Hint system

The Hint system is a program that relays information accumulated by Samus' Power Suit that is relevant to her current mission, based on scans of the environment, intercepted or incoming transmissions, and resource location. It appears in Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, although a form of it also appeared in Metroid: Zero Mission. The Objectives system takes the place of the Hint system in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Additionally, different types of hints appear when the 2 button on the Wii Remote is held, usually providing advice on advancing through a room.
In all three Prime games, the hint system can be disabled. However, Prime 3 will only disable the map view prompt at the end of an objective, but Samus will still receive hint transmissions from other characters. Disabling the Hint system also prevents the 2 button messages from appearing.
Samus Aran's Power Suit constantly scours the environment and conducts information collection that may be pertinent to Samus during her mission. As the Suit accumulates so much data, it would likely be inefficient for Samus herself to analyse it. Instead, her Suit's computer only delivers information relevant to Samus' progression, e.g. locating new power-ups, transport, and anomalies for her to investigate.
The system is extremely advanced and broad-reaching, able to conduct scans of areas very far away from Samus' location, and refine searches to find upgrades suitable to her current situation and relating to recently acquired items. The Power Suit contains a Thermal Positioner, which will automatically locate areas with power signatures, such as environmental anomalies, Save Stations, detection of important technology, and mission data via the Hint system, and display them to Samus via her Visor. One drawback of the Hint system is that it often takes a while to generate data.
==In Metroid Prime==
;Relates to Transport to Chozo Ruins West
:"Foreign technology present.Active transport located."
;Relates to Missile Launcher, Hive Totem
:"Abnormal seismic activity detected.Seismic disturbance at Ruins site."
;Relates to Save Station 1 (Chozo Ruins)
:"Save Station detected."
;Relates to Morph Ball
:"Predator migration increasing.Tunneling creatures moving to Chozo Ruins site."
;Relates to Bombs, Burn Dome
:"Increased War Wasp activity detected.Strong hive presence within this region."
;Relates to Energy Tank, Furnace
:"Energy spike detected."
;Relates to Varia Suit, Sunchamber
:"Fluid patterns analyzed.Main source of toxins in Ruins detected."
;Relates to Transport to Magmoor Caverns North
:"Enemy troop movements analyzed.Increased Pirate activity in Magmoor Caverns."
;Relates to Transport to Phendrana Drifts North
:"Active transport located."
;Relates to Save Station B (Phendrana Drifts)
:"Save Station detected."
;Relates to Boost Ball, Phendrana Canyon
:"Unusual energy patterns detected.Energy spike in Phendrana region."
;Relates to Space Jump Boots, Tallon Canyon
:"Searching for other 'half-pipe' configurations.'Half-pipe' structure detected."
;Relates to Wave Beam, Chapel of the Elders
:"Predator activity analyzed.Predator increase in Phendrana region."
;Relates to Thermal Visor, Research Core
:"Pirate communique analyzed.Main research facility located."
;Relates to Save Station D
:"Save Station detected."
;Relates to Charge Beam, Watery Hall
:"Super Missile cannot be used without weapon upgrade.Searching for weapon upgrade.Weapon upgrade located."
;Relates to Spider Ball, Quarantine Cave
:"Seismic analysis complete.Disturbances found in Quarantine zone."
;Relates to Ice Beam, Antechamber
:"Regional climate analysis complete.Abnormally low temperature at Ruins site."
;Relates to Gravity Suit, Gravity Chamber
:"Unusual gravity patterns analyzed.Gravity pulses within Phendrana area."
;Relates to Frigate Crash Site
:"Emergency frequencies active.Numerous distress beacons detected."
;Relates to Transport to Phazon Mines East
:"Foreign technology present.Active transport located."
;Relates to Power Bomb, Central Dynamo
:"Power surges detected.Surges located within mining compound."
;Relates to X-Ray Visor, Life Grove
:"Spectral analysis complete.Spectral increase at Tallon site."
;Relates to Grapple Beam, Storage Depot B
:"Pirate transmissions intercepted.Unique mining technology in upper part of site."
;Relates to Plasma Beam, Plasma Processing
:"Seismic activity updated.Unusual activity in Magmoor region.
;Relates to Phazon Suit and Phazon Beam, Elite Quarters
:"Unique Phazon readings analyzed.High levels of Phazon found on mobile source."
;Relates to Artifact Temple
:"Analysis of Artifact Temple complete.Return Artifacts to gain access to Impact Crater."
==In Metroid Prime 2: Echoes==
;Relates to Hive Save Station/Transport A Access
:"Area resource scan complete.Local save beacon is active.Save Station located."
;Relates to Agon Energy Controller
:"Agon Temple located.Mission-critical data within.Enter temple and collect data."
;Relates to Dark Beam, Storage D
:"Luminoth technology detected.Weapon is in Space Pirate hands.Recover Luminoth weapon."
;Relates to Dark Agon Temple Keys, Doomed Entry, Battleground, Trial Tunnel
:"Dark Temple Door is locked.Three keys are required to enter.Recover Temple Key."
;Relates to Dark Suit, Dark Agon Temple
:"Luminoth Technology detected.Technology is in enemy hands.Recover Luminoth Technology."
;Relates to Light of Aether, Agon Energy Controller
:"Objective complete.Energy transferred to module.Return energy to Agon Temple."
;Relates to U-Mos
:"Incoming Luminoth transmission.New mission data available.Return to Great Temple."
;Relates to Torvus Energy Controller
:"Torvus Temple located.Mission-critical data within.Enter temple and collect data."
;Relates to Seeker Missile Launcher, Hall of Honored Dead
:"Luminoth weapon detected.System discovered on Aether.Recover Luminoth weaponry."
;Relates to Gravity Boost, Hydrochamber Storage
:"Luminoth tech detected.Identified as advanced movement system.Recover Luminoth tech."
;Relates to Grapple Beam, Sacrificial Chamber
:"Missing gear detected.Chozo origin confirmed.Recover missing gear."
;Relates to Dark Torvus Temple Key 1, Dark Torvus Arena
:"Dark Temple Door is locked.Three keys are required to enter.Recover First Temple Key."
;Relates to Dark Torvus Temple Key 2, Undertemple Access
:"Dark Temple Door is locked.Three keys are required to enter.Recover Second Temple Key."
;Relates to Dark Torvus Temple Key 3, Venomous Pond
:"Dark Temple Door is locked.Three keys are required to enter.Recover Third Temple Key."
;Relates to Dark Visor, Dark Torvus Temple
:"Luminoth Technology detected.Technology is in enemy hands.Recover Luminoth Technology."
;Relates to Light of Aether, Torvus Energy Controller
:"Objective complete.Energy transferred to module.Return energy to Torvus Temple."
;Relates to Sanctuary Energy Controller
:"Sanctuary Temple located.Mission-critical data within.Enter temple and collect data."
;Relates to Spider Ball, Dynamo Works
:"Missing gear detected.Chozo origin confirmed.Recover missing gear."
;Relates to Power Bomb, Undertemple
:"Missing gear detected.Chozo origin confirmed.Recover missing gear."
;Relates to Echo Visor, Aerie
:"Luminoth Technology detected.Technology is in enemy hands.Recover Luminoth Technology."
;Relates to Screw Attack, Vault
:"Unknown technology detected.Object is a powerful movement system.Obtain this new system."
;Relates to Ing Hive Temple Keys, Culling Chamber, Hive Gyro Chamber, Aerial Training Site
:"Dark Temple Door is locked.Three keys are required to enter.Recover Temple Key."
;Relates to Annihilator Beam, Hive Temple
:"Luminoth Weapon detected.Weapon is under enemy control.Recover Luminoth Weapon."
;Relates to Light of Aether, Sanctuary Energy Controller
:"Objective complete.Energy transferred to module.Return energy to Sanctuary Temple."
;Relates to Sky Temple Gateway
:"Gateway to Sky Temple active.Nine keys required to access temple.Return keys to gateway."
;Relates to Emperor Ing
:"The ruler of the Ing has been found.Entity located in Sky Temple.Eliminate the Ing leader."
==In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption==
;Game hints
:"Game hints can be viewed in this window, if available, by pressing and holding [2]."
;Objectives
:"Current objectives are recorded in the Logbook under the Objectives tab. Objectives will appear on your map as (?)."
;Federation personnel
:"Talking to people may help you find out more information. Press [A] to interact when near a member of the Federation."
;Scan Visor
:"The Scan Visor can be used to find useful information about the environment. It can also be used to activate certain types of panels."
;Object interaction
:"Exploring your surroundings may reveal objects that you can interact with."
;Returning to ship
:"Find a way back to your ship."
;Energy Cell (Xenoresearch Lab)
:"Restore the room's power by using the Energy Cell."
;Lock-on
:"You can use [Z] to lock on to targets of interest."
;Grapple Lasso
:"The Grapple Lasso can be used on objects that shimmer yellow."
;Morph Ball
:"The Morph Ball can be used to move through small areas."
;Command Visor
:"You can use your Command Visor to give orders to your ship. Push and hold [-] to bring up Visor Select. Move cursor into the right zone and release [-] to enter Command Visor. Lock on to Command Icons with [Z] to command your ship."
;Morph Ball Bombs
:"Morph Ball Bombs can ignite Energy Jets for an extra boost as well as trigger powered Bomb Slots."
;Meta Ridley
:"Meta Ridley appears to only be vulnerable in the mouth."
;Morph Ball Bombs
:"Morph Ball Bombs have a wide variety of uses. Press [A] while in Morph Ball mode to drop Bombs."
;Door lock system (Gateway)
:"The western door can only be opened by using the remote locks. These locks are only accessible from the central pillar."
;Phazon vines
:"Some obstacles can only be destroyed by using Hypermode weapons."
;Tunnel blockage
:"The Morph Ball tunnel is blocked with a small piece of debris."
;Grapple Swing
:"The Grapple Swing allows you to latch on to Grapple Swing Points and swing across large gaps."
;Missile obstacles
:"Missiles can destroy certain types of tough objects such as locks or doors."
;Crystallized Fuel Gel
:"Fuel Gel crystals explode when damaged, often burning nearby objects."
;Fuel Gel streams
:"Streams of Fuel Gel can be ignited with the Charge Beam."
;Snatchers
:"Some creatures can lift the Morph Ball into the air once attached."
;Morph Ball Bombs
:"Morph Ball Bombs can be used to interact with many types of objects. Use [A] while in Morph Ball mode to drop a Bomb."
;Rundas
:"Rundas's ice armor cannot be damaged by weapons fire. There must be another way to remove it."
;Ice Missile platforms
:"The Ice Missile can create short-lived patches of ice on the surface of Fuel Gel."
;Frozen Fuel Gel falls
:"Frozen gel falls can support heavy weight for short periods of time."
;Bryyonian Golems
:"Bryyo golems are capable of various functions. They can be activated via their Bomb Slots."
;Missile racks (Hangar Bay)
:"The missile racks can be manually raised and lowered."
;Landing pads
:"Landing pads may only be used when clear of obstructions."
;Jamming beacons
:"The pirate signal jammer disrupts all communications with remote vessels."
;Korakk Beast
:"The Korakk's stomach armor is thin. The Morph Ball may be able to get close enough to inflict damage."
;Anti-Air Cannon "Tiamat"
:"The ammunition canisters will overload the turret when destroyed."
;Missiles and Charge Beam
:"Some objects are only destructible with the Missile or Charge Beam."
;Zipline Cables
:"Press and hold [Z] to travel across ziplines."
;Steamlord
:"The only way to stop the Steambots from reassembling is to destroy the Steamlord."
;Landing Site A
:"Only someone in control of SkyTown's main network can unlock the cover blocking the landing site."
;Defense Drone
:"The antenna on the Defense Drone's head appear to be fragile."
;Boost Ball
:"The Boost Ball has many uses, including the ability to power certain mechanisms. While in Morph Ball mode, press and hold [B] then release to perform a Boost."
;Aurora Unit corruption
:"Find a way to administer the vaccine to the corrupted Aurora Unit."
;Post-vaccination
:"You should be able to speak with the Aurora Unit now that it is free of Phazon corruption."
;Circuit Boards
:"You can use the Plasma Beam to repair broken sections of certain objects. Approach the damaged object and press [A] to begin repairs."
;Ice melting
:"Large blocks of ice can be shattered with high-temperature weaponry."
;Wall Jump
:"When equipped with the Screw Attack suit upgrade, certain surfaces can be vertically scaled."
;Screw Attack
:"The Screw Attack will allow you to cross large horizontal distances."
;Energy Cells
:"Energy Cells are a universal power source for Galactic Federation technology. They may be found on many worlds."
;Destructible objects
:"Some obstacles can be destroyed by a strong blast."
;Ship Grapple Beam
:"Your ship can be used to lift large objects in the environment."
;Holographic projector
:"The projector will not activate until it receives power."
;Theronian bomb component (locked)
:"Your ship will be unable to lift objects that are locked down."
;Spire engine shutdown
:"Repair and use the escape pod before the Spire engines stop."
;Seeker Missile
:"The Seeker Missile can be used to damage multiple targets at once."
;Grab Ledges
:"Green Ledge Grab surfaces are usually located above your head. Be sure to carefully look around to find these ledges."
;Grapple Lasso
:"The Grapple Lasso may be used on shimmering objects."
;Seeker Missile
:"Some mechanisms are vulnerable to simultaneous Missile impacts."
;X-Ray Visor
:"The X-Ray Visor can be used to see the inner workings of some devices."
;Phazon canister (Command Vault)
:"The Phazon canisters will fall from the tracks if shot."
;Destructible objects
:"Look around for objects that can be destroyed by concussive blasts."
;Scrapvault
:"Look for a way to get into the glowing tubes that cross the ceiling of this room."
;Metroid Processing
:"The controls for the center pillar look to be under the floor of this room."
;Spider Ball Track (Craneyard)
:"There must be a way to get into the main section of this room using the magnetic rail."
;Scan Visor
:"The Scan Visor can be used to find useful information about creatures."
;Spider Ball
:"Press and hold [Z] to attach to magnetic rails using Spider Ball."
;Routing tower (Craneyard)
:"The upper and lower parts of this machine may be aligned in different ways."
;Grapple Voltage
:"The Grapple Voltage ability allows you to drain energy from mechanisms."
;Consoles (Phazon Quarry)
:"The consoles in this area can activate nearby machinery."
;Mining cannon (Main Cavern)
:"The mining equipment in this location is fragile with overuse. Any overly large objects drawn into the beam could cause the system to malfunction."
;Nova Beam
:"The Nova Beam can pass through objects made of Phazite."
;Plasma Beam
:"The Plasma Beam is capable of melting certain alloys."
;Destructible objects
:"Missiles, Charged Shots, and Morph Ball Bombs may destroy stressed materials."
;Missiles
:"Missiles may destroy certain objects in the environment."
;Missiles (Aurora Chamber (G.F.S. Valhalla))
:"Missiles are capable of unjamming some mechanisms."
;Grapple Voltage
:"The Grapple Voltage ability allows you to restore energy to unpowered mechanisms."
;Phazon level (Phaaze)
:"If your Phazon level fills completely, you will die. However, some items and organisms on Phaaze may decrease your Phazon level."
;Grapple Voltage
:"The Grapple Voltage ability can be used to give or take energy from certain organic structures."
;Hyper Missiles
:"Some organic structures on Phaaze are vulnerable to explosive blasts."
;Hyper Ball
:"The Hyper Ball can overload some organic structures with Phazon energy."
;Scan Visor
:"The Scan Visor can reveal details about creatures and objects in the environment."
;Grapple Lasso
:"The Grapple Lasso may be used on objects which shimmer."
==Trivia==
*In an interview, Yoshio Sakamoto stated that the American version of Prime had more hints due to fears in development that American players would have more difficulty in progressing, despite the American marketing head's belief that Metroid was originally about "wandering aimlessly". There are fewer hints in the Japanese version. 
*If the Z/1 button is not pressed until the target location has been reached, the message will stay onscreen until Samus reaches the target room.
*Prime and Echoes feature a robotic voice saying "Data received" when a new hint appears. This also plays when a command is input into the Command Visor in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. The North American GameCube versions of Prime do not feature this.
*An unused hint appears in the Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Bonus Disc: "Enemy forces attacking local sentients."
*The game Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate features a similar element to the Hint system. The Deluxe Edition furthers these similarities with its map design. This is because Armature Studio, the company that made the game, had developers that were originally part of Retro Studios, the company that made the Prime series.
*Navigation Rooms in Metroid Fusion and Navigation Booths in Metroid: Other M both serve as similar purpose to the Prime series' Hint system.
*In Metroid: Samus Returns, Samus can access a Chozo Seal any time she has killed a Metroid and collected its DNA. The Seal will add a marker to her map showing the location of a Metroid Husk, which indicates the proximity of a Metroid. The Metroid Marker feature (unlocked by scanning the Metroid larva amiibo) provides a Metroid's specific location each time the amiibo is scanned.
==Gallery==
Hintsystemexample1.png
Hintsystemexample2.png
Hintsystemexample3.png
File:HintSystemMP2.jpg|Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.
File:HintSystemZM.gif|Similar system in Metroid: Zero Mission.
File:Samus Returns Samus receives new Metroid data.jpg|Samus receiving location data in Metroid: Samus Returns.
ru:Система подсказок
Category:Chozo technology
Category:Artificial Intelligence
Category:Samus Aran