Scan Visor

The Scan Visor is one of two visors found in all of the games with first-person starring Samus Aran: Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Metroid Prime Hunters, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and in some ways Metroid Prime Pinball and Metroid: Other M. The other visor that appears is Samus's 'default' visor, the Combat Visor.
With the Scan Visor, Samus can scan certain objects to learn more about them or perform a function. When a scan has finished, the game action freezes to allow Samus to read its contents. If Samus scans a creature, enemy or boss, Samus will gain useful hints how to beat them, such as weak spots and behavioral patterns. When she activates the Scan Visor, Samus will lower her Arm Cannon and is able to view scan targets through a screen known as the Sight Window. Scanning a boss will sometimes take more time than scanning a smaller creature or object. It consults several databases as well, including the GF Database, Space Pirate Datanet and Samus' own flora and fauna databank.
Some scans are recorded in the Logbook that allows them to be accessed later on; such data can be gathered from enemies, items, and lore or logs from such groups as the Space Pirates and the Chozo. Filling the Logbook with these scans in Prime and Echoes unlocks concept art, while in Corruption Red and Blue Credits are given to buy various unlockables. Scans that do not get recorded include those that perform functions, and those that are not critical to the mission, such as doors or crates. The Scan Visor has limited range; if an object is too far away, a message will be displayed notifying Samus that the object is out of Scanning range, requiring her to move closer to the target. The Scan Visor is unable to scan objects from a room different than the room Samus is currently present in (with the exception of the Echoes Bonus Disc).
==Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime Hunters==
In Prime and Hunters, the Scan Visor is almost visually identical to the Combat Visor. Scannable items are only marked with a square, called a Scan Point, representing what objects can be scanned in the area. In Prime, Scan Points are either orange or red, but in Hunters, there is one type of Scan Point for each category in the Logbook. The Scan Visor also allows Samus to see Alimbic Datashades in Hunters. After scanning in Prime, images of the subject appear to the left and right of the screen. Depending on the subject, different images will appear. Creature scans show blue pictures and close-ups with notable features displayed in orange. Subjects that cannot be downloaded to Samus' Logbook will only display text in Prime, but because most scans are downloaded to the Logbook in Hunters, the latter game features no such distinction.
The Sight Window in the New Play Control! and Metroid Prime Trilogy versions of Metroid Prime is circular rather than rectangular, but the Scan Points are retained. These versions have an additional central reticule.
In Metroid Prime Remastered, scannable targets now appear more visibly colorful, likely to ease the player's vision as they explore. A scannable target now appears as a solid colored square with four small bent bars resembling a sightlock on the side. A scanned target has its color greatly dimmed as in the original.
In Metroid Prime, if an enemy or object is scanned exactly when Samus' energy is depleted, the visor will show the dialogue box that usually displays information, but it will be empty and no data is shown. Whatever music that was previously playing will continue to play, however.
==Metroid Prime 2: Echoes==
In Echoes, scannable objects are completely highlighted either red, blue, or green. Red objects are mission-critical and have not been scanned. Blue objects have not been scanned but are not mission-critical. All enemies appear as blue when being scanned for the first time. Green objects have already been scanned.
A central reticule is added to the Sight Window. Like with Prime, the rectangular window is replaced with a circular one in the Wii versions of the game.
The Scan Visor can also be used to perform a scan jump similar to the Dash-Jump, which is used throughout the Prime trilogy to Sequence Break and obtain items out of the normal order. The images to the right and left of the visor that appeared in Prime are replaced by a category system showing the scanned object's location in the Logbook. Objects downloaded to the Logbook mostly show a model of the subject, and Samus can zoom in and out, pan, and rotate it.
Samus briefly uses the Scan Visor to activate a Portal generator when Dark Aether is about to collapse.
==Metroid Prime 3: Corruption==
Corruption retains the Blue, Red, and Green coding system of scannable objects, but the Scan Visor has a revamped look. Instead of the traditional Sight Window, four crosshairs are used as a cursor for locating scannable objects, which expands over the target depending on the size of the subject. A reflection of Samus's face can be seen, which shows the spread of her Phazon corruption as the game progresses.
The images that are shown after scanning return from Metroid Prime, and applies to all objects. Also, the models that appear in the Logbook from Metroid Prime 2: Echoes are retained, and are viewed in a similar fashion. In Corruption, Red and Blue Credits can be gained from scanning, which are used to unlock secret concept art, music, and other features.
==Metroid Prime 4: Beyond==
According to the announcement trailer, the Scan Visor will return in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. It appears functionally identical to the previous instalments, particularly Prime.
Beyond Scan Visor1.jpg
Beyond Scan Visor2.jpg
Beyond Scan Visor3.jpg
Beyond Scan Visor4.jpg
==Metroid Prime Pinball==
In Pinball, the Scan Visor itself does not appear, but there is a similarly named item, the Award Scanner, in its place. It can be considered a Scan Visor usable in Morph Ball form. A Board Feature on every table, it resembles a Spinner and can be "scanned" to get a powerup or enhancement.
==Metroid: Other M==
A form of Scan Visor, named Examine, appears in the Search View mode in Metroid: Other M. The Visor is used to lock onto environmental objects, such as mission-critical characters, items for the same purpose as the characters and obstacles to find their weakness. Various symbols scroll through a bar (depending on the item/obstacle it could be an item for the necessary item to remove the obstacle) and the appropriate one is highlighted. Bosses can also be "scanned" (by locking on to them in Search View) to reveal their health bars in Search View, but the text and Logbook sections are no longer present. Enemies and parts of the environment also cannot be scanned.
Sometimes, when the camera shifts into Samus' point of view during a cutscene and she is looking at something or someone, a colored outline will appear around the subject, as it does during gameplay. This either indicates Samus' Scan Visor feature is always turned on in this game, or that she is actively using it.
A full list of possible targets with Examine are below:
*Accel Charge
*Anthony Higgs
*Blood of Little Birdie
*Commander Adam Malkovich
*Cyborg Zebesian
*Door
*Dr. Madeline Bergman
*E-Recovery Tank
*Energy Part
*Energy Tank
*Galactic Federation ship
*Gigafraug
*Glowing orb
*Grapple Point
*Head Quarantine Officer
*Holographic Generator
*James Pierce
*K.G. Misawa
*Little Birdie
*Lyle Smithsonian
*MB
*Maurice Favreau
*Metroid Egg
*Missile Tank
*Mystery Creature
*Quarantine Officer
*Ridley
*Terminal
*Zero
==Metroid Prime: Federation Force==
While Federation Force has no Scan Visor or similar mechanic for scanning enemies or environmental objects, some missions have up to three dedicated terminals that provide small snippets of information, lore or logs. An item called the Scan Bolt is a projectile that can be fired at enemies to reveal weak points.
==Official data==
===Nintendo Power Volume 162, page 38===
;SCAN VISOR - Learn by Doing
:"The Scan Visor is invaluable for a wayward bounty hunter. You can activate the Scan Visor by touching the Control Pad. Once it is in place, you can explore Tallon IV in greater detail. When you meet an enemy for the first time, don’t just charge into combat. Scan it! When you see an unusual rock formation or a strange piece of machinery, click the Scan Visor into place and see if the unknown object will divulge its secrets. You can use the visor to activate computers, open doors and read ancient Chozo lore. It makes the game a truly interactive experience.
:You can use the Scan Visor to activate doors and other electronics and deactivate sentry guns. When you find a square area called a Scan Point, hold down the L Button to lock on. The device will function once the scan is complete.
:You can scan enemies in the same fashion. Hold the L Button to lock on to an enemy, then watch in amazement as a flood of information flows over the screen – including biological readouts, attack strategies and possible weaknesses.
===Official Metroid Prime website===
Weapon Effect: N/A
Weapon Range: N/A
Weapon Potential: Non-Lethal
The Scan Visor is used to collect data and activate certain devices. Samus is unable to fire any weapons while using the Scan Visor, but it can provide invaluable data about enemies' vulnerabilities. Scanned data vital to the success of the mission is downloaded and stored in Samus's Log Book.
===Metroid Prime flash===
"The Scan Visor enables you to gather important information on enemy physiology, download Space Pirate data or translate Chozo literature. It is also used to activate switches and unlock various areas across Tallon IV."
===Metroid Prime manual===
;SCAN VISOR
:"While Samus uses the Scan Visor, a magnifying reticule will appear in the center of her visor. This reticule picks out anything that can be scanned—from creatures to computer terminals—and shows it as an orange or red symbol. If you press and hold the L Button while locked onto one of these symbols, the Scan Visor will download information. Once it's done downloading, the visor will display a message.Besides using the Scan Visor to solve puzzles, find enemies' weak spots, and unlock various areas in the game, Samus will also frequently download pieces of information that can be stored in her Log Book. These can be accessed by pressing START/PAUSE during game play (see Page 25) and include creature morphologies, Space Pirate logs, Chozo literature, and much more."
===Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide===
;Scan Visor
:"The Scan Visor is used for scanning objects and enemies to learn valuable information, or to activate switches. When activated, the Scan Visor displays a magnifying reticle in the center of the screen. Any object that can be scanned has an orange or red icon displayed on it. Orange icons are typically found on unimportant objects. Red icons are displayed anywhere critical actions are required, or on objects that hold information that may be added to your Log Book.Press and hold [L] to scan the object. Scanning takes several moments. When the scan is complete, any information learned about the object is displayed onscreen. The first time enemies and some objects are scanned, the information gained is added to your Log Book for future reference.TIP: While the Scan Visor is active, you are unable to use your weapons. Press [A] to quickly switch back to the Combat Visor in hostile situations."
===Metroid Prime: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide===
;SCAN VISOR
:"The Scan Visor is your most useful tool. You can scan items to learn what they do, scan enemies to find weak points or even scan computers to learn valuable plot information. You can also use the Scan Visor to operate elevators, doors, force fields and other electronic devices. The golden rule of Metroid Prime: Scan everything." 
;SCAN VISOR TECHNIQUES
:QUEST FOR THE SCAN POINTS
:"Scan Points don't always appear as obvious colored squares--sometimes they blend in with the surrounding area. Look for Scan Points on computers, doors and wall monitors. You can also scan the environment to find structural weaknesses or natural dangers.The Scan Visor is invaluable in combat. When you scan an enemy, you'll receive a wealth of information on it--including history, weakness, strengths and more. Once you've scanned a foe, you'll usually have a better idea of how to attack it."
:LOG YOUR ENTRIES
:"Each time you scan something important, it will be recorded in your Log Book. You can check the book at any time by pressing the Start Button to access the main menu.If you fill up 50 percent of the Log Book, you will unlock a collection of awesome concept art straight from the design team at Retro Studios. If you fill every last entry in the book, you'll unlock another great set of art."
===Metroid Prime Official Strategy Guide===
;SCAN VISOR
:"The Scan Visor is used to collect data. Some devices, such as elevator platforms, activate when scanned. Mission critical scan targets appear as red squares when viewed through the Scan Visor. Scanning enemies with this Visor can reveal their vulnerabilities, especially Bosses. It's important to note, however, that you are not able to fire any weapons while the Scan Visor is active. Scanned data vital to the success of the mission is downloaded and stored in the Log Book section of the Pause screen."
===Metroid Prime Official Perfect Guide===
;SCAN VISOR
:"Press left on the Directional Pad to select the Scan Visor. In this view, you will be able to perceive hidden symbols on computer equipment or surfaces in the game environment which, when properly "scanned" will initiate a particular process within an area (such as activate an elevator, or de-activate a force-field). In addition to scan symbols (which appear as orange or red icons; the orange relaying descriptive information, and the red activating a process or providing an entry to your Log--see below), you can also scan creatures and items to obtain their respective Log entries and approach completion of your Log Book. With the Scan Visor activated, press the L Button to initiate a scan once the target you want to scan (be it symbol or creature) appears within the rectangular magnifying display in the center of the Visor. It's essential for you to hold down the L Button until the meter has been completely filled while scanning a target; disruption of this action (for instance, an enemy firing at you and discombobulating your focus) will break off the scan. However, when you re-engage the scan on the enemy, the meter will start filling from the point at which had broken off."
===Metroid Prime 2: Echoes: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide===
;SCAN VISOR
:"The Scan Visor allows you to glean information about creatures and objects, as well as to open doors, activate panels and more. Objects in red are of vital importance. Objects in blue are merely interesting. Green objects have already been scanned, and may appear in your Logbook."
===Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Premiere Edition===
;Scan Visor
:"The Scan Visor is used to collect data. Some devices activate when scanned. Push and hold [-] to bring up Visor Select. Move the cursor into the top zone and release [-] to enter Scan Visor mode. Mission-critical scan targets are red. Scanning enemies with this visor reveals their vulnerabilities. Scanned data vital to the success of the mission is downloaded and stored in the Logbook section of the map screen. You can't fire weapons while the Scan Visor is active."
===Inventory data===
===Logbook entry===
===Metroid Prime 2: Echoes manual===
;SCAN VISOR
:"Scannable items in the environment appear in red, blue, or green. Green light means the object has been scanned before, red light means the item is mission-critical, and blue lights mean you can gather some information about the item. If you press and hold the L Button while locked onto one of these symbols, the Scan Visor will download information. Once it's downloaded enough, the visor will display a message. You can press the A Button to display more of the message if it continues off-screen.Besides using the Scan Visor to solve puzzles, find enemies' weak spots, and unlock various areas in the game, Samus will also frequently download pieces of information that can be stored in her Logbook. These can be accessed by pressing START/PAUSE during game play (see page 23) and include creature morphologies, Space Pirate and Federation Trooper logs, Luminoth lore and much more. Keep in mind that you can go directly to a Logbook entry by pressing START/PAUSE immediately after scanning something."
===Metroid Prime Trilogy manual===
====Metroid Prime====
;Scan Visor
:"This visor reads information from creatures or computer terminals and collects data. You cannot use weapons while you are using the Scan Visor."
;Scan Targets
:"Important targets are displayed in red, and other targets are displayed in orange. Faded targets indicate a target has already been scanned."
;Aim Cursor
:"You can scan creatures or various substances that are caught within this cursor."
;Scanning
:"With the target caught within the aim cursor, press and hold the Z Button to scan. Some devices can be activated by scanning. Also, when particularly important items are scanned, they are recorded in the Log Book."
====Metroid Prime 2: Echoes/Metroid Prime 3: Corruption====
;Scan Visor
:"This visor reads information from creatures or computer terminals and collects data. You cannot use weapons while you are using the Scan Visor."
;Scan Targets
:"Important targets are displayed in red, and other targets are displayed in blue. Green indicate a target has already been scanned."
;Aim Cursor
:"You can scan creatures or various substances that are caught within this cursor."
;Scanning
:"With the target highlighted with the aim cursor, press and hold the Z Button to scan. Some devices can be activated by scanning. Also, when particularly important items are scanned, they are recorded in the Logbook."
===Metroid Prime Trilogy: Prima Official Game Guide===
;Scan Visor
:"Samus also owns a Scan Visor, which is used to gather data and interact with objects. Press and hold [-] to bring up Visor Select, then move the cursor into the top zone and release [-] to enter Scan Visor mode. In this mode, important scan targets are highlighted in red. Scanning enemies with the Scan Visor reveals their vulnerabilities--the data is saved in your Log Book. Scanned data pertaining to the success of the mission is downloaded and stored in the Log Book as well.TIP: Filling Samus's Log Book is completely optional, but also very important if you wish to unlock all the special extras in Metroid Prime Trilogy. Each time you enter a new room, get in the habit of scanning everything to fill the Log Book with Creature, Research, and Lore data. Also follow the walkthroughs carefully, referring to the scan checklists at the start of each major area to ensure you don't miss anything."
===Metroid Prime Hunters manual===
;Using the Scan Visor
:"When the Scan cursor appears on the screen, hold the L Button to scan an object. Once scanning is complete, information on the object will be displayed on the Touch Screen. Tap OK when you have finished reading. If there is any important information, that information will be entered into the Logbook. Certain mechanisms found in the game can be activated by scanning them."
;Sight Window
:"Scan various organisms and objects that appear in this window."
;Scan Cursor
:"This cursor indicates an object you can scan."
===Metroid Prime Hunters: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide===
;THE SCAN VISOR
:"The Scan Visor allows you to analyze bioforms, interesting objects, and lore entries that are not visible to the naked eye. Use it to scan each room for important clues and background information.Scanning enemies will often reveal information on weaknesses that you can use to defeat them more easily. However, you'll be vulnerable to their attacks while you're scanning them."
;Scan for Assistance 
:"The Scan Visor isn't just for combat tips and local history. Some mechanisms can be activated only by a visor scan, so when in doubt, flip it on and search for the red exclamation points." 
===Metroid: Other M on-screen tutorial===
"EXAMINEPress and hold [B] on the area you want to examine."
===Metroid: Other M manual===
;Looking Around
:"Change your viewing area by moving the pointer around the screen while holding down the B Button.Note: Press and hold the B Button while pointing at certain objects in the environment to examine and acquire information about them."
==Development notes==
The Scan Visor was created when Retro Studios needed a means of telling a story in Prime, and explaining aspects of the environment. As it was being prototyped, they realized it could be used as a tool for puzzles.Old Game Plus. Metroid Prime, Dev Interview Special. February 8, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2022. https://oldgameplus.libsyn.com/metroid-prime-dev-interview-special (starts at 39:00) Samus lowering her Arm Cannon with the Scan Visor on was a tradeoff for performance.Dev Game Club. "DGC Ep 355: Metroid Prime Bonus Interview with Jack Mathews!" July 19, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023. https://www.devgameclub.com/blog/2023/7/19/dgc-ep-355-metroid-prime-bonus-interview-with-jack-mathews (starts at 45:20)
Most of the work on the Scan Visor in Echoes was done by Jim Gage. As stated, Echoes changed from using Scan Points to color-coding scannable objects. Retro Studios engineers had to use readbacks from the GPU when tagging objects for scanning (a process now called a stencil buffer). Smaller objects could only be made scannable by attaching them to larger objects, making them easier to target. For Corruption, Mark Pacini requested bloom lighting be used to create outlines for scannable objects instead of completely coloring them in, although the outlines maintained the color-coding.Kiwi Talkz. "#116 - Jack Mathews Interview (Metroid Prime Trilogy, Prototypes, Business, Armature Studios etc.)". YouTube. November 26, 2021. Retrieved June 7, 2022. (starts at 20:51)
The Scan Visor's user interface in Corruption was different in an earlier version of the game (pictured right).IGN "Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Nintendo Wii Gameplay -". YouTube. May 19, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
==Trivia==
*It is seen a few times that the method Samus uses to activate her Scan Visor is to press something on the left side of her helmet.
*According to the final cutscene from Echoes, the Scan Visor will turn opaque when scanning even in the Light Suit.
*Hacker Mode in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Multiplayer makes use of the Scan Visor, albeit slightly adjusted functions.
**This marks the only time in the Prime series the Scan Visor is ever obtained via item acquisition (via Randomizer) and is not already part of Samus's inventory from the start. 
*When scans are saved to the Logbook in the first two Metroid Prime games, a computerized female voice will say the words "Recording to Logbook". This is not featured in the North American GameCube versions of Prime. The voice feature returns in Metroid Prime Remastered.
*Samus uses the Scan Visor in chapter 6 of Metroid EX to determine the toxicity level of the water on the ocean world.
*In the game Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, the function of Detective Mode operates similarly to both the Scan Visor and the X-Ray Visor from the Prime series, including it having specific color-coded functions differentiating scanned from non-scanned objects, as well as finding "lores" in the form of case evidence, and a brief description of something when scanned, as well as displaying multiple layers of the human body such as skeletal, skin and muscle tissue. This was because Armature Studios, the company that made the game, was composed of developers who had formerly worked for Retro Studios, the company that made the Prime series.
==Gallery==
Prime_Scan_Visor.png|Scanning a Beetle in Prime.
NPC!_Metroid_Prime_Scan.png|The new scanning cursor in New Play Control! Metroid Prime.
Prime Remaster Red Scan.png|A mission critical unscanned target in Metroid Prime Remastered.
Echoes_Scan_Visor.jpg|Unscanned objects outlined in red (critical) and blue (minor) in Echoes.
Echoes_Scan.jpg|A green, previously scanned object in Echoes.
Scan Visor out of range (Bonus Disc).png|A scannable object out of range in the Bonus Disc.
MPH Scan Visor activating.gif|The Scan Visor being activated on the touchscreen in Metroid Prime Hunters.
2d-metroid-concepts-4.jpg|A green scan in Corruption.
Scan_Visor_Corruption.jpg|Using the scanning cursor to target a viable scan in Corruption.
DefaultScan.png|Default scan images for scanned objects in Corruption
File:Mp3 scan visor.png|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Inventory model.
Scan_Visor.jpg|Metroid Prime comic
Scan.png|Metroid Prime: Episode of Aether
File:Ocean world.png|Metroid EX
==References==
ru:Забрало-Сканер
Category:Visors
Category:Chozo technology
Category:Recurring Items
Category:Scanners
Category:Beginning Items
Category:Equipment