Super Mario RPG

Alright, let's break down the battle system in Super Mario RPG! It looks like a standard turn-based RPG at first glance, but there's a really cool timing element that makes every action way more engaging. Mastering these commands will make a huge difference, so let's get you up to speed.

Battle Commands Explained:

1. A Button - Regular Attack: This is your bread-and-butter attack. You'll use it a lot! The real magic happens with a Timed Hit. Try to press A again right when Mario's first hit is about to connect with the enemy. Nail it, and you'll get an extra hit in, boosting your damage significantly.
2. Timed Hits (Defense): This same timing trick works when enemies attack you! If you press A just as an enemy's attack is about to land, you'll perform a Guard. This reduces the damage you take, which is super helpful for surviving tougher fights.
3. B Button - Defend/Run: This button has two main uses. You can choose to Defend, which reduces damage taken during an enemy's turn. You can also attempt to Run Away from battle. Most of the time, this works, but there are a couple of catches: if the enemy is way faster than you, you might not escape, and more importantly, you absolutely CAN'T run from boss battles. So, don't even think about it there!
4. X Button - Item: This is your go-to for using items. Whether you need to heal yourself or a party member with a Mushroom, or use something else to debuff an enemy, you'll select it here.
5. Y Button - Special Attack: This is where the flashy moves come in! Using a Special Attack costs FP (Flower Points), so keep an eye on your FP gauge. Like regular attacks, Special Attacks often have their own Timed Hit windows. The timing can be a little different for each move, so practice them to get the most out of your FP!

The playable characters in Super Mario RPG are Mario, Mallow, Geno, Bowser, and Toadstool. Below is a breakdown of each character with their starting statistics, normal attacks, and special moves.

Mario

The main hero, Mario, is a strong fighter with excellent jumping and fireball specials. His starting stats at Level 1 are HP 20, Attack 20, Mg. Attack 10, Speed 20, Defense 0, and Mg. Defense 2.

Mario's Normal Attacks / Timed Hits: Unarmed, Punch Glove, Mega Glove, Hammer, Hammer (2), Masher, Ultra Hammer, Super Hammer, NokNok Shell, Troopa Shell, Lazy Shell (Weapon).

Mario's Special Moves:

• Jump (FP 3, Level -): Jumps on the enemy. Press Y on contact for a Timed Hit.
• Fire Orb (FP 5, Level 3): Shoots small fireballs at a single enemy. Press Y rapidly for more hits.
• Super Jump (FP 7, Level 6): Mario stomps on the enemy. Press Y on contact to jump again, chaining for damage. (30 or 100 hits reward a special prize).
• Super Flame (FP 9, Level 10): Shoots larger fireballs at the enemy. Press Y repeatedly for multiple hits.
• Ultra Jump (FP 11, Level 14): Jumps on the target and other enemies. Press Y on contact to jump again, with longer intervals than Super Jump.
• Ultra Flame (FP 14, Level 18): Shoots fireballs that hit multiple enemies.

Mallow

Mallow, a white tadpole, joins Mario to retrieve his Frog Coin. He excels in special attacks rather than physical ones. His starting stats at Level 2 are HP 20, Attack 22, Mg. Attack 15, Speed 18, Defense 3, and Mg. Defense 10.

Mallow's Normal Attacks / Timed Hits: Unarmed, Whomp Glove, Sticky Glove, Froggie Stick, Ribbit Stick, Cymbals, Sonic Cymbals.

Mallow's Special Moves:

• Thunderbolt (FP 2, Level -): Hits all enemies with thunderbolts. Press Y as the storm ends for a Timed Hit.
• HP Rain (FP 2, Level 3): Heals one ally's HP with a rain cloud.
• Psychopath (FP 1, Level 6): Reveals an enemy's remaining HP. Press Y as spotlights converge to see enemy thoughts.
• Shocker (FP 8, Level 10): Hits a single enemy with a large lightning bolt. Press Y on contact for more damage.
• Snowy (FP 12, Level 14): Summons a giant snowman to hit all enemies. Effective against fire enemies.
• Star Rain (FP 14, Level 18): A star falls on enemies. Press Y before ground contact for multiple hits.

Geno

Geno, a stranger from the Star Road, possesses powerful special attacks, including one capable of dealing 9,999 HP damage. His starting stats at Level 6 are HP 45, Attack 60, Mg. Attack 25, Speed 30, Defense 23, and Mg. Defense 17.

Geno's Normal Attacks / Timed Hits: Finger Shot, Hand Gun, Double Punch, Hand Cannon, Star Gun. (All weapons are projectiles; press A as the shot leaves his arm for a stronger blow).

Geno's Special Moves:

• Geno Beam (FP 3, Level -): Shoots a ray beam. Hold Y until 3 stars appear, then release.
• Geno Boost (FP 4, Level 8): Raises a single ally's attack stats. Press Y before upward arrows disappear to also raise defense.
• Geno Whirl (FP 6, Level 12): Deals damage equal to the enemy's remaining HP. Press Y as the coin spins to increase damage.