Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Commander Keen 4: Secret of the Oracle builds on the tight platforming mechanics that made the original trilogy so beloved, adding a fresh layer of exploration with its overhead Shadowlands map. Rather than a strictly linear progression, players can wander the level select screen, choosing which island or underground chamber to tackle next. This non-linear approach opens up strategic decision-making, since certain areas require special items—like the wetsuit—to traverse water barriers or access hidden zones.

Each level is an engaging blend of precision jumps, enemy encounters, and environmental puzzles. Keen’s pogo stick gives you spectacular vertical reach, allowing you to clear wide pits and springboard onto high platforms, while the trusty raygun lets you stun most creatures long enough to make a safe getaway. Mastery of your tools is critical, as some foes are immune to the blaster and require careful timing to bypass.

Pitfalls, cannons, and moving platforms keep you on your toes throughout all eight locations. With limited ammo, you’ll soon learn to conserve every shot and rely on smart movement as much as firepower. The inclusion of collectible gems that serve as keys injects an RPG-like element—collect enough and you unlock new pathways, forcing you to revisit earlier areas for missed pickups. This sense of discovery keeps the platforming loop fresh from start to finish.

Replay value is high thanks to secret rooms, hidden bonus items, and the ever-tempting Lifewater Flasks that grant extra lives. Finding 100 raindrops for another life is a satisfying side quest on its own, encouraging close examination of each level’s nooks and crannies. Even today, fans return to explore alternate routes and perfect their speed-running times.

Graphics

Visually, Commander Keen 4 stays true to its 16-bit roots, offering colorful, cartoon-style sprites that pop against richly detailed backgrounds. The Shadowlands map is attractively rendered with moody grays and purples that evoke a mysterious, otherworldly swamp. Islands dot the murky lake, each one sporting a distinct visual theme—from mushroom forests to razor-toothed caverns.

In-level art is both functional and charming. Enemy designs range from simple poison slugs to more imaginative hopping mushrooms with expressive eyes. While the animations are modest by today’s standards, each sprite cycles smoothly, ensuring that movement feels precise and responsive. You can immediately tell when a Shikadi spear is about to fire or when a cannonball is hurtling your way, thanks to clear visual cues.

Background parallax scrolling adds a sense of depth without overwhelming the gameplay. Foreground elements like stalactites and vines create a layered environment that feels alive, even though you’re only interacting with the middle plane. This balance helps maintain focus on platforming while offering enough visual flair to keep you immersed.

Color contrast is also used effectively. Keys and gems stand out with vibrant hues, guiding your eye toward important objectives without the need for intrusive on-screen markers. Overall, Commander Keen 4’s graphics still hold up as an example of how pixel art can marry clarity with style.

Story

Picking up the narrative thread from the Goodbye, Galaxy series, Secret of the Oracle casts eight-year-old Billy “Commander Keen” Blaze as an intergalactic hero once again. After building his Photachyon Transceiver, Keen intercepts a garbled distress call warning of a new threat: the Shikadi. Their intent is shrouded in mystery, prompting Keen to seek out the legendary Oracle to learn more.

Upon arriving at the Oracle’s chamber, he discovers that the eight Council Members required for activation have been kidnapped and scattered across the perilous Shadowlands. This premise injects real urgency into your quest: each Council Member’s rescue brings you one step closer to answering the galaxy’s cries for help. It’s straightforward but effective, giving you clear motivation to dig deeper into every hidden corner.

The story unfolds primarily through brief interstitial text screens between levels. While not heavy on cinematic spectacle, the writing is witty and upbeat, in keeping with Commander Keen’s trademark charm. There’s a playful contrast between Keen’s youthful enthusiasm and the alien menaces he faces, making every triumph feel like a genuine victory for our pint-sized protagonist.

Boss encounters aren’t overly elaborate but serve as satisfying narrative checkpoints. Defeating each level’s guardian not only frees a Council Member but also peels back another layer of the Shikadi threat. The sense of progress, both in plot and gameplay, creates a rewarding rhythm that carries you from the first hop on the transceiver lab table all the way to the final showdown.

Overall Experience

Commander Keen 4: Secret of the Oracle remains a standout in classic PC platformers thanks to its blend of polished mechanics, creative level design, and enduring charm. Whether you’re a veteran of early ’90s DOS gaming or a newcomer curious about gaming history, the title offers an addictive mix of exploration and precision jumping that holds up surprisingly well.

The balance of challenge and accessibility is particularly noteworthy. While later levels ramp up in difficulty—introducing tougher enemies, trickier jumps, and resource management—you always feel that success is within reach. Checkpoints are reasonably spaced, and extra lives are earned through skillful play and thorough exploration, so frustration is kept in check.

Sound design complements the visuals with catchy chiptune melodies and crisp sound effects. The pogo stick’s signature boing, the zap of the raygun, and the squelch of a venomous slug all register with satisfying clarity on vintage speakers or modern emulations. This audio-visual synergy helps keep immersion high, even when you’re navigating back through previously conquered areas.

All told, Secret of the Oracle is more than just a nostalgic relic. It’s a thoughtfully crafted platformer that offers depth, replayability, and heart. Fans of old-school side-scrollers will find plenty to love, and newer players can appreciate its straightforward controls and inventive level design. If you’re looking for a game that combines brain-teasing puzzles with old-school thrills, Commander Keen 4 still hits the mark.

Retro Replay Score

8/10