An Analysis of the Important Role of the Blue Shell From ‘Mario Kart’

Game designer Dan “OtherDan” Emmons analyzes the important role of the Blue Shell — technically referred to as the “Spiny Shell” — from the video game Mario Kart in an interesting video narrated by Daniel Floyd. The analysis is part of the Design Club series by the folks at Extra Credits (see previously).

Every Mario Kart player has seen a victory snatched from them by the merciless blue shell. Despite the hate it receives, it plays an important role in the game by keeping races close and interesting.