Luigi using the Thunderhand in both versions of Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
The Thunderhand is one of the two types of Hand Powers that is used by Luigi in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga and its 3DS remake, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, being the opposite of the Firebrand, which is used by Mario. Luigi is taught this power by Thunderhand in the Thunder Palace, and he is taught an advanced technique by the Jellyfish Sisters, allowing Luigi to shock Mario so he can be stuck to him and move slower while facing one direction. This can be used to pass through slow-moving spiked barrels and activate Boo Statues by moving into them while facing the opposite direction. In the case when Mario fills himself with water, Luigi can tickle him so he can spit out all the water on the ground, making certain sprouts in the ground grow. To use this move, the player must have Luigi as the lead brother, switch to the Thunderhand command by using /, hold down , and release it when they fully charge the thunderbolt, which can power conductors.
In battle, the Thunderhand can be used offensively against enemies. Using the Thunderhand on blue Oho Jee in the overworld causes them to go wild and attack Mario and Luigi, forcing them into a battle. When using it, the player must press when Luigi fully charges the thunderbolt. Failure in doing so results in Luigi shocking himself and the move dealing less damage. In some cases, enemies have a weakness to or can hurt only by the Thunderhand, such as Sharpeas and Troopeas. Other enemies (such as Bowletta's dark form and Mom Piranha's blue form) absorb the attack and get healed instead. Mario and Luigi can also use the Thunder Bros.Bros. Attack, which involves Luigi charging up a thunderbolt, jumping on Mario, and launching it downwards at enemies, lowering their defense. It also has a more powerful version, Super Thunder Bros., which consumes fewer Bros. Points in the remake. Here, Mario pounds Luigi into the ground with his hammer so Luigi can move beneath a single enemy to perform an electrified uppercut, which can also lower their attack power.
Also in the remake, the Thunderhand can be used to perform a First Strike. If this is done, enemies may become dizzy at the start of the battle.
Gallery
Sprite of Luigi using the Thunderhand
Luigi using his Thunderhand on a Troopea in battle
Luigi using his Thunderhand to power a conductor on the Seabed
Luigi using his Thunderhand as a First Strike in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Luigi using his Thunderhand on Piranha Bean in battle in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Names in other languages
Language
Name
Meaning
Notes
Japanese
サンダーハンド[?] Sandā Hando
Thunder Hand
Chinese
闪电手[?] Shǎndiàn Shǒu
Thunder Hand
French
Technique de Tonnerre Paume foudroyante[?]
Thunder Technique Lightning Palm
German
Donnerhand Donner-Magnet (when used on Mario)[?]
Thunderhand Thunder-Magnet
Italian
Mano di Tuono Potere di Tuono (by the Jellyfish Sisters)[?]