Lockjaw

The Lockjaw.

The Lockjaw is Sylux's Alt-Form in Metroid Prime Hunters. It demonstrates extreme speed and maneuvering capabilities.

The Lockjaw is like Samus Aran's Morph Ball in that it grants high speed, maneuverability, and access to small places. Like all of Sylux's gear, it is stolen from the Galactic Federation.

Abilities

The Lockjaw has a weak anti-gravity feature that always keeps it very slightly above ground level. This removes almost all friction, allowing the Lockjaw to move at an extraordinarily high speed without being substantially affected by slopes. To accommodate for this speed, the controls for the Lockjaw differ from those for other Alt-Forms in Hunters. When Sylux morphs, the camera is immediately locked and must then be controlled manually using the Nintendo DS touchscreen (in Stylus Mode) or the four face buttons (in Dual Mode), much like how aiming is handled in biped form. For other Alt-Forms, the camera rotates automatically and the touchscreen or face buttons (depending on which mentioned control scheme is used) are used for movement as more precise alternatives to the directional pad. Thus, Sylux is limited to steering the Lockjaw in eight directions, in contrast to other Bounty Hunters who can move more freely in their own Alt-Forms.

The Lockjaw is capable of laying Electric Bombs, similar to those of the Morph Ball, although these bombs explode slower. However, like the Morph Ball Bombs, they will explode and cause injury to enemies should they come into contact with them. What makes the bombs of the Lockjaw unique is the ability to string two bombs together to form a tripwire of sorts. If someone comes into contact with the wire, they are hit by the bombs that were tied by the string.

Even more unique is the ability for Sylux to wrap enemies with bombs. This is done by laying two bombs, being sure that the bombs are within range of each other and that there are no obstacles between the bombs. When an enemy comes by and he is in range the third bomb is laid which closes the net and delivers a powerful blast which deals 180 units worth of damage. This technique is frequently called the "triangle nuke" or "tri-bomb". Despite this almost-certain kill, however, it is quite possible to simply pre-empt the enemy by jumping before the third bomb is laid.

Gliding/Climbing abilities

Laying the bombs repeatedly causes them to explode quickly and propels the Lockjaw upward the same way a Bomb Jump propels the Morph Ball. A certain gliding method can be executed by laying the bombs after running off of a cliff or going off the edge of a structure. If Sylux continues exploding the bombs Sylux will stay in the air until Sylux overdoes it and the bombs cease to refill in Sylux's supply.

The Lockjaw can climb upwards if bombs are laid fast enough. For example, Sylux can go from the bottom of Combat Hall to the second floor if done correctly (using a 2 bomb explosion start and no skips), however it is difficult or impossible to go any higher than that under normal circumstances.

In low gravity areas, Sylux can use the explosions to fly in a manner very similar to the Turbo Bomb. If Sylux uses the explosions at the correct frequency, then Sylux will not run out and can stay in the air indefinitely. The Lockjaw never actually touches the ground because of its anti-gravity ability.

Official Data

Logbook entry

Lockjaw

Metroid Prime Hunters

Logbook entry

SYLUX's alternative form, the LOCKJAW, may consist of stolen prototype federation technology. It allows the user to transform into two tetracarbon ceramic-alloy blades joined together by an energy thread. Its principal method of attack is to weave a network of explosive trip wire.

Metroid Prime Hunters: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide

LOCKJAW

"The Lockjaw form has been under secret development by the Galactic Federation for years. It allows a user to transform into two sharp beams that spin around an energy core. It is unclear how a Galactic Federation prototype weapon ended up in Sylux's possession."

Etymology

Lockjaw refers to trismus, a pathological condition in which the mouth is held shut by sustained spasm of the masseter (jaw) muscle, often observed in cases of tetanus.

Trivia

• In a similar fashion to Samus Aran's Alt-Form, the Morph Ball, the Lockjaw resembles the shoulder pieces of its hunter.
• The Lockjaw has the highest speed of all known Alt-Forms, excluding Samus Aran and the Boost Guardian's Boost Ball, which they can only use in short bursts.