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Metroid (species)

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Metroid (species)
A Metroid

A single Metroid

Game(s)
Off-Game Appearances

Metroid (manga)

Planet of Origin
Common Habitats
Notable Subjects
Achievements
Status

Extinct (Confirmed by Nintendo)


This article is about Metroids, the parasitic bioforms. For other uses, see Metroid (disambiguation).

Metroids are parasitic, energy-siphoning lifeforms created by the Chozo. Metroids comprise bioengineered to combat an even more menacing parasitic organism native to SR388, the X. The Metroid series, named after these lifeforms, focuses primarily on the missions of Samus Aran and her interactions with the Metroids species, which share some elements of her own origins and seem intrinsically linked with her.

History[edit | edit source]

The first Metroid is unveiled

The Metroids were first created through a collaboration between the Chozo and Mother Brain to combat a dangerous parasitic lifeform discovered on SR388, called the X Parasites, which the Chozo feared might one day infiltrate the Galactic Federation.[1] They were so named because the word "Metroid" means ultimate warrior in Chozo.[2] They were so successful at hunting the X, they drove them close to extinction. At some point, the Metroids apparently grew feral, eventually topping the food chain on SR388 and devastating the local ecosystem.[3] They established their own life cycle, and may have even caused the Chozo to leave the planet.

Zebes Incident[edit | edit source]

Main articles: Metroid/Metroid: Zero Mission

Later, the Galactic Federation discovered the Metroid on SR388, and several specimens were acquired for research. On the way back to headquarters, however, the Federation ship was ambushed by Space Pirates. Recognizing the military potential, the Pirates took the Metroids to Zebes.[4] The Federation, in turn, ordered Samus Aran to eradicate all Metroids on Zebes, a mission that she completed during the events of Metroid and Metroid: Zero Mission.[5] Though Samus was successful in destroying the Metroid population and dismantling the Space Pirate operations on the planet, a number of Space Pirates escaped, taking a number of Metroids with them.

Phazon Mutations[edit | edit source]

Main articles: Metroid Prime Series, Tallon Metroid
A Tallon Metroid in captivity

After the fall of Zebes, two contingents of Space Pirates set out on separate missions: one to rebuild Zebes and resuscitate Mother Brain, Ridley, and Kraid, and the other to find a suitable power source, which manifested itself in the Phazon emanating from Tallon IV.[6][7] Using Phazon's mutagenic properties, the Space Pirates began experimenting on local lifeforms and the Metroids they had brought with them, resulting in Tallon Metroids. These Metroids differed somewhat from the originals created by the Chozo, and other mutated forms, including Hunter Metroids and Fission Metroids, were created.

A Tallon Metroid from Aether
A Tallon Metroid from Aether

In an unexpected twist, the meteor that infected Tallon IV with Phazon attracted a Metroid to be its guardian.[8] This drastically mutated Metroid, known as Metroid Prime, is engaged in battle by Samus after she overthrows the Space Pirate operations on the planet. Though she is victorious, Metroid Prime manages to survive and using some of her DNA is reborn as Dark Samus.

The Space Pirates quickly set up Metroid breeding operations again, this time on planet Aether, where Tallon Metroids with red membranes and Infant Tallon Metroids, as well as Dark Tallon Metroids possessed by violent creatures known as Ing, are encountered. Samus again intervenes and removes the Space Pirate and Metroid presence while battling the Metroid known as Dark Samus.

During the events of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Samus finally engages in a final conflict with Dark Samus as well as several other Phazon-mutated variants of Metroids she encounters along the way. She destroys the living planet known as Phaaze, and all Phazon in the galaxy is apparently eliminated, effectively exterminating all Phazon-mutated strains of Metroids.

Extermination on SR388[edit | edit source]

Main articles: Metroid II: Return of Samus/Metroid: Samus Returns

Some time later, the Federation orders Samus to eradicate the Metroids on SR388, where the Chozo originally unleashed them. After destroying the Metroid population, which had developed several stages of maturity including Alpha Metroids, Gamma Metroids, Zeta Metroids, and Omega Metroids, and the ability to reproduce through egg-laying, she battled and destroyed the Queen Metroid. A single baby Metroid hatched shortly after the Queen was destroyed and mistook Samus for its mother. Samus decided to spare it and took it to Galactic Federation researchers at Ceres Space Colony.[9] In so doing, Samus unintentionally wiped out the only predator of the deadly X Parasites.

Return to Zebes[edit | edit source]

Main article: Super Metroid
Ridley steals the Hatchling

Research began immediately, and Federation scientists discovered that the energy-producing properties of Metroids could benefit humankind, suggesting that Metroids may have originally been created for peaceful purposes.[10] But shortly after Samus left the colony, it fell victim to a Space Pirate raid. Samus received their distress call and returned to the station, where she witnessed Ridley escaping with the Hatchling.[11] She pursued them to Zebes, where she entered the rebuilt Space Pirate labyrinth controlled by Mother Brain. Inside, Samus encountered early attempts by Space Pirates to create clones of Metroids, called Mochtroids, but these were ultimately far weaker than the originals.

The Hatchling nearly kills Samus

After making her way into the new Tourian, she destroyed the successfully cloned Metroids gathered there and eventually encountered the Hatchling, this time far larger. It drained Samus's energy, leaving it at critical levels, before recognizing her and leaving. Just as Mother Brain was about to kill Samus, however, the Hatchling returned and used its energy-producing abilities to transfer energy to Samus, recharging her. In that instant, the Hatchling was destroyed by Mother Brain, sacrificing itself to save Samus in this final act, perhaps demonstrating the beneficial abilities the scientists had discovered. With the Hatchling destroyed, it seemed the Metroid species was extinct. But unbeknownst to Samus, the Galactic Federation was clandestinely performing experiments on Metroids in captivity.

Federation Experimentation[edit | edit source]

Main article: Metroid: Other M

Following the events of Super Metroid, Samus, still in mourning over the Hatchling, encounters a distress call from the Federation Bottle Ship. While aboard, Samus discovers that the Federation had created clones of dangerous lifeforms she had encountered for use as bioweapons using organic particles affixed to her Power Suit, including Metroids. Suitable environments for these specimens were also created, including a replica of Tourian called Sector Zero where the Metroids were genetically engineered. The Federation also replicated an artificial intelligence to control the Metroids - a second Mother Brain. But the specimens became too aggressive and the project was endangered.

Though Samus is successful in her efforts to suppress the creatures they had created, including a Queen Metroid, the situation gets out of hand and her commanding officer, Adam Malkovitch, decides to separate Sector Zero from the rest of the Bottle Ship and initiate its self-destruct sequence. Later, the Federation orders the entire Bottle Ship destroyed and the self-destruct is initiated. But before its destruction, several tissue samples are salvaged to continue experimentation elsewhere.

Presumed Extinction of Metroids[edit | edit source]

Main article: Metroid Fusion
Metroids in the Secret Laboratories

Around this time the Federation hired Biologic Space Labs to study the restructuring ecosystem of SR388 and hired Samus to render field assistance in the harsh environment.[12] While Samus was on SR388, she was attacked by an X parasite, a lifeform previously unknown to the Federation and now rampant without the Metroid presence, that infected her. The Federation saved her life with a vaccine made from Metroid DNA that had been acquired from the Hatchling. It allowed her to absorb any free-floating X but also made her inherit the Metroids' vulnerability to extreme cold, turning her into a sort of a hybrid.[13]

Samus begins the arduous task of eradicating the X population from the infested Biologic Space Labs research station, which had housed many specimens from SR388 and remnants of the Bottle Ship experiments. As she progresses, she learns that the Federation had started a Metroid breeding program on board and has captive larval, Alpha, Gamma, and Zeta Metroids in their secret labs. Samus moves the station in the path of SR388 in an attempt to eradicate all X aboard the station, but before she could make it to her ship she was attacked by an enhanced Omega Metroid that was immune to all her weapons. Before the Metroid could finish Samus off, an X copy of Samus attacked the Metroid but was quickly defeated. Samus then absorbed the defeated X, regaining her Ice Beam ability which she used to destroy the Omega Metroid.

Once the station impacted SR388, the remaining Metroids aboard the station were destroyed. With the Metroid population supposedly extinct, Samus, with Metroid DNA integrated into her genetic code, is the last Metroid - the last "ultimate warrior."

Life Cycle[edit | edit source]

Various stages of Metroid growth as seen in Metroid II: Return of Samus

Most encountered Metroids are in the adolescent stage, only in select circumstances can they undergo their natural life cycle. All forms in their natural life cycle are fought in Metroid II. In Metroid Fusion Samus also sees most forms on the B.S.L research station in the Restricted Laboratory.

Juvenile Metroid[edit | edit source]

The most commonly encountered form of Metroids are the juveniles. Their bodies are covered by a thick, translucent membrane and four talon-shaped claws. The outer claws are used to grip their prey while the inner claws drain the energy. They are featured in Metroid, Metroid II, Super Metroid, and Metroid Fusion.

Alpha Metroid[edit | edit source]

Main article: Alpha Metroid

After molting, juveniles become Alpha Metroid. They are no longer capable of latching onto their prey, they instead attack by dive bombing. They are exclusive to Metroid II and Metroid Fusion.

Gamma Metroid[edit | edit source]

Main article: Gamma Metroid

After further mutations Metroids grow larger and gain the ability to fire lighting bolts. Gamma Metroids will also ram their prey. They are exclusive to Metroid II and Metroid Fusion.

Zeta Metroid[edit | edit source]

Main article: Zeta Metroid

Zeta Metroids are even larger, they will fire projectiles and also resort to ramming. They are exclusive to Metroid II and Metroid Fusion.

Omega Metroid[edit | edit source]

Main article: Omega Metroid

Omega Metroids are one of the most powerful forms of Metroids. They attack by firing projectiles as well as ramming. The Omega Metroid that Samus encountered on the Biologic Space Labs research station also attacked by slashing. They surface in Metroid II and Metroid Fusion.

Queen Metroid[edit | edit source]

Main article: Queen Metroid

The Queen Metroid is the final stage in a normal Metroid's life cycle. They attack by ramming, biting, firing projectiles, and large blasts of energy. Samus encounters a Queen in Metroid II and in Metroid: Other M.

Mochtroids[edit | edit source]

Main article: Mochtroid

Mochtroids are weaker, cloned Metroids. While they can drain energy, they are incapable of latching on to their prey. They are featured only in Super Metroid.

Phazon Mutated Metroids[edit | edit source]

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Infant Tallon Metroid[edit | edit source]

Main article: Infant Tallon Metroid

Infant Tallon Metroids are capable of rapid growth by feeding directly on Phazon. They will only attack by ramming. They are only in Metroid Prime 2.

Tallon Metroid[edit | edit source]

Main article: Tallon Metroid

Tallon Metroids are Metroids that developed on Tallon IV. They are similar to regular juvenile Metroids but require less firepower to destroy. The variety that were brought to Aether have a red epidermis.

Dark Tallon Metroid[edit | edit source]

Main article: Dark Tallon Metroid

Dark Tallon Metroids are Metroids taken over by the Ing, they attack in the same way as an adolescent Metroid. They are only available in Metroid Prime 2's Dark Aether.

Hunter Metroid[edit | edit source]

Main article: Hunter Metroid

Hunter Metroids are adolescent Metroids capable of draining their preys' energy at a distance with an energy siphon tentacle. They may also attack by ramming. They are only found in Metroid Prime.

Fission Metroid[edit | edit source]

Main article: Fission Metroid

Fission Metroids are adolescent Metroids that are capable of splitting into multiple Metroids. They can only be found in Metroid Prime.

Hopping Metroid[edit | edit source]

Main article: Hopping Metroid

Hopping Metroids are ground-based Metroids that unusually have legs. They can only be found in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.

Metroid Prime[edit | edit source]

Main article: Metroid Prime

Metroid Prime is a Metroid that has been extremely mutated by Phazon. It is far more powerful than a standard Metroid. It uses a variety of attacks. It is the final boss of Metroid Prime, the game which is named after it.

Dark Samus[edit | edit source]

Main article: Dark Samus

Metroid Prime reborn, it uses Phazon enhanced variants of Samus's equipment. It is a main boss in the Metroid Prime series: Metroid Prime (seen at the end with 100% of items acquired), Metroid Prime 2, and Metroid Prime 3.

Data[edit | edit source]

Logbook[edit | edit source]

Logbook entry from a Metroid Prime game: Metroid
First Location: Research Lab Hydra
Metroid Logbook Left.jpg
Energy-based parasitic predator.

The dominant species of planet SR388, Metroids can suck the life force out of living things. A Metroid will latch onto its prey and drain energy. growing larger as it does. The only way to shake an attached Metroid is to enter Morph Ball mode and lay a bomb.[14]

Metroid Logbook Right.jpg

Trophy Info[edit | edit source]

Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit | edit source]

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit | edit source]

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U[edit | edit source]

Tips Info[edit | edit source]

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS[edit | edit source]

"These alien creatures float around and then try to clamp down on you with their sharp fangs. Quickly struggle to break free from their grasp."

Sprites[edit | edit source]

Game Metroid
Metroid II: Return of Samus Return of Samus
Metroid Fusion Metroid Fusion
Metroid: Zero Mission Zero Mission

Gallery[edit | edit source]

References

  1. "Old Bird has confered extensively with Mother Brain, and they have devised a method to exterminate Parasite X from SR388, and we finally have a sample of that method. Metroid!!" —Metroid (manga), Grey Voice, Vol 1 Ch 4 Pg(s) 15
  2. "While is has come to light in recent years that the Metroids were created by the ancient Chozo civilization, it is no common knowledge that they were created for the purpose of driving out the X parasites. At some point in the past, the X parasites, which posses a terrible propagation power, threatened to overwhelm the ecosystem of their home world SR388 with their vast numbers. Something was needed to check this impending disaster. That "something" came in the form of the Metroids. When the Metroids, the X parasites' only known predators, were made extinct by Samus's hand, the X parasites once again began to multiply with ferocious speed. Ironically, the X parasites were subsequently responsible for nearly killing Samus when they infested her Power Suit. In a further twist, Samus's life was saved by an injection of an experimental vaccine containing Metroid DNA. As the inheritor of the Metroids' powers, Samus becomes the only being capable of opposing the X parasite horde. In a piece of ancient Chozo literature, and interesting reference to Metroids was found. It seems that the word Metroid in the Chozo language can be roughly translated as "ultimate warrior." With the introduction of Metroid DNA to her system, the reborn Samus Aran is perhaps the most appropriate successor to this title of ultimate warrior." Metroid Fusion Instruction Booklet, Pg 40
  3. ""SR-388... This is a remote planet, not found on many Galactic charts. This is where the trouble began. Three months ago, the planet reclamation division reported an uncharted planet and a group was sent to survery the area... But the first thing they recorded was death... They estimated that 80% of the native animals were dead! Unfortunately, they were forced to report that they had been sent to a 'dead planet'... Among the reclamation group were special inspectors. And of course, they looked for the cause... but a terrible thing happened later. The culprit of the planet's destruction killed our inspection team as well!!" "Metroid!"" —Metroid (manga), Chief Hardy and Samus Aran, Vol 2 Ch 14 Pg(s) 6, 7
  4. "In the year 20X5 of the Cosmic Calendar, a terrible incident occurred. The Space Pirates attacked a deep-space research vessel and seized capsules containing samples of an unknown species that had been discovered on planet SR388. The Space Pirates' objective was to acquire this life-form: known simply as Metroids, these floating organisms were incredibly dangerous, as they could latch onto any other organism and drain its life-energy. Furthermore, it was possible to replicate Metroids in vast numbers by exposing them to beta rays. The hypotheses that the Metroids were responsible for one of the greatest mysteries in the entire galaxy- the extinction of planet SR388- was generally accepted as fact." Metroid: Zero Mission Instruction Booklet, Pg 6
  5. "As a last resort, the Federation Police decided on a risky strategy: to send a lone space hunter to penetrate the pirate base and destroy the mechanical life-form that controlled the fortress and its defenses- the Mother Brain. The space hunter chosen for this mission was Samus Aran." Metroid: Zero Mission Instruction Booklet, Pg 7
  6. "But the Space Pirates were far from finished. They immediately split their survivors into two camps. One remained on Zebes to begin rebuilding their ravaged facility and resuscitating Mother Brain, Ridley, and Kraid. The second set out in search of a planet with powerful energy resources. They didn't search long before they discovered Tallon IV, which was still emanating huge pulses of energy from the Phazon contained beneath the Chozo temple." Metroid Prime Instruction Booklet, Pg 9
  7. "Zebes has fallen. All ground personnel are presumed dead, either killed by the Hunter clad in metal or in the subsequent destruction of the underground facilities. Our research frigates Orpheon, Siriacus and Vol Paragom were in orbit at zero hour and managed to retreat. Frigate Orpheon is now docked at Vortex Outpost. Orpheon's cargo appears to have a 100% survival rate; Metroids are healthy but on restricted feeding schedules due to uncertain supply status. We are ready to begin research on the Metroids and other promising life-forms. Security status remains at Code Blue; no signs of pursuit from the Hunter." —Pirate Data "Fall of Zebes" (Metroid Prime)
  8. "The Leviathan is capable of interstellar travel, creating wormholes in space to expedite the journey. Instinctively, it homes on its planetary target. Shortly after impact, the bioform dies, leaving its armored shell to protect the Phazon core. Before it dies, the bioform often attracts and enthralls a large local predator. After mutating it through intense Phazon exposure, it compels the creature to protect the core." —Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Logbook "Leviathan Infant" (Metroid Prime 3: Corruption)
  9. "The Metroids on SR388 were more advanced than the creatures on Zebes. These monsters could shed their skins and grow even stronger. Samus worked deep below the surface and blasted all of the Metroids in her path. Her final victory was against the enormous Metroid Queen. When the queen was defeated, Samus discovered a Metroid egg which hatched before her eyes. Even this hardened bounty hunter could not destroy the Metroid larva. When the larva sensed Samus' presence, it clung to her as though it had found its mother. Samus packed up the Metroid larva and took it with her to the Space Science Academy on the Galactic Federation Space Colony where scientists could study the creature and understand its special organic structure." Super Metroid Instruction Booklet, Pg 4
  10. "The Science Academy scientists found out that the energy-producing properties of the Metroid could benefit humankind. Their report suggested that the Metroids may have originally been created for peaceful purposes. Just when it seemed peace and order had been restored, Samus received an emergency directive from the Galactic Federation." Super Metroid Instruction Booklet, Pg 5
  11. "Emergency! Emergency! Return immediately to the Space Science Academy! When Samus made her way to the research facility, she found the building in ruins and the Metroid larva was nowhere to be found. Out from the darkness came a group of Zebesian space pirates and their leader, Ridley, who had the Metroid larva in tow. The pirates fled to a rebuilt planet Zebes and Samus followed them, resolving to finish them off and save the hatchling!" Super Metroid Instruction Booklet, Pg 5
  12. "SR388. A vile planet, former home of the Metroids. After so many years, the remaining creatures on this planet still seemed to be trying to recreate a natural hierarchy, one without Metroids at the top.
    Biologic Space Labs was hired by the Federation to observe this restructuring of the ecosystem. And because of my experience on SR388, the Federation governor for this sector hired me to provide field assistance on the planet. So, once again I found myself drawn to that forsaken rock.
    " Metroid Fusion Instruction Booklet, Pg 8
  13. "Someone proposed a desperate treatment: create a vaccine from Metroid cells. Apparently the Federation had preserved a cell culture from the last Metroid. The scientists quickly prepared and administered the vaccine. The symptoms of the infection disappeared instantly, and all of the X parasites within me died in moments." Metroid Fusion Instruction Booklet, Pg 10
  14. "Energy-based parasitic predator. The dominant species of planet SR388, Metroids can suck the life force out of living things. A Metroid will latch onto its prey and drain energy. growing larger as it does. The only way to shake an attached Metroid is to enter Morph Ball mode and lay a bomb." — Logbook entry (Metroid Prime)
  15. "A parasitic life form that can absorb all types of energy. Metroids have a strong resistance to most conventional weaponry. To defeat them, Samus Aran had to freeze them with Ice Beam shots and then blast them with Missiles. Mochtroids, which look like Metroids, are weaker, with fewer internal nuclei. Appears In *Metroid *8/89" —Trophy Gallery (Super Smash Bros. Melee)
  16. "A bioengineered life-form found on planet SR388. Metroids attach to organisms and drain life energy. The Galactic Federation commissions Samus to eliminate them, but Space Pirates try to harness their power. One of the few ways Samus can kill Metroids is by shooting them with the Ice Beam and then shattering them with Missiles. The Metroid's cry is chilling and indescribable. Appears In * Metroid * Metroid II: Return of Samus" —Trophy Gallery (Super Smash Bros. Brawl)


Language Name Meaning
Japanese メトロイド Metroid
Chinese 密特罗德 Metroid 
Triclops.png Creatures from Metroid Prime Metroid art.png
Frigate OrpheonTallon OverworldChozo RuinsMagmoor CavernsPhendrana DriftsPhazon MinesImpact Crater
Creatures appearing in Metroid II: Return of Samus
Yumbo · Tsumuri · Drivel · Skreek · Hornoad · Chute Leech · Mumbo · Gawron · Septogg · Gullugg · Blob Thrower · Senjoo · Seerook · Moheek · Skorp · Needler · Glow Fly · Yumee · Flitt · Meboid · Octroll · Arachnus · TPO · Wallfire · Shirk · Autrack · Autoad · Autom · Gunzoo · Pincher Fly · Gravitt · Halzyn · Moto · Proboscum · Ramulken · Metroid · Alpha Metroid · Gamma Metroid · Zeta Metroid · Omega Metroid · Queen Metroid