Keen 3 Versions

This page lists the known versions of Keen 3 and any differences discovered between the versions.

Keen 3, while receiving a few updates, is one of the two games in the series (the other one being Keen 5) that had a relatively critical bug in the initial release. Despite it not being required to complete Fort Cavort to win the game, the fact that it was not finishable in the initial release of the game certainly caused a headache for many gamers.

Full versions

Version 1.0

• Released December 18, 1990
• Distributed by Apogee Software
• Initial release

Version 1.1

• Released January, 1991
• Distributed by Apogee Software

Removed features:

• /LEVEL command-line parameter removed (read the level number stored in TEDLEVEL.CK3, loaded this level and then quit the game when the level was finished)

General changes:

• The in-game ordering information now tells you to specify your disk size when placing an order

Fixed bugs:

• Scrolling speed when reading text screens now has a limit on faster computers
• The broken F8 screenshot function has been removed
• Fort Cavort can now be finished — the platform in the water by the yellow key has been enlarged so that you can get the key without falling into the water
• It is now possible to reach the school at the top of the level in Hidden City without cheat codes

New bugs:

• Running the game without an EGA or VGA compatible card will hang the computer

Miscellaneous:

• The exit screen now tells you to specify your disk size when placing an order

Version 1.31

• Released January 23, 1991
• Distributed by Apogee Software

New features:

• New command-line parameter /K, that prevents keystrokes from being passed to the BIOS, fixing problems with beeping keyboards

Graphical changes;

• Added text "COPYRIGHT (C) 1990 ID SOFTWARE" to the bottom of the title screen

New bugs:

• The compile date falsely specifies the game as being compiled in 1990

Miscellaneous:

• Compile date added after version number at start-up

Version 1.32

• Released August 25, 1991
• Distributed by Precision Software Applications in the United Kingdom

General changes:

• Information about "Fight for Justice" removed from previews section
• Ordering information section removed from main menu
• Ordering instructions removed from the text that appears after winning the game
• The "About Id..." section text has been updated

Graphical changes:

• The text on the title screen has been changed to "COPYRIGHT (C) 1990 Id Software"
• The About ID section id Software logo has been changed to be written as "Id"
• The start-up id Software logo has been changed to be written as "Id"

Engine changes:

• EGAHEAD.CK3 format slightly different

Fixed bugs:

• The compile date is now correct

Miscellaneous:

• Clears screen at start-up
• Initial loading text now has a cyan background
• After quitting the game, instructions on how to order from Precision Software Applications are listed
• KEEN3.EXE is now compressed using PKLite instead of LZEXE
• All files now have their original modify dates