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[07-01-21] E4L01 - It's Impossible
Duke Nukem 3D

[07-01-21] E4L01 - It's Impossible

Explore the Mission: Impossible-themed level in Duke Nukem 3D, finding secrets and references like the self-destructing tape.

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Explore the Mission: Impossible-themed level in Duke Nukem 3D, finding secrets and references like the self-destructing tape.

This level is a direct homage to the movie "Mission: Impossible." Many elements within the level reference the film, including the background music. In the first room, interacting with the tape deck at a desk triggers a famous message: "This tape will self destruct in..." spoken by the military officer from the episode's beginning. The tape humorously fulfills its promise.

One of the most significant references is the section where you must enter a code without touching the ground. Additionally, a trash can in this no-floor room, from which slime appears to be emerging, mirrors a scene in the movie where a computer operator throws up into a garbage can.

  • DNCLIP (cheat code)
  • DNSHOWMAP (cheat code)
Walkthrough
  1. 1
    In the Red Key Door Room, look for a poster on a box to the left of the IMF logo. This poster references Orson Wells and "The War of the Worlds" series.
  2. 2
    In the Barracks area, a large TV displays a scantily clad girl giving a weather report.
  3. 3
    To find secret messages, activate DNCLIP and DNSHOWMAP. Open the map, turn around, and zoom out completely. Move in your facing direction to discover two rooms. One room appears to have a pole on the map.
  4. 4
    The first of these secret rooms contains the weathergirl from the Barracks TV, along with a ticker and other elements. Opposite the girl, a message on the wall reads "LOOKING FOR SECRETS - DUV." DUV is short for Duvall Magic, Randall Pitchford's nickname.
  5. 5
    In the room adjacent to secret #5, you'll find a non-secret message on a monitor visible from the level's start: "YOUR MISSION - DESTROY!". Opposite this message is another secret message: "C'MON QUIT CHEATING -DUV."
  6. 6
    A third secret requires DNCLIP and DNSHOWMAP. Reach secret #6, then face away from the main level on the map. Travel diagonally left to find a small room. The roof and floor of this room have the message "RSP II DUVAL MAGIC," another reference to Pitchford. These messages are carved into the roof so they can be seen on a zoomed-in map view.
  7. 7
    Beside the TV in the Barracks, a magazine with a pink background and a golden ring is present. The inscription reads "Moger Roore," a play on Roger Moore, and the golden ring symbolizes "Goldfinger," a James Bond movie, adding to the spy theme.
  8. 8
    Near the level's end, a phone has "U.N.C.L.E." written on it, referencing the 1960s spy TV show "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." It's speculated that a character speaking through his shoe in the show might be referenced here.
  9. 9
    In the kitchen, go to the flowing water. Use DNCLIP and follow the water's flow to find a small message on the wall from Randall Pitchford: "ARE YOU SMALL OR ARE YOUR CHEATING?".
  10. 10
    In the red key room (and other rooms), two screens (tile 4120) display what appears to be a burning fuse, a reference to the 1960s TV show "Mission: Impossible."
  11. 11
    In the briefing room, a coat hanger holds a hat and cane with "STEED" written on it. This references John Steed from the TV series "The Avengers," known for his bowler hat and umbrella.
  12. 12
    At the main entrance, two screens (tiles 4130 and 4131) display maps. Tile #4131 shows the main entrance hall, and tile #4130 shows the map for secret #7. The red Xs on the map likely indicate enemy locations, and the orange dots represent canisters.
  13. 13
    The scene with multiple doors leading to a telephone in the first episode of "The Birth" is a reference to the TV show "Get Smart," not "Mission Impossible." In the show's intro, the main character walks through many doors to answer a phone and descend to headquarters.
Tips
  • The tape deck message humorously states it will self-destruct.
  • The no-floor section is a direct reference to a scene in the movie.
  • Randall Pitchford, the game's designer, left several secret messages throughout the level, often referencing himself.
  • The level is filled with numerous references to spy movies and TV shows, including "James Bond," "The Avengers," and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.".
  • The map screens with red Xs in secret #7 indicate enemy positions.

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