Power Suit mechanics: what is and what is not possible

[sockmonkey]

I always went with the pocket dimension theory. It's actually a lot more managable than matter-energy conversion since if you totally convert a pound of matter into energy you're dealing with the power of a nuke.

[Cthulhu]

Hah, the HAL-5 looks like something Nintendo would make for Wii Fit, but to mass produce the thing? I'm definitely in.

On the Morph Ball business (I'm so sorry to bring it back), it always reminds me of that episode of South Park when Garrison invents "It" (Without the *hrm* appendages, of course)... A gyroscope if you will. I can see the MB working like that.

[sockmonkey]

It's debateable how useful the morph ball is unless your mission involves a lot of...

Tuuuuuuuuubes.

[LesserChozo]

My biggest gripe about the morphball is that, discounting energy conversion theories, people seem to assume that Samus curls up into a fetal position inside if and just kind of sits there. I think she goes into something more like a lotus position. Her knees are up and her arms are between her legs and feet working a control mechanism. She'd have to be on her back and kept level so as not to lose her bearings. Perhaps that energy seen inside the ball in Prime is a gyroscopic anti-friction energy field that keeps her stationary while the outer shell rotates. Does that make sense? I'll see if I can draw a picture.

[Lazarius]

My biggest gripe about the morphball is that, discounting energy conversion theories, people seem to assume that Samus curls up into a fetal position inside if and just kind of sits there.

I've always assumed she entered some kind of energy state. I don't actually know of many people who think she does go into a foetal position, besides those relatively new to the series.

[Balkoth]

Forguve my bluntness, but Morph Ball technology is impossible.

Convert Samus-sized matter to energy without triggering the largest explosion in history (aside from supernovae or the big bang, perhaps), and you get a cookie.

[LesserChozo]

My biggest gripe about the morphball is that, discounting energy conversion theories, people seem to assume that Samus curls up into a fetal position inside if and just kind of sits there.

I've always assumed she entered some kind of energy state. I don't actually know of many people who think she does go into a foetal position, besides those relatively new to the series.

I've seen pictures illustrating as such.

Lately, I've become a proponent of the Extra-Spatial Dimensions theory. Its a simple, internally consistent explanation that would explain:

1. How the power suit materializes out of the zero suit.

2. How the suit holds so much ammo and gadgetry.

3. How the morph ball works.

Basically, the suit actually consists of a great deal of machinery, which is stored in a dimensional pocket. Parts of it, as well as Samus herself, can withdraw into that pocket or extend themselves into 3d space on command. Its basically a suit-shaped TARDIS that kills people.

Giving the Chozo interdimensional technology might also go a ways toward explaining how the Tallon IV cult was able to transcend three dimensional existence; the Chozo had a scientific understanding of such things to begin with, which the cultists based their philosophy on (transcendent religions based on scientific theories have historical precedent; Pythagorus for instance. In the case of these Chozo mystics, however, they did it in a way that actually WORKED).

The alternative would be matter/energy conversion, which I'm slowly coming to realize is a can of worms that you can't open without totally destroying the internal consistency of any scifi setting you put it in.

Lately, I've become a proponent of the Extra-Spatial Dimensions theory.

That's that whole theory about stuff being held in another dimension or something like that right? I think that was in that one movie... Ultra Violet I think it was, I can't remember.
It would explain a lot though.

[sockmonkey]

Wooo, Sylux agrees with me. Now we just need to get it declared canon. She could have a power plant and a mansion in there.
This gives me a mental image of the power suit just standing there doing nothing while inside it Samus is soaking in the tub watching her 500 inch flatscreen sipping a mai-tai.

[Lazarius]

It gives ME images of Samus running and jumping super fast while a massive power plant rests on her shoulders, invisible and weightless.

[ChaosWolf]

By your thinking, this whole thread is incorrect and shouldn't be discussed cause we can't figure things like this out cause we don't just take things for granted.

Precisely.

It is worthless. NONE of Samus's suit is possible -- that's why it can only exist within a science FICTIONAL world like video game.
Giving her suit a real-world explanation only makes it weaker.


Have your fun. I'm not going to stop you.

So we just go say "a chozo wizard did it" and wipe the thread? How terribly dull.

[ChaosWolf]

Hah, the HAL-5 looks like something Nintendo would make for Wii Fit, but to mass produce the thing? I'm definitely in.

On the Morph Ball business (I'm so sorry to bring it back), it always reminds me of that episode of South Park when Garrison invents "It" (Without the *hrm* appendages, of course)... A gyroscope if you will. I can see the MB working like that.

...and I've seen pics (hentai parody ones, obviously) where the Morph Ball operates via manipulation of such "appendages"...

According to them, let's just say if not for some lube and... clenching, Samus would be unable to use bombs.

[Dryn]

1. How the power suit materializes out of the zero suit.

Nano technology. Think Stark Resilient. Nano technology is becoming (if it hasn't already) popular with the whole sci-fi genre. After all, the Power Suit is integrated into Samus. She can access it at any time she wills.

2. How the suit holds so much ammo and gadgetry.

Beams can just be energy floating in the air or a vacuum and being converted to the proper beam weapon. Consider the Universal Ammo in Metroid Prime Hunters, except the beams Samus uses are unlimited. And the reason for that is because the arm cannon draws in the energy and produces something out of it.

3. How the morph ball works.

Again, nano technology. Her armor just does what I like to call "reconstruct." She becomes a ball of energy. How she does that, I don't know. If the energy she becomes is strong enough to create a massive explosion, oh well. This is sci-fi.

Basically, the suit actually consists of a great deal of machinery, which is stored in a dimensional pocket. Parts of it, as well as Samus herself, can withdraw into that pocket or extend themselves into 3d space on command. Its basically a suit-shaped TARDIS that kills people.

I honestly think this is a stupid idea, one that I could not see myself accepting.

Giving the Chozo interdimensional technology might also go a ways toward explaining how the Tallon IV cult was able to transcend three dimensional existence; the Chozo had a scientific understanding of such things to begin with, which the cultists based their philosophy on (transcendent religions based on scientific theories have historical precedent; Pythagorus for instance. In the case of these Chozo mystics, however, they did it in a way that actually WORKED).

Um, yeah, the Chozo trascended, but their technology didn't.

The alternative would be matter/energy conversion, which I'm slowly coming to realize is a can of worms that you can't open without totally destroying the internal consistency of any scifi setting you put it in.

It's called science fiction for a reason. It doesn't have to be real. It seems like you're trying to make it real. Play Halo if you want that.

I guess the idea of Samus activating her suit from another dimension (I think Captain Commando from MvC2 when I think of Samus activating her armor this way) could make sense, but I really think the idea of nano technology is being used for Samus. But still, for the Morph Ball? Um, no.

[SailorQuaoar]

Oh! Oh! I just thought of an explanation the other day for the glowing lights on the newer versions of the suit.

Perhaps they are like exhaust ports, venting heat (or some other form of energy that the suit expends) so that it doesn't build up inside. They could also help regulate external heat, seeing as the basic suit has less lights than the Varia.

Besides looking cool of course.