Gravity Suit

A term coined by Steven Banks on January 18, 2003, after bypassing Thardus in Metroid Prime.

In the context of computer and video games, sequence breaking refers to performing actions or obtaining items out of their intended linear order. While the concept has existed since complex games with sequential storylines were first made, the specific term was incidentally coined on January 18, 2003. This occurred when Steven Banks achieved a feat in the Nintendo GameCube game Metroid Prime by obtaining the Gravity Suit and Ice Beam before defeating the required boss, Thardus. He posted this discovery on the Metroid Prime message board on GameFAQs in a thread titled "Gravity Suit and Ice Beam before Thardus." This action allowed players to bypass a mandatory boss fight while still acquiring these specific items, saving time for those aiming to complete the game quickly.

Quick Facts

Origin: Nintendo GameCube game Metroid Prime
First documented action: January 18, 2003
Discoverer: Steven Banks
Location of discovery: Metroid Prime message board on GameFAQs
Thread title: Gravity Suit and Ice Beam before Thardus

Lore & Background

The Gravity Suit and Ice Beam were originally designed as rewards obtained only after defeating the rock monster Thardus. This design choice established a required order where players had to defeat the boss before accessing these upgrades. However, the novelty of sequence breaking emerged when it was discovered that one could bypass this requirement entirely. In the specific instance documented by Steven Banks, the player obtained both the Gravity Suit and the Ice Beam without engaging Thardus first. This deviation from the intended path highlighted how players could obtain useful items early in the game or skip required actions to speedrun the experience. The discovery attracted a number of interested gamers to the GameFAQs thread, leading to the widespread adoption of the term sequence breaking within the community.

Reader's Guide

To replicate the sequence breaking feat documented in Metroid Prime, one must obtain the Gravity Suit and Ice Beam before defeating Thardus. This specific order contradicts the intended design where Thardus is a required boss. By executing this break, players can access these items earlier than intended, which is particularly useful for speedrunning or obtaining powerful tools early in the game cycle. The method was first recorded by Steven Banks on January 18, 2003, and posted to GameFAQs. Since then, the term sequence breaking has grown in popularity, applying to unintended shortcuts in any game. Designers have even begun creating games with sequence breaking in mind, inspired by titles like Super Metroid where such freedom is possible.