Phazon Quarry

Phazon Quarry is the main room of the Mining Site on the Pirate Homeworld. The room is large and has a giant Mining Drill that can be operated via a terminal.

Description
Phazon Quarry can be entered through two levels. The bottom floor is the main entrance, but another door is located on a higher ledge. A small enclosed balcony area is present atop the room, and features several terminals. A secluded passage at the back of the room also features several terminals, one of wich is touch-sensetive and operates a Mining Drill. The Drill is used for excavating Phazon in the room, and is on a rail situated on the ceiling. A strange wood-like ore is present around the sides of the room, and has glowing Phazon veins weaving in and out of it. This substance can be harvested by the use of the Mining Drill, and turns a bright orange when cut.

The room is guarded by Assault Pirate Troopers, and they can set off a portable alarm system to call in reinforcements if need be. Several Phazon crates are in place around the room as the spoils of the Phazon Quarry.

Role
Samus Aran enters this room upon her exploration of the Mines sector. She is immediatley spotted by the Pirates, and uses the Phazon crates as cover. Samus uses the terminal at the back of the room to activate the Mining Drill and carve a Half Pipe out of the ore. She can also use the Drill to cut another section of the ore and reveal a Missile Expansion. Samus uses the Half Pipe and her Boost Ball to escape the Quarry.

Later on, Samus can return to acquire an Energy Cell from the room by following a different passage and entering in the balcony area. She can jump down onto the lower level as well.

Connecting Rooms

 * Transit Station 4-B (Leads to Command Center)
 * Mine Lift
 * Drill Shaft 2

Design Notes
Matt Manchester created the Phazon Quarry. Here are the notes from his blog:

"This room was fun to work in. I wanted it to feel like a natural part of the planet that the pirates were slowly boring through. I gave the floor a makeshift feel. Working with Todd Keller, the art director, we came up with an idea for a type of mineral/metal on this planet that was a mix between wood and muscle in it's shape, but actually composed of metal ore, with veins of hot blue glowing substance inside."