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.