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A Gripper[1][2] (グリッパー Gurippā?),[2] also known as a mobile flytrap,[3] is an animal that resembles a Venus flytrap. appearing in Metroid: Other M.

Description[]

Although Grippers possess a great many plant-like characteristics, concept art reveals that the creatures are in fact merely bird-like animals mimicking plants.[4] It is unknown, however, if the resemblance is purely camouflage or if deeper aspects of the Gripper's physiology are shared with the plant kingdom.

They appear to be a form of ambush predator, lying immobile in well-traveled areas of the BOTTLE SHIP's Biosphere disguised as harmless plants, hiding just below the surface of soil, or occasionally roaming above ground in active search of prey.

When not fighting Samus, the Grippers can be seen feeding on Reos. Said Reos will often swarm around the Grippers in large groups, seemingly unconcerned by the larger creatures' consumption of their fellows.

When Samus approaches, they will dislodge themselves and attempt to eat her, hopping about by means of two wide, leaf-like "wings" or quickly tunneling into the ground to attack from beneath. If they are successful in ensnaring Samus, they will rapidly drain her energy though she can use a Bomb to break their grip. When active they are vulnerable to all weapons, but when in their "resting" state they are completely invincible.

Variations[]

PoisonGripper Crop

Poison Gripper

Concept art for the Gripper states that it has many variations and subspecies.[4] However, only one other variation is observed on the BOTTLE SHIP.

A Poison Gripper[1] (ポイズングリッパー Poizun Gurippā?)[2] is a smaller, purple-colored Gripper. They make no effort to conceal themselves and are considerably weaker than their brethren. This subspecies is considerably more mobile and will pursue Samus for longer.

Official data[]

Metroid: Other M Premiere Edition[]

Mid-Level Enemies (p. 11)
Grippers and Poison Grippers
"Don't mistake Grippers of any type as simply another plant. These vicious creatures don't limit their appetites to Reos, Mellas, and Himellas; they like the taste of human flesh as well. If you're not careful, you may accidentally walk right into their gaping maws, where they will clamp down and happily start chewing away your Energy. These creatures look so much like other harmless plants, that the best course of action is to shoot them before you get too close. The Poison Grippers, the smaller and more mobile kind, give away their intentions far quicker than their larger, sneakier sisters, the Grippers, so blast them before they walk over to you and take a bite. The regular Grippers will wait with their mouths open, pretending to be harmless until you're close enough to taste. They also burrow into the ground only to reemerge at your feet."

Nintendo Official Guidebook for Metroid Other M[]

MetroidFusion Fan
Warning: Fan Translation(s) Ahead

This article, section, or file contains text that is unofficially translated by Metroid fans. Some information (such as proper English names) may not be accurate. If an official translation becomes available, the fan translation(s) may be replaced.

"Grippers are flower-like, plant-type enemies with a mean bite. If they bite you, you'll take a lot of damage, but they can be avoided by entering Morph Ball mode. The Poison Gripper is in the same series."

Trivia[]

  • Since both enemies are based on Venus flytraps, Grippers also resemble Bryyo leaves.
  • Throughout the Biosphere, inanimate flytrap-like plants appear that strongly resemble Grippers, and are often found in rooms with live specimens, such as the long dirt tunnel. Whether the flytraps are related to Grippers in some way is unknown.
  • The Gripper's tactic of tunneling below its target is also employed by the similarly-named Griptians and Mighty Griptians.
  • Interestingly, both regular and Mighty Griptians also appear to possess leaf-like appendages similar to the Gripper's.
  • There is a glitch where if a Power Bomb is deployed right before the Gripper eats Samus, the Gripper remains unaffected and continues consuming Samus as if nothing happened.
  • The Gripper's plant-like physiology is shared by another creature unique to the BOTTLE SHIP, the Groganch.
  • Grippers are similar to Samus Eaters from Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion, in that they are both carnivorous plants that entrap prey, specifically Samus, within a large flower-like mouth.

Gallery[]

References[]


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