Commander Keen[t2] - Game Boy / Color Game
About This Game
Jump into the action as Billy Blaze in Commander Keen[t2]. Use your pogo stick and Neural Ray Blaster to stop the Omegamatic Warp Drive on three alien worlds.
What makes this game fun is how you move through the levels. Instead of just walking, you use a pogo stick to bounce high into the air. This bouncing mechanic changes how you approach obstacles and enemies. You need to time your jumps carefully to reach new areas or avoid hazards on the ground. The feeling of soaring over gaps and landing back down is satisfying and central to the gameplay.
When you face enemies, you have two main options. First, you can use your Neural Ray Blaster to stun them. This weapon shoots a beam that freezes foes in place, making them easy targets. Once an enemy is stunned, you can jump on their heads to destroy them completely. This combo of shooting and jumping requires quick reflexes. You will encounter various aliens across three distinct worlds: Fribbulus Xax, Shikadia, and Droidiccus. Each world has its own flavor, but the core challenge remains the same.
On these alien planets, you will meet enemies like Bloogs, Droidiccus, and Shikadi. Some of them might look tough, but they are vulnerable to your pogo stick bounces or your blaster. You need to watch out for their attacks while looking for ways to take them down. The game is packed with action, and you will often be moving from one screen to the next as you progress through the levels.
Exploration is a big part of the experience. As you move through the levels, look for plasma crystals. Collecting these items is important for your score and progression. The worlds are designed with platforms and obstacles that test your timing. You might find yourself needing to bounce off a specific enemy or wall to reach a hidden area. Keep an eye out for these secrets as you play.
The challenge comes from the precision required in your jumps and shots. The Omegamatic Warp Drive is a serious threat, so you cannot afford to make too many mistakes. Each level introduces new hazards that require you to adapt your strategy. Sometimes you need to be aggressive with your blaster, while other times you need to be careful and stealthy.
Id Software provided oversight for the development of this game, ensuring it stayed true to the spirit of Commander Keen. However, this is a standalone sequel that stands on its own. It was released for the Game Boy Color in 2001, making it a unique entry in the series. Unlike the original DOS games, this version was built specifically for handheld play, offering a complete experience on the go.
As you travel through Fribbulus Xax, Shikadia, and Droidiccus, you will face increasingly difficult enemies. The Bloogs and other foes will try to stop you from reaching the Warp Drive. You must use your wits and your pogo stick to overcome them. The game rewards players who master the bouncing mechanics and learn the patterns of their opponents.
The visual style is colorful and engaging, fitting for the Game Boy Color hardware. The characters are distinct, and the environments are varied enough to keep things interesting. You will feel a sense of adventure as you move from one world to the next, knowing that each victory brings you closer to stopping the destruction.
Playing Commander Keen[t2] is about more than just beating the levels. It is about enjoying the platforming action and the satisfaction of overcoming tough challenges. The combination of the pogo stick and the blaster creates a dynamic play style that keeps you engaged. You will find yourself wanting to improve your skills to clear each stage faster and collect more plasma crystals.
Remember that you are playing as Billy Blaze, an eight-year-old hero. This adds a fun twist to the action, as you are fighting giant threats with childlike determination and clever gadgets. The game captures the essence of adventure and makes you feel like a true commander in your own right.