Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Commander Keen 2: The Earth Explodes builds on the tight platforming mechanics introduced in the first episode, offering a seamless blend of precision jumping, exploration, and puzzle-solving. The game opens on a top-down map of the Vorticon Mothership, where you guide Commander Keen to the entry points of individual levels. This non-linear level select system allows you to tackle objectives in the order you prefer, giving a refreshing feeling of agency uncommon in early 1990s platformers.

Each level presents a unique layout full of hazards—bottomless pits, electrified floors, and a variety of Vorticon enemies that patrol corridors or fire projectiles. Keen’s arsenal includes a powerful raygun capable of stunning or destroying weaker foes and a pogo stick that lets him reach high platforms otherwise inaccessible. Keycards scattered throughout the mothership unlock sealed doors, while bonus items and score pickups reward careful exploration and grant extra lives for diligent players.

The challenge curve in The Earth Explodes is finely tuned. Early stages serve as a gentle tutorial for movement and shooting, while later levels require memorization of enemy patterns, precise timing, and strategic use of pogo jumps to safely navigate tight vertical shafts. Destroying each X-14 Tantalus Ray involves locating power cells and hauling them to the weapon’s core, adding an extra layer of objective-based play that keeps you engaged beyond simply reaching an exit.

Graphics

Visually, Commander Keen 2 embraces the EGA palette of its era, showcasing vibrant, cartoon-style sprites and backgrounds that pop on CRT monitors. The color scheme of the mothership interiors—brilliant purples, greens, and grays—creates a distinct sci-fi atmosphere. Each level tiles together seamlessly, giving a sense of cohesion to the sprawling alien superstructure Keen must traverse.

Character and enemy sprites are well-defined despite the hardware limitations. Keen’s iconic football helmet and green suit stand out against the environment, and each Vorticon has a clear silhouette and color coding indicating its behavior—stationary shooters glow red, while wandering creatures adopt cooler hues. Subtle animation frames for walking, shooting, and pogo-sticking bring the action to life without overwhelming the limited resolution.

While there’s no true parallax scrolling, the game achieves a convincing sense of depth through layered tile graphics and foreground objects. Screen transitions are smooth thanks to John Carmack’s optimized engine, and performance remains rock-solid even on modest PC configurations of the time. For modern players, the pixel art evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia, and many indie developers still cite Keen’s visual style as inspiration.

Story

The narrative in The Earth Explodes is simple yet engaging: a Vorticon Mothership looms above Earth, preparing to annihilate the planet with deadly Tantalus Rays. As young genius Billy “Commander Keen” Blaze, you infiltrate the ship to sabotage each ray cannon before the final cataclysm. The stakes feel personal and high, even if most exposition occurs in brief text introductions rather than elaborate cutscenes.

Level-select dialogue boxes and mission briefs provide just enough context to drive you forward. You learn of the Space Amoeba power cells that fuel the weapons, the need to gather keycards, and the location of each X-14 ray. Although the story doesn’t unfold through branching plotlines or character interactions, the premise offers a compelling “one-man strike force” fantasy that keeps you motivated to clear each sector.

As the second chapter of the Invasion of the Vorticons trilogy, The Earth Explodes strikes a balance between continuity and standalone enjoyment. Upon destroying the final Tantalus Ray, you’re rewarded with a triumphant closing screen, yet subtle hints reassure longtime fans that more adventures await. Newcomers can appreciate the self-contained storyline, but those planning to play the full trilogy will find this episode a satisfying bridge to subsequent challenges.

Overall Experience

Commander Keen 2 delivers a classic platforming experience that feels both nostalgic and timeless. The tight controls, clever level design, and variety of challenges—from precision platforming to objective-driven puzzles—ensure that players remain engaged across all six episodes. Occasional spikes in difficulty can be frustrating, but mastering these sections yields a strong sense of accomplishment.

For retro gaming enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the game’s lightweight system requirements make it readily accessible through emulation or updated ports. Its bright art style, catchy sound effects, and minimalist musical cues combine into an experience that’s easy to jump into yet hard to put down. Replay value is boosted by the freedom to choose your path through the mothership and the allure of uncovering hidden bonus items.

Ultimately, The Earth Explodes stands as a shining example of early 1990s PC platformers. Its innovative engine, endearing protagonist, and compelling sci-fi premise laid groundwork that many later titles built upon. Whether you’re a collector hunting down classic DOS titles or a curious gamer exploring the roots of side-scroll action, Commander Keen 2 offers a rich, rewarding trip through pixelated space adventure.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10