10 Video Games You Didn't Know Were Connected

9. Commander Keen/Doom

Ciri Cyperpunk
id Software

For the longest time, there was a scurrilous rumour doing the rounds that three faces of id Software's most celebrated franchises, Commander Keen, B.J. Blazkowicz, and Doomguy share blood as part of some dysfunctional family Jeremy Kyle would struggle to sort out.

Supposedly, Wolfenstein's Blazkowicz is Keen's pop, who in turn sired Doomguy (and failed to properly christen him). It sounds, quite honestly, like so much hot horseradish. But it turns out it's completely true, as confirmed by id Software designer Tom Hall, who tweeted about it earlier this year with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek.

Knowing Keen's your grandfather makes stumbling upon a trio of dismembered Commanders during Level 32 of Doom II so much more disturbing. Particularly after you shoot one.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.