Catacomb

About

Catacomb is a 2D top-down shooter built by John Carmack for Apple II and DOS. You play a magic-wielding adventurer navigating dungeon levels to reclaim stolen treasures. Movement and combat are handled through simple controls, with the goal of collecting keys to unlock doors leading to teleportation mirrors. Each level resets if you die, pushing you to master paths and enemy placement. The Apple II version has 15 levels, while the full PC release expands to 30. Progression hinges on finding hidden keys and avoiding traps, with enemies ranging from goblins to skeletal knights. What makes Catacomb notable is its role as one of Carmack’s early projects, showcasing efficient level design and fluid movement for the era. The teleportation mirror system creates a clear objective without hand-holding, encouraging exploration. While the graphics are basic by modern standards, the simplicity keeps the focus on action and puzzle-solving. It’s a brisk, no-frills dungeon crawl that laid groundwork for later shooters in the genre.