Video Disks are found lying around at strategic locations in the game. Some Video Disks are playing on video screens in some areas. Usually but not always, if there is a Video Disk playing on a monitor you will find the Video Disk in a room nearby.
Video Disks contain fun and interesting information about the technology, research and procedures on the Mars facility. They don't contain crucial game information but they help you understand the running of the Mars base and they are fun to watch.
Below is a table of all the Video Disks found in the game, where and how they are found. I've also supplied text for what is spoken in each Video Disk for easy reference.
The table is listed in the chronological order in which you find the Video Disks in the game.
Creator: IPN News Network
Date: 11/15/45
Daily News Report from IPN News NetworkIPN News Network. Your universe now. The Union Aerospace Corporation denied allegations today of several reports showing a growing military presence on Mars. A spokesperson stated that increased activity is simply a tactical deployment to outlying planetary sectors.
Authorities continue to search for the activists responsible in monday's bombing of a biomech production facility, resulting in the destruction of 100's of biomech labour units.
In space news. Mining station AMUN is reporting 9 dead and 28 wounded in what appears to be an ore canopy failure during routine operations. This is the 5th incident in a string of mishaps that have plagued asteroid strip mining facilities in recent months.
Deep space probe MERIDI successfully executed the first of four engine bursts designed to alter the probes course, according to officials. The probes logic core first requested the diversion following yesterdays discovery of a negative light object outside the orbit of Sedina. The probe is set to resume its outer system mapping mission next week, following further scans of the fluctuating anomaly.
Faint signals continue to be received from the failed Europa orbiter which is said to be further evidence of survivors of thursday's crash. Union Aerospace who funded the privately operated orbiter stated that there were no survivors and the signal is part of the NavCom systems automated distress beacon.
Critics of the massive corporation say the Europa signal is undeniably originating from one or more survivors and that high costs of mounting a rescue operation have led to UAC's refusal.
In IPN's business news, Mixom corporation has filed suit against rival company Moxim, claiming the company infringed on several pressure sealed patents utilised in planetary bases. Moxim lawyers have threatened a countersuit, claiming that Mixom creates inferior parts based on original Moxim designs.
Senate majority leaders this morning approved a nearly 80.2 trillion dollar spending plan. The plan includes cuts in funding for the lunar outpost and several planetary platforms as well as major revisions to the public health care system. The plan also calls for cutting the budget deficit in half by 2147.
GenTech firm Groetre met further resistance this week in its plans to introduce genetically manufactured health products on earth. A long time supplier to military and space sectors, genetically modified products have seen poor sales in the consumer market. Groetre's latest MedKit technology was slated to hit stores next month.
For IPN News, this is Roger McCellen with subspace news on the hour.
While you are listening to the above news, the following scrolls across the bottom of the television screen:
Four dead in a private shuttle explosion in USM Earth. --IPN NEWS-- Charges dropped against Senator Screggs in Uranus scandle --IPN NEWS-- Further outbreaks of Bolgia Virus reported on 3 orbital platforms --IPN NEWS-- Micrometeor storms sweep polar region of Mars --IPN NEWS-- Radiation shielding leaks on the Lunar Outpost more severe than first reports indicated --IPN NEWS-- Authorities arrest 2 miners in illegal uranium smuggling operation --IPN NEWS-- Andy Stratton takes the gold in the 149th Quakecon Games, beating thousands of other athletes for this year's 10 million credit prize. --IPN NEWS--
Creator: Marine HQ
Date: 03/11/45
Standard Operating Procedures on MarsWelcome to Mars marine. This briefing is designed to acquaint you with a few of the standard operating procedures here on the Mars post.
First and formost - chain of command. All enlisted personnel are under the command of master Sergeant Thomas Kelly. Sergeant Kelly will assign you to a security detail headed by a security chief. Please report to your security chief for all duty related concerns.
While on duty, please stay in your assigned patrol coverage area. All PCA's have been pre-designated to provide overlapping security and maximise efficiency. All personnel must have proper authorisation in assigned areas. Be sure to annotate any discrepencies on your Security Inspection Report.
Safety is integral to all operations here on Mars. Handle firearms with extreme caution. Never discharge weapons in an area that may compromise the installation structural integrity.
Remembering these procedures is paramount to your success here on Mars. Keep in mind that you represent the greatest fighting force in the galaxy and your actions are a reflection on the Corp. Take good care and good luck on your new assignment.
Creator: Human Resources
Date: 03/05/45
For additional help please see your UAC representativeOn the behalf of the UAC, welcome to Mars City. This facility serves as the central hub for all scientific research, archaelogical study and military operation.
Goal number one of the UAC is the safety and well being of all employees and guests. To help us achieve this goal we ask you to follow all UAC corporate procedures at all times. This includes restricting your movement to areas for which you have clearance.
Always remain alert of you and others are doing. If you notice anything out of the ordinary or just have a simple question, find the nearest UAC Security Guard. They are here to help no matter how large or small the problem is.
Our station on Mars provides a perfect blend of work habitats, recreational facilities and social support structures. This ensures our goal of providing a true "home away from home" experience for everyone.
Keep this in mind as you help us pursue our ground breaking research that is destined to transform the daily lives of everyone here and throughout the solar system.
If you need more detailed assistance please contact your human resource manager. If you are a guest you may bring up any issue with your appointed UAC liaison. Thank you and have a nice day.
Creator: UAC Advanced Weapons
Date: 07/28/44
Informational Video on the Series 3 Plasma GunRepresenting yet another great accomplishment of the UAC, the series 3 Plasma Gun is an extremely versatile, medium range combat weapon. Harnessing the exhaustive resources of synthetic plasma, the plasma gun meets the critical requirement of low cost, abundant ammunition for today's highly mobile military.
Capable of sustained firepower due to the latest advancements in plasma injector technology, this weapons' light weight and high yield make it desirable for most combat scenarios.
Always on the forefront of technology, the UAC is making safer worlds through superior firepower.
Creator: UAC PR
Date: 01/15/41
Alpha Labs: Past, Present and FutureWelcome to the Alpha Labs. Formerly designated phase 1 by the Union Aerospace offworld research division, the Alpha Labs began construction on October 29th, 2095 and became fully operational July 17th, 2130.
Originally created as the prime science and research facility, Alpha Labs are responsible for the development of leading edge technology, such as the Elemental Phase Deconstructor, Hydorcon and Molecular Fuel Storage Compressor all presently being utilised right here in the Alpha Labs.
These endeavours have allowed for much needed expansion into the UAC's current leading research facility, Delta Labs, where Union Aerospace is opening all new opportunities in research and development.
With continued investment and hard work, the Union Aerospace Corporation strives for excellence and is committed to building a better tomorrow.
Creator: UAC PR
Date: 04/15/45
Information on the EPD systemFor generations humankind has lived under the looming spectre of slowly dwindling natural resources. Our new ventures on planets like Mars have only intensified our need to find fresh sources for metals, petrochemicals, food, water and even air.
To meet that need UAC researchers have developed dramatic solutions, solutions that will soon pay off for the UAC, its investors and indeed the entire human race.
Mars itself is our chief ally and the key to our solution. Look around at its vast red deserts, rich in naturally occuring iron oxides, they are the raw materials of our future.
We have developed a process that destabilises the atomic structure of pulverised iron oxide and separates it into subatomic particles which are then siphoned off to create new elements.
Like alchemists of old the Elemental Phase Deconstructor allows us to transform red martian soil into clean air, fresh water and hydrogen fuel, the building blocks for a sustainable human friendly martian environment. And this is only the beginning.
With continued research we envision creating evermore complex molecules, even organic matter itself. Atom by atom the UAC is building an even brighter future for humankind.
Creator: UAC PR
Date: 04/15/45
Information on the Hydrocon systemSafer worlds for everyone. For centuries people on earth have waged war over two things vital to human existence, fuel and water. As part of its ongoing committement to create safer worlds for everyone, the UAC recently unveiled its development of the Hydrocon.
Though still in its prototype stages, the Hydrocon will in one dramatic move, forever end all shortages of water and fuel. By splitting iron oxide molecules the Hydrocon produces oxygen and hydrogen cleanly and safely without the need for large amounts of electricity.
The Hydrocon is then used for hydrogen fuel, a substance so versatile and clean that it can be used in everything from home appliances to todays most demanding rocket engines.
A side benefit of producing this fuel is an endless supply of pure spring-like water that is more refined than any earth bound spring.
We envision a world where technology such as the Hydrocon can be used to end drought and civil strife in impoverished nations where water or fuel have been in short supply.
While always at the forefront of scientific research and development, Union Aerospace hopes that the creation of the Hydrocon will continue to make safer worlds for everyone.
Creator: UAC PR
Date: 04/15/45
Information on the MFS systemSince the dawn of the space age, Union Aerospace has been at the forefront of not only developing new technology, but pushing those developments to even more daring extremes. With an abundant production of hydrogen fuel, thanks to the Hydrocon, the specialist teams ask the big question: "Can we devise a way to store and deliver that fuel to make the dream of deep space research a reality?" The answer has been a resounding YES!
Under the direction of Dr Malcolm Betruger, key UAC scientists have made startling new discoveries in the field of quantum physics and with them they have been able to use the actual space between electrons and protons in a molecule as a storage medium for fuel in our interplanetary antimatter drives.
Now fuel that would once take up half the payload of an interplanetary ship, only occupies a fraction of that space. You are looking at the Molucular Fuel Storage Compactor. The MFS Compressor is yet another UAC marvel that brings the dream of reaching and colonising the most distant planets closer to a reality. The UAC has long made safer worlds for everyone and now they will bring worlds even closer than you could ever imagine.
Creator: UAC Advanced Weapons
Date: 03/20/42
Informational video on the Mach-2 Chain GunIn a quest to provide armies with a well balanced set of weapons, the UAC look to the past when designing and manufacturing the newest line of Mach-2 Chain Guns. The retro style and mechanical sturdiness of the Chain Gun is must for all hardened combat veterans.
Early adapters have nicknamed it "Saw" with its armour piercing 30 calibur bullets, the Chain Gun is capable of literally cutting opponents in two. Packed with all the punch you need in close combat fighting the Chain Gun delivers unparallelled reliability and functionality. Always on the forefront of technology, the UAC is making safer worlds through superior firepower.
Central Authority
Date: 10/05/45
Maintenance Department Safety VideoWelcome to the UAC maintenance department. This video will provide you with the necessary tools and information to do your job efficiently and safely. A safe worker is a happy worker and your safety is our number one priority at UAC. Observe all signs and follow all procedures to keep you and your coworkers out of harms way.
Cleanup is one of the most important aspects of what we do in maintenance. This phase of our job keeps everyone safe and research has shown that working in a clean and toxic free environment has a positive benefit on overall productivity.
Power generation on Mars produces two byproducts - steam and green goo. We vent the steam all over the base through vents, floor grates, cleverly placed pipes and pretty much anyplace else. The goo is the result of the MFS process reacting with core elements in the martian soil. It is not radioactive but it is quite toxic.
Remove all toxic spills at once, HAZMAT suits are the best way to protect yourself when a spill occurs. And if you happen to come into contact with the goo, report immediately to a medical station for a scrubdown. After a few days in confinement you should be ready to report back to work. Report any rule violations to your immediate supervisor and don't forget to read you employee handbook for additional rules and information.
Creator: Peter Raleigh
Medical Supervisor
Date: 11/02/45
Report on Patient 0432, Pvt. Steve JensonMedical report 16-8 dated November 2nd, 2145. Patient 0432, a Private Steve Jensen of the UAC Darklight Corp Division expired yesterday at 15:43. Private Jensen was suffering from paranoid delusions and full blown dementia. Treatment was unsuccessful.
Initial psychiatric interveiew suggest mild psychosis, speech, motor activity and thought processes within normal range, paranoia being the only psychotic element directly evident. Reference interview G8A Private Steve Jensen on October 18th, 2145.
- UAC psychologist Dr Hooper interviewing Steve Jensen, male aged 27. Steve, can you talk to me about the last few weeks please?
- I don't wanna talk.
- Well, I'm here to help you Steve.
- I've tried talking. They think I'm crazy, you think I'm crazy.
- They, your colleagues aren't doctors, let me help you.
- Help! Nothing can help us.
Cryo sessions over a period of 72 hours revealed rapid deterioration of both the physical and mental capacity with the behaviour inconsistent with any known patterns. The patient was responsive for brief periods and had to be restrained during interviews. Reference interview H-3-2 Private Steve Jensen, October 21st, 2145.
- Tell me what you see Steve?
- I don't wanna see anymore. I don't want to feel it. They'll be here soon and then you'll see it.
- Can you talk about what you see?
- [shudders, cries]
- Steve? Patient not responsive, terminating interview.
We have exhausted all known forms of drug treatment and hopes of finding a way to abate this strange outbreak of dementia and I've yet to receive any additional data from the psychiatrists back on earth. Options are quickly dwindling.
Creator: Ian McCormick
Date: 11/15/45
Results of the human teleportation experimentsMy name is Ian McCormick and I am a research specialist stationed on Mars, working for the UAC. My primary job is or rather was to assist Dr Malcolm Betruger in a variety of experiments, though for the past year we've been focussing almost exclusively on teleportation. I don't know if I'll make it out of here alive so I'm recording this video log to let someone know what happened and with that knowledge, prevent it happening again.
Initially the teleporation experiments were amazing. We were creating a new science and the prospect of it changing our way of life were, well they were outstanding. I was proud to be associated with such an amazing project and someone as talented as Dr Betruger.
We noticed early on, probably before we had completed maybe a dozen successful tests that there was a variable delay during the teleportation. The objects are broken down at the quantum level, transported and then reassembled. Each stage of the process should have been instantaneous but it wasn't and we didn't know why. We send a video droid through and were shocked at the images it sent back. Just a few frames of video right before the droid came back through, showed what appeared to be several sets of eyes looking drectly at the probe. We had just found a living breathing creature that was not human.
Betruger immediately send out a request for volunteers, he specifically wanted UAC security force members because he wanted to capture one of these creatures. [Sigh] I've made a lot of mistakes but I am most ashamed in my involvement during the next phase. To get medical clearance to send human subjects through the device, I, ..., I doctored up several of our reports to indicate that we had performed living tissue experiments. I did not regret it at the time but a few days later when our 3rd test subject came back, he was chewing off his own fingers. It seemed he was clinically insane.
We started sending teams in about once every two days. The teams reported nightmare experiences and sightings of things that ultimately made us conclude that the other dimension was not just another dimension. It was Hell and the creatures we were bringing back, demons.
And then Betruger went through the portal himself. I don't know what he was thinking. It was an unscheduled trip and he just went and we couldn't stop him. And when he came back, he had changed. He sounded and looked the same but he just, ..., I don't know, he was just different. And then he did the unthinkable, he took the Soul Cube, the device that was discovered in the ruins, into the portal. The portal stabilisers just started to fail and then living hell erupted into the base.
Oh, we were stupid for not destroying the portals as soon as we realised what was on the other side. Oh god, forgive me, I blame myself for my part in this. Please someone, never let this happen again. Uh, I'm sorry, Ian McCormick.
Central Authority
Date: 10/05/45
Central Authority 'Demon Museum'Welcome to the Delta Complex Stasis Chambers. This facility was constructed to house and study the extra dimensional beings which were recovered during some of the first teleporter tests originating from Delta Labs 3.
While little is known about their native environment, the specimens appear to be carbon based lifeforms with extremely high heat tolerences. The epidermal tissue is extremely resilient to abrasion or incision which has complicated internal studies.
Observational studies have shown incredible strength and agility as well as the ability of some specimens to manifest and control cohesive plasma masses. The method by which these plasma masses are created is yet unknown.
It is believed that the specimens possess a rudimentary intelligence and social structure as was demonstrated during the first tragic expeditions through the portal. While the cost in human life has been great in acquiring these specimens, we hope to one day complete genomic mapping and begin to answer the many questions we have about these entities.
Central Authority
Date: 10/05/45
Central Authority Research ArchiveWhat you see before you is a relic code named U1 or simply Soul Cube. It was discovered in 2104, located in a geographic region where UAC researchers have unearthed evidence of a long lost civilisation.
We know nothing of this civilisation other than they existed and that they were all wiped out in some type of cataclysmic event according to what we've been able to decode from stone tablets found throughout the ruins.
What clues we've been able to piece together reveal a culturally advanced society, whose technology can only be described as mystic as evidenced by U1's strange characteristics.
Efforts to further examine U1 have been futile. Mass spectrometer and radiation scanning methods have failed to provide reliable identification of the molecular makeup of this artifact. The object cannot be weighed and in all tests we've been unable to determine its mass.
All attempts to physically manipulate or open the artifact have been met with no success. We also have had no success in deciphering the symbols adorning U1. What we do know is the thermographic readings are constant, unwavering temperature of 98.8 farenheit. Our research continues and we hope that with continued investment and research we can one day soon learn to exploit the technologies that make up U1.
Creator: UAC Advanced Weapons
Date: 10/10/45
Informational video on the BFG 9000Representing the pinnacle of UAC research and design, the BFG 9000 is the most advanced firearm ever designed. Fully self contained and deployed is a handheld platform it is capable of an excessive amount of fire power. The BFG 9000 contains sophisticated friend or foe technology that discriminates targets in real time.
Each projectile contains a small but very powerful computer core that actively maintains targeting and delivers a stream charge down each beam to soften targets before detonation. The detonation stage of the projectile is devastating. Targets within 15 meters of the flashpoint are not likely to survive.
While not recommended for small quarter combat, the BFG 9000 is ideal in the field and against movable targets. The only foreseeable defense is small arms ballistics. If the projectile is destroyed before exploding, the computer core cannot process the final fusion reaction, resulting in a less than optimal detonation. For more information contact the UAC's Advanced Weapons Department.
Creator: Pierce Rogers
Lead Archaeologist
Date: 08/21/45
What we know about the ancient civilization and the artifacts foundThis is Dr. Pierce Rogers, lead archeologist currently stationed on Mars. As the preliminary report had suggested, we have made some amazing discoveries here on Mars. Life on Mars has long been theorised but we never imagined anything like this. The initial chamber was discovered in 2115. It leads into what is now known as Site 1.
Site 1 is the largest of the sites and we are still actively working there. It is made up of a series of chambers and connecting tunnels. All of which are covered in glyphs and symbols. Using the UAC pattern processor, we have found we have been able to understand some of the glyphs and from them here is what we have learned.
The ancient people looked like us, at least to the extent that they were bipedal and were similar in shape and size. Their level of technology was astounding. For instance, the glyphs at each site were carved into the rock by some sort machine and each one is precisely cut from the stone. It far exceeds the precision of anything we can do. They have a social structure that seemed very aristocratic, with a lot of emphasis on social stature and structure.
Site 2, is a much smaller set of chambers, mostly containing burial sites, temples and various amounts of individual artifacts. This site has been photographed and cleared out and all materials back on Earth for study and review.
Site 3 produced our prized artifact, what we call the Soul Cube. If you have read or seen the other material, you probably know that this once grand civilisation was attacked by some unknown force. And if we can believe what was written in stone, they sacrificed much of their society to drive the invaders back. There are official reports filed on the Soul Cube, sent to the administration.
We also recovered several other device type artifacts. They are not as ornate as the Soul Cube, but each appears unique. We are still learning how to interpret all of the glyphs and hopefully once we have that completed, the science teams can provide more detailed information on their technology. These are truly unique and special times for archeologists.
Central Authority
Date: 10/05/45
Central Authority Research ArchiveSetting new standards in both archeological discovery and analysis, the UAC is proud to showcase the latest findings on four unique and fascinating artifacts. These tablets were originally discovered in a dig site under what has become known as Site 3.
Subsequent examination of the surrounding area and carbon dating of the tablets brought UAC researchers to the conclusion that the tablets belonged to a civilisation that existed millennia ago and were placed in a holy burial ground of some sort. Utilizing the best minds in linguistics and UAC proprietary pattern recognition software, the tablets were exhaustively examined. What we found was fantastic.
The first tablet provided us with a wealth of scientific data. Specifically detailing the mathematical concepts behind teleportation. UAC researchers used this information as the cornerstone for building the Delta teleportation devices.
The second and third tablets illustrate and epic story. A story of war and how faced with impossible odds the ultimate sacrifice of an entire race to achieve victory.
The fourth tablet details how the essence of each individual was captured and placed into the artifact that we now refer to as the Soul Cube. This device was wielded by their mightiest warrior and with it he banished the invading horde forever.
Our researchers are still analyzing the recently found hidden section of the fourth stone and some related fragments. It goes into detail on the invading force and indicates the remaining survivors may have teleported somewhere. Where we do not know, although it seems to reference a map we have yet to locate. To date there remains no evidence of any type of invasion at any of the sites. Our assumption is that time has removed all but what we now see.