Speed Booster

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The is a power-up commonly found in Metroid games excluding the Prime series. It greatly increases Samus Aran's running speed and allows her to use powerful moves such as the Shinespark.
==Description==
According to the Metroid Fusion and Metroid: Zero Mission Instruction Manuals, the Speed Booster allows Samus to run at "supersonic speeds."
The Speed Booster, as the name suggests, will greatly increase Samus's speed whilst she runs. She also becomes invincible, as noted in the Super Metroid instruction manual, although this is contradicted in-game. In Super Metroid, the Speed Booster would only activate if holding the dash button. In most later games it activates automatically after a certain distance due to the removal of the dash button. In Metroid Dread, it is activated by clicking the left analog stick while running.
The start-up time for the Speed Booster differs in each of the Metroid games that features this upgrade, thus making it a game-mechanic. In Super Metroid it takes about 1 second. In Metroid Fusion and Metroid: Zero Mission it takes about 2 seconds. In Metroid: Other M it takes 5.317 seconds (319 frames). In Metroid Dread it takes around 1.5 seconds.
The Speed Booster is notable for being used in intricate, difficult puzzles for expansions, though it is actually required to advance further in the game on occasion. Also, the Speed Booster has been shown to be quite a powerful weapon: the Dash AttackSuper Metroid Nintendo Player's Guide pg. 64 is in effect while the Speed Booster is active, and it is able to plow through most enemies, rocks, ice walls, chunks of ice that take a similar form of stalagmites that are located in the Cryosphere, and Boost Blocks, which cannot be destroyed with any other weapon, no matter how powerful. Additionally, the Speed Booster allows Samus to run on the surface of water as demonstrated in Maridia in Super Metroid. This isn't the case within all titles however, as in Metroid: Zero Mission, if Samus runs toward or out of a pond of water while Speed Boosting without the Gravity Suit, the Speed Boost will instantly stop. She can however still Shinespark while in water without the Gravity Suit if one was charged prior to entering the water. 
Furthermore, the Speed Booster has three notable extra forms: the Shinespark, Ball Spark and a fast, far-reaching Spin Jump. The Shinespark allows Samus to store a Speed Booster charge for a short period of time and then to use that charge to move continuously in one direction (left, diagonal left, up, diagonal right, right). The Spin Jump, quite obviously, is when Samus spin jumps while Speed Boosting; this is most effective when used with the Space Jump, so Samus can jump continuously while maintaining the Speed Boost.
Other M is the first game to reveal how the Speed Booster works. The thrusters on the back of her suit fire and propel her at great speeds, though she must continue running as the thrusters do not provide lift required for her to fly. However, the Samus Screen in Super Metroid categorizes it as a "Boots" upgrade.
The Speed Booster returns in Metroid Dread. It can now be maintained while Samus is landing from a jump, Wall Jumping, and Sliding, and can use Morph Ball even in midair, allowing her to continue moving at high speeds in the opposite direction and under small passages.Looygi Bros. "12 Cool Details in Metroid Dread (Part 9)". YouTube. February 1, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2022. If Samus runs through an X Parasite enemy with the Dash Attack or rams it with a Shinespark, the base X will be involuntarily pulled along with Samus and absorbed as she keeps moving. The same is not true in Metroid Fusion; in that game, the enemy will revert to an X after a usual delay and Samus will have to turn around if she wants to absorb it.
==Appearances and locations==
The Speed Booster first appeared in Super Metroid where it was found in Norfair, shortly after Samus defeated Kraid and obtained the Varia Suit in Brinstar. It then appeared in Metroid Fusion after Samus defeated Serris and absorbed its Core-X in Sector 4, and in Metroid: Zero Mission after Samus defeated Kraid in his lair. Later, the upgrade appeared in Metroid: Other M where Samus, having kept it after the events of Super Metroid, was authorized to use it by Adam Malkovich in the Cryosphere. Samus acquires it in Metroid Dread from E.M.M.I.-04SB in Dairon.
The Speed Booster in its item form generally represents a green arrow encased inside a cube of ice or glass. In Zero Mission, the pair of Chozo Statues possessing both the upgrade and the hint pertaining to the item is shaded green, matching the arrow's coloration. The Core-X possessing the Speed Booster is a red with a dark turquoise coloration, which resembles Serris's coloration, the same creature the Core-X with the Speed Booster mimicked. 
==Uses==
The Speed Booster is very useful in the following instances:
*Melting Boost Blocks.
*Breaking through hardy materials like rock, ice, and metal.
*Running through enemies.
*Traversing distances in a short amount of time.
*Traversing steep ascents.
*Running over long rows of Pit Blocks, moving past them before they crumble.
*Setting up a Shinespark.
==Official data==
thumb|right|300px|The Speed Booster upgrade.
===Super Metroid manual===
;SPEED BOOSTER
:"These boots allow Samus to run at a super high speed and make her invincible as she runs through enemies.Blocks with the Speed Booster icon melt away when Samus runs into or over them at super speed."
===Super Metroid acquisition message===
"SPEED BOOSTERpress & hold the B button to run."
===Super Metroid Nintendo Player's Guide===
;SPEED BOOSTER
:"Enabling her to run a blinding fast speeds, the Speed Booster Power-Up also gives Samus the ability to smash through barriers, walls and many enemies." 
;SPEED BOOSTER
:"Located in Norfair. Allows you to achieve super-sonic foot speed. While sprinting, you can blaze through certain barriers and perform Super Jumps that are truly out of this world!"
;BLOW THROUGH WALLS WITH THE BOOSTER
:"The Speed Booster is a very useful Item. Not only does it propel Samus to lightning-fast speeds, it can also act as a weapon. Instead of Bombing through walls and obstacles, you can get up to full speed and just blow right through them! Take out enemies in this manner, too.Never mind setting off Bombs when you've got enough running room to get the Speed Booster to kick in. Samus reaches warp speed very quickly!"
===Super Metroid Players' Guide===
This guide refers to the Speed Booster as the Speed Boots.
"Gives Samus the ability to run at supersonic speeds. When at full pelt, she will destroy almost any nasty in her way, as well as certain obstacles. To reach top speed, you need a fair run up, then simply hold down [B] (making sure the X-ray scope is inactive) and press the pad in the appropriate direction. Location: Norfair."
===Super Metroid GamePro Strategy Guide===
;Speed Booster
:"Once Samus has the Speed Boosters, she can run fast and smash through obstacles."
===Nintendo Power Volume 59===
;SPEED BOOSTER
:"With the Speed Booster, Samus can sprint across flat areas with blurring speed, vaporizing enemies and obstacles along the way."
===Metroid Fusion manual===
;SPEED BOOSTER
:"Dash at supersonic speeds and crash through certain barriers and enemies. Press and hold the Control Pad in the direction you want to dash."
===Metroid Fusion in-game acquisition message===
"Speed Booster power regained.Run until Speed Boost begins."
===Metroid: Zero Mission manual===
;Speed Booster
:"With this power-up, Samus is able to dash at supersonic speeds and crash through certain barriers and enemies. Press and hold [Control Pad] in the direction you want to dash.If there is not enough space to build up speed, Samus cannot dash."
===Metroid Fusion: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide===
;SPEED BOOSTER
:"When you detonate a Bomb near some barriers, they will expose a Boost Block. Samus can run through Boost Blocks with the power of her Speed Booster. Give Samus a long running start to let her booster charge up. When she's glowing, she'll be able to run through the blocks. If you press Down to stop and crouch when the Speed Booster is fully charged, you'll execute a rocket launch jump, which you can angle in any direction.If she gets a long running start, Samus will become blurringly fast and temporarily invincible.Location - Sector 4"
===Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide===
;Speed Booster
:Location - Sector 4
:Acquired By - Defeating Serris
:Controls - Hold +Control Pad in the direction you want to run
:"As soon as you acquire Speed Booster, start looking for Boost Blocks everywhere if you want to progress. The key to using this ability is to clear an adequate path so Samus can reach top speed. This means killing enemies, blowing up barriers, and opening doors. Samus must run for a minimum distance before the Speed Booster kicks in, so any decrease in speed aborts the process.TIP: If you clear a room prior to using Speed Booster, don't leave the room, or all enemies and barriers will be restored, and you'll have to repeat the process. Also, don't forget to keep your finger on the beam button as you run toward a hatch so it will be open by the time you get there."
===Metroid: Zero Mission Samus Screen data===
"Run until speed boost begins to break certain blocks and damage enemies."
===Metroid: Zero Mission: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide===
;Speed Booster
:"A running start will charge your booster, give you blurring speed and allow you to run through enemies and Speed Booster Blocks. Fire your beam to clear away other obstacles and to open hatches so that you can continue to run.Not only can you run fast under the influence of the Speed Booster, but you can blast into the air. Press Down to kneel and stop. Before your charge dissipates, tap the A Button to initiate takeoff, then hold Left, Right, Up or diagonally Up and to the Left or Right to fly in the direction you desire.You can take off from an upright position or in Morph Ball form. If you hit a gentle slope, you'll return to the ground but sustain your charge, allowing you to boost in a different direction."
===Metroid.com (Metroid: Other M)===
"Steep inclines and wide gaps become minor obstacles when this super boost is activated. A short run at standard speed is needed to set it off."
===Metroid: Other M on-screen tutorial===
SPEED BOOSTER
Run for a while in one direction.You can cause damage by runninginto things and climb steep ascents.
===Metroid: Other M manual===
;Speed Booster
:"Press and hold the +Control Pad and move in a single direction for a certain period of time to start to run fast. You can also cause damage to enemies and objects that you run into."
===Metroid: Other M Samus Screen data===
"Effects: Allows Samus to run extremely fast and damage things she impacts.Controls: Press [D-Pad] in one direction and run for a while."
* Plus sign represented by Wii Remote D-Pad.
===Metroid: Other M Premiere Edition===
;Speed Booster
:"The Speed Booster upgrade allows you to reach top speed and shoulder-charge enemies and barriers. With Speed Booster you can get around quicker and, more importantly, open up new areas to explore." 
===Metroid Dread Report Volume 6===
"After a running start, Samus will pick up the pace and run at great speed. She can then smash through certain obstacles and deal damage to enemies in her path."
===Nintendo tweets===
;Nintendo of America
:"Samus’ movement in #MetroidDread is smooth as ever. Pick up the pace with the Speed Booster ability, building speed with the ability to smash through certain obstacles & enemies.
:Once in Speed Booster state, she can use Shinespark to soar in a chosen direction with great speed."Nintendo of America (NintendoAmerica). 2 September 2021 3:05 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1433506280396759047
;Nintendo UK:
:"Samus’ Speed Booster ability returns in Metroid Dread, allowing her to build up a head of steam and smash through walls. She can also use it to charge the Shinespark and hurtle in one direction at tremendous speed."Nintendo UK (NintendoUK). 3 September 2021 1:00 p.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1433837325004513306
===Metroid.nintendo.com===
"With enough runway, Samus can reach super speeds to destroy walls and enemies in her path. When in the Speed Booster state, activate the Shinespark technique to launch Samus in a set direction."
===Metroid Dread Samus Screen data===
===Metroid Dread loading screen tip===
==Development notes==
A 2009 interview with Retro Studios revealed that the Speed Booster was once considered for inclusion in Metroid Prime, but did not appear due to difficulties implementing it.Mike Wikan: "The Speed Boost was something we were interested in trying early on. But we found that limitations imposed by the scale of our environments — as well as the first-person player viewpoint — made that system less appealing. We discussed the possibility of developing something in third person that might work, but in the end determined that time spent developing that system would take away from so many other things we felt might be better explored." "Metroid Prime Team Discusses Their Decade Of Samus, Ponders Series' Future". Kotaku. September 21, 2009. Retrieved November 20, 2021. Years later, Jack Mathews clarified that the Speed Booster was not pursued due to concerns about its impact on the performance of the game, and its potential to cause motion sickness if done in first-person, particularly in Japanese players.Kiwi Talkz. "#144 - Jack Mathews Interview - Metroid Prime 20th Anniversary (Crunch, A.I., Fetch Quest, Bosses )". YouTube. November 18, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJkxpG5R9PI (starts at 11:06) Unused scan images show Samus performing what appears to be a Shinespark.
Visual effects for the Speed Booster in Dread were done by Rafael Machó AlcarazDoeboy. "MercurySteam Dev is here!! - Metroid Dread Hard Mode [1/2]". YouTube. October 26, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2022..
==Trivia==
*In Fusion and Zero Mission, if Samus stops running in mid boost, the player can hear the slight sound of Samus's boots scraping against the ground to slow down.
*Samus is able to use the Blue Suit glitch when fighting Draygon.
*Metroid: Other M was the first, and so far the only 3D game to have the Speed Booster.
*Samus Returns is the only 2D game after Super Metroid not to feature the Speed Booster. However, the Phase Drift Aeion ability imitates the Speed Booster's ability to run past Pit Blocks, and the Spider Boost move resembles the Ballspark.
*In Super Metroid, if Samus runs with the Speed Booster and then activates the X-Ray Scope, then all the Samus effect images will act like her looking at the same angle.
*The icon representing Speed Booster-vulnerable objects in Other M is very similar to an object seen in Fusion in a room just before entering the Restricted Laboratory. The object in the latter title initially blocks a passageway only accessible with the Speed Booster and only after the Lab's detachment from BSL due to said object being removed for unknown reasons thereafter.
*In the Nintendo DS version of the game Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (which is considered a Metroidvania game), the Spider Dash move is a variation of the iconic Speed Booster and is even used in a similar fashion to obtain power-ups.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hk_vWbbggk Spider-Dash demonstration.
==Gallery==
Chariots of Fire.jpg|Super Metroid Japanese guide
Scan pics 3.png|Unused scan images from Prime show what appears to be a shinesparking Samus.
Speed Booster Zero Mission.png|The Speed Booster in Metroid: Zero Mission.
Speed booster super metroid.jpg|The Speed Booster in Super Metroid.
Speed Booster Fusion.png|The Speed Booster in Metroid Fusion.
Metroid Dread Report Vol. 6 screenshot 21.jpg|The Speed Booster in Metroid Dread.
File:Metroid Dread Report Vol. 6 screenshot 22.jpg
OtherMHUDSpeedBooster.png|Speed Booster icon shown in Other M when examining a destructible object.
JP Other M Guide 169.jpg|Nintendo Official Guidebook for Metroid Other M, page 169
Core-X Speed Booster.gif|The Core-X possessing the Speed Booster in Metroid Fusion.
Speed Booster Item (Zero Mission).gif|Item form in Metroid: Zero Mission.
Chozo Statue Speed Booster (Ball).gif|The Chozo Statue holding the Speed Booster item (in ball form).
==References==
es:Aceleración
ru:Ускоритель
Category:Boots
Category:Kraid's Lair
Category:Norfair
Category:Cryosphere
Category:Sector 4
Category:Dairon
Category:Recurring Items
Category:Unused Items
Category:Movement