The Sidehopper[1][2] (サイドホッパー saidohoppā), alternatively written as Side Hopper[3][4][5], is an enemy in the Metroid series, first appearing in Metroid.
Description[]
The common Sidehopper is as big as Samus Aran and has a pair of powerful, piston-like legs enabling it to perform great leaps, and two enormous mandibles hanging directly beneath its large, round eyes. Sidehoppers have the strange ability to repel gravity; they cannot only cling to the ceiling, but also jump from it, then "fall" upwards back onto it. The majority of Sidehoppers are weaker than their evolved "relatives" from Norfair, with the exception of the rare, blue variant found only in Tourian (vulnerable to nothing but Super Missiles).
In their original incarnation in Metroid, Sidehoppers, like many enemies in the game, have two different forms: one pale orange with a green head, the other vermillion with a blue head. The vermillion ones are more resilient and powerful than their cousins. In Super Metroid, there are three variations of these creatures: Small Side Hoppers[6] (most likely juveniles), normal-sized, and the aforementioned powerful, armored variant called Blue Sidehoppers. Small Side Hoppers have a 33% chance of dropping Missile Ammo, and while they are weaker than their adult counterparts, they still attack with much power.
In the remake Zero Mission, another further evolved creature related to the Sidehopper was introduced, the Barisute. These creatures are stronger than both the Dessgeega and Sidehopper species in the game. Like Sidehoppers, Barisute can be encountered within Kraid's Lair, though the latter further appears in seemingly infinite numbers within Norfair. Metroid: Other M concept art reveals that the Sidehopper, Dessgeega, and Barisute are an evolutionary line; it is unknown what triggers this evolution. The Nintendo Official Guidebook for Metroid Other M reiterates this concept, stating that Sidehoppers, Dessgeegas, and Barisutes are part of a Sidehopper species (see official data below).
An X-infected Sidehopper in Sector 3 (PYR)
Sidehopper specimens are present on the Biologic Space Laboratories research station in Metroid Fusion, and are infected when the space station falls to the X parasites. The hosts' DNA is modified by the X so that the resulting Sidehoppers develop thrusters at the bottom of each leg, added resistance to attacks, and more prominent teeth. It is interesting to note that Sidehoppers are found in the desert/volcanic habitat of Sector 3 (PYR), instead of Sector 2 (TRO), where one would expect to find them, since they are native to Brinstar's jungle. Additionally, Dessgeegas, which live in volcanic areas, are found instead in the tropical Sector 2 aboard the B.S.L. station. The X Parasites are known to modify the abilities and DNA of their victims, which might explain this change of natural habitats.
The non-canon Metroid: Zebes Invasion Order features a cybernetically-enhanced version of Sidehoppers called Doublehoppers.
Combat[]
In the original game, Sidehoppers are very dangerous, the most powerful enemies in Kraid's Lair, particularly the brown variety and the ones that walk on the ceiling. It is best to dispose of a Sidehopper with a blast from Samus's Missile Launcher or the Screw Attack if available; to avoid confrontations, Samus can freeze them with the Ice Beam and flee.
Sidehoppers remain dangerous opponents in all their subsequent appearances, thus maximum firepower is advised. In Metroid Fusion, all X-infected Sidehoppers are more armored than their normal counterparts, rendering them immune to uncharged Beam shots. Their behavior consists of remaining idle, then performing either a low or high hop in one of two directions.
Sprite of a Sidehopper from Metroid: Zero Mission.
In Zero Mission, Sidehoppers generally behave identically to those seen in Fusion. When prey is not near them, they simply hop around freely as they normally would and occasionally perform an idle pose or twitching their heads sideways. If Samus gets too close to one, a Sidehopper will immediately attempt to jump toward her location. After a brief pause, it will continue to leap toward Samus until she is out of their leaping range. Sidehoppers possess 30 units of health, and their large size makes it difficult to avoid them. They can be damaged by any weapon of Samus's main arsenal, generally requiring two Missiles to eliminate one and can be frozen by the uncharged Ice Beam 50% of the time and 100% of the time by a charged Ice Beam shot. The Long Beam is capable of damaging them from a safe distance out of their jump range.
In Other M, they are capable of releasing a shockwave when they land from their jumps, increasing their attack range.
Official data[]
Metroid manual[]
- Side Hopper
- "These powerful enemies attack Samus while hopping. Be careful, the Side Hopper's strength is second only to the Mini-Boss. Destroy him with one missile blast."
Victory Techniques for Metroid[]
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.
"This tough new enemy hops and jumps when attacking."
The Official Nintendo Player's Guide[]
- SIDE-HOPPER
- "It attacks Samus with a double-jump movement pattern."
Nintendo Power Volume 29[]
- SIDE-HOPPER
- "Side-Hoppers live up to their name. The hopping action is actually an attack."
Super Metroid manual[]
- SIDEHOPPER
- "Sidehoppers pounce on intruders with powerful legs."
Super Metroid Nintendo Player's Guide[]
SIDE HOPPER
| Enemy Data | Description | |||||||
| Color | HP | ATK | E | BE | M | SM | PB | Brinstar/Tourian. Because they bounce unpredictably, it's best to either shoot quickly or avoid them. |
| Normal | 320 | 80 | 8 | 8 | 22 | 22 | 2 | |
| Blue | 1500 | 120 | 8 | 8 | 22 | 22 | 2 | |
Information
SMALL SIDE HOPPER
| Enemy Data | Description | |||||||
| Color | HP | ATK | E | BE | M | SM | PB | Brinstar. These enemies hop erratically. Take cover and shoot from the diagonal. |
| Normal | 60 | 20 | 8 | 16 | 33 | 2 | 2 | |
Information
Super Metroid Players' Guide[]
"As their name suggests, these arachnid creatures jump from side to side and chase you when you're near. They're also quite strong so use rockets or charge when possible."
Metroid: Other M Premiere Edition[]
- Mid-Level Enemies (pg. 10)
- Side Hoppers, Dessgeegas and Barisutes
- "These strange bipeds are resilient creatures with one very glaring weakness, their head. Though larger and stronger than you, the Side Hoppers, Dessgeegas, and Barisutes are far slower than you. They stomp around, usually knocking you down or crushing you under their clawed feet, and can chomp at you with their pincers. To destroy them quickly, weaken them with Charge Beam shots and finish them off with Overblast attacks. The Side Hopper is the weakest of the bunch. Dessgeegas are slightly stronger, and Barisutes are the strongest of them all."
Nintendo Official Guidebook for Metroid Other M[]
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.
"Sidehoppers are somewhat large bipedal creatures. Their forte is their charge attack. In Sector 2 is the Barisute, and Sector 3 is the Dessgeega, which are in the same series."
Cameos in the Prime series[]
In Metroid Prime, the Biohazard Containment room on the Frigate Orpheon contains a roaring inhabitant and a shaking door. Scanning the unit reveals images of a very Sidehopper-like creature, though no name is provided. The fate of this creature after the crash is mysterious. Its cell will later burst open with Aqua Reapers after passing through the area once again. Despite the door apparently remaining locked, there is no body; it is likely that the Aqua Reapers have already consumed the creature by the time Samus arrives. The scan on the frigate reads: "Specimen Solitary Holding 1. Phazon level >> Unknown. Status >> Xenotropic life-form unstable. Use caution."
A creature profile in the August 2002 issue of IGN Unplugged confirms that this creature is a variant of the Sidehopper, and additionally implies that it has been enhanced with Phazon.
In Echoes, there is a multiplayer arena named "Sidehopper Station". Appropriately, it is also shaped like a Sidehopper. The stage is based on the Frigate Orpheon, and is likely a reference to the cameo in Prime.
.png "Sidehopper Station PrimeWorld (top-view full).png (989 KB)")
Development notes[]
In the E3 2002 trailer for Fusion, the Sidehoppers are depicted with a red coloring, making it match with its volcanic PYR surroundings.[7]
Trivia[]
- There is a glitch in Other M, whereas if a Sidehopper is shot off a platform, the creature will walk back in midair as if it is still on the platform, only to fall when the animation is completed. The same applies to the Dessgeegas and the Barisutes.
- Sidehoppers in Fusion and Zero Mission produce a distinct grunting vocalization each time they jump. The same is true of Dessgeegas in both games.
- In Metroid Fusion, the only uncharged Beam the X-infected Sidehoppers are vulnerable to is the Ice Beam (as seen via the Debug Menu).
Gallery[]
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References[]
- ^ Super Metroid manual
- ^ Nintendo Official Guidebook for Metroid Other M pg. 158
- ^ Metroid manual
- ^ Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide pgs. 104-106
- ^ Metroid: Other M Premiere Edition
- ^ Super Metroid Nintendo Player's Guide pg. 15
- ^ E3 Metroid Fusion trailer on Nintendo.com