Rescue Rover
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder | id Software |
| Products | Puzzle video game |
| Parent | Softdisk (publisher) |
Rescue Rover is a puzzle video game created by id Software and published by Softdisk in 1991. The game was distributed as shareware, offering the first 10 levels for free, while the full experience included 20 extra levels available upon registration. This title fulfilled part of id Software’s contractual duties to Softdisk, the company where its founders had previously been employed. A follow-up, titled Rescue Rover 2, was launched later.
Plot
The story centers around Roger and his dog Rover. Rover is frequently captured by robots, prompting Roger to venture into hostile robot-controlled areas to save him.
Gameplay
Each stage starts with Roger ascending a ladder, and the objective is to return to this starting point carrying Rover after rescuing him. Players face progressively challenging puzzles set on a grid, requiring manipulation of various objects to reach Rover. The game features four distinct robot types: one fires when Roger stands in front of it; another patrols and shoots upon detecting him; a third relentlessly pursues Roger; and the fourth causes instant death upon contact. Players must skillfully avoid, trap, or neutralize these robotic enemies. Interactive elements include crates that float on water, mirror blocks that reflect laser beams, star pearls, and anti-gravity carts. The environment incorporates grated floors that block robots, luminous floors impassable to Roger, water currents, laser emitters, teleporters, and force doors controlled by access codes, all adding layers of strategic complexity.
Development
The concept behind Rescue Rover evolved from an unsuccessful attempt to port Super Mario Bros. 3 to PC for Nintendo in 1990. Although Nintendo rejected the proposal, the technology developed during this effort later influenced id Software’s subsequent games such as Commander Keen and Dangerous Dave in the Haunted Mansion.
Release
Originally launched in 1991, Rescue Rover was later included in a 1997 compilation that gathered all id Software titles released up to that point.
Reception
In Masters of Doom, David Kushner characterized the game as "a clever maze game," noting its characteristic dark humor and violent elements as part of id Software’s developing style. Travis Fahs from IGN mentioned that although it was less remarkable compared to other id releases, Rescue Rover cultivated a dedicated fanbase that led to a sequel. Additionally, in a 2008 IGN reader poll about favorite early id games, Rescue Rover earned one vote.