Catacomb

Classic top‑down shooter where magician Petton battles through magic mirrors

gameThird-Person Shooters shooter retro fantasy

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Our Verdict

Best for

Fans of classic retro shooters and Carmack’s early games

Skip if

Gamers wanting modern graphics, accessibility, or multiplayer

What is Catacomb?

Catacomb is a 2‑D top‑down third‑person shooter created by John Carmack, originally for the Apple II and later ported to PC with EGA and CGA graphics. Players control the magician Petton Everhail, navigating fifteen to thirty levels filled with locked doors, keys, and teleportation mirrors. The game features a simple yet challenging magic‑based combat system and a retro visual style, offering a nostalgic experience for fans of early 90‑era shooters. It is a single‑player only title published by Softdisk Publishing in March 1990.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

developerJohn Carmack

publisherSoftdisk Publishing

multiplayerSingle player

release date1990-03-31

Key Features of Catacomb

The game uses authentic EGA and CGA graphics to recreate the original 1990 visual style.

Players navigate fifteen (Apple II) to thirty (full PC) levels, each requiring exploration and puzzle solving.

Progress is gated by magic teleportation mirrors that are hidden behind locked doors.

Keys must be collected to unlock doors and access the mirrors for level advancement.

Combat is based on casting spells, giving the player a variety of magical attacks.

The magician protagonist, Petton Everhail, follows a storyline delivered by High Wizard Terexin.

The game runs on modern PC hardware via the GOG.com release, preserving original gameplay.

All levels are single‑player experiences with no multiplayer component.

Use Cases for Catacomb

Retro Gaming Sessions

Play to relive classic early‑90s shooter experiences.

Speedrun Practice

Challenge yourself to complete all levels as fast as possible.

Game Development Study

Analyze early John Carmack design techniques and graphics.

Wizard-Themed Entertainment

Enjoy a fantasy shooter with magic‑based combat and lore.

Pros & Cons of Catacomb

Pros

Authentic retro graphics
Simple yet deep magic combat
Challenging level design
Historical significance as early Carmack work

Cons

Limited modern accessibility features
No multiplayer or co‑op options
Graphics may appear dated to new players

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms can I play Catacomb on?

Catacomb is available on PC via GOG.com.

Is there any multiplayer mode?

No, Catacomb is a single‑player only game.

Do I need a mouse to play?

The game supports keyboard controls; mouse is optional.

Are there any DLCs or expansions?

No, the game is released as a complete package with all levels included.

Pricing Overview

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Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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