This is the inaugural episode of Commander Keen's adventures, originally released for DOS in 1990. Players step into the role of Billy Blaze, an eight-year-old genius who dons a football helmet and pilots a homemade spaceship to become Commander Keen, the Defender of the Earth. The game's narrative centers on Keen's mission to thwart an alien invasion by the Vorticons, who threaten to destroy the planet.

As the first installment in the "Invasion of the Vorticons" series, this episode establishes the foundational story and introduces the primary antagonists. It details the initial crisis facing Earth and Commander Keen's first actions to protect his home world.

Story and Setting

The story presents a science fiction scenario where a young hero confronts a global threat. The setting is Earth, which is suddenly imperiled by an extraterrestrial force. The narrative emphasizes youthful bravery and ingenuity, as Commander Keen uses his intellect and a makeshift spacecraft to confront the Vorticon invasion. A central plot point involves Keen's objective to disable the Vorticons' planet-destroying device, known as the "Earth Shaker."

Core Gameplay Mechanics

This episode features id Software's early side-scrolling technology. Players navigate through various environments, primarily engaging in platforming challenges. Commander Keen can run, jump, and utilize his signature "pogo stick" for enhanced vertical movement and enemy engagement. Gameplay involves exploring levels, solving environmental puzzles, and confronting alien adversaries. Precise jumping and movement are essential for overcoming obstacles and progressing through alien bases and planetary landscapes.

What makes this game unique?

A distinctive aspect of this game is its pioneering use of smooth side-scrolling graphics for its time, representing a notable technical achievement for a DOS game in 1990. It also features a narrative driven by a child protagonist, blending adventure with a lighthearted tone. The pogo stick, used for both traversal and combat, provides a unique gameplay element that differentiates Commander Keen.

Gameplay Progression and New Elements

As the initial episode in the "Invasion of the Vorticons" series, this installment introduces the core gameplay loop and the overarching conflict. Players will explore several distinct alien environments, including the Vorticon Mothership and various planetary outposts. Each level presents unique challenges and enemy types, with increasing difficulty and complexity. The episode concludes with Commander Keen successfully neutralizing the immediate threat posed by the Vorticons' Earth-destroying weapon, setting the stage for subsequent episodes.

Key Features

Platforming Challenges

Navigating intricate levels requires precise timing and execution of jumps and pogo-stick maneuvers.

Alien Encounters

Players will encounter a variety of alien creatures, each with distinct movement patterns and attack methods.

Exploration and Puzzle Solving

Discovering hidden pathways and determining how to progress through alien installations are integral to the experience.

Release Information

This game was released on December 18, 1990, for the DOS platform. It functions as an episode within the larger Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons series.