Mario & Luigi (series): Difference between revisions

The gameplay of ''Mario & Luigi'' differs from most other role-playing games due to its focus on controlling [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] simultaneously. During field sections, the directional pad controls Mario's movement with Luigi following closely, while Mario and Luigi's other actions are controlled individually with either of two lettered buttons: A for Mario, and B for Luigi. The game begins with them being able to jump independently, though they gain access to [[hammer]]s and a variety of other techniques as the game progresses. For example, in ''Superstar Saga'', Luigi's hammer can be used to squash Mario into [[Mini Mario (form)|a smaller size]], allowing access to small gaps, while placing Mario on Luigi's shoulders allows them to [[Spin Jump (Mario & Luigi series)|act like a propeller]] and hover across large gaps. Some of these techniques are called [[Bros. Move]]s. Field gameplay has these skills used to surmount various obstacles, often in a platforming context such as to climb a mountain or activate switches to raise a bridge. ''Mario & Luigi'' is very lenient in field gameplay, with the only penalties for mistakes made in it being to drop the characters to a prior section or return them to the start of a room; damage is typically never inflicted through field gameplay. Along the way, the player can find [[block]]s to hit to receive [[coin]]s and items from. Various enemies roam the overworld, and coming into contact with these enemies initiates a battle. Landing a hit on the enemy while on the field allows the player to [[First Strike|deal preemptive damage]]. Enemies can attack Mario or Luigi, which initiates a battle but does not deal damage. Should an enemy or their attack hit either character in the back, that character [[Trip|is stunned in the battle until their turn begins]].