Commander Keen 4: Secret of the Oracle

Commander Keen 4: Secret of the Oracle is a classic side-scrolling platformer developed by id Software and published by Apogee Software in 1991. It is the fourth installment in the Commander Keen series and the first episode of the Goodbye, Galaxy! saga.

Players control Billy Blaze, an eight-year-old genius who dons his iconic football helmet and transforms into Commander Keen to protect the galaxy. In this adventure, Keen travels to the mysterious Shadowlands of the planet Gnosticus IV to rescue the kidnapped members of the Oracle Council, who hold critical information about an impending alien invasion.

The game is known for its smooth scrolling, vibrant EGA graphics, and non-linear levels, offering players a mix of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Players must avoid or defeat quirky enemies like Dopefish and Shikadi Mine while collecting items and using Keen’s pogo stick for high jumps.

With its charming humor, tight controls, and memorable world design, Commander Keen 4 remains one of the most beloved DOS platformers, solidifying its place in retro gaming history.