Red Shells

From Mario Kart Racing Wiki

[edit] Overview

Red Shells are items in all Mario Kart games. They can home in on the opponent whose rank is one higher than the driver's. Red Shells can be picked up in singles or triples, in which case they circle around the kart until all three are fired. In this state, they can be used as a barrier, useful for blocking contact with other hazards, such as Bananas. However, they offer no protection against Blue Shells and Fake Item Boxes. If the character comes in contact with any other driver, then the other driver will be knocked over. The exception to this rule is in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, where the shells are carried rather than circle around a character's kart. Red Shells are actually Red Koopa shells.

[edit] In Media

At GameTrailers, they called the Red Shell the 2nd best weapon in gaming, second to the Gravity Gun from the Half-Life Series. At ScrewAttack, they included the Red Shell in "The Armory".

[edit] How to avoid a Red shell

To easily avoid a Red Shell, you must have a Banana, or a Green or Red Shell. Simply hold it behind you, and the Red Shell may crash into the item rather than you. However, the Red Shell may strike you on the side rather then from behind.