This is the inaugural episode of a celebrated side-scrolling platformer series, originally released for DOS in 1990. It introduces players to the persona of Commander Keen, the courageous alter-ego of an eight-year-old genius named Billy Blaze. Driven by the knowledge that Earth faces imminent danger, Billy transforms into Commander Keen, donning his brother's football helmet and piloting a homemade interstellar spaceship to defend his home planet.

The Story and Setting

The narrative unfolds as Commander Keen embarks on his first mission, a critical journey to Mars. The planet has been infiltrated by the Vorticons, an alien race with nefarious intentions. Keen's objective is to thwart their plans and secure Earth's safety. The game's setting is a vibrant, albeit somewhat perilous, Martian landscape, characterized by its distinctive red terrain, alien structures, and the presence of various Vorticon inhabitants.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

At its heart, this game is a platformer, emphasizing precise movement and environmental navigation. Players guide Commander Keen through a series of levels, jumping across gaps, climbing ladders, and avoiding hazards. A key mechanic is Keen's signature pogo stick, which allows for extended jumps and can be used to defeat certain enemies. The gameplay also involves collecting items, such as keys to unlock new areas, and managing limited lives. The challenge lies in mastering Keen's movement and understanding enemy patterns to progress through the increasingly difficult stages.

Episodic Structure and Narrative Progression

As the first episode in the "Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons" series, this installment serves as the starting point for Commander Keen's adventures. It establishes the core premise and introduces the primary antagonist, the Vorticons. The narrative progression is linear, with each level building upon the previous one as Keen inches closer to confronting the alien threat. This episode lays the groundwork for future installments by defining Keen's character and the overarching conflict.

What makes this game unique?

The game's appeal lies in its innovative side-scrolling technology for its time, offering fluid animation and responsive controls that were groundbreaking in 1990. The concept of an eight-year-old boy as a space-faring hero, coupled with a whimsical yet determined tone, sets it apart. The distinct visual style and the memorable pogo-stick mechanic contribute to its enduring charm.

New Gameplay Elements and Locations

This initial episode introduces players to the Martian environment, a new setting filled with unique challenges and enemy types specific to the Vorticon invasion. The gameplay mechanics, including the use of the pogo stick and the exploration of diverse levels, are all established here. As the first chapter, it presents the foundational elements that would be expanded upon in subsequent episodes.

Comparison to Previous Episodes

As the very first episode, there is no prior content within this specific series to compare it to. It stands as the origin point, introducing all the core mechanics, characters, and the central conflict that defines the "Invasion of the Vorticons" saga.