Imperialist

"Precision" redirects here. For the teammate name in Blast Ball, see Blast Ball#CPU teammate names.

Imperialist
The icon for the Imperialist (above)Samus fires the Imperialist at Trace. (below)
Featured in	Metroid Prime Hunters
Damage	High
Effect(s)	Long range firing possible with built-in magnification
Special uses	Neutralize red-colored artificial obstacles (doors etc.) Activate red crystal switches
Obtained	Fault Line, Arcterra

The Imperialist is a Kriken Affinity Weapon.

Description

Sylux's view with the Imperialist when not zoomed in.

The Imperialist is a sniper weapon used by the Kriken Empire to increase their territory. Samus acquires it after defeating the Arctic Spawn in the Fault Line on Arcterra. Referred to as a quantum cascade laser in Trace's Logbook entry, it fires a powerful, long-ranged red laser beam with incredible accuracy, but its precise nature severely limits its rate of fire and it cannot be charged. To enhance its role as a sniping weapon, the Imperialist has zoom capabilities. Zooming in is done by pressing R, the Select button, or double-tapping the weapon icon on the bottom screen. When the zoomed-in reticle passes over a target, even if it is behind a wall, the weapon will automatically zoom in further, allowing for increased accuracy. It is capable of inflicting an instant kill on an enemy Bounty Hunter if a headshot is achieved with the scope. It is also especially effective against Sylux, and affects Gorea when the monster turns red with blue markings.

When Trace has this weapon equipped, he can cloak himself while standing still. This is a rare hitscan weapon, because it hits its target immediately when fired (since, as a laser, it moves at the speed of light). It alters the Targeting Reticule, and when used by a character other than Trace, it changes the markings on the user's Arm Cannon to red.

Official data

Logbook entry

Imperialist

Metroid Prime Hunters

Logbook entry

Equipped with a ZOOM function ideal for PRECISION targeting, the IMPERIALIST fires a thin and lethal laser beam with high accuracy over long distances.

Imperialist Basics (on-screen tutorial)

"The IMPERIALIST can ZOOM in on a target. Double-tap the IMPERIALIST icon or press the R Button to ZOOM after arming the weapon."

Metroid Prime Hunters manual

Imperialist

"The Imperialist is ideal for sniping. It fires a thin, powerful laser over long distances. Press the R Button to turn on the zoom feature, which increases the hit probability and power.
Use the L Button while using the left-handed control mode. You can zoom in if you double-tap the Sub-weapon icon or with the SELECT Button if using Dual Mode controls."

Trace

Weapon - Imperialist

"While using this weapon, Trace's body will be invisible as long as he remains stationary."

Metroid Prime Hunters acquisition message

"IMPERIALIST FOUND
You've obtained the IMPERIALIST. This PRECISION-targeting weapon shoots a thin and lethal laser beam with extreme accuracy over long distances."

Metroid Prime Hunters: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide

IMPERIALIST

"Trace's weapon of choice is the Imperialist, a long-range rifle designed for sniping. It fires a thin, powerful laser that causes no recoil and makes little noise, but the length of its beam can betray the shooter's location. Trace becomes invisible while standing still with it equipped."

Trivia

• Certain objects will show the words "PRECISION" and "ZOOM" in the description when scanned. The words "PRECISION" and "ZOOM" always refer to the Imperialist.
• In the Alimbic Prophecy, the Imperialist is referred to as a Red Stain from the mark it briefly leaves on surfaces hit by the beam.
• The Imperialist is the only sniper weapon used by Samus in the Metroid series, although the Galactic Federation has their own sniping assault rifle.
• The Imperialist is the first piece of equipment to use zoom functions in a Metroid game. A zoom function is later used by the Nova Beam and X-Ray Visor combo in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, and with the Search View in Metroid: Other M.
• Sometimes the Imperialist retains its non-zoomed crosshair when zooming in. This occurs when the wielder uses the zoom function as the weapon is still switching over from the previous one.
• Immediately after being fired, a slow ratcheting sound can be heard, one almost similar to that of a modern sniper rifle after being fired and loaded so a bullet can be put into its firing chamber for the next shot.
• After the Omega Cannon, the Imperialist is the slowest-firing weapon in Metroid Prime Hunters.
• The Imperialist is the only Affinity Weapon in Hunters whose affinity power does not affect the function of the weapon itself and can be engaged without firing a shot.