Couch Fishing is the fifth level in Marathon. It is the second level of Counterattack, the second chapter of the game. The objective here is to flip several switches to prevent Durandal, who has gone rampant, from accessing critical computer systems.
The first part of the level is a maze of twisting corridors; the three switches that must be hit are located here. The level's first shield recharger (1x) is located here, as well as a pattern buffer.
The second part, available after the three switches are toggled, is more open, consisting of several large rooms filled with enemies. Another pattern buffer and 1x shield recharger can be found here. The level contains Pfhor Fighters and S'pht Compilers, and a new enemy is introduced as well: the Pfhor Troopers.
Walkthrough[]
From your starting position, head north and take the second turn to the right. Go up the stairs (the set of stairs that is oriented eastwards), and you'll find a pattern buffer and 1x shield recharger.
Use the maps Leela gave you on the first terminal to find and hit the three switches. A door will open in the eastern part of the maze, allowing you to move on to the second half of the level.
You will pass through several large rooms filled with a lot of enemies. If you fall down a ledge into the lowered middle parts of a room, an elevator platform can be found in one of the corners. At the end of the ledge in the final room you'll find the terminal heading to The Rose.
Terminals[]
Public Access Terminal 903-e<334.920.22.602>[]
In the first terminal, located next to your starting position, Leela explains your mission: hit three switches so Durandal can't access specific computer systems of the UESC Marathon. Helpfully, she gives you maps to the switches' locations.
Public Access Terminal 24-f<434.87.18.198>[]
This terminal gives some background story, describing the CRIST Sol orbiters before closing with a Spurious Interrupt.
Service Area 39 Public Access Terminal<7-j-2.52.91.321>[]
The third terminal is another message from Leela, saying that Durandal has been denied access to certain computer systems. Then Leela explains she's received a distress signal from some of the crew who are under attack from the Pfhor by Durandal, possibly in retaliation. She sends you to help the crew deal with the attack.
Trivia[]
- The music for this level is a moody, melancholic song titled Swirls. It is track #14.
Sources[]
Marathon - Level 4: Couch Fishing