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{{Upgrade-infobox
|image=[[file:Spider Ball mp1 Artwork.png|180px]]
|caption=The Morph Ball as seen when used in conjunction with the [[Gravity Suit]] in ''[[Metroid Prime (game)|Metroid Prime]]''
|games=*All ''[[Metroid (series)|Metroid]]'' games
*All ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' games
|users=*[[Samus Aran]]
*[[Dark Samus]]
*[[SA-X]]
*[[Boost Guardian]]
*[[Arachnus]]
*[[E.M.M.I.-03MB]]
|location=*[[Brinstar]] (''Metroid'')
*[[Brinstar]] (''Metroid: Zero Mission'')
*[[Ruined Shrine]] in [[Chozo Ruins]] (''Metroid Prime'')
*[[Brinstar]] (''Super Metroid'')
*[[Main Deck]] (''Metroid Fusion'')
|authorized=
|obtain=*On a pedestal in Brinstar (''Metroid'')
*On a pedestal in Brinstar (''Metroid: Zero Mission'')
*Defeat a group of [[Beetles]] and then a [[Plated Beetle]] (''Metroid Prime'')
*On a pedestal in Brinstar (''Super Metroid'')
*Defeat [[Arachnus]] (''Metroid Fusion'')
|uses=Allows Samus to fit into narrow areas
}}
{{stub}}
{{stub}}


[[Image:MorphBall.jpg|thumb|right|Samus's Morph ball as seen in the ''[[Metroid Prime (series)|Metroid Prime]]'' Series.]]
The '''Morph Ball''', known as the '''Maru Mari''' in ''[[Metroid (game)|Metroid]]'' and the '''Morphing Ball''' in ''[[Super Metroid]]'', is an ability that allows [[Samus Aran]] to transform into a metallic sphere approximately one meter in diameter.<ref>{{cite|This small tunnel leads back behind the wall. Width of the opening is approximately 1 meter in diameter.|Scan Data|Metroid Prime}}</ref> This allows her to travel through tight passages into which she would normally not be able to fit. In some games, the Morph Ball must be obtained as an item before it can be used, while in others it is available from the start. Using various modular upgrades, its abilities can be extended. Its appearance changes depending on the suit Samus is wearing when it is engaged.
The ''Morph Ball'' is [[Samus Aran]]'s Alt-Form. When using the Morph Ball, Samus is transformed into a one meter diameter metallic sphere. This allows her to travel through tight passages that she would normally not be able to fit in. Using various modular upgrades, its abilities can be extended.  
 
Other creatures and [[Bounty Hunter|hunters]] can use systems similar to Samus's Morph Ball.
{{clear|left}}
 
==Appearances==
===''Metroid''===
[[File:Morph Ball m1 Screenshot 2.png|thumb|left|The Maru Mari used to traverse a narrow passageway in ''[[Metroid (game)|Metroid]]'']]
In ''[[Metroid (game)|Metroid]]'', the Maru Mari is located on a pedestal to the left of where Samus starts the game in [[Brinstar]]. It allows Samus to fit into tight spaces and, once the [[Morph Ball Bomb|bomb]] upgrade is acquired, lay bombs.
 
The name ''Maru Mari'' is a direct transliteration of the item's Japanese name, ''まるまり'' (''marumari''). This is derived from the verb ''丸まる'' (''marumaru''), meaning "to roll into a ball."
{{clear}}
 
===''Metroid: Zero Mission''===
[[File:Morph Ball Launcher zm Screenshot.jpg|thumb|right|Samus's Morph Ball being launched in ''[[Metroid: Zero Mission|Zero Mission]]'']]
The Morph Ball reappears in the game ''[[Metroid: Zero Mission]]'', a remake of the original ''Metroid''. It is once again located on a pedestal in [[Brinstar]] directly to the left of where Samus starts the game. Its role is identical to its role in the original game, including the use of Bombs after the appropriate upgrade has been found.
{{clear}}
 
===''Metroid Prime''===
[[file:Morph Ball mp1 Screenshot 01.png|120px|right|The Morph Ball in ''Metroid Prime'']]
Samus is in possession of the Morph Ball at the beginning of ''[[Metroid Prime (game)|Metroid Prime]]'', but she loses it when an explosion causes her to hit the wall of an elevator on [[Frigate Orpheon|Frigate ''Orpheon'']]. Samus acquires it again after defeating a large group of [[Beetles]] and one [[Plated Beetle]] in the [[Ruined Shrine]] located in the [[Chozo Ruins]].
 
It functions in the same manner as in previous installments, with the additional [[Boost Ball]] and [[Spider Ball]] features and the ability to lay [[Power Bomb]]s after the corresponding upgrades have been acquired.
{{clear}}
 
===''Metroid Prime Hunters''===
Samus has possession of the Morph Ball throughout ''[[Metroid Prime Hunters]]''.
 
For online multiplayer purposes, other Hunters have their own versions of alternate forms that serve the same purpose as the Morph Ball.
 
===''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes''===
[[File:Morph Ball (Echoes).png|110px|right|Samus's Morph Ball as seen in ''Echoes'']]
Samus possesses the Morph Ball throughout ''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]'', even after the [[Ing]] swarm over her and steal most of her upgrades.
 
The Morph Ball functions in the same manner as it did in ''Metroid Prime'', including the use of Bombs, the Boost Ball, the Spider Ball, and Power Bombs. In addition, the Boost Ball can be used in conjunction with the Spider Ball to propel the Morph Ball off of magnetic surfaces.
{{clear}}
 
===''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption''===
Once again, Samus possesses the Morph Ball through all the events of ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]''. In this game, it is upgraded not only by the returning Boost Ball and Spider Ball, but also by a brand new upgrade known as the [[Hyper Ball]].
 
===''Metroid II: Return of Samus''===
[[File:Spider Ball m2 Screenshot.png|thumb|left|160px|Samus using the wall-clinging [[Spider Ball]]]]
Samus has possession of the Morph Ball throughout ''[[Metroid II: Return of Samus]]'', and it is once again supplemented by the ability to lay bombs after the upgrade has been found, along with the Spider Ball, which now can be used to climb on the walls and ceiling.
{{clear}}
 
===''Super Metroid''===
In ''[[Super Metroid]]'', Samus loses the Morphing Ball along with all of her other upgrades, leaving only the [[Power Beam]]. Fortunately, the Morph Ball is on the same pedestal just to the left of the elevator coming into [[Brinstar]] as it was during her earlier mission to [[Planet Zebes|Zebes]]. In this game, the Morphing Ball can be upgraded by both bombs and the new unlockable [[Spring Ball]], which enables Samus to jump in Morph Ball form. [[Power Bomb|Power Bombs]] can also be found in this game and once again require the use of Morphing Ball mode to be used.
 
===''Metroid: Other M''===
In ''[[Metroid: Other M]]'', the Morph Ball, unlike most of Samus' abilities, never has any restrictions placed upon its usage by  [[Adam Malkovich]]. He does, however, place restrictions on Samus' use of the Morph Ball Bomb and Power Bombs, which once again have to be unlocked. Morph Ball Mode functions as in most other ''Metroid'' games, but it can only be activated in third-person mode.
 
===''Metroid Fusion''===
[[File:Morph Ball Bomb mf Screenshot.png|thumb|right|Samus in Morph Ball form using a [[Morph Ball Bomb]] in ''Fusion'']]
When Samus is injected with a [[Metroid (species)|Metroid]] vaccine at the beginning of ''[[Metroid Fusion]]'', she loses all her abilities once again, including the Morph Ball. The Morph Ball is located in the [[Main Deck]] and can be obtained by defeating [[Arachnus X]].
 
The Morph Ball is once again upgraded by the Morph Ball Bomb and the Spring Ball ability, now known as the Jumpball.
 
===''Metroid Dread''===
The Morph Ball returns in ''[[Metroid Dread]]'', although [[Samus Aran|Samus]] has to destroy E.M.M.I.-03MB at Cataris first. This ability allows Samus to pass through small ledges or holes, allowing to navigate through E.M.M.I. Valves that can be accessed after Samus defeats the surrounding E.M.M.I.
{{clear}}
 
==Data==
===Manuals===
{{Manual
|game=m1
|name=Maru Mari
|entry=[[Samus Aran|Samus]] grows small and round like a ball when he gets this [[Upgrade|Power Item]]/ Useful when traveling along narrow passageways, it will help him until his energy runs out.<ref name="m1 manual">{{cite manual|[[Samus Aran|Samus]] grows small and round like a ball when he gets this [[Upgrade|Power Item]]/ Useful when traveling along narrow passageways, it will help him until his energy runs out.|Metroid|25}}</ref>
|order=top
}}
{{Manual
|game=zm
|name=Morph Ball
|entry=This ability allows Samus's suit to curl into a ball form and navigate narrow passageways. (Press {{down}} twice).<ref>{{cite manual|This ability allows Samus's suit to curl into a ball form and navigate narrow passageways. (Press {{down}} twice).|Metroid: Zero Mission|26}}</ref>
|order=mid
}}
{{Manual
|game=mp1
|name=Getting Rolling
|entry=When [[Samus Aran|Samus]] rolls into the Morph Ball, the camera will pull back out of the [[visor]] view and display a third-person perspective. Using the Control Stick, you can roll the Morph Ball in whichever direction you choose. Bear in mind that gravity will affect the Morph Ball—you'll need to tilt the Control Stick farther while rolling up inclines.<ref name="mp1 manual">{{cite manual|When [[Samus Aran|Samus]] rolls into the Morph Ball, the camera will pull back out of the [[visor]] view and display a third-person perspective. Using the Control Stick, you can roll the Morph Ball in whichever direction you choose. Bear in mind that gravity will affect the Morph Ball—you'll need to tilt the Control Stick farther while rolling up inclines.|Metroid Prime|20}}</ref>
|order=mid
}}
{{Manual
|game=mp2
|name=Morph Ball Moves
|entry=As Samus explores, she'll run into many areas that are too small for her to navigate. By pressing the X Button to go into Morph Ball mode, however, she'll gain the power to roll herself up into an armored ball that can fit in small tunnels and drains. As she finds additional [[Upgrade|power-ups]], she'll expand on the abilities at her disposal while in Morph Ball mode.<ref name="mp2 manual">{{cite manual|As Samus explores, she'll run into many areas that are too small for her to navigate. By pressing the X Button to go into Morph Ball mode, however, she'll gain the power to roll herself up into an armoured ball that can fit in small tunnels and drains. As she finds additional [[Upgrade|power-ups]], she'll expand on the abilities at her disposal while in Morph Ball mode.|Metroid Prime 2: Echoes|20}}</ref>
|order=mid
}}
{{Manual
|game=tri
|name=Morph Ball
|entry=If you press the C Button, Samus will roll up into a ball and be able to get through narrow passages, such as air vents and hidden passages. To change back, press the C Button again.<ref name="tri manual">{{cite manual|If you press the C Button, Samus will roll up into a ball and be able to get through narrow passages, such as air vents and hidden passages. To change back, press the C Button again.|Metroid Prime: Trilogy|14, 26, 39}}</ref>
|order=mid
|notes=''Trilogy's'' entry for all three ''[[Metroid Prime (series)|Prime]]'' games
}}
{{Manual
|game=sm
|name=Morphing Ball
|entry=You can use the Morphing Ball to make Samus roll into a ball and squeeze into narrow areas.<ref name="sm manual">{{cite manual|You can use the Morphing Ball to make Samus roll into a ball and squeeze into narrow areas.|Super Metroid|25}}</ref>
|order=mid
}}
{{Manual
|game=om
|name=Morph Ball
|entry=Press {{WiiIcon|A}} to go into Morph Ball mode and move around small spaces. Press {{WiiIcon|A}} again to change back.<ref name="om manual">{{cite manual|Press {{WiiIcon|A}} to go into Morph Ball mode and move around small spaces. Press {{WiiIcon|A}} again to change back.|Metroid: Other M|18}}</ref>
|order=mid
}}
{{Manual
|game=fu
|name=Morph Ball
|entry=Use this power to roll into a ball and move through narrow passageways. Press {{down}} twice on the + Control Pad.<ref name="fu manual">{{cite manual|Use this power to roll into a ball and move through narrow passageways. Press [DOWN] twice on the + Control Pad.|Metroid Fusion|38}}</ref>
|order=bottom
}}
{{clear}}
 
===''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''===
{{Trophy|Morph Ball|Morph Ball|''One of the numerous modules integrated into Samus's Power Suit. This one allows her to transform into a compact mobile sphere and explore tight spaces. In the very first Metroid game, it was known as Maru Mari, which is just Japanese for "roll up," but it was later changed to the much-cooler-sounding Morph Ball.''|Randomly Obtained|[[File:MorphBallTrophyWiiU.png|150px]]}}
{{clear}}
It is one of Samus Aran's special moves, which also drops a small bomb for Samus to go a bit higher.


==Upgrades==
==Upgrades==
*[[Morph Ball Bomb]] - Allows Samus to place a small explosive charge. This is used to clear certain weak obstacles and propel the Morph Ball upwards a short distance.
*[[Morph Ball Bomb]] - Allows Samus to place a small explosive charge. This is used to clear certain weak obstacles and propel the Morph Ball upwards a short distance.
*[[Power Bomb]] - Allows Samus to drop a much more powerful explosive charge, with a greater range. In ''[[Metroid Fusion]]'' it also draws in [[X-Parasites]].  
*[[Power Bomb]] - Allows Samus to drop a much more powerful explosive charge, with a greater range. In ''[[Metroid Fusion]]'' it also draws in [[X Parasite|X parasites]].  
*[[Spider Ball]] - In ''[[Metroid II: Return of Samus]]'' the spider ball allows Samus to climb most flat surfaces. In the [[Metroid Prime (series)|Metroid Prime series]], it can only adhere to magnetic rails.
*[[Spider Ball]] - In ''[[Metroid II: Return of Samus]]'' the spider ball allows Samus to climb most flat surfaces. In the [[Metroid Prime (series)|Metroid Prime series]], it can only adhere to magnetic rails.
*[[Spring Ball]] - Allows the Morph Ball to jump a short distance.
*[[Spring Ball]] - Allows the Morph Ball to jump a short distance.
*[[Boost Ball]] - When charged, briefly accelerates the Morph Ball. This can be used to climb half pipe structures. It also allows Samus to jump perpendicularly away from the magnetic rails used by the Spider Ball.
*[[Boost Ball]] - When charged, briefly accelerates the Morph Ball. This can be used to climb half pipe structures. It also allows Samus to jump perpendicularly away from the magnetic rails used by the Spider Ball.
*[[Hyper Ball]] - Fires continuous streams of [[Phazon]] electricity during [[Hypermode]]. The more it is used, the more Phazon is drained. It is obtained after defeating [[Mogenar]] in ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]''.
*[[Hyper Ball]] - Fires continuous streams of [[Phazon]] electricity during [[Hypermode]]. The more it is used, the more Phazon is drained. It is obtained after defeating [[Mogenar]] in ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]''.
==Sprites==
{{sprite table
|header=Samus
|header2=Item
|m1=[[File:Morph Ball m1 Sprite.gif|Samus in Maru Mari form in ''Metroid'']]
|m1 2={{no image}}
|m2=[[File:Morph Ball m2 Sprite.gif|Samus in Morph Ball form in ''Metroid II: Return of Samus'']]
|sm=[[File:Morphing Ball sm Sprite.gif|Samus in Morphing Ball form in ''Super Metroid'']]
|sm 2=[[File:Morphing Ball (Item) sm Sprite.gif|The Morphing Ball item in ''Super Metroid'']]
|mf=[[File:Morph Ball mf Sprite.gif|Samus in Morph Ball form in ''Metroid Fusion'']]
|mf 2={{no image}}
|zm={{no image}}
|zm 2={{no image}}
|bottomright=zm 2
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Due to limitations in the [[NES]] hardware, the unit was unable to portray Samus crawling. The Morph Ball was created to simplify the required animation to the point that the NES could handle it.
*Due to limitations in the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] hardware, the unit was unable to portray Samus crawling. The Morph Ball was created to simplify the required animation to the point that the NES could handle it.{{fact}}
*The original Metroid calls the morph ball "Maru-Mari", which is simply a transliteration of its Japanese name. "Maru" can mean either "circle" or "purity". "Mari" translates to "ball". A more accurate translation would thus be "Circle Ball", or perhaps "Purity Ball".
*[[Metroid 2002]] had [http://www.metroid2002.com/maru_mari/001.html a comic] retelling ''[[Metroid (game)|Metroid]]'' with [[Armstrong Houston]] as an additional character named Maru Mari, though it is no longer ongoing after [http://www.metroid2002.com/maru_mari/072.html #72].
{{clear}}
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Morph Ball m1 Screenshot.png|Samus obtaining the Maru Mari in ''Metroid''
File:Morph ball.png|The Morph Ball in ''Prime''
File:Morph Ball mp1 Screenshot 03.png|The Morph Ball when used with the [[Gravity Suit]]
File:Morph Ball mp1 Screenshot 04.png|The Morph Ball when used with the [[Phazon Suit]]
File:Morph Ball mpp Model.png|The Morph Ball model from ''Pinball''
File:Morph Ball mp2 Website 01.png|Japanese website (''Echoes'')
File:Morph Ball om Website 01.png|Japanese website (''Other M'')
File:Morph Ball om Website 02.png|American website (''Other M'')
</gallery>
 
{{refbar}}
{{Alternate Form-nav}}
{{Morph Ball-nav}}


[[Category:Alt-Forms]]
[[Category:Alternate Forms]]
[[Category:Power Suit]]
[[Category:Power Suit]]
[[Category:Morph Ball]]
[[Category:Morph Ball|*]]
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