Pfhor Your Eyes Only... is the seventeenth level in Marathon. It is the first level of The Pfhor, the fifth chapter of the game.
In this level, you visit the Pfhor spaceship for the first time. The objective is to fully explore the map. Once that has been accomplished, stand in front of the windows looking out into space, facing the UESC Marathon. Durandal will then teleport you to No Artificial Colors.
The level features strange, alien architecture. Devices such as pattern buffers look completely different from the ones encountered on the Marathon. The map's curved, organically shaped rooms stand in stark contrast to the Marathon's straight corridors and rectangular rooms. Just like the other Pfhor levels, this level is a low gravity environment, which makes the controls feel more "floaty", especially in midair when you run/jump off platforms. Your motion sensor will also be less accurate here.
This is the first level in which Pfhor Enforcers are encountered. They drop an Alien Weapon when killed, making this the first level in which that weapon is available. You'll also find many Fighters and Hunters.
There is a single pattern buffer in a room to the east of the player's starting position. A room in the southwest corner of the level contains a 2x shield recharger.
Just like the other Pfhor levels in this game, there are no terminals to be found here.
Walkthrough[]
You start off in the northeast part of the level. The corridor you're in, which has windows looking out into space, goes all the way around the outside of the level; various doors in the inner wall lead to inner rooms. You can visit the various parts of the level in whichever order you like; just make sure you explore every part.
You'll find a new Pfhor enemy here: Enforcers. They drop Alien Weapons, provided you don't completely incinerate them with the flamethrower. The ammo counter will look glitchy when an alien gun is equipped, but it'll work just fine, rapidly shooting energy bolts in a horizontal spread pattern. You can't reload an alien weapon, but once it's empty you can pick up a new one off another Enforcer. Don't hesitate to use these alien weapons here; there are plenty of them available and there's typically no ammo for human weapons on Pfhor levels.
The fastest route to the pattern buffer is through the first side door you see. Go up the stairs, then drop down into the room below to find the pattern buffer.
The 2x shield recharger is found in the southwesternmost room. It may be a good idea to clear the outer corridor first, so you have easy access to the shield recharger and pattern buffer, before tackling the inner rooms.
You'll stumble across a few inactive Hunters on the way. They don't move or shoot; they're just scenery items that can't be destroyed. Don't waste your ammo on them.
Once you've explored the whole level, return to the starting location. The Marathon can be seen outside, through the windows; face it, and Durandal will teleport you back. Don't forget to pick up a fully charged alien weapon before you leave.
There's a secret room in this level with a ton of alien guns and a small army of inactive Hunters. In order to find it, hit the button in the southeast corner of the outer corridor, then run to into the room to the northwest, to the location labelled A on the map. 15 seconds after you pressed the button, an elevator will rise out of the pool of slime. Ride the elevator to the top, then jump in the teleporter to reach the secret room. Another teleporter here will take you back to the start of the level.
Trivia[]
- The music for this level is a haunting song titled New Pacific. It is track #9.
- This part of the Pfhor spaceship is revisited in the Marathon 2 level Sorry Don't Make It So.
- The button in the northwest corner of the outer corridor has the same function as the button in the southeast corner: it raises the elevator to the secret teleporter. Using the southeast button is recommended, as it's much easier to reach the elevator in time from there.
Sources[]
Marathon - Level 16: Pfhor Your Eyes Only...