Part 8

Learn about checkpoints, exits, conveyances, pushable objects, corpses, and tarot cards in Painkiller Part 8. Master these mechanics to succeed.

This section covers miscellaneous elements and game mechanics in Painkiller that don't fit into other categories.

Mortar Platforms: These are ranged around large outdoor areas and fire arcing shells. They have limited range but can do significant damage. Keep moving and maintain distance to dodge their shells. The platforms themselves take five or six rockets to explode. Be aware of the souls of monsters that were controlling them.

Tanks: These move back and forth in straight lines. They also require five or six rockets to destroy. If facing multiple tanks, try to position yourself so only one can see you at a time.

Drops: Avoid dropping off high ledges or platforms, as this will result in losing armor and health.

Water: Water appears in some levels and will cause immediate drowning as you cannot swim. Avoid water unless in the Old Monastery.

Oblivion: This refers to areas the game is designed to block you from entering. These areas, such as pools of lava or the outer reaches of open-air levels, will cause instant death.

2.3.4 MISCELLANEOUS

These elements don't fit into other categories.

CHECKPOINTS:

Checkpoints appear as swirling blotches of red mist on the floor. Passing through them usually closes the previous area and opens the next. In the Old Monastery, some checkpoints appear as big red metal pentagrams and do not act as savepoints. Be aware of buggy checkpoints where you can get stuck if you move on without touching them. Checkpoints must almost always be hit in the correct order; skipping one can lock you in a level. Touch them when you see them and avoid moving too far ahead of them.

EXITS:

An exit is a large blob of creamy white energy. Moving into it finishes the level and presents you with stats and a tarot card (if the level condition was met). You will hear a murmuring voice when the exit appears. When the exit appears, most previously locked doors and passages will open, allowing exploration of previously inaccessible areas. This can sometimes allow you to return to the beginning of a level. The exit deletes any missed monsters from the level.

CONVEYANCES:

Conveyances include lifts, conveyor belts, and ladders – anything that moves you through a level automatically. Lifts typically move only once. Some lifts have ladders in their shafts for an alternate route. Some ladders can be buggy, requiring precise positioning to ascend. Be careful when walking off the top of a ladder, as you might jump and fall off the other side. Ropes are sometimes used instead of ladders, and both can be difficult to spot. You may be required to step onto cable car roofs, trolleys, or conveyor belts, which often lead into enemy groups; consider jumping off before they reach their destinations.

PUSHABLE OBJECTS:

These objects can be shoved around to create stepping stones to hard-to-reach areas, often necessary for reaching secret areas. Larger objects are generally better. You can use boxes, barrels, light fittings, or anything movable. Position the object and then quick-jump onto it. Experimentation is key, as long or tall objects can yield good results. Many objects can also be used as 'magic carpets' when using the Painkiller weapon.

CORPSES:

Corpses are typically brown, featureless bodies found on the ground. You can repeatedly zap them with the Painkiller's warhead to obtain up to 5 free trinkets.

2.4 TAROT CARDS

Each level has a tarot card waiting at its end, obtainable by observing a specific restriction during gameplay. Tarot cards come in silver and gold. Silver cards' effects are active throughout the level when equipped before starting. Gold cards can be activated once per level using the gold card button, usually lasting thirty seconds, requiring careful timing. The game refers to them as 'Black Tarot Cards'; all twenty-four are 'black', but you need to distinguish between silver-black and gold-black. Tarot cards can significantly impact your success in completing levels. Choose the right silver cards for each mission and the right gold cards for specific moments. Ensure you have enough gold coins to experiment with cards, as all cards require gold to activate.