Super Smash Bros. 4

Spiny Shell

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Spiny Shell

Lucario throwing the Spiny Shell in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
Universe Mario
Appears in SSB4
Item class Throwing
Article on Super Mario Wiki Spiny Shell (Mario Kart)

The Spiny Shell (トゲゾーこうら, Togezo Shell), popularly known as the Blue Shell, is an item in Super Smash Bros. 4. First seen in the April 2014 Nintendo Direct, the Spiny Shell hovers above the leading player (most points or stock, least damage) for five seconds, and then falls down on said player. The time it takes from falling on its target to exploding is randomized, making it difficult to dodge each time. Upon contact with any player or hitbox, the Spiny Shell vanishes in a violent explosion that deals 28% damage and knocks enemies back quite a far way.

When the Spiny shell is falling, it can be interrupted by hitting another player or hitbox. Hence, it is possible to avoid a Spiny Shell by hiding under other players, so another player takes in the effect of the Spiny Shell.

Origin

This item appears to be the most common variation of a Spiny Shell in Mario spin-off games including Mario Kart. It originates from Mario Kart 64, where it appeared as an incredibly rare item that would tear through the course in pursuit of the racer in 1st place, to whom it would deliver a massive blow; it would also bash through any other racers and items that happened to be in the way. It is one of the most notorious items in the series, stalling the target for an extremely long time and being nearly impossible to avoid once thrown, even when predicted. Later games in the series gave the shell wings and a large explosion upon touching down on the leader. It still explodes upon impact and flies, but at a much lower trajectory, being able to hit racers that happen to be in its path like before. Its design in Super Smash Bros. 4 is taken from its appearance in the latest Mario Kart games: Mario Kart 7 and Mario Kart 8.

Gallery