A Kinetic Orb Cannon is Xenotech designed to launch unseen spherical shaped objects called Kinetic Orbs across long distances. They are predominately found on planet Aether, and on SkyTown of planet Elysia. In the latter location, some Kinetic Orb Cannons need to have power restored to them by entering them and using the Boost Ball to generate charge, causing the cannon to turn to its correct direction. The original purpose of these units is shrouded in mystery, although it is possible they were either a method of transporting goods, (albeit rather sturdy ones) or even a form of weapon. In the present day, Samus Aran can use the cannons to launch herself across distances using her Morph Ball form. She will often be fired at Kinetic Orb targets.
Morph Ball launchers, devices very similar in function, appear in Metroid: Zero Mission, Metroid: Other M and Metroid Dread. Morph Ball launchers send the Morph Ball upwards at speeds that can break any blocks, including the otherwise one-way-only Pit Blocks. Other similar cannons can be found in Metroid Prime Hunters and Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt, including Jump Pads that do not require the Morph Ball mode, but function more like springs.
If another person touches the cannon while it is preparing to fire a target, the person who touches it will die. This is observed in the Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Multiplayer, where Kinetic Orb Cannons are placed on various multiplayer levels such as Sidehopper Station. If two cannons are positioned opposite from each other, and two people use them at the same time, the two objects or people being fired will collide and explode. This can kill a participant even in Invincible Mode.
Logbook entries[]
Kinetic Orb Cannon
Xenotech: Kinetic Orb Cannon
Fires small, spherical objects at high speeds. Scan interface panel to bring the Cannon online, then enter the hologram to fire.
The purpose of the Kinetic Orb Cannon is unclear. It may have originally been designed for industrial use, then converted to a combat system in later times.
Kinetic Orb Cannon
Device: Kinetic Orb Cannon
Capable of firing small, spherical objects at high speeds.
The Kinetic orb Cannon's original purpose is unclear, but they are capable of firing spherical objects at high speeds to a set target. Entering a cannon while in Morph Ball will allow you to reach new areas and traverse great distances quickly. The Kinetic Orb Cannon appears in various locations at SkyTown. However, most units have shut down and require a kinetic charge to reactivate.
- Hologram (Metroid Prime 2: Echoes)
- "Enter hologram in Morph Ball mode to fire Cannon."
- Interface Module (Metroid Prime 2: Echoes)
- "Power restored to Kinetic Orb Cannon.
Unit locked in current firing position. Autofire feature enabled." - Hologram (Metroid Prime 3: Corruption)
- "Cannon systems online. Enter hologram to initiate cannon firing sequence."
- Inactive (Metroid Prime 3: Corruption)
- "Cannon is without power. A kinetic charge should be sufficient to energize systems."
Trivia[]
- Page 45 of Official Nintendo Magazine issue 142 refers to Kinetic Orb Cannons as Morph Ball Cannons.