Quake II/Final Showdown

Level objectives
The objectives for this level are to eliminate Makron, the Strogg leader, then locate an open escape pod and leave before the asteroid blows up.

Once the matter transporter beams you to Makron's secret hideaway built into an asteroid orbiting Stroggos, you cannot go back. The only choice is to face him and destroy him. Explore the concourse around the perimeter of the station and pick up what items you need. You should also have at least one Invulnerability item and one or more Quad Damage items. Save the game now.

Ride one of the two lifts up to the main station platform to meet the enemy. Makron is waiting in the guise of a large, fearsome-looking walking machine. There are two movable floor panels with corresponding floor buttons, except that each button opens the panel on the opposite side of the station platform. The recovery area below the platform is well stocked with supplies, so duck in there when you are running low on ammo or armor. It can also be used to escape Makron and pop up behind him on the other side. Watch out for the two transparencies in the ceiling of the recovery area by the button that operates the access panels; they'll stop most projectiles, but you'll still take damage from energy weapons. Makron is armed with something like the BFG10K.

After you destroy Makron's heavily armed walker, he pops out of the wreckage, but don't be fooled by his smaller size. With head and arms consisting of rail guns, he is just as deadly as when he was astride the large machine. Keep running, dodging and firing until you cut him in half and take him down for good.

Once Makron has been reduced to a few quivering chunks of machinery and a brain, the station platform begins shaking violently. Before heading to the east lift to enter the open escape pod, return to the recovery area below to enjoy the secret and a bonus. (See Secrets, below.)

In a final cinematic sequence, the escape pod ejects from the side of the station, the asteroid explodes and you find yourself back on the surface of Stroggos. Mission accomplished!

Secrets
This level has one (1) secret, plus a bonus:
 * After Makron has been destroyed, return to the recovery area under the floor and observe the crack in the wall at the end of the corridor. Blast it open and enjoy a gallery of pictures of Id Software contributors to the Quake II project.
 * Bonus — At the end of the picture gallery there is a hole in the floor with a ladder leading to a special area. Climb down to see what Strogg commanders do in their leisure time.  Remember the cryptic sequence of characters that was revealed in the bonus for the Research Lab (A.H.D.S.S.I.B.H. bjjc)?  It purportedly stands for "A Hall Displays Secret Snapshots In Boss's House — Brandon James & John Carmack", an early hint of the bonus in the Final Showdown.