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The Shellcracker - also known as Crab Punch - is a crustacean-based Badnik created by Dr. Eggman. While it appears similar to the Crabmeat, its combat style is very different. It has no ranged weaponry and instead attacks by extending its large claw to punch opponents.
Description[]
The Shellcracker is modelled after the red fiddler crab. It has a red and white body and scuttles about slowly on four spindly legs. It has two arms that each end in a crab pincer; the left pincer is small and practically useless, but its large right claw is attached to a telescopic arm and is covered in spikes.
The Shellcracker usually serves as a defensive unit for Eggman's facilities. These Badniks are generally stationed at access points waiting for intruders to show themselves, at which point they will extend their telescopic right arms to punch intruders.
Game Appearances[]
Sonic the Hedgehog 2[]
Shellcrackers appear in the Metropolis Zone, usually located on elevated floors where the player has to jump up to. They move very slowly, but when the player is in range, their right claw extends quickly, so players must be alert or risk being punched. While its arm is extended, the Shellcracker is essentially defenceless, but the player only has a brief moment to attack before the claw recoils.
Sonic Pocket Adventure[]
In Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure, Shellcrackers appear in Gigantic Angel Zone. They behave and attack in the same manner as they did previously in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I[]
Shellcrackers return in 2010's Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I along with numerous other classic Badniks. Its appearance has been modernized as there are more details to its form, but its behaviour has changed little. It is only marginally faster and it gives away its attack as it tilts its left claw down before striking with its right claw.
Shellcrackers are encountered in the Mad Gear Zone, which has an identical design to the Metropolis Zone.
Other Appearances[]
Archie Comics[]
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, Shellcrackers were guarding the Metropolis Zone during Operation: Clean Sweep. When Sonic the Hedgehog ventured through the base, he came across several Shellcrackers
After the Super Genesis Wave rebooted the timeline, Shellcrackers became nearly identical to their game counterparts. In this reality, they are Badniks stationed in the Metropolis Zone and are used by the Metropolis Egg Army.