The Sonic Eruptor is a weapon manufactured by GrummelNet Industries in A Crack in Time and Full Frontal Assault. This weapon houses a frog-like creature known as a xenegote, which damages enemies by emitting a powerful soundwave, essentially its mating call. The strength and radius of the soundwave depend on how much the xenegote's cheeks puff out before firing, as indicated by an on-screen meter.
In A Crack in Time, the Sonic Eruptor can be upgraded to the Super Sonic Eruptor through use, while in Full Frontal Assault, it can be upgraded to the Alpha Sonic Eruptor.
Characteristics[]
The Sonic Eruptor is a bioweapon consisting of a small machine held by the user with both hands, featuring a genetically mutated xenegote[1] at the end. The xenegote is an orange, frog-like creature with no apparent limbs, characterized by a large face and wide cheeks that puff out and retract as it breathes. Its mating call is an extremely loud bellow.
The Super Sonic Eruptor's xenegote is turquoise and has tentacles around its mouth, while the Alpha Sonic Eruptor's xenegote is green, though otherwise identical in appearance to the original.
GrummelNet advises against using the Sonic Eruptor around female xenegotes, as they are "quite insistent".[2]
Gameplay[]
Overview[]
The Sonic Eruptor emits a soundwave from the xenegote that damages enemies within range. Its range and area of effect make it most effective against groups of small to medium enemies. While it can stagger larger enemies when fired at its strongest, it lacks the damage output to be effective against them. As a result, the weapon requires some skill to maximize its effectiveness; players should aim to hit multiple enemies at once and only fire when the xenegote's cheeks are fully puffed.
The upgrades to the Super Sonic Eruptor in A Crack in Time and the Alpha Sonic Eruptor in Full Frontal Assault enhance the weapon by causing it to spew acid globules along with the soundwave, dealing damage to enemies that walk over them.
A Crack in Time[]
The Sonic Eruptor in action.
The Sonic Eruptor is available for purchase upon reaching Quantos for 4,000 bolts. With use, it can be upgraded to the Super Sonic Eruptor, featuring a mature, turquoise xenegote that emits acidic droplets along with its soundwave. In challenge mode, the Omega Super Sonic Eruptor can be purchased for 122,000 bolts.
A timing mechanic allows the xenegote to unleash a greater attack when its lungs are full. The power and range of the soundwave are significantly increased if fired when the xenegote's cheeks are fully puffed. An indicator flashes when the xenegote is at its most powerful, signaling the optimal time to fire.
Full Frontal Assault[]
Ratchet using the Sonic Eruptor
The Sonic Eruptor is available upon reaching planet Ebaro. It can be upgraded to the Alpha Sonic Eruptor with use, which holds a green xenegote that also spits out green toxic cells, damaging enemies over time.
The timing mechanic was removed in Full Frontal Assault, making the size and power of the blast consistent regardless of the xenegote's cheeks when firing.
Behind the scenes[]
Concept art.
During pre-production on A Crack in Time, the Sonic Eruptor was originally called the Sonic Disruptor.
The weapon appeared in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale.