Get a grip on Super Mario RPG's controls! Learn how to move, battle, and navigate menus with this quick guide to every button's function.
Alright, let's get you up to speed on how to actually play Super Mario RPG! It's pretty straightforward once you know what each button does, both when you're just exploring the world and when you're in the thick of a fight. Think of this as your cheat sheet so you don't have to guess!
Here's a breakdown of what each button does:
| Button | Where? | Action |
| Control Pad | _Outside battle_ | Move Mario around, move the cursor around. |
| _In battle_ | Move the cursor around to select enemies, items, moves, etc. | |
| A | _Outside battle_ | Talk to someone, examine objects, make selections on the menu screen. |
| _In battle_ | Use the Attack Command, perform Timed Hits. | |
| B | _Outside battle_ | Jump, cancel a selection/command on the menu screen. |
| _In battle_ | Use the Etc. Command. (Defense, Run Away.) | |
| X | _Outside battle_ | Access the menu screen. |
| _In battle_ | Use the Item Command. | |
| Y | _Outside battle_ | Run. (hold Y while using the Control Pad; hold while jumping to make wider jumps) |
| _In battle_ | Use the Special Command, execute certain special moves. | |
| L | _File selection screen_ | Switch between Stereo and Mono sound before starting the game. |
| R | _File selection screen_ | Switch between Stereo and Mono sound before starting the game. |
| SELECT | _File selection screen_ | Switch between Stereo and Mono sound before starting the game. |
| START | _At the start_ | Starts the game. |
So, when you're exploring, the Control Pad is your main way to move Mario and navigate menus. The A button is for interacting with things and confirming choices, B is for jumping and backing out, X brings up your main menu, and holding Y lets you run. In battle, it's a bit different: Control Pad selects targets, A is for your basic attack (and those crucial Timed Hits!), B is for the 'Etc.' menu (think defense or running), X is for items, and Y is for your flashy Special moves. Don't forget L, R, and SELECT on the file screen if you ever want to tweak the sound settings before diving in!
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