ShadowKeen1
From KeenWiki
ShadowKeen1, also known as A Shadow over Dune, is the first mod in the Shadow Keen mod trilogy by Levellord. It is divided into two sub-mods, each one using its own graphics and levels, except for the worldmap level. Both tilesets consist of mainly ripped graphics from various Apogee games, including Duke Nukem and Bio Menace.
Contents |
Technical Information
- The mod is divided into two parts which are setup and run using DOS batch files; each one may contain different levels and graphics
- Tileset: 2 tilesets, mostly ripped graphics
- Sprite animation frames: 2 sprite sets, complete; some sprites are recoloured graphics of Duke Nukem
- Miscellaneous bitmaps: 1 set, complete, new
- Story text: partial continuity to Shadow Keen 2 and 3
- Levels: 30 regular levels, 2 bonus levels, 2 secret levels; 1 shared worldmap
- Tools used (incomplete list): ModKeen 1.0, CKPatch, TileInfo, Fin2Bmp
Story
Commander Keen has previously had many adventures involving Mortimer McMire (see Keen X or Norp the Yorp for details.) but things have been quiet lately.
Currently Keen is studying the life forms of the planet Dune. This planet has an unusually high magic activity and Keen is interested in developing new technology incorporating magic. Keen was examining the purple vegetation near his ship when suddenly a blue creature emerged from the undergrowth. Reactign quickly, Keen fired off several shots and dodged the razor sharp blade heading toward him.
“Bravo bravo.” Said a familiar voice. "I shouldn't underestimate you like that." "Coming from someone who had his butt kicked by a Yorp of course." Replied Keen. "That is past history Keen... I just stopped by to tell you I have gathered the wind potions and used them to make an invincibility draught. As soon as testing is over I will be invincible! Ha, ha, ha, ha!" cackled Mortimer McMire.
Keen looked at the fallen creature with confusion. He recognized it as closely resembling the "Killer Rabbitoids" he had faced (among other much more dangerous techbots) in the Mercury mines of Dr. Proton. Keen knew not to mess with these comical looking creatures, as they were looks aside designed to kill human resistance.
"Don’t look too closely moron!" crackled the robot "This unit is still perfectly functioning!"
A short fight later and Keen had to admit the robots were indeed indestructible, or close to it. He had however dispatched it with a sonic grenade. Looking into his Encyclopaedia Universia (of which he was co-author) Keen found the following: "The four wind potions of the planet Dune when combined will make one invincible to all but severe physical damage; the potions are sealed away in flasks scattered over the planet"
"Well then", said Keen. "Another day, another mind-blowing adventure."
Version History
There are two different versions available of this mod. The can be identified by the files setup in their directory and by the title screens. The first version features both bonus levels and all the files can be found in a FILES subfolder. The second release is devided in two folders named PART1 and PART2. Also this release is missing the two bonus levels. Moreover the levels have been changed in the second release. A lot of hazards were removed to make the game less unfair, some times an extra exit has been added to the levels to make certain areas voluntary. However, in both releases Episode B suffers from major bugs that make it impossible to pass certain areas. Both releases are patched, so you can't even pass these points through cheating.
Creatures
Flit: Using hover magic and intensely curious, these purple guys always want to know what you’re doing. This can make them a bit pesky. They are the peaceful inhabitants of Dune whom Keen is studying in order to produce a magic powered propulsion drive. (Dads noticed his liquor cabinets looking a tad understocked.)
Rabbitoidites: Although not deadly as are their larger relatives, Mortimer has designed these robots to do three things; carry stuff, fit into small spaces and annoy or kill Keen. Indestructible like their larger counterparts they will block your shots and push you around. Do not be fooled by their size they pack quite a wallop.
Flut: Flut are to Flit as Gargs are to Yorps; these sprite-like creatures bound around in a cloud of evil magic. They are tough but you can destroy them by shooting them or their magic clouds.
Killer Rabbitoids: Despite their stupid name and odd appearance Keen knows not to mess with these robotic rodents. Invented by the demented Dr.Proton and now perfected by Mortimer they are indestructible, faster moving and shoot spinning blades! They are to be avoided at all costs. Funny how Mort got the plans though…
Blade: Shot by the Killer Rabbitoids, Keens plasma gun should take care of it, IF you can hit it in time!
Twitter: These poisonus little pests emerge from their nests at high speed ready to sting Keen into paralysis… it’s a pity they don’t look where they’re going…
Items
The planet Dune abounds with valuables; toys traded with mars fruit and gems. Some objects may be impossible to get so don’t let greed blind you.
Green fruit: 100 Pts
Football: 200 Pts
Alien chicken: 500 Pts
Magic gem: 1000 Pts
Sapphire: 5000 Pts
Keens weapon is the modified Martian pistol. Firing two parallel blasts, it will slice an enemy in half.
Laser rifle: 10 Lasers
Level Tips
Levellord has provided some level tips with this mod. They may be needed to know what to do in certain levels.
The Map: Teleporters are hard to see, don’t do the castle level until you have three potions, potions are found: 1.)In the level by all the rocks after the 1st teleporter, 2.) In level 2 near the exit. 3.) In the water city. 4.)In the big red castle. The secret level teleporter is in the second level Keen sees, underground.
Level 1: Jump until you find a pogo.
Level 2: There is an entrance to a big underground passage near the beginning, don’t enter it until you get the potion.
The Castle: You can stand above the arrows, careful climbing the tower, only carry 1 grey key, a secret is in the clouds.
The Water Cave: Stay in the shallows, things hide in grass, arrows will show you safe water.
Ice Mountain: Don’t stand where the statues do, use your pogo, save yourself grief and jump up through the purple bridge (mind the holes in it.), under the mountains is solid, jump over the pits don’t pogo, go up for a big reward.
The Bug Building: The bugs won’t trap you, rush through all the doors at once to kill them.
The Big Cave: Ground under trees is solid.
The Spike Level: Climb the tree at the beginning (It can be done.), retract the bridge to send all those sprites to a watery end, there is a big secret after the bridge.
Big Building: Yes you can get past all those obstacles.
Flit Town: Go to the levels upper left corner, shoot a lot.
The Water City: Get the potion then get out.
The Cliffs: Stay low at the beginning.
The Castle: You CAN kill the sprite.
Level Maps
Spoiler Warning! This shows the whole levels. The levels shown here are from the first released version of the game. There are some differences in the second release, mainly less monsters and hazards.
Episode A Levels
 Level 01 |
 Level 02 |
 Level 03 The Cliffs |
 Level 04 Big Building |
 Level 05 Water City |
 Level 06 The Castle |
 Level 07 Big Cave |
 Level 08 |
 Level 09 Flit Town |
 Level 11 Ice Mountain |
 Level 12 Water Cave |
 Level 13 Bug Building |
 Level 15 Big Red Castle |
 Level 16 Spike Level |
