Space Pirate (Metroid)

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Space Pirates are a fictional sentient aggressor species that appear throughout the Metroid series. They are sometimes referred to as Zebesian Space Pirates, or just Zebesians in the Super Metroid game manual, although later games have revealed that the Space Pirates are not native to the planet Zebes. The Space Pirates were not present during the events of the original Metroid and Metroid II: Return of Samus.

This alien species specializes in raiding starships and planets in a quest for dominance in the galaxy. Their species has a wide range of morphological variation – their base forms have hands featuring two thumbs and a single finger, but many are genetically engineered with lobsterlike claws with their gun barrels lodged within. Some of these clawed Pirates, called Troopers, have their other arm replaced by a massive blade rather than a second claw. (Oddly, the manga shows the Pirates with claws, but they don't actually fire them, so perhaps the guns were a post-Prime addition) Also, the question arises that if both arms are used for weapons, how would they operate their computer systems? Such mutations can likely be attributed to the species' affinity for genetic manipulation – in Metroid Prime, they displayed no qualms in their reports about using the mutagenic properties of Phazon to modify the local wildlife and each other. Another possibility is that a number of species make up Space Pirates, though this is highly unlikely, as in most games they are identified by their mere image. The more likely explanation is that separate sections tend to modify themselves in unison. This is likely, as each frigate seems to be capable of creating their own strongholds and experiments independent of help from its brethren or High Command.

Among the Space Pirates' numbers are three recurring Metroid bosses – Kraid, Ridley, and Mother Brain. The Space Pirates are generally the main antagonists in the Metroid games because they are often at odds with the Galactic Federation (the Metroid galaxy's equivalent to the United Nations) with their experiments and take-over plots. In particular, they are infamous for attempting to use the Metroid organisms as biological weapons. Often, with their already existing weapons – wrist-mounted scythes, Galvanic Accelerator Cannons, and Quantum Assault Cannons (the aforementioned clawguns) – as well as their often-superior numbers and cunning battle tactics, the only person who can attempt to defeat their larger bases and have a chance of succeeding is bounty hunter Samus Aran, the main character in the Metroid games. Samus has a particular disliking for the Space Pirates after one of their raids orphaned her. This event was depicted in the e-manga and in the Nintendo Power comic. It was also alluded to in the Metroid Prime instruction manual and game.

Space Pirate variants

Pirate Troopers

The most basic form of the Space Pirate species. They contain moderate shielding and are the mainstay of the Space Pirate armies. They are extremely common in Space Pirate operations and activities. They wield either Galvanic Accelerator Cannons or Quantum Assault Cannons, and are quite agile. Some wield photonic energy scythes for a melee attack. They rapidly attack intruders with their accelerator cannons and will charge or jump over large distances to attack enemies with their scythes. Pirate troopers will often disable door systems in the rooms intruders are in so they cannot escape. Space Pirates appear to be a vastly intelligent species and they use this intelligence to come up with battle tactics. Space Pirates will also cling to walls while firing or run up close for a melee attack. Space Pirates will also hide when on duty so as to not be seen. When intruders enter however they will attack with extreme aggression and prejudice. They are the only enemies seen in a Metroid game, other than an SA-X, capable of opening doors Samus has run through. It is unclear how they created log entries on computers, or exercised any fine motor skills whatsoever, without fingers, so it may be possible that the lobster-like appendages are merely a covering, and are removable. It is also possible they create their logs orally, and that a computer converts their words into text.

Mutated Pirates

Phazon-induced variations include the hulking behemoths known as Elites, a solitary extra-mutated version called the Alpha or Phazon Elite, and an even larger Omega Pirate.

Elite Pirates

Elite Pirates were developed after many experiments with Phazon on Space Pirates. Elite Pirates are roughly two or three times the size of normal Pirates and are highly dangerous at any range. Prior to Samus Aran's arrival on Tallon IV, Elite Pirates were to be rushed into mass production to launch attacks on all of the Space Pirates' enemies—however, these plans were abandoned after she destroyed their labs. The Elite Pirates have an energy-siphon system, allowing them to absorb beam weapon energy with hand-produced shields. They use this siphoned energy to fuel their massive Plasma Artillery Cannons. Concussive weapons (Missiles) are more effective against Elites.

Phazon Elites

Phazon Elites were the Pirates' first experiments using Phazon. Not many Pirates survived the first tests because the Pirates overused the Phazon, but the ones that did survive were horribly mutated and much stronger than the Elite Pirates after them. They are the same size as the Elites but are much stronger and faster because of their extra mutations. The Phazon Elites were horribly disfigured and webbed with Phazon-filled veins. They were not given weapons but rather relied on brute strength to overwhelm enemies in combat. Not many of the Phazon Elites lasted long after the beginning of Phazon infusion, and Samus destroyed the last one in her attack on Tallon IV.

Omega Pirate

Elite Pirate Upsilon, codenamed 'Omega Pirate' by its creators, is the most powerful of the Elite Pirate forces. The Omega Pirate was the ultimate result of many horrific experiments the Space Pirates did using the mutagenic Phazon. The Omega Pirate has shielding on its weak spots and can regenerate tissues by covering wounds with Phazon. It can render itself invisible to the naked eye with a cloaking device called the Chameleon Manta (though it can be traced with the X-Ray Visor). It is of great size, and also wields retractable wrist bayonets, an energy deflection shield, and a more powerful version of the Plasma Artillery Cannon, as well as a Wave Quake Generator that is faster and more powerful than that of basic Elite Pirates. Omega can also summon Beam Troopers as a distraction, but ironically, most of its attacks can destroy any unlucky Trooper that is on the ground. Defeating the Omega Pirate gives Samus the Phazon Suit, which protects her from Blue Phazon damage (but not the Orange Phazon in the Impact Crater). She obtains the suit when the dead Pirate collapses on her, enhancing her suit with the huge amounts of Phazon stored in him.

Pirate Commando

Pirate Commandos are trained to "hunt the Hunter". Dangerous combatants at any range, they carry variable pulse cannons, EMP-grenade launchers, and energy scythes. They also have a portable shield generator which allows them to shield themselves from attack. On the planet Aether, Ing warriors prized the few Commandos they could possess. These "Dark" Pirate Commandos could phase in and out of local time-space at will, due to the fact that only Hunter Ing, which also have the phasing abilities, are allowed to possess them.

Pirate Grenadier

Found in [[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]], this is a standard Pirate capable of firing high-powered grenades at intruders. They have the same health amount as other Pirates, but often stay on high ground, due to the fact that they lack any other weapons. Although they are incapable of fighting adversaries at close range, they typically do so anyway, with no regard for their own safety.

Pirate Aerotroopers

Pirate Aerotroopers (a.k.a. Flying Pirates) are standard Space Pirates outfitted with missile launchers and jet packs. These Pirates often are the second most common Pirates in Space Pirate operations. They are quite agile and attack furiously with Missiles and standard Pirate armaments to eliminate their targets. These jetpacks have a few significant flaws. First, they generate large amounts of heat, making them easy to track when using thermal imaging. Second, they generate, along with heat, loads of thick smoke trails that make their stealth capabilities fairly low. Third, the jetpacks can be overloaded by extreme heat, such as that caused by the Plasma Beam or Light Beam. When shot down, Aerotroopers will attempt a last-ditch Kamikaze attack which consists of them spiraling toward their target which causes their jetpacks to explode.

Aqua Pirates

Aqua Pirates utilize many of the same weapons as their flying brethren. Their thruster-packs have been modified for aquatic use and they use technology similar to that used in Samus's Gravity Suit. As with Aerotroopers, the thruster-packs of Aqua Pirates are easily tracked with the Thermal Visor. These defects are partly apparent to the Space Pirates, who work to correct these problems.

Beam Troopers

Beam Troopers wield reverse-engineered versions of Samus's Chozo beam weapons. These copies are flawed, however. They are less powerful than the originals, and a flaw in their shielding leaves their users vulnerable to the same type weapon (i.e. the Power Beam is effective against Power Troopers). Power Troopers utilize the Power Beam, Ice Troopers use the Ice Beam, Wave Troopers carry the Wave Beam, and Plasma Troopers wield the Plasma Beam. The shots from all of these weapons look almost, if not exactly the same as Samus's ordinary Power Beam shots. These troopers will often swarm in large numbers on intruders and were quite common in the Phazon mines of Tallon IV.

Shadow Pirates

Only a select group of Space Pirates have access to cloaking technology; these are the Shadow Pirates. This cloaking technology drains large amounts of power, forcing them to rely solely on melee weapons (energy scythes) in battle. Thermal tracking is still effective for locating Shadow Pirates. Shadow Pirates and Beam Troopers both have a tendency to cling to walls and attack.

Merman Pirates

Found in Metroid Fusion, albeit in a form mimicked by the X Parasites. Created by an X Parasite mimicking a fish combining with a mimicked Space Pirate, these Pirates possess a fishlike tail and dorsal fin, and fire short red beams, as opposed to the standard Pirate's long yellow ones. They are immune to Samus Aran's uncharged beam weapons.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Space Pirates

These Pirates are featured in the [[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]] demos from E3 2006. Much like the Pirate Commandos before them, these enemies carry small energy shields. They also wield wrist-mounted energy blades and Galvanic Assault Cannons. Some of these Pirates have equipment that emits a blue-colored haze, suggesting that their new weaponry is Phazon-based.

Other

Ninja Pirates

Perhaps the most infamous Pirates are Ridley's personal guards, nicknamed "Ninja Pirates", "Kung Fu Pirates", or "Meta Pirates" by fans. In Super Metroid, they are encountered in lower Norfair, in a corridor, with monitor-like devices hanging from the ceiling (which has earned this area the nickname TV Room by some gamers). These two Pirates jump around at high speed firing shots from their Quantum Assault Cannons, while performing various punch and kick attacks, and are nearly impervious to Samus' arsenal: they can only be shot when resting, and only from behind. To many players' frustration, when one Pirate becomes vulnerable, he hides behind his comrade, making it very difficult to get a good shot. As soon as one is killed, it becomes much easier to finish off the other. Many players consider this battle to be as difficult as the battle against Ridley, which follows shortly thereafter.

Weavel

Weavel is a character from the Nintendo DS game, [[Metroid Prime: Hunters]].

Profile

Weavel is a former Space Pirate commander who was severely wounded by Samus Aran on Brinstar (according to the offical Hunters strategy guide), leaving only his brain and central nervous system intact. Afterwards, he was fitted with a new robotic body, allowing him to separate his torso from his legs, which then become a stationary turret. It is unknown if he seeks the treasure of the Alimbic Cluster for the Space Pirates, or for himself, but he will remain with the Space Pirates as long as it's convenient. He enjoys missions that no other Space Pirate could accomplish because of his robotic physique.

Weapon Of Choice: Battlehammer - A powerful mortar beam that fires explosive shots rapidly in an arc with a very small splash radius. When Weavel wields it, it does more damage and has a far greater splash radius. According to the NP guide it has crude mechanics but is effective when properly used.

Altform: Halfturret - Weavel's body is split into two separate parts, dividing his health in half and making his lower body become an autonomus, stationary turret that shoots non affinity powered battlehammer shots. His upper body continues to move about freely (controlled by the player) wielding an energy sword. Damage taken by the upper half will not do any harm to the turret, but if the turret is attacked, it damages Weavel as a whole. If the turret is destroyed, Weavel will be left with only one health point.

Organizations

Command

There are a number of references to "Command" or "High Command" in Pirate logs in both Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. Command is apparently the head of the Space Pirates. Command apparently issues orders, troops, and supplies.

Science Team

There are several references to "Science Team" in Pirate Logs in both Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. It appears that they direct research. They are below Command in the hierarchy of Pirate society, but because they are not a military division, they have more leeway than the rest of the Pirates. Science Team appears at times to be rather detached from what actually goes on in the field.

Pirate rules and laws

In the Space Pirate society, obedience is a strict law. Those who do not comply with orders from higher command officials will be met with strict and cruel punishment. The punishments range from simple ration and pay cuts all the way to death; offenses punishable by death include any signs of cowardice in a battle or sympathy towards a victim.

Technology

Galvanic accelerator cannon

The galvanic accelerator cannon (GAC) is a weapon used by the Space Pirates stationed on Tallon IV in Metroid Prime.

Attached to the beings' right arm, the GACs are fired by raising their single finger into an alcove containing a trigger. They fire small, reddish bolts of energy capable of dealing minimal damage, but they fire very fast and have extremely low recoil.

Quantum Assault Cannon

After the events on Tallon IV, the Pirates abandoned GACs for QACs, Quantum Assault Cannons, seen throughout the rest of the series — prototypes of these can be found in Lab Hydra, and a few are seen in the first story, depicted in [[Metroid: Zero Mission]].

Space Frigates

The Space Pirates are seen to use gigantic spaceships to move around space, and two of these are visited by Samus throughout the series. In [[Metroid: Zero Mission]], she sneaks into a huge purple spaceship. The name of the ship is not revealed. After recovering her Power Suit, she destroys it, steals a fighter ship, and escapes.

In Metroid Prime, Samus' adventure starts by attacking the space frigate Orpheon, which has been deserted due to failed experiments. Samus destroys the frigate and escapes, leaving the Orpheon crashing down on Tallon IV. Later in the game, she finds and revisits the wreckage of this ship.

These frigates usually appear alone and without aid of a larger fleet, and, when orbiting planets, seem to be the source of the many experiments and strongholds planetside. This seems to suggest that the Pirates are very independent of High Command, and this may also explain their wide range of appearances, since they may identify each other's position in physical appearance and personal experimentation. For example, Orpheon, in Metroid Prime, in-game (the official artwork reveals a far more insectoid figure), boasts Pirates with muscular, reptilian features under a scaly exterior with almost fleshy covering, and heads with clearly defined claw-like hands and mouths, also reptilian. However, the frigate the GF troopers shoot down at the beginning of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes boasts the planetside Pirates with their distinctive claws, insectiod heads, and a clearly defined exoskeleton.

References

• Nintendo Power #201
• http://www.metroidhunters.com/

External links

• [Metroid Database - Scans of Nintendo Power Metroid Comics]

 

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