Targeting Reticule

The Targeting Reticule is a feature of Samus Aran's Visor system that works in tandem with her Arm Cannon, to automatically target enemy life-forms and Scan points. The Targeting Reticule is used throughout the Metroid Prime Series.

Description
In combat, this reticule allows Samus to lock her field of vision to an enemies movements, so she can fire more precise shots and strafe around the target. During Scanning, the reticule takes a different appearance and enables Samus to collect data from various enemies and her surrounding environment. The Targeting Reticule is normally not present in non-combat situations in the Gamecube verisons of Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. It will however, appear if Samus encounters an enemy. During lock-on, the Reticule will appear as a small crosshair, bordered by a spinning targeting scope. This scope will change according to the Visor Samus uses, but its function will remain the same.

In the Wii versions of the Metroid Prime games, the combat Targeting Reticule can be used somewhat differently. Samus has the option to enable the "Lock On/Free Aim" feature. Doing so means that Samus can manually aim her Arm Cannon during lock on, but still has a fixed perspective on the enemy. This feature can be toggled on and off to suit Samus' preference. The Targeting Reticule takes on a different appearance in the Wii games. During normal exploration, the Reticule will appear as a green, three pronged cursor with a small dot in the centre. However, during enemy targeting the Reticule will turn red and a "Target Scope" will appear around the cursor to assist in aiming.

Metroid Prime manual
"This reticule will automatically track enemies or scan points. By pressing the L Button, you will lock onto whatever point is currently highlighted. Bear in mind that the reticule will change in appearance depending on which visor Samus is currently using"

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes manual
"This reticule will automatically track enemies. By pressing the L Button, you will lock onto whatever point is currently highlighted. Bear in mind that the reticule will change in appearance depending on which visor Samus is currently using"

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption manual
"This reticule will move in conjunction with the pointer. By pressing the Z Button, you will lock on to whatever point is currently highlighted. In the OPTIONS you can also choose the LOCK ON/FREE AIM setting that you prefer"

Metroid Prime Trilogy manual
"When you get close to an object or enemy that you can lock onto, the lock-on cursor will appear. When you lock on, the cursor will change to the target scope."