Pyramid of the Forbidden

From KeenWiki

The Pyramid of the Forbidden is the secret level of Commander Keen 4, accessible only through the Pyramid of the Moons. It the hardest of the Pyramids of Shadowlands, and possibly the most difficult level in the game. It is located in the jungles of the Shadowlands of Gnosticus IV.

The level has a drawing of the palm of a hand over its entrance, encouraging Keen to "stop", and implying the pyramid is forbidden. Interestingly enough, the hand is similar to the ones used in Keen 6 to indicate optional, dangerous areas.

The pyramid is divided in 6 different sections. Keen must first go down through 3 sections, and then up again through 3 more sections. The bottom of the pyramid is a big tar pit. The level is full of Poison Slugs, Licks and Skypests. There is also a lone Mad Mushroom. There are also several knife shooters throughout the level.

At the end of the level, Keen finds a man who looks like a Council Member, but is actually just their janitor. When Keen asks him, he says he tried to tell the Shikadi he was not a Council Member, but they didn't listen. When Keen finishes talking to the janitor, the level doesn't end, unlike other levels with real Council Members. Keen has to exit the level by taking a flying Foot, similar to the one he used to get to the pyramid (or possibly the same one).

There are two red gems (and two red doors) in this level, unlike most levels which have at most one gem of each color.

See also: Pyramids of Shadowlands, List of Keen 4 Levels.