Shell defense

The Shell Defense is a counterattack that Bowser learns in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story. The move is meant to counter enemies who attack Bowser from above rather than the side. Unlike other countering moves, the Shell Defense does not cause damage to enemies, rather they simply hit Bowser's shell and bounce off. In some cases, enemies who hit Bowser's shell will become vurnerable to Bowser's punching counterattack. Bowser is able to use this counter from the beginning of the game.