The Boost Ball (ブーストボール Būsuto Bōru) is an upgrade to Samus Aran's Morph Ball seen throughout the Prime series.

Description

While in Morph Ball mode, pressing and holding the B button (the R button in Metroid Prime Hunters) charges a "boost", and releasing the button allows Samus to accelerate for a short period of time. The Boost Ball uses kinetic energy to perform its quick movements, being displayed as a charged yellow stream of energy (blue in Metroid Prime Remastered). It is essential in collecting Dark Torvus Temple Key 1, defeating the Spider Guardian, and disabling Quad MBs and Dark Quad MBs. It is also able to interface with Spinners, and in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, the upgrade provides Samus the ability to Boost Jump off of one Spider Ball Track to another.

The Boost Ball is the only upgrade that allows Samus to traverse large and unnaturally smooth half-pipes. It can also be used to destroy small enemies or damage larger ones with the boost.

As stated, the Boost Ball is charged by pressing the B button in the games, except for Hunters, where it is activated by stroking the touch screen or pressing the R button. The ability appears in Hunters despite the lack of any Spinner devices or Spider Ball Tracks. Story designer Richard Vorodi attributed the latter to the game's focus on other Bounty Hunters in addition to Samus, and added that not every location in the universe is "Morphball friendly".^[1] It also lacks any offensive power, making it useful only for moving quickly or evading enemy attacks.

The Boost Ball can be seen as a simple, easy-to-use Ball Spark, though with a few drawbacks.

Metroid Prime

In Metroid Prime, the Boost Ball is acquired by traveling to the Phendrana Canyon in the Phendrana Drifts. After using a series of jumps on top of unstable platforms, Samus reaches the item at the edge of the room inside a small tower. With the platforms crumbled, Samus immediately drops down and uses it on the half-pipe below to exit the room.

The Boost Ball can be used to speed through rooms quickly. It can also be used to escape Metroid Prime's Snare Beam. It lacks any offensive power.

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

In Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Samus starts off her mission with the Boost Ball, suggesting she retains it after the events of the previous mission. As she explores the depths of the Splinter Hive in the Temple Grounds, she follows her shadowy doppelgänger into a Dark Portal, where Samus is overwhelmed by surrounding Warrior Ing before she escapes, with her gear stolen by the dark creatures. The Boost Ball is among one of the stolen upgrades, with its thief fleeing deep into the Dark Torvus Bog on Dark Aether. Samus eventually tracks down the Warrior Ing and eliminates it, recovering the stolen Boost Ball. Samus immediately uses it to escape the Dark Torvus Arena and obtain a Dark Temple Key in the process.

The Boost Ball generally functions identically to its appearance in Prime, with a few minor modifications added. The Boost Ball becomes more offensive in power, capable of damaging certain enemies with its speedy kinetic charge. The Boost Ball can also now be used on Spider Ball Tracks to propel Samus outward away from a track.

The Boost Ball is one of the items usable in the multiplayer mode, where it can be used to escape an opposing player's Lock-on functions and also damage an opponent.

Because of the Boost Ball's theft, the Warrior Ing that steals it is able to harness its power against Samus. Using the Boost Ball, the creature is able to transform into a deadly ball of kinetic energy. Not only can it boost around the room in a dangerous manner, but the Boost Ball's kinetic energy renders it immune to almost all of Samus's weaponry while boosting. This form does not last long, as at times, the Boost Guardian will rest in its puddle form. The only weapon capable of disrupting its energy is Samus's Morph Ball Bombs, which are known to interrupt the Boost Ball's own kinetic energy (as demonstrated by Samus herself).

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Samus does not retain the Boost Ball and must reacquire it once more. During her exploration of SkyTown, Elysia, Samus reaches Ballista Storage, where the Boost Ball is in plain sight in a small storage room. As she approaches it, the upgrade becomes locked behind a grate, as well as Samus being trapped inside the room. The room reveals to be an elevator that takes Samus and the upgrade all the way down to a hidden basement level. The item hides inside a small compartment while Samus is freed from the elevator, but as she is released, a Defense Drone is revealed and attacks Samus. Samus battles and eliminates the mechanoid, revealing the hidden Boost Ball. She obtains it and uses it to charge the elevator in order to escape the room.

The Boost Ball functions identically to the previous Prime titles. When the Boost Ball is obtained, the Options menu will add a Boost Ball Aiming feature that enables a reticle so Samus can target a position to boost at or into. This option is disabled by default and no hints are provided to this option's inclusion in the menu.

The Boost Ball is required to attain a Friend Voucher: Bowling for Bots, where Samus uses the Boost Ball to knock down a group of Tinbots on Elysia (like the sport of bowling, hence the name).

Metroid Prime Hunters

In Metroid Prime Hunters, Samus has the Boost Ball by default and is never lost, being a permanent upgrade throughout the entire mission.

Metroid Prime: Federation Force

Samus uses the Boost Ball as one of her attacks during the battle against her in Metroid Prime: Federation Force. On Hard Mode, it is capable of disabling a Federation Force Mech in one impact, and is also used by Samus to destroy the electrical walls that the soldiers must shoot her into to damage her. She uses it at the end of her battle introduction cutscene, after entering Morph Ball mode.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Samus starts with the Boost Ball in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, but it is one of the abilities lost when she is transported to Viewros.

She later gains the Psychic Boost Ball, which contains all of the Boost Ball's functions in addition to being able to utilize Psychic Boost Rails.

Use by Samus doppelgangers

Dark Samus and her copies are also capable of using the Boost Ball in Echoes and Corruption. However, their variant is seemingly a Phazon-based one and is far more advanced than the one used by Samus, as it is capable of boosting their Morph Ball forms at high speeds for an incredibly longer amount of time in a single charge (it can be assumed that they are capable of gathering more kinetic energy than Samus's Boost Ball in a short charge). Samus-G in Corruption is also able to use the Boost Ball.

Official data

Official Metroid Prime website

Weapon Effect: N/A

Weapon Range: N/A

Weapon Potential: Non-Lethal

"The Boost Ball is used to increase the Morph Ball's speed for short periods of time, allowing Samus Aran to access previously out-of-reach areas via U-shaped structures known as halfpipes. The Boost Ball also allows Samus to operate complicated machines called Spinner Devices."

Metroid Prime flash

"Acquire the Boost Ball to spin away from enemies and ride up half-pipes to reach previously inaccessible areas. Hold the B button to charge up, and release to get a boost of speed."

Metroid Prime manual

THE BOOST BALL

"The Boost Ball accelerates the Morph Ball. Once Samus finds this power-up, press and hold the B Button to build up speed boost. When you release the B Button, Samus will accelerate in the direction she is rolling. This is especially useful for boosting up the sides of half-pipe areas."

Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide

Boost Ball

"The Boost Ball power-up gives you to option of dashing while in Morph Ball mode. Press and hold [B] to charge speed boost. The longer you hold [B], the longer and faster the boost will be to a predetermined maximum. Scattered here and there throughout the world you'll find U-shaped areas known as half pipes. Using the Boost Ball, you can roll back and forth, gaining height with each pass. Boost up one side, then quickly begin charging another boost as you roll back toward the bottom. Just before going up the opposite side, use another boost, and you'll go higher than before. Keep going back and forth, and your height will increase with each pass. This is extremely useful when trying to reach high places."

Metroid Prime: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide

BOOST BALL

"Samus's Morph Ball is silky smooth but none too fast. To give yourself some extra speed, grab the Boost Ball. A speedy Boost Ball can rocket up and down a halfpipe to reach otherwise out-of-the-way areas, and can also operate machines called Spinner Devices. You'll encounter the first Spinner Device in Magmoor Caverns."

Metroid Prime Official Strategy Guide

BOOST BALL

"The Boost Ball upgrade is used to increase the speed of the Morph Ball for short periods of time. There are several locations throughout the seven worlds where it's clear a fast-rolling ball would be an advantage. To make the Boost Ball work, press and hold the B Button to charge up, then release to trigger a quick blast of speed. When charging, the longer the B Button is held, the longer (and faster) the Boost Charge will be. Throughout the environment are U-shaped channels known as half-pipes. Using the Boost Ball in these areas allow Samus to reach higher places. The key to making the Boost Ball work is in the timing of the charge. Build a charge as you descend in the half-pipe, then trigger the Boost as you ascend the opposite side. This combines the momentum of the rolling ball with the energy boost of the Boost Ball and allows Samus to get the ball to higher locations."

Charging

"When using the Boost Ball, it's important to remember that timing is everything when it comes to getting the maximum height in a half-pipe. Charging the Boost Ball on the way down one side of the half-pipe, then releasing it on the bottom of the half-pipe (just before starting up the other side) is the most effective way to be successful. It takes practice, so don't be afraid to take the time to master the Boost Ball upgrade."

Metroid Prime Official Perfect Guide

The Morph Ball

"When you acquire the BOOST BALL ability, you'll be able to attain even higher speeds in Morph Ball form than were previously possible. As a Morph Ball, press and hold B to charge up, while you're either stationary or moving, then release to blast off with an extra boost of speed. The most important use of this ability comes in negotiating the game's numerous "halfpipe" structures.
The concept behind the halfpipe is that you'll use this formation, coupled with the Boost Ball ability, to launch yourself up onto high-elevation ledges. In the center of the halfpipe gully, transform into the Morph Ball and press left or right on the Control Stick to roll up a side of the halfpipe, then hold B. As your momentum carries you up the side, let go of the Control Stick (don't touch it again at any point during the performance of this trick), and then let go of B to execute the "Boost"--now immediately re-press B--but don't let go and re-press it again when you're rolling back up the opposite side of the halfpipe. Repeat this process over and over to gain maximum height.
The Boost Ball ability can also be used inside of small "Spinner" devices to activate a rotation-based process in a game area--such as pivoting a laser cannon into position, or winding a metal platform up the thread of a screw-like axel."

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes manual

THE BOOST BALL

"Once Samus finds this power-up, press and hold the B Button to build up a speed boost. Samus will accelerate in whatever direction she is rolling or even boost up halfpipes."

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide

Boost Ball

"The Boost Ball gives you an extra bit of speed. To use it, press and hold B for a moment to charge the boost, then release B to zip forward. The boost helps you cross disappearing blocks, activate Spinners and simply get around better. If you're concerned about time, the Boost Ball will be your best friend.
The Boost Ball lets you gain air on half-pipes. Any time you see a curved, smooth surface, you can probably boost up it. Start rolling up one side and charge your boost, then release it on the way down to gain speed. Charge your boost as you move up the other side, then release it again as you descend. You can gain a ton of air by using half-pipes--and often reach hidden treasures."

BOOST BALL

"The Boost Ball is both an offensive and defensive juggernaut, and perhaps the upgrade you'll use more than any other in Multiplayer mode. Offensively, you can use it to ram opponents and cause a small amount of damage. If you're on the other end of an opponent's lock, you can fire up the Boost Ball and escape from danger."

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Premiere Edition

Boost Ball

Location: Elysia, SkyTown West

Room: Ballista Storage

"The Boost Ball can increase the Morphball's speed for short periods. Press and hold [B] to charge, then release [B] to trigger a quick boost of speed. When charging, the longer you hold down [B], the longer (and faster) the boost charge will be. Throughout the environment you will encounter U-shaped channels known as half-pipes. Using the Boost Ball in these areas lets you reach higher places. Build a charge as you descend in the half-pipe, then trigger the boost as you ascend the other side. This gives you the speed and momentum you need to reach new heights. Some mechanisms have circular channels that the Morphball can boost around. Repeatedly boosting through these channels builds a kinetic charge that activates these devices. In addition, you can damage some enemies by boosting into them.
TIP: When entering a half-pipe, step into it and face the top of the ramp before changing into Morphball form. This aligns you with the ramp, allowing you to activate the Boost Ball without flying off at an oblique angle."

Metroid Prime Trilogy manual

Boost Ball

"Once you have obtained the Boost Ball ability, press and hold the B Button to charge the ability, and then release the B Button to give a boost to the Morph Ball's speed. Note that the longer you hold the B Button, the faster your boost will be."

Metroid Prime Trilogy: Prima Official Game Guide

Boost Ball

"Once acquired, the Boost Ball upgrade can be used to increase the Morph Ball's speed for short periods. Press and hold [B] to charge, then release [B] to trigger a quick boost of speed. The longer you hold down [B], the longer (and faster) the boost will be.
Samus can use the Boost Ball to scale U-shaped half-pipes and reach higher places. Build a charge as you descend in the half-pipe, then trigger the boost as you begin to ascend the other side. Immediately start charging another boost to keep your momentum going. This gives you the speed you need to reach new heights.
The Boost Ball is also used to activate mechanisms called Spinners. Repeatedly boosting while inside a Spinner builds a kinetic charge that activates the device, often resulting in a change in the environment. In addition, you can damage some enemies by boosting into them."

Metroid Prime Hunters manual

Boost Ball

"Quickly slide the stylus in any direction on the Touch Screen to activate the Boost in that direction. This allows the Morph Ball to move at a higher speed for a short time. You can also boost by charging the R Button (L Button in left-handed control modes)."

Metroid Prime Hunters: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide

ALTERNATE-FORM BOOST

"Samus can give herself a quick boost of speed that allows her to damage any bioforms she rams into. To use the boost, hold and release R in right-hand control schemes and L in left-hand schemes. Alternatively, swipe the stylus quickly in the desired direction."

Metroid Prime/Metroid Prime 2: Echoes acquisition message

"Boost Ball acquired!
While in Morph Ball mode, press and hold [B] to charge the Ball. Release [B] after charging to get a speed boost.
Additional data downloaded to Inventory Screen. Press [START]/[2] to access the Inventory Screen."

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption acquisition message

"Armorsuit upgrade acquired. Boost Ball online.
Press and hold [B] when in Morph Ball to charge. Release to boost.
Additional data downloaded to Inventory Screen."

Inventory data

Boost Ball

Metroid Prime Trilogy

Inventory entry

The Boost Ball can be used to increase the Morph Ball's speed for short periods.
Press and hold / to charge, then release / to trigger a quick boost of speed.

Samus's Notes

When charging, the longer you hold /, the longer (and faster) the Boost Charge will be.
Throughout the environment you will encounter U-shaped channels known as half-pipes. Using the Boost Ball in these areas will let you reach higher places.
Build a charge as you descend in the half-pipe, then trigger the Boost as you ascend the other side, This will give you the speed and momentum you need to reach new heights.
Some mechanisms will have circular channels that the Morph Ball can boost around.* Repeatedly boosting through these channels will build a kinetic charge which will activate these devices.*
You can damage some enemies by "boosting" into them.**

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Inventory entry

(V • E)

Boost Ball is an acceleration feature addition for Morph Ball mode that generates short bursts of high-speed rolling. This can be used to power devices that support kinetic charging such as Spinners, for swift long-distance movement, and for tackling enemies.

Activation
While in Morph Ball mode, press and hold / then release to unleash a surge of speed. Once in motion, immediately pressing, holding, and releasing / can extend the speed surge.

Mission Strategy
Boost Ball can be used to shorten travel time, to avoid attacks during battle, or to quickly flank enemies.

* These two sentences are included in Corruption, which otherwise features the same Logbook entry.

** This sentence is included in Echoes and Corruption, which otherwise features the same Logbook entry.

Nintendo of Europe tweet

"Radical 🤙"^[2]

Development notes

The Boost Ball charge and release sound effects were created by Joey Kuras of Tommy Tallarico Studios, and later included in Tallarico's SFX Kit sound effects library.^[3]

Unused content on the Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Bonus Disc accessible only via hacking shows that there would potentially be an upgrade or new function for the Boost Ball that enabled it to be used in the air. While locked onto an enemy, morphing in the air will allow Samus to home onto the enemy, similar to the Homing Attack from the Sonic series.^[4] In a 2018 interview, Echoes technical lead engineer Jack Mathews revealed that this attack was intended for the game's multiplayer mode. The controls involved locking onto an opponent, jumping, and holding the Morph Ball button to initiate the attack. He suggested that it was cut due to difficulty implementing it effectively, or for fear that the transition could be nauseating to players.^[5] Coincidentally in Echoes, Dark Samus uses a similar attack during the latter half of the first two battles against her.

The Boost Ball was intended for inclusion as one of Samus's unique abilities in Metroid Tactics, a spinoff pitched by Paul Tozour.

Trivia

• In Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, this upgrade is one of three that the Luminoth Sub-Sentinels never mention or provide hints to in-game, the others being the Screw Attack and the Grapple Beam.
• In Metroid: Samus Returns, the Arachnus's rolling attack resembles the Boost Ball.
• The Parasite Queen and Meta Ridley are the only two bosses that can be damaged by the Boost Ball in Metroid Prime. However, to use it against the former boss, hacking is required.

• Meta Ridley is no longer affected by the Boost Ball in Wii and Remastered editions of Metroid Prime, reducing the use of the Boost Ball as an offensive weapon overall.

Gallery

The Mechanics of Samus's Boost Ball. The Boost Ball's item form in Metroid Prime Samus gets the Boost Ball in Metroid Prime. The Boost Ball being used in Phendrana Canyon in Metroid Prime Remastered. Unused scan images seen in concept art. The Boost Ball's item form in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes The Boost Ball in the Inventory section of Echoes. Samus scans the Boost Ball in Corruption. The Boost Ball's item form seen with the X-Ray Visor (via hacking). Samus gets the Boost Ball in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. Boost Ball! The Boost Ball's item form in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Samus obtaining the Boost Ball in Corruption. Samus using the Boost Ball in Steambot Barracks. Samus attacking Tinbots with the Boost Ball in Junction. Boost Ball Aiming. On-screen icon in Hunters.

References