Metroid: Zero Mission
Morph Ball launchers[1][2][3] are devices that propel the Morph Ball great distances. The ones on Zebes simply shoot the ball upward, while the ones on the BOTTLE SHIP and ZDR can shoot it through tunnels in various directions.
Zebes[]
The Morph Ball launcher in Metroid: Zero Mission.
Stone slab seen in Kraid. An etching provides a hint toward a launcher's use.
Morph Ball launchers first appeared in Metroid: Zero Mission, particularly throughout Kraid's Lair and Norfair. These launchers are of Chozo origin, and each features two statues of large birds on the sides of the machine's only opening. In the former location, various stone slabs in the background have an image engraved upon it, depicting the launcher's usage. This engraving provides a hint as to how to use the launchers, with Kraid's Lair serving as a tutorial on how to use them. If Samus Aran enters the launcher's central slot in Morph Ball mode and sets a Bomb, the entire machine will glow, sending a kinetic charge through her Power Suit and launch her straight up as a Ball Spark. This allows her to destroy enemies, Beam Blocks, Bomb Blocks, and even Boost Blocks that are located directly above the Morph Ball launcher, stopping only when Samus impacts an indestructible surface.
In Zero Mission, two of the Chozo-based Morph Ball launchers are located within Brinstar, hidden behind scenery; one is directly in front of the door to Kraid Elevator and allows quick access upward and beyond, revealing a small cave to a Missile Expansion. A second launcher is hidden underneath the Starting Point. Samus can uncover it through the use of a Power Bomb and use it to launch herself up to Crateria. This machine in particular is the only thing allowing access to the tunnel connecting Brinstar to Crateria.
Morph Ball launchers do not reappear in Super Metroid. Although the two Brinstar rooms originally containing launchers can be revisited, their launchers are inaccessible and nowhere to be found, suggesting they were buried, destroyed, or located and removed during the time between Zero Mission and Super Metroid.
BOTTLE SHIP[]
Metroid: Other M
Morph Ball launchers reappear in Metroid: Other M, though these were built by the Galactic Federation. They appear as simple Bomb Slot-like mechanisms on the ground of certain locations. Contrary to those found on Zebes, these launchers allow Samus to roll on twists and turns of tunnels located on the BOTTLE SHIP, rather than going through straight paths only.
ZDR[]
The first Morph Ball launcher used, in Dairon.
Morph Ball launchers are redesigned in Metroid Dread. On ZDR, they exclusively shoot the Morph Ball through narrow tunnels; these can go in any direction both vertically and horizontally, though many are one-way routes due to the introduction of Morph Ball launcher exits[3]. Several are found in the section of Dairon left of the E.M.M.I. Zone, as this is where Samus obtains the Bomb. Samus can also activate a Morph Ball launcher with a Cross Bomb, though there is little reason for her to do so.
Samus enters the arena of Experiment No. Z-57 through a Morph Ball launcher tunnel where the exit has been covered in the boss's flesh. Through Sequence Breaking, it is possible to use a Morph Ball launcher in Kraid's room to enter his stomach hole and bomb him from inside, trivializing the second phase of his boss battle.
Trivia[]
- Morph Ball launchers are similar to the Kinetic Orb Cannons of the Metroid Prime series and the Jump Pads of Metroid Prime Hunters.
Gallery[]
References[]
- ^ Metroid: Zero Mission box-art
- ^ Metroid: Other M Premiere Edition, pg. 70 and 78
- ^ a b Metroid Dread map
