Line #39 Main/HomingLasers


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15	[[quoteright:350:[[ComicBook/SupermanDoomsdayHunterPrey https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/laser.png]]]]
16	[[caption-width-right:350:Watch your back, Doomsday.]]
17	->'''''"HOOOMIIIIINNGU RREEEIIZAAAAAA!!!!!"'''''
18	-->-- '''Noriko Takaya''', ''Anime/{{Gunbuster}}''.
19
20	AsYouKnow, missiles are very effective anti-vehicular weapons because when fired, they track down and follow their target to ensure they hit. This also makes them very cool. But you know what would be cooler? If we had ''[[EnergyWeapon lasers]]'' that did the same thing! Who cares if they [[ArtisticLicensePhysics have no known or plausible way of steering]] and [[ImpossiblyCoolWeapon don't possess the correct attributes to identify a target]]?! [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome They make for some amazing action sequences]], [[RuleOfCool and that's all that matters]].
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22	If a sci-fi work contains these, it's more than likely to be on the softer side of the sci-fi spectrum.
23
24	Often causes the one on the wrong end to have an OhCrap moment, especially if they think the shooter has missed, and may be {{Lampshaded}} with "HowIsThatEvenPossible", depending on the hardness of the setting. Or at least, how hard [[GenreBlindness they think]] it is.
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26	Subtrope of EnergyWeapon, and SisterTrope to HomingProjectile, which can also overlap with ImpossiblyCoolWeapon. May involve but is ''not'' strictly limited to {{Roboteching}} and often leads to a flashier version of the HighSpeedMissileDodge.
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28	This is NOT simply BeamSpam, where so many beams are fired that the target will get hit solely because of the sheer number of beams (though there's no reason you can't [[SpamAttack spam homing lasers]]). It also excludes guns that auto-track to keep an otherwise normal, straight-flying beam on the target, as well as any remote reflection, refraction or beam-bending/splitting devices that can be made to aim at a target. Also does not count if the beams simply bend randomly in-flight; they ''must'' actively chase the target(s) in question.
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30	This trope is not strictly limited to lasers per sé. Particle beams and beams of PureEnergy also count, as do beams or bolts made of any kind of in-universe [[AppliedPhlebotinum phlebotinum]]. HardLight projectiles also count, though only if they do not imitate the workings of conventional homing weapons. This is where it overlaps with HomingProjectile.
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32	----
33	!!Examples:
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35	[[foldercontrol]]
36
37	[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
38	* In ''Literature/DateALive'' Mana Takamiya uses these when [[CurbStompBattle fighting]] the spirit known as [[CodeName Nightmare]]. She has limited [[RealityWarper reality warping]] tech that is used to do it.
39	* Krillin from ''Franchise/DragonBall'' did this with [[KiManipulation Ki blasts]] in his World Tournament match against Piccolo.
40	** Frequent in the franchise, especially once ''Anime/DragonBallZ'' begins and the number of characters able to use energy blast-style attacks skyrockets. Somewhat more justified than most because the blasts are connected spiritually to the firer.
41	* ''Anime/DigimonAdventure2020'': [[MonsterOfTheWeek MetallifeKuwagamon]] can fire homing beams from its FingerFirearms, with each able to track a different target. [=WereGarurumon=] can fire a similar attack from his {{Swiss Army Weapon}}s while in [[SuperMode Sagittarius Mode]], which upgrades to a barrage of homing {{Freeze Ray}}s when he evolves to [=MetalGarurumon=].
42	* Numerous examples exist in the ''Anime/EurekaSeven'' universe, including the Devilfish and The END.
43	** The same goes for the ''Anime/EurekaSevenAo'' universe, particularly where the [[EldritchAbomination Secrets]] are concerned. It gets [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] at one point.
44	* Downplayed in several fleet battle scenes of the ''Anime/GallForce'' OVA, where ships fire lasers out at an angle, which then angle again to hit their targets.
45	* ''Anime/{{Gunbuster}}'' is the TropeNamer for this, [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin as can be clearly seen]] [[DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment from the page quote]].
46	* ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' has several examples, though it is very slightly more plausible in that they are ''particle beams'' rather than actual lasers. In the main Universal Century setting, this is explained by making advanced use of I-fields (particle-repellent energy fields) to shape a beam weapon's trajectory, letting [[HumongousMecha mobile suit]] designers literally cover their creations with beam guns without having to worry about whether they're pointed in a useful direction or not.
47	** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED'' has the Forbidden Gundam's primary cannon, which often fires in a curve. Forbidden can also curve enemy beams away from itself.
48	** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam00'' features [[WaveMotionGun a very big one]] mounted on the Mobile Armour "Regnant", which can curve once after being fired.
49	** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamAGE'' has SID's [[BeamSpam numerous beam weapons]], all of which can curve and home in on targets.
50	** ''Anime/GundamReconguistaInG'' features the Elf Bull mobile suit, which [[BeamSpam spams]] the things!
51	* ''Anime/KillLaKill'' has [[BeamSpam LOTS of these]] coming from Nonon Jakuzure's Symphony Regalia Mk. II, that are made out of [[RuleOfCool music]]!
52	* The ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' franchise has Nanoha's Axel Shooter, a magical BeamSpam whose every movement she can control, allowing her to track and shoot down multiple targets at once.
53	* ''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater'' has these as one of the Nautilus' primary armaments. Of course, the director was Creator/HideakiAnno (who also made the TropeNamer, ''Anime/{{Gunbuster}}'' several years earlier).
54	* In ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' there's one Storm Release (Water + Thunder) Technique that shoots a volley of laser-like bullets that home on the target curving and bending midair.
55	* PlayedForLaughs in ''Anime/PokemonTheSeriesDiamondAndPearl'' with the RunningGag where Ash's Gible's Draco Meteor attack would fail to execute properly and inexplicably only ever hit Dawn's Piplup. When Dawn's TeamMom Togekiss comes into the picture, she would hit it back and it would change course to focus on Gible [[GuiltByAssociationGag and Ash]].
56	* ''VisualNovel/UminekoWhenTheyCry'' has {{Magitek}} looking bullets of HardLight that curve a multitude of times to seek out their target, even flying through ''keyholes'' to get at their victims.
57	* ''Anime/WolfsRain'': The laser-like weapons installed in the Nobles' airships fire beams that can be seen to zig-zag en route to their targets.
58	* ''Anime/XamdLostMemories'': The [[EldritchAbomination Hiruken Emperor]] uses these as one of his primary methods of attack. '' '''[[BeamSpam LOTS of 'em!]]''' ''
59	* At the climax of ''Manga/YuYuHakusho {{the Movie}}: Poltergeist Report'', Yusuke's normally line-of-sight reigun is able to do this thanks to [[AllYourPowersCombined its energies combining with those of his teammates]].
60	* ''Anime/{{Zegapain}}'' also features these, in the form of the Hraesvelgr's "missiles", which despite their name appear to be simple chunks of HardLight with no known internal computation systems, aerodynamic properties or explanation of how or why they are capable of following targets other than RuleOfCool.
61	[[/folder]]
62
63	[[folder:ComicBooks]]
64	* In the ''Franchise/MarvelUniverse'', the beams produced by the Ultimate Nullifier are capable of homing in on an individual target in an entirely separate star system.
65	* ''ComicBook/NewGods'': Darkseid's [[EyeBeams Omega Beam]] can do this, and in fact tends towards wild {{Roboteching}} even if the shot is straightforward. {{Justified\|Trope}} in that he is ''canonically'' a god, and the Omega Beam being an AlwaysAccurateAttack is explicitly a feature.
66	[[/folder]]
67
68	[[folder:Film -- Animated]]
69	* ''Animation/BoBoiBoyTheMovie'': Gaga Naz, one of the members of the antagonistic Tengkotak gang, is equipped with blasters which shoot homing lasers, which he uses to deal what he believes to be the finishing blow on the heroes during the fight in the factory.
70	[[/folder]]
71
72	[[folder:Film -- Live-Action]]
73	* Darkseid uses his Omega Beam in ''Film/ZackSnydersJusticeLeague''.
74	[[/folder]]
75
76	[[folder:Video Games]]
77	* ''VideoGame/ArcAngle'': Your character's method of 'attack' uses a cone of light which converts enemy bullets into "Holy Bullets" that resemble orbs of light. Said Holy Bullets then [[AttackReflector home back in on sender]].
78	* The ''VideoGame/AreaFlat'' series has homing lasers both used by the player and enemies.
79	* ''VideoGame/{{Axelay}}'' had several examples of bending/homing lasers.
80	* ''VideoGame/CrimzonClover'' is what you'd get if ''[=RayForce=]'' was made by Creator/{{CAVE}}. The Type-1 ship fires lasers whereas Type-2 fires [[MacrossMissileMassacre missiles]].
81	* Some of the Virtuaroids of Creator/{{Sega}}'s ''[[VideoGame/VirtualOn Cyber Troopers Virtual-ON]]'' like Viper-II (and the later descendants) have an homing laser attack.
82	* ''VideoGame/{{Dogyuun}}'' has the purple and red weapons. The purple laser curves into enemies, while the red laser homes in via 90-degree turns.
83	* ''VideoGame/EarthDefenseForce'': Wing Diver/Pale Wing(in Japan), have several weapons that are homing lasers that lock onto and pursue enemies.
84	* ''VideoGame/{{Einhander}}'':
85	** [[SpiderTank Gecko]], the third MiniBoss attacks almost exclusively with laser attacks, one of which is a long yellow homing laser that will chase the player around.
86	** The FinalBoss of has two variants of this. Blue ones will constantly chase you for a period of time, red ones will slow to a crawl as they attempt to chase you before suddenly speeding up but losing most of their homing function. It becomes problematic when the boss decides to use both of them together.
87	* Edelweiss' ''VideoGame/EtherVapor'' has a fighter craft called the Ex-tio that uses a weapon that fires an endless (albeit fairly average in fire power) barrage of homing lasers, which like in the ''RAY'' series is needed [[TwoAndAHalfD to shoot stuff in the background]].
88	* The player's robots in the ''VideoGame/ExZeus'' series are armed with homing missiles that can pull off some crazy twists and turns as they home-in on their target, sometimes even spiral their way to them.
89	* ''VideoGame/{{Genetos}}'': The StartingEquipment of the Sub-Weapon slot, literally called "Homing Laser". Its description:
90	--> Locks on enemies and shoots automatically-guided lasers. Required a short amount of time until fire.
91	* In the ''VideoGame/{{Gradius}}'' series, particularly ''Gradius V'', there are certain bosses that fire homing lasers in their attack patterns. These homing lasers tend to home in a lot faster in higher loops.
92	* ''Franchise/{{Halo}}'':
93	** Charged shots from a plasma pistol will curve off after the nearest target. They won't [[{{Roboteching}} robotech]], but the path of the bolt will bend by up to about fifteen degrees.
94	** In ''VideoGame/Halo5Guardians'', the Boltshot's and Suppressor's HardLight shots will track foes, and the Scattershot's hard-light rounds will also do so if you first ricochet them off a surface (the "Didact's Signet" variant does this particularly well).
95	** The larger scale Covenant plasma torpedoes (first seen briefly in the "escape from the ''Pillar of Autumn''" cutscene in ''VideoGame/HaloCombatEvolved'', but elaborated upon by the expanded universe) are bolts of plasma contained in a magnetic field generated by the vessel that fired them projected over the intended target. As such, it merely appears as if the bolt is chasing the target, when in fact the weapon appears to be more of a continuous "beam" that simply alters its angle to keep on the target, as the plasma bolt is just made to follow the natural path of the field as it tracks.
96	* In ''VideoGame/Jak3Wastelander'', the final [[AppliedPhlebotinum Blue Eco]] Mod for Jak's [[MorphWeapon Morph Gun]] is the Needle Lazer. You don't even need to aim the gun at your enemies because the laser bullets will find them for you.
97	* In ''VideoGame/{{Kolibri}}'', one available weapon is a laser that curves around to hit enemies.
98	* Terra's weapon from ''VideoGame/MegaManV'', Spark Chaser. Not only it homes on your enemies, but a single laser can hit multiple times.
99	* ''VideoGame/{{Mechcommander}}'' calculates whether a shot will hit when it is fired. The graphical effect will then play appropriately regardless of what is happening around it. This can result in lasers and autocannon shells chasing a fast-moving mech across the map, including around corners and far out of what should be their effective range.
100	* ''VideoGame/MegaManZXAdvent'': As the Model A Mega Man, Grey's aptly-titled Homing Shot fires up to eight purple homing lasers at locked-on targets, while his counterpart Ashe's version visually resembles ChainLightning. [[spoiler:As [[FinalBoss Mega Man Model W]], [[BigBad Albert]] uses similar homing lasers, complete with targeting reticles.]]
101	* ''VideoGame/PanzerDragoon'':
102	** The signature Dragon fires these, if you hold the button and scroll your cursor over relevant targets. They're much more powerful than your rapid-fire gun, and [[AlwaysAccurateAttack are guaranteed to hit]], but having to lock-on all the targets takes longer, and they don't lock on to projectiles that could otherwise be shot down. Other enemies like the Dragonmares have slow acidic attacks, making the [[spoiler: final boss in ''Orta'' come as a rude surprise when it starts using homing laser attacks against you]]
103	** In ''Saga'', which is an [[EasternRPG RPG]] [[OddballInTheSeries instead of a]] RailShooter, the downside is instead that they lock-on to targets automatically and indiscriminately, which can be a problem with large crowds if they target several weak {{Mooks}} when you wanted to hit a strong one.
104	** Its SpiritualSuccessor, ''VideoGame/CrimsonDragon'', have these too.
105	* ''VideoGame/PhantomBrave'': The skill "Ancient Mist" is a homing laser-style attack.
106	* The ''Franchise/{{Predator}}'' uses a Plasma Caster that shoots Plasma bolts. It follows the laser sight built into his helmet and in the ''Franchise/AlienVsPredator'' games, the bolt actually homes in on the target. Very useful against those fast-moving aliens!
107	** Even though it's not a laser, but a plasma bolt, almost every mod for the games removes the homing capability because the PLASMA CASTER DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY!
108	* The eponymous Silverguns of ''VideoGame/RadiantSilvergun'' have a combination of weapons that activates the ship's lock-on homing lasers.
109	** The final boss of its SpiritualSuccessor, ''VideoGame/{{Ikaruga}}'', will fire these in alternating polarities and [[TennisBoss you must absorb them to shoot it back]]. Get good at it, [[DynamicDifficulty and it will begin to throwing in bullet spam with it]].
110	* ''VideoGame/{{Raiden}} II'' has the purple Plasma Laser. When fully charged, it will lock onto any available target and coil all over the screen.
111	* In ''VideoGame/RapidReload'', the player weapon "H" is a homing laser that fires in serpentine bursts.
112	* One of the earliest examples of homing lasers in video games is Creator/{{Taito}}'s ''[[VideoGame/RaySeries RAY Series]]'' starting with ''[=RayForce=]''. You (and a partner) take control of a SpaceFighter capable of firing multiple homing lasers at once. Some enemies and bosses can shoot homing lasers as well.
113	* In ''VideoGame/{{Rez}}'', this is your only weapon. Its successor, ''VideoGame/ChildOfEden'', added a rapid fire beam, but kept the homing laser as your primary method of attack.
114	* ''VideoGame/RType[='=]s ''Green powerups fire a laser that bends to hit enemies.
115	* G.rev's hybrid of ShootEmUp-[[JustForFun/XMeetsY meets]]-FightingGame series ''VideoGame/SenkoNoRonde'' features some mechs known as Rounders with homing laser weaponry (e.g. Changpo's Citronette or Lili's Brinstä), even more so with certain [[SuperMode B.O.S.S.]] Shells and in-game bosses.
116	* Lasers in ''VideoGame/SidMeiersStarships'' certainly act like regular lasers, requiring a direct line of sight and reducing in effectiveness if there's something in the way. However, the animation shows them weaving around and braiding themselves on the way to the target. The plasma cannons, on the other hand, are short-range, direct fire, and ''don't'' deviate once fired.
117	* ''VideoGame/{{Solatorobo}}'': The Titano-Machinas' lasers bend at right angles before going to the target.
118	* E-102 Gamma in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure'', as well as Tails and Eggman from ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'', are equipped with homing lasers that behave extremely similarly to ''Panzer Dragoon[='=]s''. However, they are platformers with mostly static targets, and not rail shooters where the targets would inevitably go out of range of their own volition. To counter this, the targeting laser eventually dies out, losing your lock on every target, requiring players to lock onto all targets within a short timeframe if they want to fire anything.
119	* Ranged energy weapons in ''VideoGame/{{StarCraft\|I}}'' noticeably curve off after moving targets, even pursuing them beyond their normal attack range.
120	* Blaster bolts in ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic'' tend to change their trajectories and home in on their targets. This might not be noticeable to a force user who casually deflects bolts with their lightsaber, but use a MoreDakka class like the Trooper, and it will become evident. The total reverse of ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy.
121	* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsZ'' Saisei Hen features a new Anti-Gurren Lagann, which fires pink/ purple beams from the ports all over its body that home in on their target, [[{{Roboteching}} even those fired from the back of the mecha]].
122	* SITER SKAIN's ''VideoGame/TheTaleOfAlltynex'' series of {{doujin\|Soft}} shoot 'em ups loves this trope as much the ''RAY'' series.
123	** In ''VideoGame/AlltynexSecond'', a [[VideoGameRemake remake]] of the little-known FM Towns game ''ALLTYNEX'' by the same creator, you take of a fighter that transform into a semi-mecha that can use homing laser along with a [[SpreadShot vulcan cannon]], [[LaserBlade beam]] [[DualWielding swords]], and a WaveMotionGun. The same goes for the original FM Towns game.
124	** In ''VideoGame/RefleX'', which is also a remaking of a PC game called ''Reflection'' (that's also [[FreewareGames freeware]]), your ship can ''reflect'' them.
125	** ''VideoGame/{{Kamui}}'' has bosses like the ALLTYNEX OS that uses them, too. If you use your [[WaveMotionGun Lightning Blade]], you can reflect them back at enemies.
126	* The [[DoujinSoft doujin]] {{mecha game}} series ''VideoGame/WindomXP'' features Franchise/{{Gundam}}-[[CaptainErsatz esque]] mechs based after Windows and Linux operating systems that can [[BeamSpam spam homing]] lasers from one of their sub-weapons.
127	* ''[[VideoGame/{{Xevious}} Xevious 3D[=/=]G]]'' has a homing-beam weapon, which can be fired by ''both'' attack buttons.
128	* The Orbital Frames of ''VideoGame/ZoneOfTheEnders'' are known for mixing this with BeamSpam, particularly Jehuty and Anubis.
129	[[/folder]]
130
131	[[folder: Web Original]]
132	* ''Literature/WhateleyUniverse'': Twist can do it. As she says: “[[http://whateleyacademy.net/index.php/original-timeline/799-out-on-a-tether I can shoot these blasts of energy, and make them twist around and change directions in mid-air. In fact, that’s my codename. Twist]].”
133	* [[TheCape Legend]], of ''Literature/{{Worm}}'', is capable of projecting lasers from any point on his body, and can guide their path -- even to the point of making them turn corners.
134	[[/folder]]
135
136	[[folder:Western Animation]]
137	* In ''WesternAnimation/Ben10AlienForce'', the [[{{WesternAnimation/Ben10}} previous]] BigBad, Vilgax returns with new powers, including EyeBeams that do this.
138	* As previously mentioned, Darkseid's EyeBeams follow the target. In ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague'', Batman becomes the first human to dodge them, which earns Darkseid's respect.
139	* ''WesternAnimation/VoltronLegendaryDefender'': Voltron's {{BFG}} shoulder-cannon can fire a barrage of homing energy beams.
140	[[/folder]]
141
142	[[folder:RealLife]]
143	* To a degree (a very, ''very'', '' '''VERY''' '' SMALL one), this is technically TruthInTelevision, as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM630Z8lho8 this video's first example]] shows, meaning that all lasers (which are made of light) [[RealityIsUnrealistic are indeed drawn toward]] ANYTHING with energy and momentum. Just nowhere near enough to be noticeable or count for anything.
144	* While it's not an actual laser, some military directed energy weapon researchers have theorized that magnetically contained plasma could act in the spirit of this trope by manipulating the magnetic field.
145	* A plasma sheath shaped using electromagnetic fields has been proposed as a method to steer projectiles or aircraft without needing flaps or fins.
146	* Diffraction. With suitable initial conditions, a laser beam, defined as the zone of space where the intensity is above a certain level, can be shaped using diffraction gratings so that it takes an oscillating or spiraling path. More recently (2012), this was extended to [[https://www.osapublishing.org/ol/abstract.cfm?uri=ol-37-23-5003 potentially arbitrary trajectories.]]
147	[[/folder]]
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Context Main / HomingLasers