The Vidmaster Challenge
"Just Vid it-with style!"- The Vidmaster Page's catchphrase
The Vidmaster Challenges were optional, more difficult ways to play the original Trilogy of Marathon Games. The challenges included limits to what weapons the player could use and playing on the hardest difficulty, as well as other set objectives.
History: (The Vidmaster Challenges were originally conceived by Jason Jones during January 1995 on two Marathon fan-sites with the message: "I challenge anyone who thinks they rule at Marathon to complete all of the game's levels on Total Carnage starting with only the pistol and x1 health (via Command-Option Begin Game). Upload your replays!"
Rules:
"I pledge to punch all switches, to never shoot where I could use grenades, to admit the existence of no level except Total Carnage, to never use Caps Lock as my "run" key, and to never, ever, leave a single Bob alive."- The Vidmaster Oath.
The Rules for The Vidmaster Challenge were the same throughout the entire original trilogy:
- 1. Start a new level on Total Carnage difficulty using only a Pistol with 3 rounds of ammunition, and 1x shields. Complete all levels with these options.
- 2. Punch every switch on a level.
- 3. Never shoot when you can use Grenades.
- 4. Do not use the 'Caps Lock' key as a 'Run' key.
- 5. Do not leave a single B.O.B alive. Ever.
Options:
These were optional choices that you could take if you wanted to achieve 'True Vidmaster Status'
- 1. Only use your fists.
- 2. Do not use Recharging Stations.
- 3. Kill all enemies on a level.
- 4. Do not take a hit during an entire level.
- 5. Uncover and show all secrets in a level.
Trivia:
- The term "Vidmaster Challenges" were reused for Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo Spartan Assault, Spartan Strike, and Halo Wars 2 as the name for 11 total achievements spread across all five of these games.
- In Halo 3, and ODST, completing the Vidmaster Challenges would be the requirement to unlock the prestigious Recon armor set.
- 'Vidmaster' would also return in Destiny 2's '30th Anniversary Pack' as an unlockable title players could earn by completing various Triumphs.
Notes
- The Vidmaster rule 'Total Carnage Difficulty Level' is listed as No. 2 on The Marathon Vidmaster's Page instead of bieng included as part as No. 1.
References:
The Marathon Vidmasters' Page:
The Marathon Vidmasters' Page
Vidmaster Page on Halopedia: [1]