Line #51 Main/DestructibleProjectiles


1	In most VideoGames, projectiles are intangible things whose only interaction with the outside world is that they inflict their damaging payload on the first thing they touch and then promptly cease to exist.
2
3	But sometimes the projectile is indeed a tangible object that can be attacked or affected by other projectiles or attacks. Can't dodge an incoming attack, for example? Try shooting it down before it hits you!
4
5	This mechanic is also known as "bullet canceling". {{Painfully Slow Projectile}}s or BulletTime are usually the reason this is possible. {{Homing Projectile}}s and grenades are the most common targets for this. In some games, this also provides a renewable source of health or ammo pickups, especially in extended {{Boss Battle}}s (where it may overlap with BossArenaRecovery).
6
7	A SmartBomb often (especially in BulletHell games) has the secondary effect of destroying all projectiles on screen, even when this is not usually possible.
8
9	Compare the TennisBoss, where projectiles can be reflected back at the boss rather than destroyed. Contrast ShootTheBullet, in which this is an extraordinary SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome / CutscenePowerToTheMax feat instead of a normal gameplay mechanic. For the melee version, see ParryingBullets.
10	----
11	!!Examples:
12
13	[[foldercontrol]]
14
15	[[folder:Action Adventure]]
16	* ''VideoGame/ANNOMutationem'': In the boss fight against T.R's offensive mecha arms, it shoots out an assemblage of missiles that drop from above, with each of them having a brief window of time to be shot down before they can land. Additionally, they drop ammo for the [[PocketRocketLauncher Tunguska launcher]].
17	* In various ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'' games (''VideoGame/SuperMetroid'' in particular), certain boss battle projectiles can be destroyed for health or Missile refills for BossArenaRecovery.
18	* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'':
19	** The last Ganondorf fight in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'' uses this. You have to play "tennis" with his energy balls.
20	** In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker'', it is entirely possible to destroy the bombs fired at you with your own cannon-fired bombs.
21	* ''VideoGame/LostRuins'': The Katana can destroy projectiles, as implied by its FlavorText:
22	--> Its blade can even cleave flying arrows.
23	[[/folder]]
24
25	[[folder:Beat Em Up]]
26	* In ''VideoGame/ViewtifulJoe'', the player can punch or kick bullets and missiles back at targets while using slow motion, and can shoot them while in the Six Machine. This is crucial for defeating several bosses, including the Helicopter, Harrier Jet and both tanks.
27	* A standard part of gameplay in the ''Franchise/TouhouProject'' fighting side-games. An important part of play skill is knowing which bullets are "tough" enough to cancel which ones.
28	* Energy projectiles usually cancel each other out in the ''Franchise/StreetFighter''-games. Rose is special in that she can reflect energy projectiles back at her opponent or even absorbe them to charge her special meter and make her next projectile deal more damage.
29	[[/folder]]
30
31	[[folder:First Person Shooter]]
32	* The Redeemer in ''VideoGame/UnrealTournament'', ''[[VideoGame/UnrealTournament2004 UT2004]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/UnrealTournamentIII UT3]]'', can be shot down with a well-placed shot, as well as the [=AVRiL=] missiles in ''2004'' and ''III''.
33	* ''VideoGame/TeamFortress2'':
34	** The Pyro's [[FireBreathingWeapon flamethrower's]] alternate fire shoots out a gust of air that can deflect most non-{{hitscan}} projectile, bouncing it right to wherever the Pyro's aiming at. Among the deflectables are rockets, grenades, stickybombs, cleavers, baseballs, jars of urine... Really, the only reason the {{kitchen sink\|Included}} isn't included is because no class has it as a weapon.
35	** SecondaryFire from the Engineer's [[LightningGun Short Circuit]] is a slow-moving orb of electricity that destroys projectiles in its path.
36	** An upgraded minigun for the Heavy during Mann vs Machine mode can stop enemy projectiles in midair as well. Instead of being disintegrated, they simply limply fall to the ground.
37	* In ''VideoGame/SeriousSam'' series, the rockets fired from major biomechanoids can be shot down. In ''Serious Sam 1'', alduran reptiloids' slimeballs and many other projectiles are also destructible.
38	* The rocks the Tank throws in ''VideoGame/Left4Dead'' can be shot down by gunfire, but it requires precise aim and a good amount of bullets to shoot a thrown rock slab out.
39	* In ''VideoGame/HalfLife2'', both Combine vehicles and Gordon Freeman's vehicles are quite capable of shooting down incoming missiles. In fact this is the reason LaResistance came up with a laser-steered missile launcher: it lets them fire the missile ''past'' a gunship or strider (which only have chin guns), then have the missile circle back around and hit from behind.
40	* Constructors in ''VideoGame/{{Borderlands 2}}'' have the ability to fire what basically amounts to [[TheresNoKillLikeOverkill a nuke]]. This '''will''' send you into Fight for your Life mode (or reduce you to a sliver of health if you were above half, to prevent a OneHitKill), and has a gigantic radius. Thus, the best way to avoid this attack is to shoot the nuke in mid-air.
41	-->'''Constructor''': [[OhCrap "Deploying nuclear warhead."]]
42	* ''VideoGame/Doom3'' includes this for both enemy projectiles and the player's. While one of the video logs mentions the {{BFG}}'s shots being vulnerable to stray fire, the ability to destroy other types of projectiles is something [[GuideDangIt you'll have to find out on your own]]. In fact, destroying a projectile will cause it to explode, allowing you to kill a demon [[HoistByHisOwnPetard with its own fireball]]. That said, except for the Revenant's homing missiles and the Cacodemon's giant straight-flying energy balls, the majority of projectiles you'll be faced with are tossed fireballs flying in parabolic trajectories, so it's easier to step aside and dodge them.
43	* The Spitball Infector in ''VideoGame/DeepRockGalactic'' is a stationary enemy whose only attack is to launch a highly damaging acid spit at you and it can be shot out of the air to negate it.
44	[[/folder]]
45
46	[[folder:MMORPG]]
47	* In ''VideoGame/BattlestarGalacticaOnline'', you can destroy missiles. Normal bullets are no-go though. Strikes usually are relegated to this role in big battles, where the presence of Escorts makes it hard for them to get any useful licks in.
48	* ''VideoGame/StarTrekOnline'' features several types of destructible projectiles. Players and some NPC's can use mines which, if not taken care of, will home in on the enemy and explode on contact. There's also torpedoes; while most types are indestructible, there are a handful that are destructible, but deal more damage than ordinary torpedoes. Some Borg NPC's can use a destructible projectile which is so powerful that, in most cases, it will [[OneHitKill vaporize your starship]] if you don't shoot it down in time.
49	[[/folder]]
50
51	[[folder:Platform]]
52	* Many projectiles in ''VideoGame/LaMulana'' can be destroyed by hitting them: for example [[BallisticBone thrown bones]], fire chunks, and even the [[AbnormalAmmo burning excrements]] bonnacons attack with.
53	* In ''VideoGame/CaveStory'', many projectiles can be shot and drop hearts, energy crystals or ammo, which makes them a useful source of BossArenaRecovery. {{Inverted\|Trope}} on a few occasions, with enemy bullets that can block the player's.
54	* In the ''VideoGame/{{Clonk}}'' military packs "Eke Reloaded" and "Codename: Modern Combat", grenades and rockets can be shot to safely destroy them.
55	* Some ''Franchise/MegaMan'' projectiles are like this, typically coming in the form of homing missiles. In some cases, they won't leave you alone until you shoot them down, and doing so is actually necessary to beat a particular boss in ''VideoGame/MegaMan10'', as it's only vulnerable while deploying a new set of missiles, which will only be done once all of them have been shot down.
56	* Most projectiles in ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}'' games.
57	* In the ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series, every character can activate their shield to deflect projectiles, and can reflect them directly with perfect timing. Multiple characters like Fox, Ness, Mr. Game and Watch and Mario possess moves that can reflect or absorb projectiles. Most projectiles can also be canceled out by simply hitting them with an attack that has a higher priority.
58	* ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'':
59	** Bullet Bills are a gray area between "lifeless projectile" and "enemy character", considering that in the sidescrolling games you can GoombaStomp them like any other enemy. However, it might be worth noting that in ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros'', Bullet Bills can deflect ''off each other'', whereas in the 8- and 16- bit sidescrollers they simply passed through. Bullet Bills in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioSunshine'' can be destroyed ''by spraying water at them.''
60	** In ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'', you can destroy certain projectiles (like the fireballs and bones enemies throw) with the cape spin, which is useful if you've got nowhere to run.
61	[[/folder]]
62
63	[[folder:Roguelike]]
64	* Shielded tears in ''VideoGame/TheBindingOfIsaac'' destroy projectiles they come in contact with. This carries over with any tear effects that Isaac gets, such as lasers from Technology items or Trisagion's light blasts. The Bot Fly[[labelnote:*]]a [[VisualPun cyborg Pooter]][[/labelnote]] familiar is very specifically this trope, as it circles around Isaac and fires shielded tears to intercept any projectiles that come near him, but otherwise ignores enemies.
65	[[/folder]]
66
67	[[folder:Role-Playing Games]]
68	* Pink projectiles in ''VideoGame/NieR'' can be destroyed by attacking them. Black ones will go right through your weapon.
69	* In the second ''VideoGame/{{Drakengard}}'', attacks from enemy mages and archers can be blocked by striking them with an attack, although the precise timing for this can be difficult to accomplish when fending off swarms of other {{Mooks}} at the same time. Some projectiles (like the bounty hunters' knives) can even be deflected back at the thrower for massive damage.
70	* In ''VideoGame/{{Fallout 3}}'', held and thrown grenades can be shot to make them detonate prematurely. Of course, it's darn near impossible what with combat being so hectic and them being so small and fast. However, using [[BulletTime VATS]] mode allows you to select them and shoot them with far greater accuracy. There's something ''[[VideoGameCrueltyPotential special]]'' about the first time you detonate a wastelanders arm by shooting the grenade they planned to lob at you. [[CatharsisFactor And the following fifty as well]].
71	* Most projectiles in the ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'' series can be batted back at their senders or at least canceled out with a well-timed Keyblade. swing. Guarding is a more practical method of disposing of them, though, as it achieves the same result with less effort.
72	* In ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'', it's difficult but possible to shoot down Geth Rocket Trooper rockets.
73	[[/folder]]
74
75	[[folder:Sandbox]]
76	* The fireballs launched by ''VideoGame/{{Minecraft}}'' ghasts can be [[TennisBoss reflected]] by hitting them.
77	* ''VideoGame/TheIncredibleHulkUltimateDestruction'' (the [[SpiritualSuccessor spiritual predecessor]] to ''VideoGame/{{Prototype}}'') gave the Hulk the ability to either punch missiles back at the tanks that shot them, or to catch them and throw them back like footballs.
78	* ''VideoGame/FromTheDepths'': Any of the projectiles launched by the missile type weapon system can be destroyed by the Anti-Missile Laser.
79	[[/folder]]
80
81	[[folder:Shooter]]
82	* Many ShootEmUp games have oval- or oblong-shaped projectiles that the player can shoot down. Homing missiles in such games are ''usually'' destructible too.
83	* Most enemy projectiles in ''VideoGame/{{Cabal}}'' and ''VideoGame/BloodBros'' are destructible. Shooting the bombs in Blood Bros. causes them to drop a bomb item the player can throw.
84	* ''VideoGame/{{Guxt}}'' missiles can be shot.
85	%% ZCE * Homing missiles in ''VideoGame/SolarJetman''.
86	%% ZCE * ''VideoGame/HeroCore'' homing missiles.
87	* Certain projectiles act this way in the ''Franchise/StarFox'' games, allowing you to destroy them for health power-ups.
88	* Most projectiles in ''VideoGame/BeatHazard'' can be shot.
89	* ''VideoGame/Terminator2JudgmentDay'' UsefulNotes/ArcadeGame. During the sequence in the future, the enemy regularly throws bombs at you. You can shoot and detonate them before they hit you.
90	* Several shooters by Creator/{{Cactus}} feature projectiles that are destructible one way or another.
91	** The player's ship in ''VideoGame/BurnTheTrash'' has a secondary weapon that destroys all enemy bullets in its path.
92	** The "ship" from ''Deep/Wing/Break'' can shoot and destroy enemy bullets with its regular weapon.
93	** ''VideoGame/{{Minubeat}}'' has a weapon that instantly destroys all enemy bullets on screen, in what would be otherwise a typical BulletHell game.
94	** In ''Protoganda II'', you are able to destroy the homing missiles that the enemies sometimes shoot.
95	* This is the only way to damage enemies in the otherwise BulletHell ''VideoGame/ArcAngle''. By catching the enemy's bullet spam within your "angle", you transform them into your ''own'' homing bullets that go back and destroy them.
96	* This trope is the entire point of ''VideoGame/MissileCommand'' and the [=LazerBlazer=]: Intercept mode of ''VideoGame/SuperScope6''. The object of both games is to destroy the incoming missiles by [[LeadTheTarget leading the target]].
97	** ''Super Scope 6'' also has the Engage mode, whose main objective is to destroy enemy ships, while keeping yourself alive by also shooting down the missiles targeting you.
98	* Justified in ''VideoGame/InTheHunt''. Most enemies fires missiles and explosives, which can be destroyed by your submarine's torpedoes, anti-air weapons and depth charges. The ones to watch out for are those whose projectiles are ''not'' destructible.
99	* Enemy fighters' homing missiles in ''VideoGame/TopGun'' for NES.
100	* ''VideoGame/HeavyWeapon'' has most of the enemies trying to drop destructible bombs and missiles on your tank. And a good thing they're destructible, because one of them drops instant-kill atomic bombs that will blow you up if they hit the ground.
101	* In the games of ''VideoGame/BattleCity'' series, one of the main gameplay mechanics is being able to shoot down enemy projectiles.
102	* In ''VideoGame/RefleX'', purple bullets can be shot away. Missiles can also be destroyed in this manner, which is important because unlike bullets, missiles bypass shields.
103	* ''VideoGame/FinalLegacy'' has this as a required part of gameplay. You need to shoot missiles out of the sky before they hit the cities you're trying to protect.
104	[[/folder]]
105
106	[[folder:Simulation]]
107	* In ''[[VideoGame/EscapeVelocity EV Nova]]'', homing weapons can be destroyed with point-defense weapons (the quad light blaster turret and Storm chaingun in an unmodded game).
108	* Missiles in the ''VideoGame/{{X}}-Universe'' series can be destroyed with either gunfire or another missile (usually the otherwise useless[[note]]high travel speed and accuracy, but pathetically weak damage[[/note]] Mosquito missile). Missiles are {{one hitpoint wonder}}s in most of the series, but gain a health bar in ''X3: Albion Prelude''.
109	* Missiles in ''VideoGame/MechWarrior'' can be shot down, but only by the automated (Laser) Anti-Missile System. In ''[=MechWarrior=] Living Legends'', the LAMS is an actual turret mounted on [[HumongousMecha battlemech's]] head which benefits from steady piloting, so staring down incoming missiles can increase the number shut down. Static LAMS mounted in bases can even shoot down Long Tom Artillery shells to prevent camping with the [[DeathFromAbove finger-of-god]] artillery tank.
110	* In ''VideoGame/FTLFasterThanLight'', it's possible for both player's and enemy's projectiles to collide with each after being shot, resulting in destruction of both bullets. Useful if you manage to destroy the enemy's [[ArmorPiercingAttack shield-ignoring missile]], but it can be annoying if your remaining salvo does not suffice to punch through enemy's shields.
111	* Missiles in ''VideoGame/{{Rodina}}'' that lock on your ship can be reliably destroyed by shooting them. So can be ''your'' missiles, however. Don't count on your missile reaching the target if said target is accompanied by a squadron of scouts firing a flurry of bullets in your general direction.
112	[[/folder]]
113
114	[[folder:Strategy]]
115	* In ''VideoGame/MiniRobotWars'', enemy projectiles can be destroyed. This is an important mechanic, because if any projectile gets past your defense line, you lose health!
116	* ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquer'':
117	** ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerGenerals'': The Paladin tank has a laser that shoots down enemy missiles. Problem is, the laser's rate of fire is slower than most missiles, so countering a MacrossMissileMassacre requires BeamSpam. Base defenses will also try to shoot down GLA Scud missiles and Chinese nukes, but they're onscreen for too little time for it to matter.
118	** ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerRedAlert2'': Large artillery missiles like the V3 missile and the missiles fired from Dreadnought ships and Boomer submarines can be shot down by AntiAir to avoid becoming overpowered. Smaller missiles (the ones from the [=IFV=], Guardian [=GI=]s, Aegis cruisers and the Apocalypse tank "Mammoth Tusks" anti-air missiles) cannot be shot down [[note]]The engine that the game is built on doesn't allow for "destroying the bullet", so these missiles are technically air vehicles according to the game. This is also the reason why Terror Drones and Attack Dogs are invincible during their "lunge" attack[[/note]].
119	** ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerRedAlert3'':
120	*** With enough AntiAir defenses (or Yuriko), it's possible to shoot an aircraft carrier's drones midair. This won't prevent the carrier from attacking since it just produces new ones, but will prevent it from doing damage.
121	*** With a ridiculous amount of anti-air defenses, it's possible to shoot down the delivery aircraft for support powers (the bombers for Precision Strike and Desolator airstrikes, Sunburst Drones).
122	* ''VideoGame/EmpireEarth'': Projectiles will self-destruct in midair if their target is destroyed before they reach it.
123	[[/folder]]
124
125	[[folder:Third-Person Shooter]]
126	* ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'': In ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil4'' and ''[[VideoGame/ResidentEvil5 5]]'' you can shoot down thrown weapons like sickles or crossbow bolts. There is even an achievement/trophy for using your knife to deflect a crossbow bolt in ''Resident Evil 5''.
127	* The Torpedo sub weapon in ''Franchise/{{Splatoon}}'' can be shot down, causing it to explode harmlessly in midair. While it only takes a small amount of damage to destroy it, doing so is definitely in your best interest if you find one is targeting you -- aside from this weakness, it is otherwise a rather devastating HomingProjectile that not only explodes ''non''-harmlessly on impact, but also [[RecursiveAmmo spreads several explosive pellets]] into the area around it.
128	[[/folder]]
129
130	[[folder:Other Media]]
131	* ''TabletopGame/BigEyesSmallMouth'' has the "Stoppable" restriction for customizing ranged attacks, meaning that the projectile is slow enough that other characters can intercept it with other attacks, possibly destroying it before it reaches its intended target.
132	* In ''Film/TheLordOfTheRingsTheFellowshipOfTheRing'', Aragorn deflects a thrown knife with his sword -- a moment not in the script, as the throw was supposed to miss, but Creator/ViggoMortensen managed to bat it out of the air on reflex.
133	[[/folder]]

Context Main / DestructibleProjectiles