Commander Keen vs Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons: Marooned on Mars
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
You play as 8‑year‑old Billy Blaze, who dons his brother’s football helmet to become the intergalactic hero Commander Keen. Travel across space‑worlds, battle alien creatures, and recover lost plasma crystals to save humanity in a single‑player adventure. The game blends classic 2D platforming with a lighthearted sci‑fi story, featuring colorful pixel art and humor that appeals to both kids and nostalgic gamers. Developed by David A. Palmer Productions and published by Activision, it delivers a retro feel with modern polish.
Commander Keen’s very first adventure puts you in the shoes of an eight‑year‑old prodigy who builds a homemade spaceship and dons a football helmet to become the galaxy’s youngest defender. Using id Software’s groundbreaking side‑scrolling engine, the game delivers fast‑paced platform action with a humorous sci‑fi storyline. The single‑player experience blends pixel‑perfect jumps, quirky enemies, and inventive level design, making it a timeless classic for fans of retro platformers and comedy‑filled action.
- Charming retro graphics
- Humorous sci‑fi storyline
- Tight platforming controls
- Varied level design with secrets
- Innovative side‑scrolling for its time
- Charming humor and story
- Tight platforming controls
- Memorable pixel art style
- Limited replayability after all secrets are found
- No multiplayer or co‑op mode
- Audio can feel repetitive
- Limited to keyboard input
- No modern save system
- Audio quality reflects era
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Alternatives to Commander Keen
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Blast off with Billy Blaze to rescue the Oracle Keepers in a retro sci‑fi platform adventure
Join 8‑year‑old genius Billy Blaze as Commander Keen to save Earth in a side‑scrolling sci‑fi adventure.
Join 8‑year‑old genius Billy Blaze as Commander Keen to save Earth from the Vorticons!
Eight‑year‑old genius saves Earth in a side‑scrolling sci‑fi adventure
Alternatives to Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons: Marooned on Mars
View all →Blast off as Billy Blaze, the kid hero Commander Keen, in a comedic sci‑fi platform adventure.
Eight‑year‑old genius saves Earth in a side‑scrolling sci‑fi adventure
Save the galaxy from the Shikadi's Armageddon Machine in a classic 90s platform shooter
Join 8‑year‑old genius Billy Blaze as Commander Keen to save Earth from the Vorticons!
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic‑style Commander Keen platformers, but A is the original 1990 episode with authentic retro tech and no modern conveniences, while B is a later 2001 reinterpretation with added collectibles and slightly richer content at a known $19.99 price.
Key differences
- •Release era and engine: A uses the original 1990 id Software side‑scrolling engine; B is a 2001 remake with added features.
- •Save system: A has no modern save capability; B’s specifics aren’t listed but implies standard progression.
- •Content scope: A offers 15 levels across three episodes; B mentions hidden crystals, bonus levels, and a Megarocket vehicle, suggesting more varied content.
- •Pricing transparency: A’s price isn’t specified; B lists an MSRP of $19.99.
- •Developer pedigree: A is from id Software/Apogee, the original creators; B is from David A. Palmer Productions under Activision.
Gameplay & fun factor
B adds varied enemies, boss fights, hidden crystals, and a Megarocket vehicle, expanding gameplay beyond A’s basic platforming.
Platform availability
A runs on modern PCs via DOS emulation; B’s platform details aren’t provided, so A has confirmed PC compatibility.
Price & value
B lists a clear $19.99 MSRP; A’s price is not specified, making B’s cost more transparent.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
B includes hidden collectibles, bonus levels, and concept art unlocks, offering more post‑completion incentives than A’s 15 levels.
Difficulty & accessibility
A’s original design may be harder for modern players and lacks save points; B’s difficulty isn’t detailed, so A’s challenge is clearer.
Graphics & performance
Both use pixel‑art styled to evoke early 1990s aesthetics; no performance data to differentiate.
Choose Commander Keen if…
Best for players seeking more content, modern price clarity, and extra collectibles.
Choose Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons: Marooned on Mars if…
Ideal for purists who want the authentic 1990 experience and don’t mind limited saves.
Common questions
What is the price of Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons?
The price is not specified in the provided information.
Does either game support modern save or checkpoint features?
A explicitly lacks a modern save system; B does not mention saves, so it’s unclear.
Which version offers more post‑game content or replay value?
B includes hidden crystals, bonus levels, and unlockable concept art, giving it higher replay value than A’s 15 levels.