the ruins of cities to the depths of Hell itself.

Doom II also features a number of new gameplay elements that were not present in the original game. These include:

New weapons: The Super Shotgun, the Chaingun, and the BFG 9000 are all new weapons that can be used to defeat the demons.
New enemies: The Revenant, the Mancubus, and the Arachnotron are all new enemies that appear in Doom II.
New levels: Doom II features 30 levels, each of which is set in a different location on Earth.

Graphics and sound

Doom II’s graphics were cutting-edge for their time. The game used a 3D engine to create a realistic and immersive world. The game’s sound effects and music are also top-notch, and help to create a truly terrifying atmosphere.

Reception

Doom II was a critical and commercial success. The game sold over 1 million copies in its first year of release, and it was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, innovative graphics, and terrifying atmosphere. Doom II is considered to be one of the greatest first-person shooters of all time, and it continues to be played by fans around the world today.

Legacy

Doom II has had a profound impact on the video game industry. The game’s fast-paced gameplay and innovative graphics helped to define the first-person shooter genre. Doom II also helped to popularize online multiplayer gaming, and it is still one of the most popular games to play online today.

Doom II has been ported to a wide variety of platforms, including the PC, the PlayStation, the Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch. The game has also been re-released several times, including a 2019 re-release that features updated graphics and sound effects.

Conclusion

Doom II: Hell on Earth is a classic first-person shooter that is still enjoyed by fans around the world today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, innovative graphics, and terrifying atmosphere make it one of the most memorable and influential games of all time.

Review Score

9.5/10

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Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons: Marooned on Mars (1990)

by Nish May 19, 2020

written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1990
Genres: Platform
Platforms: DOS
Developers: id Software
Publishers: Apogee Software

Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons: Marooned on Mars (1990)

Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons: Marooned on Mars is a side-scrolling platformer game developed by id Software and published by Apogee Software in 1990. It is the first game in the Commander Keen series, and was a critical and commercial success, helping to launch id Software into the forefront of game development.

Gameplay

Commander Keen is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls the titular Commander Keen, an eight-year-old genius who must save the Earth from alien invaders. Keen is armed with a variety of weapons, including a pogo stick, a ray gun, and a slingshot, and must use his agility and wits to navigate through a variety of levels, defeating enemies and solving puzzles.

The game is divided into three episodes, each with its own unique setting and enemies. In the first episode, Marooned on Mars, Keen must rescue his parents from the clutches of the evil Vorticons. In the second episode, The Earth Explodes, Keen must travel to Earth to stop the Vorticons from destroying the planet. In the third and final episode, Keen Dreams, Keen must travel through his own dreams to defeat the Vorticons once and for all.

Development

Commander Keen was developed by a small team at id Software, led by John Carmack and John Romero. The game was inspired by the classic platformer Super Mario Bros., but id Software wanted to create a game that was more challenging and action-packed. They also wanted to create a game that took advantage of the advanced graphics and sound capabilities of the PC.

Commander Keen was a groundbreaking game in many ways. It was one of the first games to use a true 3D engine, which allowed for smooth scrolling and detailed graphics. The game also featured a catchy soundtrack by Bobby Prince, which helped to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.

Reception

Commander Keen was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, innovative graphics, and catchy soundtrack. It was also a financial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Commander Keen helped to launch id Software into the forefront of game development. The game’s success led to the development of several sequels, as well as other classic id Software games such as Wolfenstein 3D and Doom.

Legacy

Commander Keen is considered to be one of the greatest platformer games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay, graphics, and sound helped to set a new standard for the genre. Commander Keen also helped to popularize the side-scrolling platformer genre, and inspired many other games, including Super Mario World and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Commander Keen remains a popular game today, and is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PC, Mac, and mobile devices. Commander Keen has also been featured in several compilations and re-releases, including the Commander Keen Complete Pack and the Commander Keen Collection.

Impact on Gaming

Commander Keen had a significant impact on the gaming industry. The game’s success helped to popularize the side-scrolling platformer genre, and inspired many other games. Commander Keen also helped to establish id Software as one of the leading game developers in the world.

Commander Keen’s legacy can still be seen in many modern games. The game’s fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and innovative graphics have influenced many subsequent platformers. Commander Keen is also credited with helping to popularize the use of 3D engines in games.

Commander Keen is a classic game that deserves its place in the pantheon of great video games. The game’s innovative gameplay, graphics, and sound helped to set a new standard for the platformer genre, and inspired many other games. Commander Keen is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages today, and its legacy can still be seen in many modern games.

Additional Information

Commander Keen was originally released as shareware, with the first episode being free to download. The remaining two episodes could be purchased from Apogee Software.
Commander Keen was one of the first games to feature a level editor, allowing players to create their own levels.
Commander Keen has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PC, Mac, mobile devices, and even the Nintendo DS.
Commander Keen has been featured in several compilations and re-releases, including the Commander Keen Complete Pack and the Commander Keen Collection.
Commander Keen is still a popular game today, and is enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Doom 3 (2004)

by Nish March 15, 2018

written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2004
Genres: Shooter
Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox
Developers: Aspyr Media, id Software
Publishers: Activision, Aspyr Media

Doom 3: A Descent into the Abyss

In the annals of first-person shooters, few games have left as lasting an impression as Doom 3. Released in 2004, this groundbreaking title redefined the genre with its stunning graphics, immersive atmosphere, and relentless action. Set on a remote Martian research facility overrun by demonic hordes, Doom 3 tasks players with fighting their way through hell and back to survive.

A Terrifying Masterpiece

Doom 3’s atmosphere is one of its most striking features. The game’s lighting engine, which was revolutionary at the time, casts eerie shadows and creates a sense of dread that permeates every level. The sound design is equally impressive, with creepy ambient noises and spine-tingling screams that will keep you on edge.

The game’s environments are a masterclass in level design. From the claustrophobic corridors of the research facility to the sprawling, demonic landscapes of hell, each area is meticulously crafted to create a sense of place and unease. The game’s enemies are equally well-designed, with grotesque and terrifying creatures that will haunt your nightmares long after you’ve finished playing.

Relentless Action

Of course, Doom 3 is not just about atmosphere and scares. It’s also an incredibly fast-paced and action-packed shooter. Players will have access to a wide arsenal of weapons, including the iconic shotgun, chainsaw, and rocket launcher, to use against the demonic hordes. The combat is intense and visceral, and the game’s gore system is one of the most gruesome and realistic ever created.

A Technical Marvel

When it was released, Doom 3 was a technical marvel. The game’s graphics were some of the best ever seen at the time, and its lighting and shadow effects were groundbreaking. The game also featured a number of innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to use the flashlight to see in dark areas and the ability to pick up and throw objects.

Legacy and Impact

Doom 3 was a critical and commercial success, and it has gone on to become one of the most influential first-person shooters of all time. The game’s atmosphere, graphics, and gameplay have been praised by critics and players alike, and it has been cited as an inspiration for many subsequent games in the genre.

Doom 3 has also had a significant impact on the horror genre. The game’s dark and oppressive atmosphere, combined with its relentless violence, has helped to redefine what it means to be a horror game. Doom 3 has also been credited with helping to popularize the “survival horror” subgenre, which focuses on creating a sense of vulnerability and helplessness in the player.

Conclusion

Doom 3 is a masterpiece of the first-person shooter genre. Its stunning graphics, immersive atmosphere, and relentless action have made it a classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers today. Whether you’re a fan of horror games, shooters, or just great games in general, Doom 3 is a must-play.