Super Mario RPG: How to Block, Does Increasing Defense Make Blocking Easier?
by Rubaditsha | Updated Nov 18, 2023
Super Mario RPG: How to Block?
Super Mario RPG, released in 1996, departed from traditional Mario platforming, featuring turn-based combat and a distinctive 3D isometric graphical style. Unlike a typical Mario game, it established its own identity by combining RPG elements with Mario characters.
Blocking Mechanic
In Super Mario RPG, players can actively influence both incoming and outgoing damage through a crucial mechanic known as blocking.
Execution of a Block
To perform a block, players need to press the "A" button at a specific moment, indicated by an exclamation point just before an enemy's attack connects.
Perfect Block
Timing is critical, and achieving a perfect block results in a blue shield appearing in front of the character, completely nullifying incoming damage.
Types of Blocking
There are two types of blocking: a perfect block, which negates all damage, and a normal block, with a more forgiving timing window that reduces the majority of damage but not all.
Strategic Considerations
While normal blocking can be beneficial, players ideally aim for perfect blocks to avoid any damage entirely. Successful blocking is especially useful in preparing for situations where multiple party members might be hit simultaneously.
Limitations
It's important to note that blocking has limitations. It cannot be applied to attacks targeting multiple characters at once.
In summary, Super Mario RPG's blocking mechanic adds a layer of strategy to its turn-based combat, allowing players to actively mitigate damage and enhance their overall gameplay experience.
Does Increasing Defense Make Blocking Easier?
In RPGs, boosting stats is vital for success in upcoming battles. While raising the Defense stat lessens damage from unblocked attacks, it doesn't facilitate easier execution of perfect blocks. The key to improving blocking proficiency lies in consistent practice.
Unlike stat increases, honing the skill of pulling off a block is achieved through regular practice each time a party member faces an attack. So, while strengthening defenses mitigates damage, the finesse of executing a perfect block comes from hands-on experience and repetition in the heat of battle.
Super Mario RPG: How to Time Attacks & Blocks
Understanding Timed Hits
Super Mario RPG introduces the concept of timed hits, a crucial skill for success in battles. Timed hits involve pressing the attack or block button at precise moments, significantly impacting damage dealt or received.
Executing Timed Hits
Importance in Battles
While not essential for completing the game, mastering timed hits makes battles more manageable. Perfectly timed attacks hit all enemies in the Switch remake, and well-timed blocks can nullify damage. Increasing damage output and survivability, timed hits enhance overall gameplay.
Limitations and Special Attacks
It's essential to note that not all attacks can be blocked, and the game signals when blocking is ineffective, especially against magic spells. Special attacks for each character have unique timing requirements, contributing to diverse and strategic gameplay.
Super Mario RPG
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, released in 1996 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, stands as the final Mario game on the SNES. Directed by Chihiro Fujioka and Yoshihiko Maekawa, produced by Shigeru Miyamoto, and featuring music by Yoko Shimomura, the game introduces Mario to the role-playing genre.
The narrative follows Mario and friends battling the Smithy Gang, who crashed into their world, scattering the seven star pieces of Star Road. With turn-based combat for up to three characters, the game pioneers isometric 3D exploration in the Mario series. Widely acclaimed for humor and 3D graphics, it inspired subsequent RPGs like Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi. The game's global release on Nintendo Switch in 2023 received positive reviews.
Super Mario RPG Gameplay
Super Mario RPG, influenced by the Final Fantasy series and rooted in the Super Mario Bros. platform games, combines traditional JRPG elements with isometric 3D platformer gameplay. The game features two main components: exploration and turn-based battles.
Unlike typical JRPGs, Super Mario RPG's non-battle gameplay resembles a 3D platformer, incorporating familiar Mario elements like hitting question blocks. The absence of random encounters lets players see enemies in the field, engaging only upon contact with Mario.
The party, starting with Mario and expanding to five characters, allows strategic swapping during exploration. Each character possesses unique abilities; for instance, Princess Toadstool focuses on healing, while Geno and Bowser deliver powerful offensive moves. The turn-based combat involves action commands involving timed button presses, a feature later seen in subsequent Mario RPGs.
Super Mario RPG Trailer
Super Mario RPG: How to Block:FAQs
A timed hit is when you press the attack or block button at a specific moment for strategic advantages in Super Mario RPG.
For attacks, press the attack button just before your character's attack connects with the enemy. For blocks, press the block button just before the enemy's attack connects.
Timed hits significantly impact damage dealt and received. Mastering them makes battles more manageable by increasing damage output and survivability.
Timed hits are not mandatory to finish the game, but they make battles easier and enhance overall gameplay.
Not all attacks can be blocked, and the game signals when blocking is ineffective, especially against magic spells.