The Aludran Microhopper is an enemy introduced in Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem.
Overview[]
The Aludran Microhopper belongs to a race of tripedal, amphibious creatures that originate from the Aludran System of the Canis Major constellation. The Microhopper is about the size of a small dog, has three strong, muscular legs and completely lacks eyes. Perhaps its most noticeable feature is the Mental's Horde symbol on the bony plating on its head, which appears to have been painted on.
Despite their similarity to the Marsh Hoppers of the planet Rigil Kentaurus, research conducted at the Gnosis Alpha Orbital University has conclusively demonstrated that Microhoppers are actually distant relatives of the Aludran Reptiloid.[1]
Appearances[]
First appearing near the start of A Smell Of Petroleum Prevails, Microhoppers can appear in large numbers in the levels that they appear in, and can pose a great threat to the player when they are encountered. A secret boss fight involving a large horde of Microhoppers can be found in the "Alpha and Omega'" side objective in Roadside Picnic.
Like other enemies, Microhoppers are a lot more numerous when playing on New Game+ and beyond.
Behavior and skills[]
Microhoppers, like amphibians found on Earth, are cold-blooded, and are used to the harsh, hot environments of their home planet, thus they rely heavily on external heat sources.[1] Microhoppers enter a state of hibernation during periods of strong cold and can spend the whole winter season asleep. Any interruption to their hibernation cycle makes them extremely hostile, a tendency exacerbated by their highly-developed territorial instincts.[1]
Upon spotting a target, a Microhopper will leap at them, attacking them by spitting toxic acid from a distance. At closer range, they can use their strong limbs to attack the target. They can also jump side-to-side to dodge the player's attacks and perform flanking maneuvers.
Tactics[]
- An excellent solution for killing large groups of Microhoppers is to use explosive weapons such as the A-24 Devastator, C-4 Demolition Charge, or XPML21 Rocket Launcher.
- The Autoshotgun is also a decent choice for killing groups of Microhoppers, although the player is vulnerable during reloads and ammo for the weapon is available only in secrets.
- The XM214-A Minigun, XPMR "Burner" Raygun, and XL2 Lasergun are also useful for killing hordes of Microhoppers. The Burner can especially take out a lot of Microhoppers due to its explosive effect, and the Lasergun can shred through groups of them even without its death ray upgrade since it requires only two projectiles to kill a Hopper regardless of the weapon's heat.
- As a last resort, the FRPCL can be used against Microhoppers, although it can only be used either via cheats, by playing the moddable version of the game where the FRPCL can be inserted into custom maps, or by obtaining it in New Game+3.
- Compared to other enemies, Microhoppers are a low-priority threat and can be dispatched easily due to their low health. However, the main drawback is that they are often spawned in large numbers, which can make them a higher threat on higher difficulties.
Behind the scenes[]
- Internally known as the Hopper, this enemy was originally created for Serious Sam 4 before it was cut. It had a slightly different design to that of the final version, and featured a long tail.
Related achievements[]
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| No hope for a hopping mob. |
Trivia[]
- The Microhopper is similar in behavior and appearance to the Lizard and the Marsh Hopper, albeit with an added acid projectile attack.
- The Microhopper secret boss fight in Roadside Picnic additionally reuses the latter's music "Fight 05 (Marshfreakinhoppers)", originally used in the Marsh Hopper boss fight in the Serious Sam: The First Encounter level Oasis.
- The Microhopper uses the same projectile that is fired by Hatchling Antaresian Spiders.
Gallery[]
Artwork[]
Retail[]
List of appearances[]
- Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem (First appearance)
References[]