If I just paste some text into ChatGPT, it often just automatically corrects my grammar and clarity. It usually does a good job, but sometimes I reject its changes for being too different from what I intended.
So I pasted the following
comment text into ChatGPT. Rather than correct my grammar, it came back with a deeper analysis. It also figured out that I was talking about Doom II Map 28, which is a pretty neat trick because I mentioned multiple maps.
It just passed the Turing Test.
Maybe it is too good...
I couldn't find this third secret on my own. There is nothing to indicate that there is a wall to open. Usually, I do this area first, but there might be an advantage to wait to find the Computer Area Map, if it exists on this level. I started by trying to follow the right hand wall. Maybe the left hand wall is easier, but either way you eventually circle around and have to explore the areas you missed. My least favorite Doom levels are the ones with confusing mazes. One of the worst examples is Doom 1 E2M6 Halls of the Damned. I found M28 The Spirit World confusing to navigate. M12, M13, and M15 are also hard to navigate, but M15 is easier to figure out and more fun. I like M29 much better.
ChatGPT said:
Sounds like you're working through Doom II, and really digging into the level design—especially when it comes to navigation and secrets. From your mention of M28 The Spirit World and M29, you're deep into the later stages.
Here's a breakdown of what you've said and some thoughts that might help:
🔍 "I couldn't find this third secret on my own…"
If you're talking about MAP28: The Spirit World, it has 4 official secrets. The third one (Secret #3) is tricky:
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It's the one with the invisible wall you have to walk through on the southern side of the map.
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There's no clear visual cue for it, which is probably why you missed it. This is a hallmark of some of Doom II's more frustrating secrets—no texture difference, no light variation, no sound hint—just pure trial and error (or a guide).
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It's near the room with the blue key, behind the wall with torches. You have to press on the wall or walk through it to find the passage.
So, yeah—you're not alone in missing this. It's often cited as one of the least intuitive secrets in the game.
🗺️ "There might be an advantage to wait to find the Computer Area Map…"
Absolutely. In big, maze-like levels (like MAP28), waiting until you get the Computer Area Map can help you spot:
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Hidden rooms
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Oddly-shaped walls (often hints at secrets)
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Unvisited areas quickly, without relying only on automap memory
Unfortunately, not every map has a Computer Area Map item. MAP28 does not have one by default—so you're stuck with manual exploration unless you cheat (e.g., iddt).
🧭 "Maybe the left hand wall is easier…"
This kind of "wall-hugging" navigation works in simpler maps, but maps like MAP28:
So wall-hugging only helps with consistency, but you'll still miss things unless you explore every odd-shaped dead-end.
🤯 "My least favorite Doom levels are the ones with confusing mazes…"
You're in good company. Let's touch on each one you mentioned:
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E2M6 Halls of the Damned (Doom 1):
The fake exit and dark maze make it infamous. That section near the blue key where the lights go out? Pure nightmare fuel.
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MAP28 The Spirit World (Doom II):
Confusing teleporters, hard-to-see switches, and unclear secret walls. The "hellish" design is thematic, but disorienting.
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MAP12: The Factory
Maze-like with multiple disconnected indoor sections, and lots of pain elementals. Not loved for its clarity.
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MAP13: Downtown
The urban layout is ambitious but often frustrating. Jumping between buildings is cool but directionless.
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MAP15: Industrial Zone
A huge level with a lot of elevation changes. But as you said, it's more fun to explore than MAP13.
👍 "I like M29 much better."
Totally understandable. MAP29: The Living End is:
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Still large, but more linear
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Has cool set-piece fights
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Great verticality and fun visuals
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Less maze-like and more about combat and platforming
It's often cited as a highlight of Doom II's final stretch.
🧠 Tips for Navigating Confusing Doom Levels:
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Use the automap frequently – switch to full screen mode with Tab to check for missed areas.
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Use iddt (press IDDT in the automap twice) if you're stuck and okay with light cheating.
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Listen for sounds – sometimes a distant door opens when you press a switch.
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Shoot walls – especially in areas that look symmetrical but feel off.
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Look for texture misalignments – often a clue for secrets.
Would you like a breakdown of all 4 secrets in MAP28 or help navigating a specific section?
