Catacomb (video game)
| Industry | Video game development and publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Catacomb series (including Catacomb, The Catacomb, Catacomb 3-D, Catacomb Abyss, Catacomb Armageddon, Catacomb Apocalypse, Sylvan Idyll, Ether Quest, Sand Trap) |
Catacomb represents a 2-D top-down third-person shooter developed and distributed by Softdisk. Originally designed for the Apple II and subsequently adapted for IBM PC compatible systems, it supports both EGA and CGA display modes. The game was programmed by John Carmack, who later became renowned for his work on Wolfenstein 3D and Doom. Catacomb' is notable for its rapid gameplay and strafing mechanics, which anticipated Carmack's future technical breakthroughs; its enemy movement algorithms notably influenced the design of Wolfenstein 3D.
The franchise expanded with several sequels, all initially released by Softdisk. These include the DOS title The Catacomb and Apple II entries such as Sylvan Idyll, Ether Quest, and Sand Trap, all maintaining the top-down shooter style. Additionally, the series encompasses four DOS-based first-person shooters: Catacomb 3-D, Catacomb Abyss, Catacomb Armageddon, and Catacomb Apocalypse.
In March 2013, the original Catacomb alongside its sequels The Catacomb and Catacomb 3-D were bundled and released on GOG.com within the Catacombs Pack. Subsequently, in June 2014, Flat Rock Software released the source code under the GNU GPL-2.0-or-later license, following a precedent set by id Software in making early game engines publicly accessible.
Gameplay
Players assume control of Petton Everhail, a magician commissioned by Terexin, High Wizard of Kieralon, to reclaim lost treasures after the empire’s collapse in Catacomb. The Apple II edition consists of fifteen stages, whereas the version on the Gamer's Edge sampler disk contains ten levels. Advancement involves locating keys that unlock doors to magic teleportation mirrors.
The game provides four offensive options: Fireball and Super Fireball, which can be used infinitely, plus Bolt and Nuke attacks that consume scrolls. Players begin with three Bolt and two Nuke scrolls, with additional scrolls obtainable throughout gameplay. Adversaries encountered include Goblins, Skeletons, Ogres, Gargoyles, and Dragons.
Significantly, Catacomb introduced strafing controls—a feature later adopted in titles such as Wolfenstein 3D and Doom—and includes humorous wall inscriptions that enhance player interaction.
Development
John Carmack programmed Catacomb for Apple II and Apple IIGS platforms. In 1990, after joining Softdisk in Louisiana, Carmack partnered with John Romero on the bi-monthly PC disk magazine titled Gamer's Edge. To meet subscriber demands, Softdisk required two games per sampler disk within a strict one-month timeframe. Carmack handled the PC port of Catacomb, while Romero ported Dangerous Dave, both successfully released on the sampler disks.
This collaboration laid groundwork for their subsequent achievements with games like Wolfenstein 3D and Doom. The enemy movement programming in Wolfenstein 3D can be traced back to techniques developed during Catacomb. Their experience on these ports revealed complementary skills that fueled their productive partnership.
Sequels
The Catacomb
The Catacomb, also referred to as Catacomb II, is a DOS-based 2-D top-down third-person shooter published by Softdisk in 1991 as a direct sequel to the original Catacomb. It offers 30 levels featuring graphics and gameplay consistent with its predecessor.
According to John Romero’s autobiography, "Catacomb 2" was created by id Software and subsequently sold to Softdisk in 1991. Softdisk later rebranded it as part of their collection titled the Lost game collection of ID Software. In March 2013, it was included in the Catacombs Pack release on GOG.com. Its source code was also made publicly available under the GNU General Public License in June 2014.
Catacomb 3-D
Released in November 1991 for DOS by id Software and published through Softdisk, Catacomb 3-D is a first-person shooter that introduced a three-dimensional perspective with a visible player hand—an early landmark within the FPS genre.
Catacomb Abyss
Published by Softdisk in November 1992 for DOS, Catacomb Abyss serves as a first-person shooter sequel to Catacomb 3-D. A shareware version was distributed to promote sales of its follow-ups: Catacomb Armageddon and Catacomb Apocalypse.
Sylvan Idyll
Released by Softdisk in 1992 for Apple II and Apple IIGS systems, Sylvan Idyll is a top-down third-person shooter set within an expansive forest environment. Peter Rokitski developed the Apple II version, while Nate Trost was responsible for the IIGS port. The game contains fifteen levels.
Ether Quest
Published in 1993 by Softdisk for Apple II and Apple IIGS, Ether Quest is a 2-D top-down third-person shooter. The Apple II version was created by Peter Rokitski with Nate Trost handling its IIGS adaptation.
The storyline follows Petton Everhail navigating an "ethereal plane" existing between time and space. Unlike earlier entries in the series, this title features non-linear level progression, enabling players to explore multiple sections freely from the starting point. It is considered the most difficult installment within the franchise.
Sand Trap
Released by Softdisk in 1994 for Apple II and Apple IIGS platforms, Sand Trap is a top-down third-person shooter chronicling Petton Everhail’s quest to escape from a pyramid.
This installment introduces two significant gameplay innovations: an armor system that provides additional protection and a time-freeze ability that halts enemies temporarily, thereby adding strategic complexity beyond previous titles.