Commander Keen: Keen Dreams Definitive Edition

16%
Game Brain Score Based on 16 reviews
  • music
  • stability
  • monetization
Commander Keen: Keen Dreams Definitive Edition Game Cover
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Get ready to embark on an exciting nostalgia trip with the modernized release of Commander Keen Dreams Definitive Edition! This beloved sidescroller has been meticulously enhanced to provide a captivating gameplay experience while preserving its original charm. Let's dive into the detailed user gameplay experience and feature set: Visual Enhancement and Widescreen Support: Commander Keen Dreams De…

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Reviews

16%
Audience ScoreBased on 16 reviews
optimization1 positive mentions
music2 negative mentions
  • Some new music tracks are decent and fit well with the game.
  • The sprites have been improved in certain areas, adding a bit of visual appeal.
  • The game offers a bit of challenge and complexity compared to the original.
  • The game is plagued by numerous bugs, including issues with the save system and menu navigation.
  • There is a complete lack of modern features such as customizable controls, difficulty selection, and resolution options.
  • Overall, the game feels like a rushed and poorly executed cash grab, failing to live up to the 'Definitive Edition' label.
  • music5 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some users finding the new tracks decent, while others feel that the overall sound is often off and that the music overpowers sound effects. Despite these criticisms, the definitive edition is noted to have some merits, particularly with its widescreen support and new music that fits well, especially in the Switch version.

    • “The definitive edition still has its merits - widescreen and some new music which fits well.”
    • “The music sounds kind of off most of the time, and the songs overpower the sound effects.”
    • “The definitive edition still has its merits - widescreen and some new music which fits well, but purchase the Switch version as this works great.”
  • stability5 mentions

    The game has been reported to have significant stability issues, including bugs in the save select screen and pause menu, as well as general performance problems that require users to limit the framerate to achieve smoother gameplay. Additionally, the lack of settings for troubleshooting exacerbates these issues, leading to a frustrating experience for players.

    • “The port is very buggy, and to even be able to run the game properly, I had to limit the framerate to 60 fps in the NVIDIA control panel.”
    • “Commander Keen: Keen Dreams Definitive Edition is... very buggy.”
    • “Buggy save select screen and pause menu.”
  • monetization3 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a cash grab, with users feeling that it capitalizes on nostalgia rather than delivering a quality experience. Additionally, there are complaints about misleading advertising, particularly regarding promised features like controller support that do not function as expected.

    • “This seems to have been put on Steam as a nostalgia gouge, or just a cash grab to try to profit from abandonware.”
    • “Was this just a cheap, lazy cash grab?”
  • graphics2 mentions

    The graphics have been criticized as poorly executed, with outdated 16-color EGA visuals that fail to improve upon the original game. Reviewers noted a lack of resolution options and graphics customization, contributing to an overall negative impression of the visual presentation.

    • “This is a really hamfisted, badly done rehash of the original game that's actually worse, leaving the severely dated 16-color EGA graphics, but somehow making the control scheme, movement, and the whole game itself worse.”
    • “There's no option to change the resolution and no useful graphics tweaks.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The game suffers from poor optimization, lacking support for modern display resolutions and widescreen monitors, which results in subpar performance on contemporary gaming PCs.

  • replayability1 mentions

    Players appreciate the replayability of the game, noting that the levels can be revisited, which creates a sense of uncertainty about what has been completed and encourages exploration.

    • “The levels are replayable, which keeps the game fresh and exciting as you discover what you have and haven't completed.”
    • “Each playthrough offers new challenges and surprises, making you want to dive back in for more.”
    • “The variety of choices and outcomes ensures that no two runs are the same, enhancing the game's replayability.”
    • “The levels are replayable, but it often leads to confusion about what you have and haven't completed.”
    • “Once you've finished the game, there's little incentive to go back and replay it.”
    • “The lack of meaningful choices makes replaying the game feel pointless.”
  • gameplay1 mentions

    The gameplay has received mixed feedback, with some users feeling that it falls short compared to the original game, suggesting a decline in quality or enjoyment.

    • “The gameplay feels clunky and unrefined, making it frustrating to enjoy.”
    • “The mechanics are poorly implemented, leading to a disjointed experience.”
    • “Overall, the gameplay lacks the depth and engagement that I expected.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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