Ing
| |
| Ing | |
| Origin | Aether |
| Debut | Metroid Prime 2: Echoes |
The shadowy Ing are the primary nemesis for Metroid Prime 2. They appear both as enemies in Dark Aether and as a enemy-possessing creature in Light Aether.
Information[edit]
The Ing is a complex species of shadow creatures that originated from Dark Aether. Several decacyles ago, Aether was struck by a cosmic impact. The result of this caused a dimensional rift to appear, in effect creating 'Dark Aether'. From this world emerged a species of darklings. These creatures were named the 'Ing', the Luminoth word for terror. Thus began a desperate war between the Ing and Luminoth.
The species lives in a complex hive hierarchy where the Emperor Ing, the first of their kind, reigns supreme. The species begins in a larval form. As larvaes, the Ing travels in large swarms as a means of protection. However they are extremely weak and have no possession abilities. Few Ings survive to adulthood, but those that do are cunning and vicious. The next stage is known as the Inglet. These blob creatures are forced to do the menial labor of the horde. At this stage of life, the species is now able to become a 'liquid form' as a means of movement.
The Warrior Ing is the next stage of the Ing species. Like the Inglet, they can become liquid puddles in order to move around. In this form they are five-legged creatures that aggressively attack their prey. The tips of their legs are razor-sharp, making them dangerous melee combatants. They are also capable of channeling transdimensional energy to fire at the opponent. The next stage is the Hunter Ing, the highest form for regular Ing creatures. In this form they are floating spheres armed with four long tentacles. In this form they are able to become intangible, making these Ing difficult to combat against.
The Ing are incapable of taking their true forms on Aether. Therefore the species instead arrives through dimensional rifts and possess creatures on the other side of Aether. The result of the possession increases the creature's strength and stamina, but adds a weakness to light energy. Sentient creatures are capable of resisting possession, but highly disciplined individuals (such as Space Pirates) are easier to possess. The Ing are also capable of possessing machines as well as living creatures. Particular weapons can be integrated by an Ing to make itself more potent. Termination of the host will result in the death of the Ing as well.
The Ing choose their hosts carefully and do not possess indiscriminately. As an Ing matures, its choice of hosts is dictated by its place in the Hive. A young Ing will often possess creatures like War Wasps to prove their skill. Some creatures can only be possessed by Ing of certain rank. For example, Space Pirate Commandos could be possessed only by Hunter Ing class. Some creatures are not fit for possession, such as Serenity Class Drones, which possess no offensive abilities. Full possession is not always successful, as the Ing are not able to fully utilize the abilities of the Blogg.
The Ing were able to overwhelm the Luminoth by sheer numbers, despite the many technological advances the Luminoth made. The Ing were well on their way to establishing Dark Aether permanently until several stellar visitors appeared. The Ing swiftly dealt with the Federation Troopers, despite how long they held out. The Space Pirates held out for some time, but their greed led them straight into the heart of Dark Aether, leading to their demise. Dark Samus proved to have little interest in the Ing, but had little difficulty in eliminating them while in its search for Phazon. Samus Aran, the last to arrive, single handedly was able to restore the planet's energy back to Aether and eliminate Dark Aether, destroying the Ing threat permanently.
Trivia[edit]
- In Metroid Fusion, the X Virus also has possessive abilities, but work quite differently than the Ing.