Changes: Boost Ball

Revision as of 04:13, 13 March 2019

The Boost Ball is an upgrade to Samus Aran's Morph Ball seen throughout the Prime Series. While in Morph Ball mode, pressing and holding the B button charges up a "boost", and letting go of the button allows Samus to speed up for a short period of time. The Boost Ball uses kinetic energy to perform its quick movements. It is essential in collecting Dark Torvus Temple Key 1, defeating the Spider Guardian, and shutting down Quad MBs and Dark Quad MBs. It is also able to interface with Spinners, and in Echoes and Corruption, the upgrade gives Samus the ability to Boost Jump off of one Spider Ball Track to another.

The Boost Ball is the only item that allows Samus to traverse large and unnaturally smooth Half-pipes. It can also be used to destroy small enemies or damage larger ones with the boost. It is acquired in Metroid Prime by going to the Phendrana Canyon, after defeating the Boost Guardian in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and after destroying the Defense Drone in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. In Metroid Prime Hunters, Samus has the item by default.

In Corruption, the Options feature Boost Ball Aiming, which enables a reticule so Samus can target a position to boost at or into.

The Boost Ball is charged by pressing the B button in the games, except for Hunters, which is activated by stroking the touch screen or pressing the R button. The ability appears in Hunters despite the lack of any Spinner devices or Spider Ball Tracks.

Dark Samus and her copies are also capable of using the Boost Ball in Echoes and Corruption. However, their variant is seemingly Phazon-based and is far more advanced than the one used by Samus Aran, as it is capable of boosting their Morph Ball forms at high speeds for an incredibly longer amount of time in a single charge (it can be assumed that they are capable of gathering more kinetic energy than Samus's Boost Ball in a short charge). Samus-G in Corruption is also able to use the Boost Ball.

The Boost Ball can be seen as a simple, easy-to-use Ballspark, though with a few drawbacks.

Boost Ball is needed to gain a Friend Voucher, Bowling for Bots, in Corruption, where Samus uses the Boost Ball to knock down a group of Tinbots on Elysia (like the sport of Bowling, hence the name).

Official data

Phendrana canyon boost ball — Samus using the Boost Ball in Phendrana Canyon.

Official Metroid Prime website

Weapon Effect: N/A

Weapon Range: N/A

Weapon Potential: Non-Lethal

"The Boost Ball is used to increase the Morph Ball's speed for short periods of time, allowing Samus Aran to access previously out-of-reach areas via U-shaped structures known as halfpipes. The Boost Ball also allows Samus to operate complicated machines called Spinner Devices."

Metroid Prime flash

"Acquire the Boost Ball to spin away from enemies and ride up half-pipes to reach previously inaccessible areas. Hold the B button to charge up, and release to get a boost of speed."

Metroid Prime manual

Boost ball torvus bog wii de asobu — Samus using the Boost Ball in Torvus Plaza.

"The Boost Ball accelerates the Morph Ball. Once Samus finds this power-up, press and hold the B Button to build up speed boost. When you release the B Button, Samus will accelerate in the direction she is rolling. This is especially useful for boosting up the sides of half-pipe areas."

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes manual

"Once Samus finds this power-up, press and hold the B Button to build up a speed boost. Samus will accelerate in whatever direction she is rolling or even boost up halfpipes."

Inventory data

Boost Ball

Metroid Prime Series

Inventory entry

The Boost Ball can be used to increase the Morph Ball's speed for short periods.
Press and hold / to charge, then release / to trigger a quick boost of speed.

Samus's Notes

When charging, the longer you hold /, the longer (and faster) the Boost Charge will be.
Throughout the environment you will encounter U-shaped channels known as half-pipes. Using the Boost Ball in these areas will let you reach higher places.
Build a charge as you descend in the half-pipe, then trigger the Boost as you ascend the other side, This will give you the speed and momentum you need to reach new heights.
You can damage some enemies by "boosting" into them.*

* This sentence is included in Echoes, which otherwise features the same Logbook entry.

Removed Function

Unused content on the Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Bonus Disc accessible only through hacking shows that there would potentially be an upgrade or new function for the Boost Ball that allowed it to be used in the air. While locked onto an enemy, morphing in the air will allow Samus to home onto the enemy, similar to the Homing Attack from the Sonic series.^[1] In a 2018 interview, Echoes technical lead engineer Jack Mathews revealed that this attack was intended for the game's multiplayer mode. The controls involved locking onto an opponent, jumping and holding the Morph Ball button to initiate the attack. He suggested that it was cut due to difficulty implementing it effectively, or for fear that the transition could be nauseating to players.^[2]

Trivia

In Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, this upgrade is one of three that the Luminoth Sub-sentinels never mention or give hints to in-game, the others being the Screw Attack and the Grapple Beam.
In Metroid: Samus Returns, the Arachnus' rolling attack resembles the Boost Ball.

Gallery

References

^ Miles (19). Demo disc hacking. Metroid2002. Retrieved on 2013-04-21.
^ Kerwin, Darren, RoyboyX. "Interview: Jack Mathews", Shinesparkers, 2018-01-20. Retrieved on 2018-01-20.

Morph Ball
Morph Ball \| Bombs Spring Ball \| Spider Ball \| Power Bombs \| Cross Bomb Boost Ball \| Force Ball \| Hyper Ball Death Ball \| Deathalt See also: Template:Alt-Form.

Power Suit movement systems
Thrusters	Screw Attack • Gravity Boost • Speed Booster • SenseMove
Boots	High Jump Boots • Space Jump • Jump Boots • Space Jump Boots • Spin Boost
Morph Ball	Spring Ball • Spider Ball • Boost Ball
Arm Cannon	Grapple Beam • Spider Magnet

Chozo
Individuals	Chozo Searcher • Chozo architect • Chozo philosopher • Chozo Shaman • Chozo warrior • Chozo Elder De'la • Dryn • Gray Voice • Old Bird • Ou-Qua • Platinum Chest • Raven Beak "Thoha researcher" • "Thoha elder" • Quiet Robe • Samus Aran • Dark Samus • Master Artisan
Areas	Zebes (Chozo Ruins/Chozodia) • Tallon IV (Artifact Temple/Chozo Ruins/Chozo Ice Temple) Elysia (SkyTown/Chozo Observatory) • SR388 • ZDR (Ferenia/Itorash) • Nest • Shooting Gallery
Technology	Aeion Ability Artifact • Ammo Recharge Station • Arm Cannon • Autoad • Autom • Autrack • Big Aeion Orb • Body Adaptation Machine • Boost Ball • Charge Beam • Chozo Artifact • Chozo battle armor • Chozo Block • Chozo bust • Chozo Lore • Chozo Seal • Chozo Ship • Chozo Statue • Chozo Totem • Combat Visor • Defense Drone • Diggernaut • Energy Recharge Station • Elysian (The First • SkyTown Data author) • Elysian satellite • Escape Pod • Grapple Beam • Gravity Suit • Gunship (Corruption) • Gunship (Return of Samus) • Gunzoo • Hunter-class gunship • Ice Beam • Item Sphere • Long Beam • "Mawkin starship" • Metroids • Missile Launcher • Morph Ball • Morph Ball launcher • Mother Brain • Plasma Beam • Power Beam • Power Bomb • Power Suit • Purple liquid • Scan Visor • Screw Attack • Security system • Skin pouch • SkyTown Data • Spazer Beam • Spider Ball • Super Missile • Tall Chozo structure • Teleport Station • Unknown Item • Varia Suit • Wallfire • Wave Beam • X-Ray Visor/Scope • Ancient Chozo Robot • Overdog
Culture	Aeion • Chozo Language • Distant sight • Plane of existence • Prophecy of Light
Tribes	Mawkin • Thoha
Hostile Chozo	Ruins Test • Chozo Ghost • Dark Samus • Torizo (Golden) • Elephant Bird • Chozo Soldier (Robot) • Chozo Zombie Raven Beak (X) • True Chozo

Metroid Prime and Dark Samus
Abilities	Metroid Prime: Particle Wave Projector • Seeker Missile • Snare Beam • Ultrafrigid Beam Dark Samus: Bomb • Boost Ball • Charge Beam • Dark Echo • Missile Launcher • Missile • Phazon bullets Phazon Suit • Screw Attack • Shrapnel Beam • Stealth field generator • Phazon Laser
Music	VS. Metroid Prime (Spider) • Metroid Prime Battle • Dark Samus Intro • Dark Samus Appears Part 2 Darkness • Escape
Misc.	Dark Samus Biography • Dark Samus Development Notes • Dark Samus Gallery • Dark Samus Rooms Dark Samus in Super Smash Bros. • 04ε: Dark Samus

[1] Miles (19). Demo disc hacking. Metroid2002. Retrieved on 2013-04-21.

[2] Kerwin, Darren, RoyboyX. "Interview: Jack Mathews", Shinesparkers, 2018-01-20. Retrieved on 2018-01-20.

[1]

[2]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Images|Boosting images from Corruption}}
 {{Infobox Beam
-|name    = Boost Ball
+|name = Boost Ball
-|image   = [[File:Boost_ball_main_plaza_thumbnail_dolphin_hd.jpg|300px]]
+|image = [[File:Boost ball main plaza thumbnail dolphin hd.jpg|300px]]
-|caption = ''[[Metroid Prime]]''
+|caption = Samus using the Boost Ball in the [[Chozo Ruins]]' [[Main Plaza]]
-|games   = ''[[Metroid Prime]]''<br/>''[[Metroid Prime Hunters]]''<br/>''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]''<br/>''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]''
+|games = ''[[Metroid Prime]]''<br/>''[[Metroid Prime Hunters]]''<br/>''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]''<br/>''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]''
-|effect  = Propels the Morph Ball at great speeds in chosen direction.
+|effect = Propels the [[Morph Ball]] at great speeds in chosen direction.
-|use    = To scale [[Half-Pipe]]s, can be used to create kinetic energy to power devices.
+|use = To scale [[Half-pipe]]s, can be used to create kinetic energy to power devices.
 }}
-The '''Boost Ball''' is an upgrade to [[Samus Aran]]'s [[Morph Ball]]. While in [[Morph Ball Mode]], pressing and holding the Jump button charges up a "boost", and letting go of the button allows her to speed up for a short period of time. The Boost Ball uses kinetic energy to perform its quick movements. It is essential in getting a [[Dark Torvus]] [[Temple Key]], beating the [[Spider Guardian]], and shutting down [[Quad MB]]s and [[Dark Quad MB]]s.
+The '''Boost Ball''' is an upgrade to [[Samus Aran]]'s [[Morph Ball]] seen throughout the [[Prime Series]]. While in Morph Ball mode, pressing and holding the B button charges up a "boost", and letting go of the button allows Samus to speed up for a short period of time. The Boost Ball uses kinetic energy to perform its quick movements. It is essential in collecting [[Dark Torvus Temple Key 1]], defeating the [[Spider Guardian]], and shutting down [[Quad MB]]s and [[Dark Quad MB]]s. It is also able to interface with [[Spinner]]s, and in ''Echoes'' and ''Corruption'', the upgrade gives Samus the ability to [[Boost Jump]] off of one [[Spider Ball Track]] to another.
-It is seen in ''[[Metroid Prime]]'', ''[[Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt]]'', ''[[Metroid Prime: Hunters]]'', ''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]'' and ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]''. It is the only item that allows Samus to traverse large and unnaturally smooth halfpipes. It can also be used to destroy small enemies or damage larger ones with the boost. It is acquired in ''Prime'' by going to the [[Phendrana Canyon]] in [[Phendrana Drifts]], after defeating the [[Boost Guardian]] in ''Echoes'' and after fighting the [[Defense Drone]] in ''Corruption''. In ''Hunters'', Samus begins the game with it.
+The Boost Ball is the only item that allows Samus to traverse large and unnaturally smooth [[Half-pipe]]s. It can also be used to destroy small enemies or damage larger ones with the boost. It is acquired in ''[[Metroid Prime]]'' by going to the [[Phendrana Canyon]], after defeating the [[Boost Guardian]] in ''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]'' and after destroying the [[Defense Drone]] in ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]''. In ''[[Metroid Prime Hunters]]'', Samus has the item by default.
+In ''Corruption'', the [[Options]] feature '''Boost Ball Aiming''', which enables a reticule so Samus can target a position to boost at or into.
-The Boost Ball is charged by pressing the B button in the games, except for ''Hunters'', which is activated by stroking the touch screen or pressing the R button.
+The Boost Ball is charged by pressing the B button in the games, except for ''Hunters'', which is activated by stroking the touch screen or pressing the R button. The ability appears in ''Hunters'' despite the lack of any Spinner devices or Spider Ball Tracks.
 [[Dark Samus]] and her [[Dark Echo|copies]] are also capable of using the Boost Ball in ''Echoes'' and ''Corruption''. However, their variant is seemingly [[Phazon]]-based and is far more advanced than the one used by Samus Aran, as it is capable of boosting their Morph Ball forms at high speeds for an incredibly longer amount of time in a single charge (it can be assumed that they are capable of gathering more kinetic energy than Samus's Boost Ball in a short charge). [[Samus-G]] in ''Corruption'' is also able to use the Boost Ball.
-The Boost Ball can be seen as a simple, easy-to-use [[Ballspark]], though with a few setbacks.
+The Boost Ball can be seen as a simple, easy-to-use [[Ballspark]], though with a few drawbacks.
-Boost Ball is needed to gain an achievement in <i>Corruption</i>, (Bowling for Bots) where the player uses the Boost Ball to knock down a group of Tinbots on Elysia (Like the sport of Bowling, hence the name.).
+Boost Ball is needed to gain a [[Friend Voucher]], Bowling for Bots, in ''Corruption'', where Samus uses the Boost Ball to knock down a group of Tinbots on Elysia (like the sport of Bowling, hence the name).
 ==Official data==
-[[File:Phendrana_canyon_boost_ball.jpg|thumb|Samus using the Boost Ball in [[Phendrana Canyon]].]]
+[[File:Phendrana canyon boost ball.jpg|thumb|Samus using the Boost Ball in [[Phendrana Canyon]].]]
 ===Official ''Metroid Prime'' website===
 '''Weapon Effect:''' N/A
@@ Line 31: / Line 32: @@
 ''"The Boost Ball is used to increase the Morph Ball's speed for short periods of time, allowing Samus Aran to access previously out-of-reach areas via U-shaped structures known as halfpipes. The Boost Ball also allows Samus to operate complicated machines called Spinner Devices."''
+===[[Metroid Prime (flash game)|''Metroid Prime'' flash]]===
+''"Acquire the Boost Ball to spin away from enemies and ride up [[half-pipe]]s to reach previously inaccessible areas. Hold the B button to [[Boost Charge|charge up]], and release to get a boost of speed."''
 ===''Metroid Prime'' manual===
-[[File:Boost_ball_torvus_bog_wii_de_asobu.jpg|thumb|Samus using the Boost Ball in [[Torvus Plaza]].]]
+[[File:Boost ball torvus bog wii de asobu.jpg|thumb|Samus using the Boost Ball in [[Torvus Plaza]].]]
 ''"The Boost Ball accelerates the Morph Ball. Once Samus finds this power-up, press and hold the B Button to build up speed boost. When you release the B Button, Samus will accelerate in the direction she is rolling. This is especially useful for boosting up the sides of half-pipe areas."''
 ===''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes'' manual===
@@ Line 39: / Line 43: @@
 ===Inventory data===
+{{Logbook
-{{Infobox Inventory
-|game       = Metroid Prime
+|game       = mps
+|mp3img     = [[File:BoostBallScan.png]]
-|text       = The Boost Ball can be used to increase the Morph Ball's speed for short periods.<br/>Press and hold B to charge, then release B to trigger a quick boost of speed.<br/>'''Samus's Notes:'''<br/>When charging, the longer you hold B, the longer (and faster) the [[Boost Charge]] will be.<br/>Throughout the environment you will encounter U-shaped channels known as half-pipes. Using the Boost Ball in these areas will let you reach higher places.<br/>Build a charge as you descend in the half-pipe, then trigger the Boost as you ascend the other side, This will give you the speed and momentum you need to reach new heights.<br />You can damage some enemies by “boosting” into them.*
+|inv_text   = The Boost Ball can be used to increase the Morph Ball's speed for short periods.<br/>Press and hold [[File:GC B button.png|19px]]/[[File:Wii B Button.png|19px]] to charge, then release [[File:GC B button.png|19px]]/[[File:Wii B Button.png|19px]] to trigger a quick boost of speed.
+|sam_notes  = When charging, the longer you hold [[File:GC B button.png|19px]]/[[File:Wii B Button.png|19px]], the longer (and faster) the Boost Charge will be.<br/>Throughout the environment you will encounter U-shaped channels known as half-pipes. Using the Boost Ball in these areas will let you reach higher places.<br/>Build a charge as you descend in the half-pipe, then trigger the Boost as you ascend the other side, This will give you the speed and momentum you need to reach new heights.<br />You can damage some enemies by "boosting" into them.*
 }}
 <small>* This sentence is included in ''Echoes'', which otherwise features the same Logbook entry.</small>
 ==Removed Function==
-Unused content on the ''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Bonus Disc]]'' accessible only through hacking shows that there would potentially be an upgrade or new function for the Boost Ball that allowed it to be used in the air. While locked onto an enemy, morphing in the air will allow Samus to home onto the enemy. It was likely removed in favor of the [[Screw Attack]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m2k2.taigaforum.com/post/demo_disc_hacking.html |title= Demo disc hacking |accessdate=2013-04-21 |author=Miles |date=19 |year=2013 |month=April |work=Metroid2002}}</ref>
+Unused content on the ''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Bonus Disc]]'' accessible only through hacking shows that there would potentially be an upgrade or new function for the Boost Ball that allowed it to be used in the air. While locked onto an enemy, morphing in the air will allow Samus to home onto the enemy, similar to the Homing Attack from the ''Sonic'' series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m2k2.taigaforum.com/post/demo_disc_hacking.html |title= Demo disc hacking |accessdate=2013-04-21 |author=Miles |date=19 |year=2013 |month=April |work=Metroid2002}}</ref> In a 2018 interview, ''Echoes'' technical lead engineer [[Jack Mathews]] revealed that this attack was intended for the game's [[MP2 Multiplayer|multiplayer]] mode. The controls involved [[lock-on|locking onto]] an opponent, jumping and holding the Morph Ball button to initiate the attack. He suggested that it was cut due to difficulty implementing it effectively, or for fear that the transition could be nauseating to players.<ref>{{cite news |first=Darren |last=Kerwin |authorlink= |coauthors=RoyboyX |title=Interview: Jack Mathews |url=https://shinesparkers.net/interviews/jack-mathews/ |publisher=[[Shinesparkers]] |date=2018-01-20 |accessdate=2018-01-20 }}</ref>
 ==Trivia==
 *In ''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]'', this upgrade is one of three that the Luminoth Sub-sentinels never mention or give hints to in-game, the others being the Screw Attack and the [[Grapple Beam]].
+*In ''[[Metroid: Samus Returns]]'', the [[Arachnus]]' rolling attack resembles the Boost Ball.
 ==Gallery==
+{{Scroll box|content=
-<gallery columns="4">
+<gallery captionalign="center">
-Image:Boost_Ball_Mechanics.png|The Mechanics of Samus' Boost Ball.
+Boost Ball Mechanics.png|The Mechanics of Samus' Boost Ball.
-File:Boostball gameplay1.png
+Boostball gameplay1.png
 Boost Ball.jpg|The Boost Ball's item form in ''[[Metroid Prime]]''
-File:Phendrana_canyon_samus_gets_boost_ball_morph_dolphin_hd.jpg|Samus gets the Boost Ball in ''Metroid Prime''.
+Phendrana canyon_samus_gets_boost_ball_morph_dolphin_hd.jpg|Samus gets the Boost Ball in ''Metroid Prime''.
-File:MP2boostball.jpg|The Boost Ball's item form in ''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]''
+UnusedBoostBallScan.png|Unused scan images seen in [[Metroid Prime/Gallery#Gallery 2.2FBiology Gallery|concept art]].
-File:Boost_Ball_acquired_Dark_Torvus.png|Samus gets the Boost Ball in ''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes''.
+MP2boostball.jpg|The Boost Ball's item form in ''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]''
+Boost Ball acquired_Dark_Torvus.png|Samus gets the Boost Ball in ''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes''.
 Boost.png|Boost Ball!
-File:Boost Guardian.jpg|[[Boost Guardian]]
+Boost Guardian.jpg|[[Boost Guardian]]
-File:Boost ball metroid prime 3.jpg|The Boost Ball's item form in ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]''.
+Boost ball metroid prime 3.jpg|The Boost Ball's item form in ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]''.
+Boost Ball MP3.jpg|Samus using the Boost Ball in [[Steambot Barracks]].
+Bowling for Bots.jpg|Samus attacking [[Tinbot]]s with the Boost Ball in [[Junction]].
+Boost Ball Aiming.png|Boost Ball Aiming.
+Boost icon.png|On-screen icon in ''Hunters''.
 </gallery>
+}}
 ==References==
 {{Reflist}}
 {{Morph Ball}}
 {{Movement}}
 {{Chozo}}
+{{Metroid Prime and Dark Samus}}
 [[ru:Шар-разгон]]
 [[Category:Chozo technology]]
@@ Line 77: / Line 90: @@
 [[Category:Phendrana Drifts]]
 [[Category:Dark Aether]]
-[[Category:Dark Torvus]]
+[[Category:Dark Torvus Bog]]
 [[Category:Elysia]]
 [[Category:SkyTown]]