10 Best Video Game Power-Ups Ever

Generally, a power-up affects the playerdirectly. You want to become more powerful, be it through additional health, damage, movement bonuses or otherwise. However, the last entry on our list satisfies a different want from that of a power-up. It appeals to the sadistic, aggressive part of us that wants to see others fail more than ourselves succeed.

Mario Kart’s blue shell is an item picked up from the track. Does it help you if you’re in tenth place? No. But what it does do is make us feel better about dethroning that smug pr**k at number one.

Load it up, launch it forward and watch that thing fly to first place. An added bonus is the fact that it’ll take time from anyone else it comes in contact with along the way, knocking them over. If first place is smart, they’ll quickly fall back to second, dodging the blue shell but that's tactics talk.

Ultimately, the blue shell is satisfaction in item form, and that is more powerful than any form of damage boost or additional health.