Released by id Software in 1991, Commander Keen 4: Secret of the Oracle is a defining DOS platformer that brought smooth, console-style scrolling to PC gaming. Players guide eight-year-old Billy Blaze through the perilous Shadowlands to rescue the Members of the Council before the Shikadi can destroy the galaxy. It stands out for its vibrant VGA graphics, imaginative enemy design, and a non-linear world map.
How to play
Explore the open world map to select levels and locate the trapped Council Members. The core of Keen’s moveset unlocks once you find his iconic pogo stick and neural stunner. On a standard keyboard, use the arrow keys to move, Alt to jump, and Ctrl to fire the stunner. Press Alt + Ctrl together to toggle the pogo stick, allowing for higher jumps and bouncing across hazardous terrain.
Tips
- The pogo stick is essential for reaching secrets; master the timing of pogoing off sloped surfaces to gain maximum height.
- Save your neural stunner ammo for dangerous enemies like the Poison Slugs and Licks; many smaller hazards can simply be avoided.
- Thoroughly explore the world map to find optional levels and hidden areas, such as the Pyramid of the Moons, which hold extra lives and rare collectibles.
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