The Snowbase is a mandatory story mission in Episode 1.
Mission Summary[]
Mikko must infiltrate an MS Corp facility that was taken over by mercenaries, find out who is responsible, retrieve potentially dangerous research and destroy the base's systems using a virus before it can fall into the wrong hands.
Plot[]
Mikko arrives at the Snowbase with Highwire and Zaxtor as backup (although Mikko can handle things just fine on his own) and proceeds to infiltrate the base.
After fighting his way through the facility to reach his former office, Mikko discovers that the mercenaries who took control are working for the same individuals who ordered the hit on himself, that lead to his (temporary) death by the hands of Duke Nukem. Unfortunately, they were likely able to steal important portal technology that could pose a great threat to the world. Mikko's next move will be to hunt them down.
Gameplay[]
This is the first time the player will encounter the mercenary faction. Some of them are heavily armoured, so it is advised to use armor-piercing rounds and/or bring a weapon that can deal with their armour. They will also regularly use flashbangs on higher difficulties that can blind you entirely.
There are mandatory VR sections in this mission. Keep in mind that if Mikko dies in VR, he dies in real life.
Towards the end of the level, the player will get to use the MS Corp Mech. The primary fire shoots a spread of exploding projectiles against infantry, while the secondary fire launches anti-tank missiles. The crouch button allows you to shoot a rapid-firing blaster turret. Like with the tank in The Revolution, regular bullets will only cause very negligible damage to the mech and it is possible to simply run over enemies. Enemy mechs however can and will deal heavy damage and must be taken out as fast as possible. You also do not take any falling damage while in the mechsuit.
Secrets[]
- After the turret section and beyond the wall where you use your first C4 charge, there is a waterfall with a small patch of water you can dive into. Under the frozen river you can find a gold amulet. Picking it up counts as a secret.
- (Unmarked): At the very beginning of the mission, there is a small tunnel across the pit where you need to drop down. You can jump into this tunnel with a well timed jump or using wall-kicking. Inside there is a silver amulet.
Weapons + Artifacts[]
- MS Corp Assault Shotgun (Weapon, Mikko): Inside the laboratory where you need to fight a Cybertour, there is a briefcase that can be opened, revealing a weapon replacement for Mikko.
- Shotgun Belt (Artifact): On the other end of the hallway where Mikko's office is located, you can find an altar. The belt is located there.
- MS Corp Silenced SMG (Weapon, Mikko): In the section where you find the mechsuit, walk around the fence to the left of the speedboat, and you'll find a dead MS Corp Acolyte with another weapon replacement for Mikko.
Research Projects[]
- Ms Corp Multi-Function Ceramics: Inside the laboratory where the Cybertaur is located, on the desk to the right.
Tech Points[]
There are three scientist you can rescue:
- A scientist is located inside the laboratory where you encounter the Cybertour.
- Another scientist is located inside the second laboratory.
- A third scientist is located after the second C4 wall in a small door immediately to your right.
Evidence / Lore[]
Both are located inside Mikko's office:
- Snowbase letter from Costanza: On the desk to the right of the entrance, sticking out of a typewriter.
- Snowbase letter from Robinson: Next to the VR terminal.
Other Items of interest[]
After inserting the green keycard, destroy the reactor. Then go back to the chapel, where the Mikko's potrait now reveals a Mikko Chibi.
Trivia[]
- This is the first map in which you can board the MS Corp Mechsuit.
- The mercenary mechs fought in this map are the same type of mech fought at the Providence. However, due to the anti-tank missiles used by the MS Corp Mech, these guys become a pushover.
- If you beat this level in less than 10 minutes, you'll unlock another music track for the AMC Base.