Welcome back, gumshoe. If you’re reading this, it means you’ve tumbled down a rabbit hole so deep, the world has turned upside down and inside out. The very name of this mission, ?lednaB evetS si lleH eht erehW, is a reflection of the madness you’re about to face. This isn’t just another case; it’s a surreal descent into a cartoonish, noir-infused hellscape. Get ready for a mind-bending journey where time itself is unraveling.
Main Objectives
Your primary goals in this twisted chapter are:
- Continue through Hell
- Chase Steve
- Pass through time
- Survive Bandel’s “Helluva Show!” (Boss Fight)
- Talk to Steve
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
A Trip Through the Underworld
The chapter kicks off right where the last one left us, but things are… different. The environment is a distorted reflection of the city you know, with buildings twisting at impossible angles and colors bleeding into one another. Your first objective is simply to push forward. Keep your wits about you and your favorite weapon, like the Boomstick, ready. The enemies here are manifestations of cartoonish nightmares, so don’t hesitate to fill ‘em with ink.
The Chase
Soon enough, you’ll spot your target: Steve. He’s always just out of reach, leading you on a frantic chase through this chaotic world. The pursuit is the core of this level, combining tricky platforming with intense combat. Steve will lead you through shifting corridors and across collapsing platforms. Don’t just focus on him; keep an eye on your surroundings for environmental hazards and ambushing foes.
Passing Through Time
A unique mechanic in this chapter is the ability to “pass through time.” You’ll encounter strange temporal rifts or clocks. Interacting with them will shift the world around you, sometimes changing the level’s layout, enemy types, or even the art style, flipping from gritty black-and-white to oversaturated, vibrant color. You’ll need to manipulate these time shifts to open new paths and solve environmental puzzles to continue your pursuit of Steve.
The Main Event: Bandel’s “Helluva Show!”
The chase culminates in a grand, theatrical arena where the mastermind behind this madness, Bandel, awaits. This is the chapter’s boss fight, and it’s a doozy. The battle takes place on a stage, with Bandel acting as a demented ringmaster, throwing everything he has at you.
Once you’ve taken your final bow and defeated Bandel, the hellish illusion shatters. You’ll finally get the chance to approach and talk to Steve, bringing this bizarre chapter to a close and hopefully getting some answers.
Collectibles and Side Jobs
This chapter’s surreal, shifting nature makes finding collectibles a real challenge. While we don’t have a confirmed list for this specific mission, you should always be on the lookout for the usual suspects:
- Comics: Check behind props on the stage during the boss fight and in the distorted alleyways.
- Newspapers: These are often found on benches or tables in the rare quiet moments. Look for them in the areas where you shift time.
- Baseball Cards: Keep an ear out for the tell-tale shimmer sound. They could be hidden on high ledges or in secret rooms that only appear in a specific time-state.
- Schematics: As always, check every corner, nook, and cranny. Bandel’s twisted world is full of hidden blueprints for new gadgets.
- Figurines: These are the rarest of all. You’ll likely need to solve a small, unprompted puzzle or explore a hidden path to find the Figurine in this level.
Our general advice: be incredibly thorough. Hug every wall, smash every crate, and try interacting with any object that looks out of place. The time-shifting mechanic may hide or reveal certain collectibles, so be sure to explore each area in every time-state.
Boss Fight Tips: Surviving the “Helluva Show!”
Bandel is no pushover. This multi-phase fight requires quick reflexes and a solid strategy.
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Phase 1: The Opening Act: Bandel will start by summoning waves of basic enemies while hurling projectiles at you from his perch above the stage. Focus on dodging his attacks while thinning out the crowd. Use area-of-effect weapons if you have them. Once the minions are gone, Bandel will drop down, giving you a window to deal direct damage.
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Phase 2: A Change of Scenery: After taking some damage, Bandel will trigger a time-shift, altering the stage. New hazards, like rising lava or spotlights that damage you, will appear. His attack patterns will become more aggressive. Stay mobile and use the environment to your advantage, finding cover where you can.
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Phase 3: The Grand Finale: In his final phase, Bandel will go all out. He’ll use his most powerful attacks and may even create clones of himself. This is a battle of attrition. Keep your health up, use your most powerful weapons, and focus all your fire on the real Bandel. A well-placed shot from the Tommy Gun or a close-range blast from the Boomstick will eventually bring the curtain down on his show.
Good luck, detective. You’re going to need it.