Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

id Anthology delivers a sweeping tour through the evolution of id Software’s gameplay philosophies. Starting with the side-scrolling precision of Commander Keen and the maze-running puzzles of Rescue Rover, the collection highlights the studio’s early experimentation in blending action with exploration. Each title feels faithful to its original form, allowing newcomers to experience the unfiltered mechanics that defined a generation of PC gaming.

Moving into the Wolfenstein 3D and Spear of Destiny chapters on CD 1, players encounter the birth of the first-person shooter. These titles remain intuitive and responsive even by modern standards, with tight controls and a relentless pacing that still feels exhilarating. Dangerous Dave and Catacomb 3-D further pad out the lineup, giving casual action fans a chance to sample varied challenges beyond id’s flagship franchises.

The Doom disc on CD 2 takes the intensity level up a notch. With The Ultimate Doom, Doom II, Master Levels, and Final Doom bundled together, gamers can blast through hundreds of levels of frenetic demon-slaying action. The inclusion of both DOS and DOOM95 v1.9 launchers ensures smooth play on legacy hardware or modern rigs, and the doomit v9.5c launcher for Master Levels makes loading custom WADs a breeze.

Finally, Quake on CD 3 showcases id’s leap into full real-time 3D environments, complete with its original redbook audio tracks. The fast-paced gunplay, clever level design, and mod-friendly architecture remain influential to this day. CD 4’s Mac ports of key titles round out the anthology, making this a comprehensive package for fans of varied platforms.

Graphics

CD 1’s vintage titles lean heavily on CGA and EGA palettes, where vibrant yet blocky sprites evoke a period when imagination filled in the gaps. Commander Keen’s bright color schemes and whimsical backdrops still charm, while Wolfenstein’s dim corridors and pixelated guards convey tense atmosphere even in low resolution.

On the Doom disc, 2.5-D sprite work shines, with detailed textures and dynamic lighting that were revolutionary in the mid-’90s. The inclusion of both DOS and DOOM95 versions at v1.9 means you can compare the original VGA rendering alongside the Windows port’s smoother frame rates and improved stability. Quake’s disc ups the ante with fully polygonal enemies and environments, showcasing id’s first foray into true 3D shading, texture mapping, and real-time light and shadow interplay.

The Mac versions on CD 4 stay remarkably faithful to their PC counterparts, retaining the same graphic fidelity and performance when played on classic Mac hardware or emulated environments. Overall, the anthology preserves each game’s visual identity, offering pixel-perfect recreations alongside minor enhancements where platform parity allows.

Story

While id Anthology isn’t a narrative-driven compilation in the traditional sense, it weaves an overarching tale of innovation through its “Book of id” insert. This companion booklet opens with a cinematic hook—“I’ve run out of ammo. Nothing much left between me and Them but this fire door…”—and proceeds to chronicle id Software’s journey from humble beginnings to industry trailblazers.

Each game carries its own self-contained story. Commander Keen’s adventures remain lighthearted sci-fi capers, whereas Wolfenstein 3D and Spear of Destiny plunge players into World War II–inspired conspiracies. Doom and its sequels explore darker themes of interdimensional invasion, and Quake builds on Lovecraftian horror with its brooding, rune-covered world.

The inclusion of a Doom comic, a poster depicting a scream-stricken figure against film frames, a phone card stamped with the Doom II boss, and unpainted cyberdemon miniature all reinforce the mythos behind id’s most iconic universes. These collectibles augment the anthology’s narrative, giving fans tangible tokens of the studio’s storied legacy.

Overall Experience

id Anthology stands out as both a definitive historical archive and a collector’s treasure trove. With 19 games spanning four CDs, plus the Book of id, a high-quality poster, two dog tags, a T-shirt, and more, this compilation offers exceptional value for long-time fans and newcomers alike. The physical extras not only celebrate id’s iconic franchises but also serve as conversation pieces for any gaming library.

From a usability standpoint, the anthology strikes a balance between authenticity and convenience. Original installers, dual DOS/Windows versions, and Mac ports cater to purists and casual players. Manuals accessible via OmoPlay ensure you can reference lore or controls without hunting down PDF scans online.

Whether you’re reliving the first-person shooter revolution or discovering id’s pioneering experiments for the first time, id Anthology delivers a cohesive, engaging package. It’s a fitting tribute to a studio that shaped decades of game design and continues to influence modern developers—making this collection a must-have for anyone who values the roots of 3D action gaming.