Metroid Prime (creature)

:This article is about the creature Metroid Prime. For the game in which it appears, see Metroid Prime (game). For other uses, see Metroid Prime (disambiguation).
Metroid Prime is the titular antagonist and final boss of the game of the same name and is furthermore the central antagonist of the Metroid Prime trilogy as a whole. An extremely mutated and sapient Metroid of unknown origin infused with huge quantities of Phazon, Metroid Prime was the guardian of Tallon IV's Leviathan.Metroid Prime Trilogy art booklet: When she reaches the crater, Samus encounters Metroid Prime, a Metroid that has mutated into a terrible creature after absorbing a great amount of Phazon energy from the Phazon Core. Metroid Prime, serving as the Phazon Core's guardian, attacks Samus and a fierce battle ensues. 
==History==
Note: The following history is based on Chozo Lore as it appears in the PAL and Wii versions of Prime. For the original NTSC version of Metroid Prime's history, see the Alternate History section.
A Chozo prophecy foretold that their adopted world of Tallon IV would become infested by a great evil, known to them as the Worm. Chozo Lore "Worm": Many Chozo are gifted with the distant sight, and even more begin to learn it as our harmonization with the universe becomes more and more complete. We peer forward, seeing prophecy in the ripples of the water, hearing rumors of coming days on the breath of the wind. Though we celebrate the distant sight, many of these visions are dark - the worst of the prophecies, and the most common, tells of the coming of the Worm. Born from parasites, nurtured in a poisoned womb, the Worm grows, devouring from within, until the world begins to rot. Not all prophecies come to pass, of course, but we cannot help but fear this dark portent. Sometime later, the prophecy came to fruition: a Leviathan from the planet Phaaze crashed onto Tallon IV and released Phazon, a highly poisonous and mutagenic substance. The Phazon seeped into the soil and life of Tallon IV, destroying the ecosystem and violently mutating the life that could endure the substance. The Chozo were also greatly affected; many died, and some returned as malevolent spirits, which the Chozo referred to as "The Turned". At some point, the "Worm" foretold by the Chozo also came into being when a lone Metroid of unknown origin took up residence inside the Leviathan and began to thrive on its Phazon, mutating beyond recognition.
Seeing the evil that was corrupting their home, the surviving Chozo created a temple, known to them as the Cradle, to contain the continued spread of Phazon, and its source, the Leviathan.Chozo Lore "Cradle": None know if our temple, the Cradle, will prove powerful enough to contain this evil forever. For now, it wraps around that abomination, cutting it off from the world above. However we believe the power or Cipher, which has been produced by linking the 12 Artifacts, should be strong enough. The fate of this world is now left to the One who will collect all the Artifacts in the future. The time when the Entrusted One knows is approaching. In order to ensure a seal around the cradle, as well as provide their prophesized Defender access to the Leviathan's Impact Crater, they created and scattered twelve key-like Artifacts known as the Cipher.Chozo Lore "Contain": The containment of the Great Poison... This task has fallen to the Chozo, and we will not flee from our duty, even as we suffer with the land and its creatures. We will pour our will into the Twelve - the Artifacts that, when brought together, form the lock that holds this great evil at bay in the depths of the planet. This lock must stand up to all who might come to assault it. To preserve the power of the seal, and to protect it from those who would meddle for their own designs, we will spread the Artifacts across the land, hiding them from prying eyes. The lock must never open until the day comes when this disaster can finally be put right. Their efforts with the Cradle only stopped the brunt of the Phazon; Tallon IV now suffered the fate of a slow death as the exposed poison spread out. The Chozo concluded that Tallon IV was doomed unless it was saved by their prophesied Entrusted One. With this thread of hope, they left behind Power Suit modules with the hope that one day a savior would fulfill the prophecy and deliver the planet from death.
Decades after the last Chozo on the planet had died out, the Space Pirates discovered Tallon IV and became obsessed with the mutagenic properties of Phazon. The Pirates established multiple research facilities on the planet and began importing Metroids for use in their experiments.Space Pirate Data "Metroid Studies": Initial transfer of Metroids to Tallon IV research facilities has been completed. Three were terminated in an incident at the landing site, but the others were pacified and transported safely. Initial Phazon infusion testing is under way. We are eager to observe the effects of Phazon on Metroids, especially their ability to absorb and process the energy given off by Phazon sources. Early research suggests a considerable growth in power and size. Whether the creatures will stay stable thereafter remains to be seen. 
Though the Pirates were never able to break the Cipher sealing off the Impact Crater, they detected the life signs of a massive entity within absorbing enormous quantities of Phazon directly from the Phazon core. Space Pirate Data "Impact Crater": Investigations into a possible ingress point for the impact crater continue to meet with failure. The shield of strange energy that protects it is impermeable, and all attempts to tunnel past it have proved fruitless. Our continued futility in this matter is made all the more significant in light of recent life form readings we've discovered emanating from deep within the crater. Analysis of the readings indicates that a massive creature is gestating in there, absorbing enormous amounts or Phazon from the Phazon core at the heart of the impact crater. This discovery makes accessing the crater doubtly important - not only will it open the door to the vast deposits of Phazon within, but it will also lead us to this creature, whatever it may be. 
==Official data==
===Logbook entries===
;Genesis Chamber, Phaaze
:"These husks are identical to the bioform you encountered within the crater on Tallon IV."
===Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide===
;BOSS BATTLE: METROID PRIME
:"Metroid Prime's only weak spot is its face, which sits in the middle of its body. The boss has a strong carapace that deflects any attack that doesn't hit the weak spot. As Metroid Prime attacks and moves around, the face will occasionally be blocked by a part of the body, so you must choose your shots wisely.Only one beam weapon at a time will work on the boss. Much like the Troopers you faced in Phazon Mines, you can tell which weapon will work by the color of the lines in Metroid Prime's carapace. Yellow is Power Beam, purple is Wave Beam, white is Ice Beam, and red is Plasma Beam.Don't toy with Metroid Prime. Use your combos to really lay into the boss and defeat it quickly. You'll go through a lot of missiles, but it will be worth it. You can't afford to lose much energy in this battle.First you use your Power Beam. The Super Missile works well, but it's best to wait until after Metroid Prime roars before firing; otherwise, you may miss. Then you must attack with the Wave Beam. Use the Wavebuster, and it will automatically lock on to the boss's face. As soon as Metroid Prime falls back, be sure to disengage the attack, or you'll waste missiles.Metroid Prime flees the room and Samus follows. In the second round, you use the Power Beam, then the Ice Beam, and finally the Wave Beam before the boss flees again. What's different in this round is that every time you seriously injure Metroid Prime, it charges across the room in an attempt to trample you. Look on the floor and notice three large grooves. Whenever you knock the boss backward, quickly enter Morph Ball mode and roll into one of these grooves. Metroid Prime will pass over harmlessly.In the third round you begin with the Power Beam, and then the Wave Beam followed by the Plasma Beam, and finally the Ice Beam. This round is just like the last, except that now Metroid Prime uses a green beam that latches onto you and begins to pull you toward it. Fight the pull and charge up a shot. This is a great time to blast the boss right in the face, because it can't protect itself while pulling.TIP: Charged shots that bounce off of the carapace often come right back at you in the form of a round ball. Blast these balls to destroy them, and they often drop power-ups. The easiest ones to destroy are from the Plasma Beam. Note that all shots that bounce off the carapace can damage you.The final round begins with the Charge Beam, but after that, Metroid Prime begins to change colors whenever you harm it, or whenever it feels like it. It also charges back and forth across the room at random times, so always be ready to quickly drop into one of the ditches in the center of the room. Continue dodging and shooting until the beast is blown through the wall and into the final part of the Impact Crater."
;BOSS BATTLE: METROID PRIME (SECOND FORM)
:"Metroid Prime's carapace may be destroyed, but the inner creature is still alive and well. The battle is about to get extremely tough.Prime attacks in two ways; it can ram into you, and it can shoot red Phazon waves, which you can jump over. The waves move quickly, so you must react very quickly.Neither of these attacks is particularly devastating on its own, but Prime has more tricks up its sleeves. Prime can also create Metroids (Metroids, Hunter Metroids, and Fission Metroids) to assist it in battle. The Metroids are always created in pairs, and each time, a pool of Phazon energy is left behind.Prime can also shift its physical appearance, sometimes disappearing so it can only be seen by using the Thermal Visor or X-ray Visor. Which visor is needed is random. Just look around with each and hope you can see it.To make matters worse, only one weapon can damage Prime: the Phazon Beam. What's a Phazon Beam? Your Phazon Suit not only protects you from Phazon energy, but it also allows you to siphon energy from Phazon pools into a devastating continuous beam. Each time Prime creates Metroids, it leaves one of these pools behind. Stand in a pool, and your gun will undergo a transformation. Pressing [A] causes it to shoot a Phazon blast, but this will also drain the Phazon pool. Once the pool is empty, you must find another one.TIP: Try to stay in the middle of Phazon pools. As you use them, they shrink smaller and smaller until completely exhausted. If you stand right in the center, you can use the entire pool without pausing. If you're not, you must realign yourself as the pool shrinks.The battle plan is simple. Dodge Prime's attacks until it creates Metroids and drops a pool of Phazon. Quickly enter Morph Ball mode and roll below the Metroids to the pool. Use the Phazon Beam quickly to destroy the Metroids, then find Prime by using your Thermal Visor or X-ray Visor. As you look around, you must be ready to jump Prime's wave attack. If it hits you, you'll be knocked across the room and have to fight your way back to the Phazon.Any time you draw a bead on Prime with your Phazon Beam, just hold the button down and don't let up until you're out of energy. It won't take long to conquer Prime.TIP: Should a Metroid latch onto you, use a Power Bomb to dislodge it. The explosion should take out the Metroid and any others immediately around you."
;Metroid Prime (First form)
:Found In: Impact Crater
:Recommended Weapon: All beam weapons
:Weak Spot: Eyes
:"Metroid Prime employs a wide variety of attacks. They can all be dodged easily. The only really tricky attack is its web, which hooks onto you and allows Metroid Prime to pull you into its grasp. You can break the beam by delivering a hard shot to its face.You fight Metroid Prime in several stages. During each stage, you must hurt it multiple times before it runs away and the next stage begins. To do so, you must pay close attention to Metroid Prime's color. Between the cracks in its armor you'll see a color that corresponds with one of your beam weapons (yellow = Power Beam, purple = Wave Beam, white = Ice Beam, red = Plasma Beam). You must use the weapon that corresponds with Metroid Prime's color in order to damage it. Target its glowing red eyes and let loose with a charged shot. If the shot strikes Metroid Prime's armor, it will bounce back toward you. Dodge, or you'll take damage. If you can afford it, use your combos to really unleash massive damage on the boss.Each time you cause significant damage to Metroid Prime, it will fall back and let out a bloodcurdling scream. It will then either charge at you or run away. When you see it fall back, be sure to switch to Morph Ball Mode and quickly roll into one of the trenches on the floor. Thus if the boss runs toward you, it will pass over harmlessly. You can also restore your energy and ammunition by blasting the slow-moving orbs that sometimes come at you. These often drop power-ups when destroyed." 
;Metroid Prime (Second form)
:Found In: Impact Crater
:Recommended Weapon: Phazon Beam
:Weak Spot: Head
:"Prime is the end-all be-all of the game and the toughest foe you'll face. It has only one weakness, the Phazon Beam, which isn't easy to use. Prime attacks by creating huge rings of fire and by ramming its opponent. Double jump over the fire rings and do your best to keep your distance, or you'll be chopped to bits in no time by its attacks. It can also create Metroids, Hunter Metroids, and Fission Metroids to aid it in battle.When the boss creates Metroids, it will drop a large pool of Phazon energy on the ground. Stand in the Phazon energy, and your beam weapon will become the Phazon Beam. The Phazon Beam releases a continuous ray of energy that slices through Metroids in seconds. However, the Phazon pool will be quickly drained, and you'll need to find another supply.To make the fight even trickier, Prime constantly alters its form, so it can't always be seen. You must use the Combat, Thermal, and X-ray Visors to track it. Which visor you use will be random, so except to do a lot of switching. When trying to reach the Phazon pools, the Metroids released by Prime can be a real problem. Use a Power Bomb to eliminate them quickly, or get to the Phazon fast and blast them with the Phazon Beam. It's also important that you pay close attention to Prime's actions when trying to reach the Phazon and target the boss. Its attacks knock you around the room and can make standing in one spot a real problem. Dodge them, or prepare to be frustrated."
===Metroid Prime: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide===
;METROID PRIME
:GIVE CHASE TO THE BEAST
:"As soon as Metroid Prime spots you, the massive creature will turn tail and run--digging a tunnel to the lower level of the Phazon Infusion Chamber. You've come too far to turn back now, so jump into the tunnel and give chase."
:PILLARS AND GROOVES
:"Metroid Prime will attack you with all manner of ranged weapons. Use the pillars at the end of the room for cover. They will be destroyed in a matter of seconds, but every little bit of cover helps.Sometimes Metroid Prime will charge forward and attempt to pin you against the wall. When it does, curl into Morph Ball form and roll into the grooves underneath the creature. Zip to the other end of the groove, then stand up, turn around and keep fighting."
:ATTACKING WITH EXTREME PREJUDICE
:"Like the Fission Metroids, Metroid Prime takes damage from only certain weapons at certain times. When it turns yellow, attack it with Super Missiles. If the Super Missile is taking too long to charge, switch to single Power Beam shots.When the creature turns white, it's time to break out the Ice Beam. The Ice Spreader is an effective weapon--it covers Metroid Prime's entire head and prevents it from moving momentarily. The big drawback to the Ice Spreader is the slow reload time. You may want to fire single shots instead of charging it.Your most effective attack is the Wave Buster. When the boss turns purple, charge the Wave Beam and let fly the buster. It will drain Missiles very quickly, but it's the easiest and fastest way to damage the monster.You know what to do when you see red--arm the Plasmas Cannon. The Flamethrower is next to useless, so stick with single shots and aim for the middle of Metroid Prime's head. The red eyes in the middle of its head are the only weak spot--use the L Button to lock on automatically."
:METROID PRIME'S PROJECTILE ATTACKS
:"The boss will attack with a variety of projectiles. When it fires Missiles, move forward a little and continue firing. When it sweeps a beam across the room, double jump over it."
:METROID PRIME'S ADDITIONAL ATTACKS
:"Metroid Prime has more surprises in store. If it launches an Ice Beam across the floor, dash to the side by tapping the B Button. It will also pull you closer with a green tractor beam. Keep shooting until you're right up against it--it's a good opportunity to inflict a lot of damage."
:KEEP FOLLOWING IT
:"After you deal some pain to Metroid Prime, it will flee to a deeper level of the chamber. You have it on the run now, so jump down after it and keep the pressure on."
:STAGE TWO
:"When you finally destroy Metroid Prime, the second stage of the battle will begin. You'll know it's about to start when the monster turns sideways instead of straight down. Follow it to the next area and load up for an even tougher encounter."
;METROID PRIME
:DEADLY GROUND QUAKES
:"Metroid Prime was just a housing for the true boss: a many-armed creature with a bad attitude. The new Metroid Prime's main attack is a devastating ground quake. Jump over it, or you'll lose almost half an Energy Tank. Listen for a loud, squealing rumble just before the attack is unleashed."
:EVERYONE INTO THE POOL
:"Metroid Prime draws its power from Phazon, and it will try to create pools and regenerate itself. Luckily, you can use the glowing blue liquid to your advantage by creating an uber-powerful Arm Cannon attack--the Phazon Beam.Step into the pool of Phazon to charge your Arm Cannon. While you're inside the liquid, your weapon will fire streams of pure Phazon--no matter which weapon you have selected at the time. The Phazon Beam can rip through both Prime and Metroids with ease."
:CALLING IN REINFORCEMENTS
:"As soon as Metroid Prime creates the first Phazon pool, it will spawn Metroids. You don't have time to switch from beam to beam, so your only hope of taking out the creatures lies in making it to the Phazon pool. After it spawns the pool, Metroid Prime will cloak itself and attack from afar."
:CLOAKED AND DAGGER
:"The best way to find a cloaked Metroid Prime is by using the Thermal Visor. It can be hard to see--especially with Metroids flying helter-skelter--so look for the waving tentacles. Metroid Prime likes to hide over Phazon pools, and it might be over your head.Once you track down the creature, let fly with the Phazon Beam. The attack will drain Phazon from the pool in much the same way charged attacks take Missiles. When the pool is dry, the beam will cease to function--so it's time to move to the next pool."
:VISORS AND BEAMS
:"You'll have to multitask to defeat the boss. Use the Combat Visor to locate Phazon pools and Metroids, then switch to the Thermal Visor to find Metroid Prime. If you can't track it down, try to locate it with the X-Ray Visor. Metroid Prime's ground quakes will often knock you out of the Phazon pools, so you'll have to be quick on the draw with your finger. Keep at it--the boss is no joke, but it can be defeated with patience and a little luck."
===Metroid Prime Official Strategy Guide===
;METROID PRIME
:MORPHOLOGY
:"A highly evolved Phazon-producing life form. The aberration known as Metroid Prime is the source of Phazon, making it immensely powerful. A genetic flaw makes it susceptible to certain weapons for brief periods. Only its head is truly vulnerable; other attacks are a nuisance. Offensively, Metroid Prime has a number of natural and mechanical weapons at its disposal. These include Ultra-frigid Breath, Multi-Missiles, Snare Beams, and Particle Wave Projectors. Its massive strength and barbed carapace make it lethal in melee combat. Recommend maximum firepower when engaging this enemy."
;METROID PRIME
:MORPHOLOGY
:"The core essence of Metroid Prime."
===Metroid Prime 2: Dark Echoes Q&A===
QUESTION: I heard that Metroids are man-made life-forms created on planet SR388, but just what is Metroid Prime that was in the fallen Phazon meteorite?
ANSWER: I think that due to the effects of Phazon, it had mutated dramatically [into Metroid Prime].
QUESTION: Is there a relation between Metroid Prime stealing Samus' Phazon Suit and the appearance of Dark Samus?
ANSWER: It is extremely likely that Dark Samus was born by reading [into Samus' mind] via the Phazon Suit.https://shinesparkers.net/metroid-prime-2-dark-echoes-qa/3/
===Mike Sneath Shinesparkers interview===
===Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophies===
;Metroid Prime (Exo)
:"The form of the Metroid Prime that Samus first encounters. It can become invulnerable to all but one of Samus's weapons at a time. The body color alternates between yellow, purple, white, and red, with the color indicating the weapon that can deal damage. After taking a certain amount of damage, the Metroid Prime exoskeleton reveals its core essence.
GCN Metroid Prime
;Metroid Prime (Core)
:
"The core form of Metroid Prime after losing its exoskeleton. It can make itself invisible for a set time, which requires Samus to make a visor change. Normal hits do not have any effect on it--the Metroid Prime can eventually be defeated by using the Phazon Beam while standing in a Phazon puddle."
GCN Metroid Prime
==Samus's arrival==
When Samus arrived on Tallon IV, the planet was significantly corrupted by Phazon. She explored the planet, exterminating many of the corrupted creatures and destroying the Space Pirate base. She eventually collected the twelve Chozo Artifacts and gained access to the Impact Crater, though she had to fight off Meta Ridley beforehand.
Inside, instead of the normal blue Phazon seen throughout the planet, Red Phazon could be seen. This Phazon was 86% stronger than normal Phazon and is shown to produce a seemingly infinite amount of Fission Metroids and also cause damage to Samus' suit, despite the protection given by the Phazon Suit. As she progressed through the Impact Crater, she encountered Metroid Prime.
==Battle==
Samus's battle with Metroid Prime is the last in the game. Metroid Prime has two forms. When scanning Metroid Prime, a close-up of the top of its armored form reveals its Core form is present inside the exoskeleton, exposed only through a small slit that serves as a visor.
===Exoskeletal form===
The first form of Metroid Prime is completely encased in a thick black carapace, save for its glowing red eyes. It uses a shielding system where the color of the (initially) grayish-white markings on its body indicate what beam is its weakness. The same can be said of the color and nature of the beam it fires from its massive maw (which spans the bottom of its entire carapace). Purple represents the Wave Beam and can disrupt Samus's visor, White represents the Ice Beam and can both damage and freeze Samus in place, Yellow represents the Power Beam and can temporarily disable Samus's arm cannon similar to the attacks of the Chozo Ghosts, and Red represents the Plasma Beam and can rapidly inflict additional damage. Metroid Prime takes a moment to recharge after firing one of its beam before it follows up with its next attack. Samus must switch to the corresponding beam (or beam combo) required and fire at Metroid Prime's human-like visage to damage it. Any indirect shots on Metroid Prime that do not directly damage the face will be reflected, and deflected shots have a chance to damage Samus (NTSC GameCube versions) if they are reflected back into her direction.
After a set amount of damage, Metroid Prime will retaliate by closing the lid where its visage is exposed before attempting to ram Samus, which she can avoid by entering Morph Ball form and rolling into grooves in the ground under the creature. It will also attack with Ultrafrigid Breath, Multi-Missiles, Snare Beams, and Particle Wave Projectors. Should Samus get too close to the creature, it will lunge at her in an attempt to slice her in two with its hooked mandible. As it receives more damage, it retreats into deeper caverns, using stronger and stronger attacks as it goes. Its movements and attacks become progressively more erratic as well, as it will shift screens more frequently and its attacks become more unpredictable. It also starts using a Grapple Beam-like ability to draw Samus closer to it, which can be escaped by using the Morph Ball and placing a Bomb close to its mouth.
As the exoskeleton continually receives damage, it falls through the floor in which Samus follows. The lower chambers have slightly altered layouts, such as the Morph Ball grooves and small mounds.
In Metroid Prime Remastered, the red exo's black body parts also changes to a slightly grayer appearance, with the overall body appearing more like a large molten volcanic rock.
===Core form===
When Samus lands in the final chamber, she finds Metroid Prime's exoskeleton open with its top missing and the armor plating oozing Phazon. Metroid Prime flies out of the cast-off body in its second form, the core essence of Metroid Prime. In its second form, Metroid Prime is only vulnerable to pure Phazon. This core form is a deep, translucent blue, with six tentacles attached to an elongated body shaped like that of a Hunter Metroid, with three overdeveloped nuclei, and a mouthless, gaunt, humanoid face with fiery eyes.
It uses its tentacles to shoot waves of energy throughout the floor which Samus jumps over to avoid, and it will spawn various species of Metroid; as the battle progresses, it escalates from spawning Tallon Metroids to Hunter Metroids and Fission Metroids. In the PAL and Remastered versions, the creature is capable of summoning two different species of Metroids at one time (a Tallon Metroid with a Hunter Metroid for example). However, when it creates a Metroid, Metroid Prime also creates a small pool of pure Phazon. Thanks to the Phazon Suit, Samus can stand on these pools and enter Hypermode, granting her the Phazon Beam to damage Metroid Prime. Throughout the battle, Metroid Prime attempts to elude Samus by repeatedly shifting out of the visible spectrum, forcing the use of Thermal and X-Ray visors to continue the assault. Eventually, Metroid Prime is overwhelmed and completely destabilizes.
Once Samus has defeated Metroid Prime's second form, it morphs into an odd-looking blob, similar to a Metroid or a Core-X from Metroid Fusion. Tentacles come out of it and grab Samus, pulling her towards it. Samus pulls back and is eventually separated from her Phazon Suit, which is pulled into what remains of the Metroid Prime. This leaves her in her Gravity Suit. All other sources of Phazon in the vicinity explode, causing the entire cavern to collapse. She calls in her ship using the controls on her arm cannon and leaps from the collapsing structure onto her hovering gunship.
==Dark Samus==
Despite Samus killing Metroid Prime and causing the cavern to collapse, the "Worm" was reborn. With the absorption of the Phazon Suit and the pieces of Samus' DNA, Metroid Prime was able to reconstruct itself into a body that was similar to Samus'. The Phazon Suit was necessary as a body as, without it, Metroid Prime would have remained in its destabilized state with no real structure. Because Dark Samus was once Metroid Prime, she was technically a Metroid. She could travel across the reaches of space, and she was more powerful than ever before. Following her rebirth, she also seemed to exhibit intelligence at an almost human level. This sentience also made her far deadlier than the simple beast that she used to be. She was dubbed "Dark Samus" due to the dark color of her suit and her malevolent nature. The Space Pirates called her the "Dark Hunter" because the Space Pirates mistook Dark Samus for the original Samus whom they already called "The Hunter". Samus learned about this in a Space Pirate facility during the events of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. Dark Samus was defeated for good in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.
==Alternate history==
In the original North American GameCube release of Metroid Prime, the history of the Metroid Prime entity was significantly different from the versions presented in further releases of the game. This version of events is no longer considered to be canonical.
In this version of events, the Chozo had reached a complete understanding of the universe and left their bodies behind as they ascended to a higher plane. The impact of the Leviathan was initially a curiosity to them, but the violent spread of Phazon soon ripped them back into the physical world in the form of ghosts. The entity that would eventually be known as "Metroid Prime" was not actually a Metroid, having already been present within the Leviathan at its impact, confirming the prophecy of the Worm. Notably, in order for Metroid Prime to have already existed within the Leviathan, the creature must have existed at the Leviathan's place of origin, later revealed to be the distant planet Phaaze.
The Chozo built the Cradle to contain both the Leviathan and Metroid Prime itself and sealed it with their twelve Artifacts. However, in their ghostly forms, the Chozo were severely affected by the corrupting power of Phazon. Many were completely corrupted and became hateful spirits known as the Turned. Those remaining struggled to discern the past from the future and were confused by repeated visions of Samus Aran. While this may have initially implied that some of the Chozo on Tallon IV were originally from Zebes where Samus was raised and were thus familiar with her, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption makes this nearly impossible with the lore data stating that the Tallon IV Chozo had previously inhabited planet Elysia. However, it is possible some Chozo may have lived on Zebes as the Chozo of Tallon IV may have come from different worlds. Alternatively, some of the Zebesian Chozo transcended like the Tallon IV Chozo did, joining their fellow Chozo. Ultimately, it is most likely that the Chozo of Tallon IV were simply seeing the future, when Samus visits Tallon IV during the events of the game, and confusing it with the past or present. 
As the ghostly Chozo fought to maintain their sanity, they also witnessed the arrival of the Space Pirates, who began experimenting with Phazon and Metroids. According to Space Pirate Data, Metroid Prime was discovered in a cavern by a Pirate mining crew. It quickly killed the miners, though it was able to be contained by security units and drones. Studies were then conducted on the creature, codenamed Test subject Z-d. Performing tests on the creature to study its energy-draining capabilities led to the discovery that it had genetic similarities to the Metroid species, though Prime was much more advanced than the species created by the Chozo. With this knowledge, the Space Pirates gave the creature its name. It had a limitless capacity for absorbing Phazon, and was not negatively affected by the substance whatsoever. It never stopped growing and had some psychotic behavior, likely due to the Phazon.Space Pirate Data "Metroid Prime": Test subject Z-d, hereafter referred to as Metroid Prime, was recently discovered in a cavern by mining crews. It quickly dispatched the miners, but was eventually contained by security units and drones. Once contained, we were able to begin studies upon Metroid Prime. The results have been astonishing. It is genetically similar to a Metroid, albeit on a highly evolved level. It displays a limitless capacity for Phazon infusion and shows no Phazon-based degeneration whatsoever. It continues to grow in size, and while it has manifested some psychotic behavior, the cold field we use to pacify remain effective. Authorization for advanced studies on Metroid Prime have been approved. 
Metroid Prime was at one time kept in a stasis tank. There was a large batch of Phazon in the room it was in and, sensing it, the creature destroyed its tank and consumed all the Phazon. It also managed to assimilate several weapons and defense systems from fallen security units and began using its new weapons against the Space Pirates. They were able to contain it, but they were not able to remove the equipment, making them an integral part of Metroid Prime's body.Space Pirate Data "Prime Breach": Subject Metroid Prime's breach has been contained. Reports indicate that it sensed a large batch of raw Phazon in the lab from within its stasis tank and broke through the glass, using previously unsuspected strength. Besides consuming all of the Phazon, Metroid Prime assimilated several weapons and defense systems from fallen security units. It has suffered no ill effect from said assimilation: indeed, it began to use its newly acquired weapons against us. Once we pacified it, we were unable to remove the assimilated gear without threat to Metroid Prime — the gear is now an integral part of its body. Command is intrigued by this new found [sic] ability, and has ordered further study to commence at once. This ability to assimilate weapons into its own body would explain how Metroid Prime was able to absorb the Phazon Suit from Samus, and thus become Dark Samus.
Metroid Prime eventually managed to fully assimilate the equipment, granting it incredible armor plating and powerful defense screens. It began to display a signature ability from the eventual boss battle, in which it can adjust its armor and defense screens to render itself invulnerable to all but one type of weapon at a time. The Space Pirates suspected that Metroid Prime would eventually find a way to correct even this flaw, and become invulnerable to all known weaponry, and speculated that it would become impossible to contain if this occurred - this evidently was incorrect, and an overestimation of the creature's abilities, as it somehow escaped the Pirates without first correcting this flaw, and returned to the Impact Crater by the time Samus encountered it.Space Pirate Data "Prime Mutations": Metroid Prime continues to feed and grow ever larger in the impact crater caves. Its hunger knows no bounds, and it has begun to manifest unusual mutations since its breach. These include armor plating on its epidermis and mechanical outgrowths that generate defense screens. These screens render it invulnerable to most weapon systems, but a flaw in the mutation leads to increased vulnerability to certain weapons. It compensates for this by shifting the screens quickly. This latest development concerns Security units greatly: they feel it's a matter of time before Metroid Prime corrects this defect and renders itself invulnerable to all weaponry. Containment would be nigh impossible if this were to occur. 
==Origin theory==
Metroid Prime's origin was never fully explained. According to Page 3 of the Art Booklet packaged with Metroid Prime Trilogy, Metroid Prime was originally a Metroid that became corrupted by absorbing Phazon from the Phazon Core present inside the Leviathan that impacted Tallon IV. Based on this information, as well as the Infant Leviathan's logbook entry, one may conclude that the Leviathan attracted a Metroid into its body after landing. However, there is no Chozo Lore on Tallon IV which states the existence of any Metroid living among the bird-like race during their reign. Furthermore, the Metroids were created for the sole purpose of combating the X Parasite on SR388. Another possibility is that the Metroid that would become the Phazon Core's guardian was among the specimens brought to the planet by Space Pirates many years later. Evidence supporting this are Pirate log entries describing events of Metroids escaping captivity on several occasions, but retconned Pirate Data in later versions of the game firmly established the marauding race's inability to bypass the Cradle's impenetrable containment field, seemingly making it impossible for any outsider to enter the Impact Crater unless one had the 12 Artifacts to the Chozo Temple.
However, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption introduced the existence of several Metroid mutants, all resulting from Tallon Metroids being heavily exposed to Phazon. Two of these, the Phazon Metroid and one of its branching stages of mutation, the Hopping Metroid, are directly reminiscent of Metroid Prime's Core Essence and exoskeleton, respectively. The Phazon Metroid can phase out of existence to become intangible in a similar fashion to Prime's core form, allowing it to traverse through both solid surfaces and weapons fire unhindered. The Hopping Metroid can no longer fly or phase in and out, but it has gained an exoskeleton and legs, all akin to Prime's flightless armored form. Due to these similarities, it is largely believed that the Metroid on Tallon IV which became the Prime creature followed the same stages of mutations witnessed in Corruption and that the Phazon Metroid's defining characteristic of phasing through barriers is what allowed it to bypass the Cradle's force field. Additionally, the loss of abilities seen in the Hopping Metroid potentially explains Metroid Prime's imprisonment inside the Impact Crater. Further evidence is the remains of exoskeletons with an uncanny resemblance to Prime's inside the Genesis Chamber on Phaaze, prior to the final battle with Dark Samus. These seemingly molten husks imply that several Metroid Primes have indeed mutated from Metroid mutants also present on the planet. Interesting to note as well is the early concept art of Metroid Prime in the above right image, sharing features with both its final rendition and Hopping Metroids, with the surrounding environment resembling the inside of a Leviathan with its numerous optical organs.
In summary, Metroid Prime is theorized to have once been a Metroid larva either born naturally on SR388 or born on Zebes via division from exposure to Beta-Rays. Whichever the case, it converted into a Tallon Metroid when it was brought over to Tallon IV by Space Pirates for their Phazon experiments after the events of Samus Aran's Zero Mission. It later escaped and exposed itself to heavy doses of radiation from the mutagen, transforming it into a Phazon Metroid. Instinctively, it sought out more sustenance to quench its relentless hunger, bringing it to the impact site of the Leviathan where concentrated Phazon was located. Using its unique ability, it phased through the Chozo Temple's otherwise impenetrable containment field and continued feeding on the radioactive substance until it grew and mutated into a Hopping Metroid, trapping it within the Impact Crater in the process. Unable to phase through to the outside world anymore, the creature continued to feed and gestate, becoming the Metroid Prime which Samus encountered in the Phazon Infusion Chamber.
===Inconsistencies===
Despite this, there are several inconsistencies that exist with the theory above, along with in-game events related to the life form known as Metroid Prime, that have not been explained in the official canon. Below is a list of these, accompanied by potential explanations:
*Chozo lore entries appear to describe the Metroid Prime as "The Worm" that arrived to Tallon IV from space and inhabits the Impact Crater as it uses its "Great Poison" to rot the planet from within, which goes against the theory of the creature originating from one of the Space Pirates' many specimens. However, the Phazon Core life form introduced in Metroid Prime 3 has more correlations to the entity described in Chozo lore. The scan for the Phazon Core states that it travels through space via its meteor-like vessel until it crashes on a planet and eventually seeps into the latter, changing the planet's ecosystem with the Phazon it produces inside its body. It should be noted however that a sequel to Metroid Prime was originally not considered, so something like the Phazon Core, which was never referenced in the first game (other than the room with the same name) was probably not thought up until later on. This would likely mean that at the very least, the "Worm" was originally supposed to refer to Metroid Prime.
*Corruption contains two instances of energy-based containment being effective in preventing Phazon Metroids from phasing. However, despite also being energy-based, the Impact Crater's shield of "strange energy" appears to be of a different nature than the two containment units from Corruption due to it possessing vastly different properties such as not being powered by an Energy Cell. Additionally, the Metroid tank barriers are said to emit a high-frequency pitch to keep the specimens docile, which could alternatively explain why none attempted to escape by phasing.
*The Impact Crater on Tallon IV seemingly lacks a Phazon Core, which is the life form tasked with the production of Phazon until the entire planet is corrupted. It is generally believed that Metroid Prime's insatiable hunger, a trait commonly found in all Metroids, compelled it to eat the Phazon Core and steal its role of producing Phazon. The fact that Metroid Prime can create pools of Phazon at will, along with its own log entry describing it as the source of Phazon on Tallon IV, enforce this theory; the Big Metroid from Super Metroid has also demonstrated the capacity to rob the abilities of its devoured prey. This also fits with Samus' ability to assimilate abilities from the X Parasites she absorbs as a result of the Vaccine "Metroid" made from Metroid cells in Metroid Fusion. In addition, Metroid Prime's later form, Dark Samus, absorbs Rundas, Ghor, and Gandrayda in order to use their powers later on.
*Metroid Prime 3: Corruption states that Leviathans die soon after they have impacted their target planet, requiring them to quickly call upon a local predator to protect the former's Phazon Core. If the Space Pirates brought the future Metroid Prime many years later, the Leviathan was undoubtedly dead by then and should have been unable to secure a guardian into its body, unless the Metroid entered the Leviathan out of its own volition. However, the exact age limit for a Phazon Core is unknown, making it range anywhere between a few decades to a few centuries, which would have allowed its Phazon Core to call upon a Metroid to protect it.
*Although the first Metroid Prime game features Pirate computers with data entries detailing events of Metroids escaping containment, they always conclude with the creatures being recaptured and/or killed. However, based on the disgruntled personalities and overall unhappiness seen in personal Space Pirate log entries, along with the harsh disciplinary actions reserved for bad performances, it is not unlikely that a Pirate may have intentionally refrained from reporting an escaped Metroid to his superiors; Samus herself witnesses several unreported outbreaks during her mission.
*The lack of any Phazon Metroids or Hopping Metroids on Tallon IV. Other than the final boss, the only mutants encountered on the planet by Samus were Hunter Metroids and Fission Metroids, neither of which possess strong physical similarities to Prime nor do either possess the abilities of either of Prime's two forms beyond Fission Metroids sharing its ability to become immune to all but a single beam type. It is possible that the larva that would become the Metroid Prime seen at end of the game, was the first of its kind to achieve the Phazon Metroid stage (or something akin to it with the phasing ability) by mere chance due to Phazon's unpredictable mutagenic properties.
**It is notable that Metroid Prime's core form is capable of spawning both mutant varieties and Tallon Metroids, which could be seen as evidence that it somehow is related to these Metroid forms, however distantly.
*The unexplained sheer magnitude of the Metroid population on Phaaze, which suggests that the species has existed on the living planet for a very long time. Coupled with the presence of husks resembling Prime's near the Leviathan Womb in the Genesis Chamber, as well as the nearby Metroid mutants, have led some fans to believe that the final boss of the first Metroid Prime game traveled from Phaaze to Tallon IV via the Leviathan that impacted the latter planet. Giving credit to this idea is Dark Samus, Metroid Prime's later form, referring to Phaaze as 'her' homeworld in the Pirate Lore The Source Discovered. There is also an unused Space Pirate Data entry (Citadel) found in the game's files that is written in a manner suggesting Metroids are native to the planet, though it is important to note that unused scans/log entries are generally non-canon. Ultimately, given the fact that numerous games state SR388 to be the only Metroid homeworld, and considering that Space Pirates often import the species to different planets, it can be logically concluded that the marauding race and Dark Samus were responsible for introducing Metroids to Phaaze sometime before the events of Metroid Prime 3. The expansion of their population can be attributed to the mutated strains capable of spawning their lesser kind, such as Metroid Hatchers and/or other Metroid Primes mutating on Phaaze, along with Phazon itself having demonstrated the capacity to multiply the creatures on some occasions. Additionally, Dark Samus being a Metroid herself would have likely encouraged the propagation of other Metroids, thus she may have adopted Phaaze as a new Metroid homeworld.
==Development data==
In the Metroid Prime Lair, the tip of the exoskeleton is internally referred to as a hat. The hat is the part that explodes when the Core essence appears.
The model name of the Core-X looking form is referred to as the Phazon Heart. This may specify that this form the creature takes is its heart, further detailed by the orange inner organ-like center. Like the core essence, the heart is a translucent blue and possesses orange innards. Both orange and blue are the two colors of Phazon seen throughout the Planet. The entire shape of the heart form can be seen inside Prime's core essence's forehead region, as seen on its GameCube scan images. In Remastered, the scan image instead depicts the orange organ itself inside its forehead.
==Trivia==
===General===
*Metroid Prime's prophesied Chozo name, "The Worm", may be a reference to Wormwood from the Book of Revelation. In Revelation, Wormwood is described as a "great star" falling from the heavens, landing on Earth and poisoning a third of its waters. Also, the term, Worm, has been a loathsomely used metaphor throughout the ages to generalize a malignant, and devouring force that causes rot.
*The Metroid Prime's core and the Fission Metroids are chronologically the first Metroids in the Metroid series to achieve complete invulnerability against their species' greatest weakness: cold temperatures (though this was an unintentional benefit acquired from mutations caused by Phazon). Years later, during the events of Metroid: Other M, the Galactic Federation would successfully replicate this resistance on the unfreezable Metroids located in the BOTTLE SHIP for the bioweapon program Project Metroid Warriors.
**Metroid Prime can become vulnerable to cold when its carapace markings switch to a white-blue coloration. At this point, it can be temporarily immobilized with the Ice Spreader, and Fission Metroids will occasionally be given weakness to the ice beam but cannot be frozen at all.
*Disturbingly, in both forms, Prime's face looks strikingly humanoid, albeit without a mouth. Andrew Jones did a 1,000 self-portrait series of himself and later claimed that "my portraits are quite a departure from my metroid concept work, but I think you would be surprised that there are a few of the portraits that were the inspiration behind the final bosses in prime 1 and two." (dead link)
*Oddly, some of Metroid Prime's weaponry seem to insinuate a mechanical origin. In the NTSC release, this was explained in that Prime assimilated Space Pirate technology. However, this is retconned in the Trilogy and PAL releases; if its projectiles are indeed mechanical, it is unknown how Prime obtained these.
*The theme of Metroid Prime's core essence was remixed for the second phase of Gorea's battle in Metroid Prime Hunters. Its first theme was only remixed in Pinball.
*Metroid Prime is one of two final bosses to have a spider form. The other being the Emperor Ing. Both creatures share many similarities as well.
**However, the order in both boss fights is different. In the case of Metroid Prime, it's the exoskeleton form, then the core essence form. While the Emperor Ing has first its normal form, then the chrysalis, and finally its mutated spider form.
*Ironically, Metroid Prime during its first fight is completely immune to the Phazon Beam (via hacking), but vulnerable to every other beam. Whereas its second fight is vulnerable only to the Phazon Beam.
*Metroid Prime's exoskeleton resembles the final physical form of Stephen King's It. Its final physical form was that of a giant spider that resided in the sewers. They were both purely evil alien creatures who assumed three distinctive key forms during the course of their cycle; humanoid, physical, and incorporeal.
**Metroid Prime's forms consisted of Dark Samus, exoskeletal, and core essence. Its forms consisted that of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, Spider-monster, and It's Deadlights.
*Metroid Prime in its Core form closely resembles the look of the heads of the alien creatures from the film Independence Day. Another similarity is that, like Metroid Prime, these aliens use an organic exosuit, concealing their true form.
*Metroid Prime is mentioned in the Palutena's Guidance conversation for Dark Samus in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which marks the first time that Metroid Prime is pseudo-playable in the form of Dark Samus.
===Exoskeleton===
*When Metroid Prime's exoskeleton is hanging from the ceiling, its face strangely looks like a human face. Its body textures also give off the impression of another face strongly resembling the humanoid face of the Core form.
**Also worthy of note is when the camera pans from Samus to Metroid Prime when it's about to drop from the ceiling, its face looks like a red colored skull. 
*The exoskeleton's head resembles the helmet of a Trooper Pirate.
*If close enough, Samus can damage Metroid Prime's yellow and red exoskeleton forms using the Flamethrower.
*During the exoskeleton battle, Samus will receive minor damage from any reflected Beam shots if said shots make contact with her in all NTSC Gamecube versions. This unique trait of harmfully deflected energy does not seem to be encountered anywhere else within Metroid Prime. It is unknown if Prime's exoskeleton itself has anything to do with this unique trait. In all other versions of Prime, deflected shots do not damage Samus (though she may still grunt in pain). Also a deflected shot ricochets with a unique metallic sound effect.https://www.metroid2002.com/version_differences_prime_sound.php
*During battle, any attempt to position Samus behind the creature will have her forcefully pushed away by some kind of harmless force (though she may still receive damage from contact with the exoskeleton).
*In at least the NTSC GCN release, if the cutscene in which the Metroid Prime's head form emerges is skipped, the background music will not play.
*By manipulating the camera, one can see that the model for Metroid Prime's essence is actually found within that of its exoskeleton form.
*It is possible to keep Metroid Prime momentarily stunlocked into a repeated attack cycle during the Exo battle by walking close to its body, which forces it into using its mouth slice attack, dodging the attack by timing a Space Jump, then walk immediately back close to its body, where most of the time it will immediately follow up its last attack with another mouth pincer swipe.
*If Metroid Prime's Exo form is defeated in Subchamber Four when it is on the backside of the chamber, the cutscene will still depict it burrowing through the wall on the far side.
*There is six large white circles on the front of the Exo's chest. If one looks closely, those circles appear to be eyeballs. This detail is more visible in Metroid Prime Remastered, where the veins on each eyeball are slightly more brighter lit. The eyeballs also stare at Samus during the cutscene of Prime about to dig into Subchamber One if one looks carefully. 
**A similar looking eyeball is also seen during the 100% ending and on Dark Samus herself in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, where an eye appears on her left hand. This is perhaps the only visible part of Metroid Prime to be carried over into Dark Samus, this detail further establishing the connection between the two. 
*In the 2016 video game ReCore, the final boss Victor changes his own appearance and core polarity to be vulnerable to other rifle charge types. This is because the game's creators, Armature Studio, were veteran employees at Retro Studios that worked on Metroid Prime, such as game director Mark Pacini.
===Core===
*When battling Metroid Prime's core form, Samus can stand on its discarded shell, completely avoiding the shockwaves. Also, there is a twig on the side of the room opposite the discarded exoskeleton. When standing on this twig, it seems as though Samus is at ground level, though the shock waves Metroid Prime uses do not affect her when standing on it.
*The Scan Point will still be visible in the Scan Visor even if Metroid Prime has become invisible to the Combat Visor. This can provide an alternative, but less effective method of seeing it.
**This method no longer works in Metroid Prime Remastered, as the scan point disappears when the creature is not visible under the normal spectrum. The creature can still be spotted when invisible by looking closely at Samus's targeting crosshairs; the crosshair turns red when it hovers over an enemy creature.
*When it is not visible through the Thermal Visor but Samus damages it while the Thermal Visor is active, its model is displayed visibly whilst it receives damage (see screenshot in Gallery below).
*The form Metroid Prime takes on after death slightly resembles a Core-X from Metroid Fusion.
**Coincidentally, both creatures successfully manage to absorb one of Samus's Suit upgrades (Metroid Prime absorbs the Phazon Suit while a Core-X manages to absorb data containing the Varia Suit. The latter however absorbed the Suit data prior to Samus obtaining the data herself). 
*Metroid Prime's core form artwork also shows three heavily mutated nuclei, which adds to the resemblance between it and all variations of Metroid larvae.
*The scan images for the essence phase depicts a completely different brain as to what is seen in game. This brain appears to be the third amoeba-like form it takes before overloading.
**This was fixed in the Remastered version of the game.
*All Metroids that Metroid Prime spawns from Pools of Phazon are easily vulnerable to the Phazon Beam and die instantly. This is in contrast to all the Metroids found elsewhere around Tallon IV when using the Phazon Beam (via hacking. Standard Tallon Metroids are completely immune to the Phazon Beam, and both Hunter and Fission Metroids are able to withstand a few hits before ultimately perishing).
==Gallery==
==See also==
*Dark Samus
==References==
Category:Andrew Jones
Category:Bosses
Category:Characters
Category:Deceased
Category:Final Bosses
Category:Guardians of Phazon Cores
Category:Impact Crater
Category:Main antagonists
Category:Metroid characters
Category:Metroid Prime/Dark Samus
Category:Metroids
Category:Mike Sneath
Category:Phaaze
Category:Phazon
Category:Predators
Category:Recurring Species
Category:Tallon IV
Category:Trophies
es:Metroid Prime (criatura)
it:Metroid Prime (creatura)
ru:Метроид Прайм (существо)