Commander Keen (USA, Europe) (GBC)

In Commander Keen (GBC), players take on the role of Billy Blaze, an 8-year-old prodigy who dons a football helmet and transforms into Commander Keen. Your primary mission is to save Earth from alien threats or evil forces, depending on the specific storyline of each episode. This GBC version offers a classic platforming experience with graphics and sound optimized for the handheld console.

Core gameplay revolves around navigating 2D platformer levels. You control Commander Keen, jumping over obstacles, avoiding traps, and battling enemies. One of Keen's signature tools is the pogo stick, which allows him to jump much higher than normal, opening up secret paths or reaching difficult areas. This skill is crucial for overcoming many challenges in the game.

Keen's main weapon is his raygun. You can use it to shoot down various monsters and foes that appear throughout the levels. Each level typically features a diverse array of enemies with different movement patterns and attacks, requiring players to employ appropriate strategies. Additionally, players need to collect items like candy and snacks for points, and more importantly, different colored keys to unlock corresponding doors. The ultimate goal of each level is to find the exit to proceed to the next.

The GBC version of Commander Keen retains the series' characteristic sense of adventure and exploration. Levels are intelligently designed with many hidden areas, secret rewards, and small environmental puzzles. The game demands precise controls and keen observation to uncover all its secrets. With its addictive and challenging gameplay, Commander Keen on GBC is a worthwhile experience for platformer fans.