Tallon Metroid

Tallon Metroids are a strain of Metroids that originated from a batch of specimens multiplied by Space Pirates on planet Tallon IV. These flying, life energy-draining predators are encountered in both Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. They are not as resilient as most breeds of Metroid larvae seen elsewhere in the series, but they retain other traits of the species that make them highly dangerous.
Tallon Metroids have massive potential to mutate further, leading to the creation of additional aberrations present throughout the Metroid Prime series.
==Biology and characteristics==
For the most part, Tallon Metroids are nearly identical to the larvae from Zebes, Talvania, SR388, the BOTTLE SHIP and BSL Station: they have four-lobed red nuclei enclosed by a translucent membrane, with a mass of flesh underneath featuring two pairs of curved mandibles. They also behave similarly when hunting, such as using their larger pair of fangs for gripping onto their prey's head and the smaller pair for sapping energy. They are vulnerable to cold, and will be instantly frozen by weapons possessing low temperature attributes. If they latch onto Samus, the only way to dislodge them is by dropping a bomb in close proximity while in Morph Ball form. A Tallon Metroid delivers 7-8 contact damage Hard/Hypermode.
The dissimilarities between the breeds begin in the strength of their defenses: while Metroid larvae commonly require being frozen before wounding them with concussive weapons, Tallon Metroids can readily be damaged by any weapon in Samus' arsenal (including the Morph Ball Bombs) without freezing them first, though an extensive amount of firepower is required to simply kill a single one. When frozen, a Tallon Metroid can be shattered by one Missile instead of the usual five. Similarly, a Metroid larva from Zebes can withstand three Power Bombs, but the Tallon-grown breed is obliterated within the first detonation; meanwhile, the original SR388 strain is completely invulnerable to them. 
Other differences can be seen in the Tallon strain's physiology, such as its more oval-shaped membrane and the lack of an oral cavity on its underside which, in other breeds of Metroid, seemingly allows them to pull their prey's upper bodies into their insides, thus strengthening their hold. Without a mouth, the Tallon Metroid relies only on its fangs to attach itself onto a target, though its grip remains just as powerful as the other larvae's. Tallon Metroids initially start out small, approximately the size of Samus's Morph Ball form. However, Tallon Metroids are capable of expanding their mass: after absorbing energy from prey or attacks, they will briefly shrink before expanding greatly in size, reaching more or less the size of other larvae seen elsewhere in the series. During this process, the Metroid's body will be enveloped in energy and briefly invulnerable to all weaponry. The Tallon Metroid's fangs will also spasm as the creature shudders erratically. This event has never been seen to occur in other breeds of Metroids.
In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, scans in Metroid Processing on the Pirate Homeworld states that all disparities between Metroid breeds, such as those mentioned in the previous paragraphs, result from adaptions that occur following exposure to different environments, radiations and stimuli. An example of such an adaptation is the Tallon Metroid acquiring a red membrane when imported to planet Aether. There is a possibility that the presence of Phazon in Tallon IV's environment played a role in the creation of the Tallon strain; giving credence to this is the Tallon Metroid's infant stage being able to quickly mature when in contact with the mutagen.
==Life cycle==
The life cycle of a Tallon Metroid differs vastly from a Metroid on its native planet of SR388, the latter which goes through the Egg, Infant, larva, Alpha, Gamma, Zeta, and Omega stages, with a Queen being the sole reproductive member. Metroids such as the Tallon strain who inhabit alien environments are unable to metamorphose past the basic larval form unless exposed to extreme forms of radiation. Space Pirates were largely involved in the creation of much of the Tallon Metroid's life cycle seen below.
===Metroid Cocoon===
Cocoons are bio-engineered by the Space Pirates in order to sustain and transport numerous Infant Tallon Metroids. Though not a product of Metroids, inhabiting these organic structures appears to be an important step to an Infant Tallon Metroid's survival.
===Infant Tallon Metroid===
Infants have a very underdeveloped appearance. Exposure to Phazon will cause the infants to mature rapidly, reaching the next stage in a matter of seconds. Infant Tallon Metroids are the result of experiments performed by Space Pirates on the mature form, thus they cannot be spawned by older Tallon Metroid individuals.
===Mature===
This specific stage is the most frequently encountered form of the species in the Metroid Prime series overall, undoubtedly a result of the Space Pirates' usage of Beta-Rays and/or Phazon which are both capable of multiplying their supply of specimens. Despite being the third stage in the life cycle, Mature Tallon Metroids were the first to exist when Metroid larvae from Zebes and/or SR388 adapted to Tallon IV. There is a probability that Phazon was a contributing factor to the creation of this strain due to the fact that Tallon IV's atmosphere was contaminated to a certain extent by the mutagen.
All Tallon Metroids In Metroid Prime exhibited green membranes while those imported to Aether in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes featured red membranes; the latter's different pigmentation is likely a result of the planet's environment and atmosphere. The Ing, an intelligent and malevolent race from Dark Aether, were capable of creating a unique breed called Dark Tallon Metroids whenever the former fused with Tallon Metroids. In Metroid Prime 3, the Tallon strain was only seen in the form of dissected specimens in Metroid Processing.
As the Space Pirates attempted to exploit them as practical bioweapons and energy sources on several planets, it was discovered that Tallon Metroids were highly responsive to Phazon. This lead to the creation of additional mutants such as the Fission Metroid and the Phazon Metroid; the latter could bypass the jellyfish-like form and metamorphose into other aberrations. Though never confirmed, the highly mutated creature known as the Metroid Prime (and its later form, Dark Samus) likely began its life as a Tallon Metroid. Interestingly, Metroid Prime was capable of spawning Tallon Metroids from the pools of pure Phazon it created. However, these freshly spawned Tallon Metroids, as well as Metroid Prime itself, were highly vulnerable to the Phazon Beam, a weaponized form of the very substance these Metroids adapted to.
===Hunter Metroid===
A Tallon Metroid can attain a unique, older form known as the Hunter Metroid. Hunters no longer latch onto their targets with their fangs and instead use their new tentacles for long-range attacks. It is unknown if the Hunter stage is the result of prolonged exposure to either Phazon, Tallon IV's environment or a combination of both. Despite possessing a red membrane like a Tallon Metroid adapted to Aether, Hunter Metroids were never encountered on the planet.
==Other appearances==
In Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt, Samus practices her skills inside arenas where she battles against different types of Xenomorph holograms, one of which is unmistakably based on the Tallon Metroid breed. They possess the same oval-shaped membrane and can also be destroyed with Samus's standard weaponry.
Tallon Metroids appear as enemies in Metroid Prime Pinball, a pinball adaptation of the original Metroid Prime. They appear on various tables and are the target of the Metroid Mania Mini-Game. Although their official artwork is unmistakably that of the Tallon Metroid strain, their in-game model bears a closer resemblance to generic Metroid larvae.
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Tallon Metroid (simply called "Metroid") is available as a Sticker, using its render from Pinball. It can be applied to any fighter to increase Freezing Attack power in Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary.
==Locations==
===Metroid Prime===
*Research Lab Aether
*Research Lab Hydra
*Research Core
*Biostorage Station
*Ore Processing
*Metroid Quarantine A
*Fungal Hall B
*Metroid Quarantine B
*Metroid Prime Lair (Tallon Metroids, Hunter Metroids, and Fission Metroids all spawned by Metroid Prime)
===Metroid Prime 2: Echoes===
*Biostorage Station
*Bioenergy Production
==Official data==
===Logbook entry===
===Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide===
;Metroid
:"Metroids are energy-sucking parasites that may not look like much, but present a serious threat. They're resistant to all weapons except for the Ice Beam. Expect to shoot them several times to destroy them. Once you have the Ice Beam, you can freeze them and then shatter them with a missile. If a Metroid attaches to you, enter Morph Ball mode and use a Morph Ball Bomb to shake the critter off. In cases where you enter a room containing both Metroids and Space Pirates, try freeing the Metroids and watch them lay waste to your common enemies." 
;Metroid
:Found In: Phendrana Drifts, Phazon Mines, Impact Crater
:Recommended Weapon: Ice Beam, Morph Ball Bomb
:"Metroid are energy-based parasites that are averse to cold temperatures. A few shots from your Ice Beam are enough to destroy a Metroid. When a Metroid gets too close for comfort, it attaches to you and won't let go. The only way to escape is to go into Morph Ball mode and lay a Morph Ball Bomb. You can destroy an entire horde of Metroids with a single Power Bomb if the situation calls for it."
===Metroid Prime: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide===
;METROID
:"Samus thought she had eliminated the Metroid scourge from the galaxy, but they still live. The Metroid is a fierce, aggressive parasite that latches on to its victims and sucks out their life energy--growing larger and more powerful in the process. They are tenacious creatures and very difficult to take down. Their only weakness is an aversion to cold, which means the Ice Beam is your weapon of choice."
:SHUCK AND JIVE
:"The Metroid will break free of its container and attack you as soon as you get too close. Keep a lock on it, but be ready to dash out of the way. As soon as you see the creature back up and shake, it's about to charge. Dodge to one side or the other to avoid the strike."
:CHARGE BEAM, AWAY!
:"Until you get the Ice Beam, you'll have to use the Charge Beam to eliminate Metroids. Wait for it to attack and miss, then quickly lock on and unleash a Charge Beam blast. The Metroid is vulnerable for only a moment, so you may have to try a few times before you're successful. The Super Missile is also very effective."
:METROIDS SUCK
:"Sometimes you won't be able to avoid a Metroid attack. The only way to stop a Metroid that has latched onto you is to roll into Morph Ball form and drop a Bomb. The creature will be vulnerable for the first few seconds after the Bomb explodes, so try to charge your Power Beam and take it out before it recovers."
===Metroid Prime Official Strategy Guide===
:METROID
:MORPHOLOGY
:"Metroids are energy-based parasitic predators. The dominant species of planet SR388, Metroids can such the life force out of living things. A Metroid latches onto its prey and drains energy, growing larger as it does. The only way to shake an attached Metroid is to enter Morph Ball mode and lay a Bomb."
:COMBAT TIPS
:"These are the original type of Metroids which are made of energy. The creatures try to latch on to Samus's visor, and if successful, escape by going into Morph Ball mode. Metroids can be destroyed with any weapon, but increase in size when hit with energy-based weapons such as the Power Beam and Charge Beam. The best way to destroy a Metroid is to freeze it with the Ice Beam and shatter it with a Missile."
===Metroid Prime Official Perfect Guide===
;METROID
:"Metroids are as fast as they've always been--very fast. If they clamp onto you they'll start sucking your life away--roll up into a Morph Ball and bomb your way to safety if this happens. Use whatever weapon's to your liking to destroy them."
===Super Smash Bros. Brawl Sticker===
Metroid (Metroid Prime Pinball)
[Freezing] Attack + 18 | Usable by: All
===Metroid Prime Remastered website===
;Tallon Metroid
:"The effects of Phazon have turned these Metroids—a species of alpha predator native to SR388—into a unique subspecies found only on Tallon IV. A Tallon Metroid will latch onto its prey and drain energy, growing larger as it does."
===Nintendo of Europe tweet===
"⚠️ Warning! Metroid detected in your timeline! ⚠️"Nintendo of Europe (NintendoEurope). 15 February 2023 11:00 a.m. Tweet. https://twitter.com/NintendoEurope/status/1625887666439962627
==Development notes==
Jack Mathews personally felt that the Tallon Metroids should have been more dangerous in Prime. He suggested this to Mark Pacini, who did not follow through on the recommendation.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 36:25)
===Version differences===
In the English version, the name "Tallon Metroid" is a retronym from Echoes, since they were simply known as "Metroids" in Metroid Prime. However, in the Spanish version of Metroid Prime (both the original GameCube and Trilogy releases), the Metroid is always called Metroid Talloniano (Tallon Metroid).[ METROID PRIME Walkthrough Español 100% (DIFÍCIL/HARD) - Parte 10 : Laboratorio Pirata (2/2)]Metroid Prime |Español| Parte 6 "Metroides" The name "Tallon Metroid" is also used in the scans in Metroid Prime Remastered for Nintendo Switch.
In NTSC GameCube versions of Prime, a special type of Tallon Metroid existed in the Glacier One base known as a Metroid: Alpha Type. These appear to be standard Tallon Metroids with more HP, faster movement and have less time frozen. Based on the scans and Pirate Data revealed throughout the base, it is quite possible that these Metroids were the Pirates' earliest known attempts at creating and weaponizing Unfreezable Metroids (before being retconned).
===Unused Data===
In the Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Bonus Disc, unused Logbook data refers to a Tallon Metroid simply as a Metroid (similar to Prime). Their scan data in the Bonus Disc is almost identical to what is seen in the final, with minor differences. Curiously, the unused scan refers to a Metroid as an "Alpha" strain of Metroid. It is unclear if they would have had any correlation to the Metroids encountered on Tallon IV, or if they was to be any connection between them and the specifically named Metroid: Alpha Type also seen on Tallon IV. In the final game, the line "Alpha" strain of Metroid is replaced by Tallon Metroid (its accurate in-game name in the final). Also, the line mentioning "cold" was updated to mention "dark energy" instead, likely to greater hint at this creature's weakness (due to the lack of an Ice Beam in the final). The spelling of SR388 uses a hyphen (SR-388).
==Trivia==
*Unlike most of the original Metroid larvae encountered outside of the Metroid Prime series, there are several instances where Tallon Metroids and other mutated strains can respawn after dying if Samus exits and re-enters their rooms. On rare occasions, they will simply keep spawning regardless if she stays within their locations.
**The original Metroid game on the NES/Famicom is the only entry where the original Metroid larvae respawn in a similar fashion to Tallon Metroids. Coincidentally, both versions also had a red variant (in the Prime series, the ones found on Aether).
*The theme heard during a Tallon Metroid breach in Metroid Prime, Metroid Battle Theme, is shared with Chozo Ghosts and also used for Phazon Metroids in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Similarly, the theme heard during a Tallon Metroid breach in Echoes, Short Battle, is shared with numerous Darkling creatures.
*In Metroid Prime, a standard frozen Tallon Metroid will still receive damage from weapons and will die (if it takes enough damage) once it is immediately thawed out, unless the weapon used on it while frozen was a Missile, Super Missile, or Power Bomb (in which case it will die immediately).
**Frozen Tallon Metroids cannot be shattered with the Charge Beam, a trait carried over from previously encountered Metroids.
**Curiously, the Plasma Beam will not thaw a Frozen Tallon Metroid, though it may be seen receiving damage from the Flamethrower and can sometimes be pushed back by it while frozen.
**A frozen Tallon Metroid still receives damage from the Ice Beam and can even die from Ice Beam shots alone, displaying how fragile these Metroids are compared to the original strain from Zebes and SR388.
*Very curiously in Metroid Prime, standard green Tallon Metroids are completely immune to the Phazon Beam outside of the Metroid Prime battle (seen via hacking). Every other Tallon Metroid encountered in Tallon IV outside of the Metroid Prime battle does receive damage from the Phazon Beam, whereas all Metroids freshly spawned by Metroid Prime can be killed in one shot by the Phazon Beam. Coincidentally, Pirate Data suggests that Phazon Infusion may play a vital role in a Tallon Metroid's immunity towards the weaponized substance.
**Ironically while being immune to the Phazon Beam, a standard Tallon Metroid (outside of the Metroid Prime battle) is vulnerable to any other beam weapon, a trait that is similarly shared with Metroid Prime. Unlike Metroid Prime however, a Tallon Metroid doesn't deflect Phazon Beam shots (the shots disappear on contact as if hitting a surface, with no damage inflicted on the green Tallon Metroid).
**It is unknown if the Tallon Metroids from Echoes were immune to the Phazon Beam, as the beam wasn't present on Aether and a different version of the weapon was made available (via hacking).
==Gallery==
A-metroid.jpg|Artwork from Metroid Prime
Holo metroid.jpg|Hologram artwork from Metroid Prime
Phendrana_Drifts_Screenshot_(163).png|A Tallon Metroid in containment in the Glacier One facility on Tallon IV.
NPC!_MP_Screen_2.png|Samus faces two Tallon Metroids in the Phazon Mines.
Shadow Pirate Metroid Energy Drain.png|A Tallon Metroid draining energy from a Shadow Pirate in the Research Core.
Metroid_Render_Gene_Kohler.png|Tallon Metroid renders by Gene Kohler.
Prime Title Screen Intro 1.gif|The title screen background of Metroid Prime, which depicts a close-up of the internal blood and nuclei of a Tallon Metroid.
Tallon Metroid Energy Drain (Echoes).png|A Tallon Metroid draining a Pirate Trooper's energy in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.
Metroiddark.png|A Dark Tallon Metroid.
ONM Metroid, War Wasp and Parasite magnets.jpg|Official Nintendo Magazine magnet.
Metroid.jpg|Metroid Prime Pinball artwork
Metroid Prime Remastered Tallon Metroid.jpg|Metroid Prime Remastered
Metroid Prime Remastered NOE screenshot Tallon Metroid.jpg
Character Gallery - Metroids.png|Character Gallery model in Remastered.
Bonus Disc Metroid Logbook.png|A Metroid seen in the Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Bonus Disc.
==References==
es:Metroid Talloniano
ru:Метроид Таллона
Category:Metroids
Category:Tallon IV
Category:Phendrana Drifts
Category:Impact Crater
Category:Phazon Mines
Category:Aether
Category:Agon Wastes
Category:Recurring Species
Category:Gene Kohler
Category:Offworld
Category:Stickers
Category:Holograms