The subject of this article is not named in-game.
The current title is from a guide or other published source.
Generally independent creatures, Wavers[1] will not usually group together in a pack to attack prey, an exception being a large, weakened creature. Wavers are hunter-scavengers, returning to nature that which is no longer needed, but will attack living creatures if the search for food becomes futile. These enemies constantly arc up and down when flying, creating a "wave" type pattern. It is unknown why they do this, perhaps to increase the chances of catching small insects flying through the air. Interesting to note is that Wavers move in a similar pattern to the Wave Beam, hence their name. They resemble large floating clams that open their mouths every second. They appear in Brinstar on Zebes in Metroid and Metroid: Zero Mission, and in Crateria and Norfair in Super Metroid as well. They appear in Metroid: Other M in their first 3D appearance.
A Waver (in its Super Metroid sprite) occasionally appears in the background of the Planet Zebes stage in Super Smash Bros.
Official data
Metroid manual
"These powerful enemies flutter around in irregular patterns. Shoot at them or they'll attack."
1986 manga
"This creature flits around like ocean waves. They're difficult to aim at and hard to defeat, so it's OK to run."
Official Nintendo Player's Guide
"It has green wings, and flies erratically through the air. It’s difficult to aim a beam at the Waver."
Super Metroid manual
"Wavers fly in a wave pattern."
Super Metroid Nintendo Player's Guide
| Enemy Data | Description | |||||||
| Color | HP | ATK | E | BE | M | SM | PB | Crateria/Brinstar/Norfair. This weak enemy flies in a spinning, wave-like manner. |
| Normal | 30 | 10 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 3 | |
Information
Super Metroid Players' Guide
"The Wavers are pretty weak but tricky to hit as they fly horizon-tally in a wave pattern."
Nintendo Official Guidebook for Metroid Other M
This article, section, or file contains text that is unofficially translated by Metroid fans. Some information (such as proper English names of characters or items) may not be accurate. If an official translation becomes available, the fan translation(s) may be replaced.
Page 158 of the guide.
"Waver: With wings like mushrooms, it launches itself in a spinning attack at Samus."
Metroid Fusion
The creatures reappear in Metroid Fusion on board the Biologic Space Laboratories following Zebes' destruction. They seem to have been captured and collected at an undetermined point in time for research and study. When Samus unlocks one of the last few security hatches of the station, she unwillingly allows the X Parasites to come into contact with the Wavers and infect them, creating Waver-X. The X's ability to tamper with DNA has made the Wavers slightly larger and has given them bulkier, sharper shells.
In one trailer, harmless authentic Wavers can be seen flying in the background (whose sprites are reused from Super Metroid), which are soon infected and mutated by X Parasites (much like Hornoads in the final game). In the final version of the game, normal Wavers are never seen.
Metroid: Other M
In their first 3D appearance, Wavers inhabit the Biosphere on board the BOTTLE SHIP. They can occasionally be found lying on the ground with their shells closed over their bodies, resembling stones or plant-like pods. This is most likely a defense mechanism designed to confuse potential predators. When aggravated, the creatures will take off and fly about at random (although in a straight path as opposed to the waving pattern exhibited in their previous appearances), then make a spiraling charge at Samus, which deflects beam attacks.
Their concept art identifies them as an "Aerial (Floating) Type Monster"[1]. It states that the way to tell male and female Waver apart is there is a slight change of color in the male's inner body, and also reveals that they do not need to fly like a bird, as their shells are filled with helium-like gas.
Gallery
Captain N appearances
References