Dec 18, 1998

We're BACK! Well one of is anyway. Been along time. The sad loss of Marathon Central prompted me to upload the Vid-files to Steve Campbell's server. The new URL is

http://164.58.172.178/marathon/vidmaster/

But that should be obvious since you are reading this. Thanks to Steve for all his kindness.

I've added the Marathon Trilogy Vidmaster Pack (1191K) to the page. All 88 solo levels completed on Total Carnage by 'young gun' some time ago. The film pack first appeared on the Marathon Trilogy Box Set CD. So now you can pick it up for free without having to shell out your hard earned cash. But then again if you don't buy the Trilogy Box Set you'll miss out on so much more. Like the secret code hidden in the text of the Scrapbook! ;-)

June 5th, 1998
Two films just in made the Vidmaster cut since they show something new. Eric Rosheger <compiler@pacbell.net> does the special Vidmaster version of the Infinity level You Think You're Big Time? You're Gonna Die Big Time! showing a shortcut method for finishing it which also avoids the Hunter at the end. You can get it here. Short and sweet.

In the second film, I am King, Eric takes on Todd Keating's Advanced Grenade Jumping Tutorial map and gives Todd a run for his money. If you've ever tried this you'll know how hard it is since it involves employing all manner of jumping and climbing skills against the clock. You'll need Todd's Marathon Hang Time Guide to watch the film, you can get here or at Todd's Marathon Hang Time Page Compare the films and make you own mind up - Who is King?

Mar 21th, 1998
Thanks to Frode Henriksen <frodeh@eunet.no> for sending in three short films of three different ways to get to the secret credit terminal on Aye Mak Sicur. Even if you've played this level alot you'll still be surprised at some of the moves shown in these films. Thanks to Frode for pushing the boundaries that most of us take for granted. You can get Frode's film's here or on the Aye Mak Sicur page in the Vidmaster Tips & Tricks section.

Mar 13, 1998
Todd Keating <cxtdk@ux1.cts.eiu.edu> has released an update to his Advanced Grenade Jumping Tutorial called "The Marathon Hang Time Guide". You can find it at his Marathon Hang Time Page or get it directly from the Vidmasters' page here. Todd's efforts in advancing the art of jumping and climbing has brought an extra dimension to Marathon game play.

Jan 31, 1998
Another speed film from Todd Keating <cxtdk@ux1.cts.eiu.edu>. Todd does Waterloo Waterpark in about 75 seconds using a nifty grenade climb at the end. This climb was in fact first demonstrated by Frode Henriksen in a film that can be found at his Marathon Corner. Check out Todd's no-hits film Shorterloo Waterpark.

Jan 30, 1998
alt.games.marathon, a usenet newsgroup not noted for its literary content, was recently graced by a post from Frode Henriksen. We felt it summed up very eloquently many aspects of true Vidmastery. It's reprinted here for those who seek the true way... the Vid way. Just Vid It - With Style!

From: frode henriksen <frodeh@eunet.no>
Newsgroups: alt.games.marathon
Subject: vidmastery - some thoughts
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 1998 20:12:05 +0000
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dear, marathoners


in my terminology the word vidmaster is short for videomaster. the 
warrier wears a tiny videorecorder attached to his helmet. the camera 
is our eye. with our controldevices - keyboard or mouse - we lead the 
warrior, you migth say the marionette, into battles. this makes us a 
controlling force, a maker of destiny, a God.

"i know who you are. you are destiny."

those of us able of directing the warrior artisticly among the awesome 
pfhor are shooting masterly films; they are videorecordingmasters, 
videomasters or just vidmasters.

a master makes the warrior move with grace. glides smoothly in and out 
among the pfhor. close, but always that inch out of reach. plays with 
them and makes them look ridiculous. a dance where he is the leading 
one.

vidmasters know the strength and weaknesses of each weapon. he uses 
the appropriate tool in different situations and on different aliens. the 
fists are his most important weapons and he is capable of bringing death 
to any species of pfhor with these. 

the vidmaster has thorough knowledge about each and every species of 
pfhor. how to avoid their fire and how to effectively finish them off. he 
knows their pattern of behaviour and has now problems making them 
fight each other.

the marathon vidmaster holds detailed knowledge about the levels. is 
there a short route through the level? he knows about it. what about that 
secret terminal? he has read it. and the well hidden ammunition and 
weapon cache? he has been there.

inventiveness and determination are striking characteristics attach to 
these individuals. for them there are always a more sensational path to 
the exitterminal. always a method of accessing that unaccessible spot. 
always a strategy that will permit them to live through the most 
outrageous battle. and they do it their own way. 

the story of marathon. a marathon vidmaster is probably well informed 
about the story. he loves this side to the marathon universe and feels 
that by having this knowledge playing the game becomes so much richer.


goodbye for now,
frode henriksen


frode henriksen:  mailto:frodeh@eunet.no
my marathon page:   http://www.login.eunet.no/~frodeh/marathon/