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ID SOFTWARE • 1990–1991

Commander Keen

The legendary side-scrolling platformer series that launched id Software, pioneered PC scrolling technology, and captured the hearts of a generation.

The Origin Story

In the fall of 1990, a small group of ambitious young developers known as Ideas from the Deep created the first Commander Keen episode as a shareware title. What began as a side project at Softdisk quickly became a phenomenon that would change PC gaming forever.

John Carmack’s revolutionary adaptive tile refresh technology made smooth side-scrolling possible on IBM-compatible PCs — something previously considered impossible on the platform.
The games star eight-year-old genius Billy Blaze, who builds a spaceship in his backyard and dons a football helmet to become Commander Keen, protector of Earth from alien threats.
The series was distributed via the shareware model through Apogee, allowing the first episode to spread virally and drive sales of the full trilogy.

The Team Behind Keen

Tom Hall
Lead Designer & Writer
Created the character, world, and humorous tone that defined the series.
John Carmack
Lead Programmer
Engineered the groundbreaking scrolling technology that powered the games.
John Romero
Co-Designer & Business
Helped shape level design and negotiated the pivotal Apogee deal.
Adrian Carmack
Artist
Brought the vibrant, cartoonish world to life with pixel art.

Complete Timeline

December 14, 1990
Invasion of the Vorticons
Episodes 1–3 • Shareware
The groundbreaking trilogy that introduced Keen to the world. Episode 1 (“Marooned on Mars”) was free; the full set sold via mail-order.
1991
Keen Dreams
The Lost Episode (3.5)
Retail release through Softdisk. Featured improved art, parallax scrolling, and served as a technical testbed for future id games.
December 15, 1991
Goodbye, Galaxy!
Episodes 4–5 • Shareware
Introduced richer storytelling, new enemy types, and more complex level design. The high point of the classic 2D id era.
December 1991
Aliens Ate My Babysitter!
Episode 6 • Retail
The final episode developed by id Software. Sold exclusively through FormGen as a complete retail package.
May 30, 2001
Commander Keen
Game Boy Color
Official sequel developed by David A. Palmer Productions and published by Activision. A loving homage released a full decade later.

Picture History — The Games

The visual evolution of Commander Keen across its six classic episodes.

MAROONED
ON MARS
1990 • DOS
Invasion of the Vorticons
Episodes 1, 2 & 3 • December 1990

The historic shareware trilogy that proved smooth side-scrolling was possible on PCs. Introduced the Vorticon menace and the iconic pogo stick.

KEEN
DREAMS
1991 • DOS
Keen Dreams
The Lost Episode • 1991

A surreal dream-world adventure. Featured parallax scrolling and more detailed environments. Served as an important tech prototype for id.

GOODBYE,
GALAXY!
1991 • DOS
Goodbye, Galaxy!
Episodes 4 & 5 • December 1991

The most ambitious classic entries. Expanded the universe with new planets, richer storytelling, and more sophisticated level design.

ALIENS ATE
MY BABYSITTER
1991 • DOS
Aliens Ate My Babysitter!
Episode 6 • December 1991

The polished finale from id Software. A standalone retail release featuring the most refined gameplay and beautiful pixel art of the series.

Gameplay & Mechanics Evolution

Commander Keen refined the platformer formula on PC with each release:

  • Pogo Stick — The signature weapon and movement tool that allowed precision platforming.
  • Raygun & Stunners — Simple but satisfying shooting mechanics with limited ammunition.
  • Parallax Scrolling — Introduced in Keen Dreams and refined in Goodbye, Galaxy! for added depth.
  • Level Variety — From Martian cities to alien planets, each episode dramatically expanded the world.

Legacy & Modern Impact

Founding of id Software

The success of the first trilogy gave the team the freedom to leave Softdisk and officially form id Software in 1991.

Tech Foundation

Pioneered smooth PC scrolling, directly leading to Wolfenstein 3D (1992) and Doom (1993).

2001 GBC Sequel

An official continuation that kept the spirit alive on Nintendo’s handheld.

Source Ports & Remakes

Active community projects keep the games playable on modern hardware with enhanced visuals.

Fun Facts & Trivia

The original shareware release of Episode 1 was one of the most successful shareware titles ever.
Billy Blaze’s full name is William Joseph Blaze Jr.
The Vorticons were originally going to be called “Vorticons” but the spelling was finalized just before release.
Many elements from Keen (rayguns, pogo sticks, alien planets) later influenced other id games and the broader indie scene.
Sources
Wikipedia: Commander Keen • Doom Wiki • id Software History
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