Depth Dwellers

Depth Dwellers is a shareware first-person shooter built on a game engine and mechanics comparable to Wolfenstein 3D. The player assumes the role of a soldier, the son of an Earth ambassador, covertly deployed to the imperiled planet Ora. There, a tyrannical race called the RI has enslaved the native inhabitants to plunder a valuable resource named Zendle for a new weapon system.

Each episode presents its objectives through introductory text, which can be referenced during play. Level progression typically requires locating keys to access a transporter room. Missions often involve specific tasks, such as destroying a communications array to block enemy reinforcements.

A core gameplay element involves rescuing enslaved Depth Dwellers found chained or wandering the labyrinthine mines, using a beam transport device to teleport them to safety. Weaponry, including a pulse laser, rocket launcher, and flamethrower, can be collected from defeated foes or discovered in secret areas, becoming more powerful as the game advances. The software also offers optional high-resolution and stereographic 3D-glasses modes.