Sparq Beam

Lore & Background

The Sparq Beam was developed by TriOptimum Corporation's weapons division as a non-lethal crowd control tool that could be adapted for lethal force. Its design draws from early 21st-century directed-energy research, miniaturizing a particle accelerator into a handheld package. The weapon's name is a portmanteau of 'spark' and 'arc,' referencing its electrical discharge mechanism. On Citadel Station, the Sparq Beam was intended for security personnel to subdue unruly passengers or contain escaped research subjects without causing permanent damage. However, after SHODAN's takeover, the weapon's power output was recalibrated by station engineers to serve as a viable combat tool against the mutant and robotic threats now roaming the corridors. The Sparq Beam's blue-white electrical bolts are distinctive, leaving a faint ozone smell and the crackling sound of ionized air in their wake. Its energy cells are rechargeable at station rechargers, making it a sustainable option for players who manage their resources carefully.

In Their Own Story

The maintenance worker's hands trembled as he fitted the last calibration crystal into the Sparq Beam's emitter array. 'This should boost the output enough to crack a security bot's armor,' he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. The weapon hummed to life, arcs of electricity dancing between its prongs. He aimed down the corridor where a mutant shambled into view. A pull of the trigger sent a lance of blue-white energy screaming through the air, punching a smoking hole through the creature's chest. 'Not bad for a prototype,' he whispered, already scanning for his next target.

Reader's Guide

The Sparq Beam is an energy weapon found in the Maintenance and Research levels of Citadel Station. It uses Energy Cells as ammunition, which are common throughout the station and can be recharged at recharge stations. The weapon fires a continuous beam that deals electrical damage over time, making it effective against robotic enemies like Security Bots and Turrets, as well as organic mutants. Its primary fire is a sustained beam that drains energy cells quickly but can stagger enemies, while the alt-fire (if available) may release a charged burst for higher damage. The weapon excels at medium range, where its beam can track moving targets. It is less effective against heavily armored foes or in close quarters where its charge time becomes a liability. Players should conserve energy cells for critical encounters, as the Sparq Beam can become a primary weapon when combined with the recharge stations scattered throughout the station. It pairs well with the Ion Pulse Rifle for dealing with robotic threats, offering a one-two punch of electrical mayhem.

Did You Know?

• The Sparq Beam uses MEMS accelerometers, which are also used in handheld electronic devices such as smartphones, cameras and video-game controllers to detect movement and orientation.
• A single-axis accelerometer measures acceleration along a specified axis, while a multi-axis accelerometer detects both the magnitude and the direction of the proper acceleration as a vector quantity.
• Highly sensitive accelerometers are used in inertial navigation systems for aircraft and missiles.
• In unmanned aerial vehicles, accelerometers help to stabilize flight.
• Vibration in industrial machinery is monitored by accelerometers.