Shell

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Built by the pirates, these are mule headed missiles which can only be subdued by extreme patience. Most have legs, some can fly.
—Manual, Rayman 2
Official artwork showing Rayman riding a walking shell.

A shell (also known as a Walking Bullet or a Walking Missile[1]) is a highly-explosive, rocket-shaped, animalistic robot found in Rayman 2 and its remakes, as well as the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3. They were built by the Robo-Pirates, and are used by them to guard passages. They chase Rayman if he comes within their line of sight. If Rayman manages to avoid touching them for long enough as they chase him, they become tired and Rayman can jump on their backs and ride them. This can be done easily if they are already asleep, in which case it is unnecessary to tame them. If they hit Rayman, or any other object or creature, they will explode, which can cause the player some health loss. There are three makes of shell: the flying shells, the walking shells, and the red shells. All three types can be avoided or punched to delay or stop them in their tracks.

Rayman first come across the walking shells in the Menhir Hills, red shells in the Precipice, and flying shells in the Prison Ship.

Official concept art of Rayman falling from a walking shell.

Shells can also be found as enemies in Rayman 2 Forever. They appear only in the Echoing Caves and cannot be tamed.

Walking shells are also found in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3, in the level Prickly Passage in the world Haunted Dreams. Red shells are also found in this game; they are untameable, and fly towards Rayman when he gets too close, which is not unlike their behaviour in Rayman 2.

Shells are useful sources of transport, as they can take the player over unsuitable terrain, such as lava or nettle-covered areas. Flying shells are unable to touch lava, however, and walking shells are unable to go on water. In the Iron Mountains, the walking shell can climb onto walls of any direction without falling down as long as the player does not make a mistake and there is a smooth surface.

Official concept art of Rayman riding a walking shell. Note the shape of the shell.

Makes of shell

Locations in Rayman 2

Locations in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3

Appearance

The shells can be recognised by their horse sound effects, two black legs and shoes (however, in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3 and in some Rayman 2 artwork, they are seen with silver legs with yellow knees and shoes) and a rocket shaped body, with a pirate head pattern on one side. They come in yellow, but the flying shells are grey.

Shells are of a friendly disposition, but they are programmed as guards and will attack if Rayman is in range.

References