Bros. Attack
Bros. Attacks are special methods of attacking, which require Mario and Luigi to work together. These moves are used in most of the games in the Mario & Luigi series, with the exception of Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time.
History
Mario & Luigi series
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga / Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
- See also: Super Attack
In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Mario and Luigi learn eight Bros. Attacks during the adventure, four for each brother; the required moves are based off their overworld Bros. Actions, ex. the Bounce Bros. attack, which is based off of the High Jump, and are obtained at the same time. In addition, there are two secret Bros. Attacks that they can learn by acquiring the two Secret Scrolls in the Hammerhead Bros.' caverns in eastern Beanbean Outskirts. A very small selection of enemies can use attacks similar to Bros. Attacks, such as the bosses Popple and Rookie in their second battle.
Bros. Attacks use up Mario and Luigi's Bros. Points, or BP. Each Bros. attack costs three to eight Bros. Points, which can be replenished with Syrup Jars, other BP restorative items (like Golden Mushrooms), and/or certain badges.
To perform Bros. Attacks, buttons must be pressed in the right order, at the right time. If a button is missed, the attack will do far less damage, possibly even less than a regular Jump or Hammer attack. Each Bros. Attack also has three Modes: 1, 2, and 3. Mode 1 is the most basic; the game goes into slow motion when buttons need to be pressed, to give the player ample time to press the correct buttons. In addition, button icons that show which button needs to be pressed are clearly displayed. In Mode 2, slow-motion is taken out, but the button icons remain. Mode 3 has no slow-motion, or button icons, but Bros. Attacks performed in Mode 3 are more powerful and cost less BP than those performed in the other Modes.
After executing a Bros. Attack successfully (i.e. pressing all of the buttons correctly) a certain number of times, Advanced Commands are learned. Advanced Bros. Attacks are generally harder to perform than regular ones, but Advanced attacks often have added bonuses such as stealing items, inflicting status ailments, or simply doing more damage to the boss or enemy.
In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, Modes 1, 2, and 3 no longer exist for the Bros. Attacks, instead they are replaced by "Normal" or "Easy" difficulty, with the Easy difficulty being more lenient in timing but with the downside of costing more BP to perform. The slowed down pace of Mode 1 is also removed. Additionally, all battle backgrounds now scroll whenever Mario or Luigi use a Bros. Attack. The "Advanced" Bros. Attacks have been given their own separate category of "Super Bros. Attacks". Even if the Bros. fail to obtain an "Excellent!" rating for the original attacks, it still counts towards the number of times that the move is performed, meaning that there is no penalty for failing to perform the attack properly. Furthermore, the Bros. have a chance to practice their Bros. attacks if they lack knowledge on proper timing during "Practice" mode or watch a "Demo" of the attacks in order to learn how to perform them properly, both of which are accessed during combat. Some attacks, such as Swing Bros., have had their inputs changed.
Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
- Main article: Bros. Item
The concept of Bros. Attacks was replaced with Bros. Items in the sequel, Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, which are disposable attacks that can be bought from shops or found in ? Blocks.
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story / Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
- See also: Brawl Attack
In Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, Bros. Attacks are referred to as Special Attacks and they use up Special Points. Unlike in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, all Special Attacks can be activated by both Mario and Luigi, Advanced Commands are completely omitted, and they are unlocked by collecting ten Attack Pieces in a given area instead of gaining them as the player gains new field techniques for Mario and Luigi, either by hitting Attack Piece Blocks or by completing certain quests to obtain all ten pieces at a time.
In the remake, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey, "Special Attacks" and "Special Points" are renamed back to "Bros. Attacks" and "Bros. Points," respectively. Just like in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, the "Easy" difficulty mode for Special Attacks can be toggled on or off in the remake using 
, which makes the timing of button presses for the attacks much more lenient, but at the cost of more Bros. Points being used up.
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
- See also: Luiginary Attack
Bros. Attacks return in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, and can be used in battles in the Real World. Mario and Luigi have five Bros. Attacks each, making a total of 10. They are unlocked by collecting 10 Attack Pieces in various places in the Real World for each attack, similar to how Special Attacks are unlocked in the preceding game. In the Dream World, Luiginary Attacks are used instead of Bros. Attacks, though they are acquired the same way as Bros. Attacks in the Real World: by collecting 10 Attack Pieces in a certain area.
In this game, Bros. Attacks and Luiginary Attacks are designated as dealing damage with either the boots or the hammers. The ones that use fire, such as the returning Fire Flower, use neither. This is because Mario and Luigi can equip boots and hammer gear which specifically apply their Power boost and special effect when the player uses attacks corresponding to the item.
Missing or failing Bros. Attacks or Luiginary Attacks enough times provides the player with the option to enable "Slow Attack" for that move, toggling on and off with 
while in the menu. The attack failing because the enemy is immune counts. In Slow Attack, the game slows down when a button press is required, making the inputs easier to perform. However, the attack deals less damage. If the attack is used outside of Slow Attack enough times, the option will be disabled until the condition is met again.
The Guide menu allows the player to watch a demo of each Bros. Attack or Luiginary Attack used on dummy enemies.. The demo always demonstrates an Excellent attack, or endlessly practice that attack with those enemies. Depending on the attack, a different number of enemies appear, and they are replaced after each attack regardless of outcome. Each session tracks the number of Excellent attacks performed in a row, resetting on a non-Excellent attack and when the player quits.
The Mad Skillathon serves as an endurance mode for Bros. Attacks, though three attacks are excluded. In it, the player is tasked earn 999 points in each game through perfect use of the specified attack. They often have modified mechanics compared to the version seen in battles. Luiginary Attacks have an equivalent mode in Battle Broque Madame.
Four Bros. Attacks are also available for Dreamy Luigi in Giant Battles. Giant Luigi does not have BP, so attacks do not require it. Instead, using Bros. Attacks exhausts Mario, meaning a Bros. Attack cannot be used again until Mario recovers. Additionally, some opponents can knock Mario off Giant Luigi, which prevents Bros. Attacks from being used until he returns. Two Bros. Attacks are special finishing moves, only used to conclude the boss battle. These moves are exempt from this mechanic, with Mario always recovering or returning just before they are used. Slow Attack is not available in these battles. Giant Luigi is not affected by gear, so there is no distinction between boots and hammers, although no Bros. Attack in this state uses hammers anyway.
Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam
- See also: Trio Attack
Bros. Attacks return for the fourth time in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, where like in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, Mario and Luigi have five Bros. Attacks each. When the player uses a Bros. Attack, Mario and Luigi will execute the attack while Paper Mario cheers for the duo; as a result Bros. Attacks can even be used if Paper Mario is knocked out or absent entirely. Paper Mario instead has the option to use Trio Attacks that work similarly to Bros. Attacks; but require Mario, Luigi, and Paper Mario to cooperate with each other. Unlike in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story and Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, Bros. Attacks are not gained by collecting Attack Pieces; they are instead gained by getting them back from Nabbit who stole them at the beginning of the game, with the exception of Toad Trail which is obtained after defeating King Bob-omb at the top of Mount Brrr and after gaining access to Neo Bowser Castle.
List of Bros. Attacks
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga / Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
| Mario | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bros. Attack | Description | BP | Location |
 Splash Bros. |
GBA: Jump high and drop! | GBA: 4 (Modes 1 & 2), 3 (Mode 3) | GBA:After meeting the Starshade Bros. (in tandem with Spin Jump) |
3DS: Press the  Button before Mario jumps on Luigi. Press the  Button when Mario is directly over Luigi. Press when they smash into the enemy. Time button inputs well for an Excellent rating!
|
3DS: 4 (Normal)/6 (Easy) | 3DS: During the tutorial for Bros. Attacks. | |
 Super Splash Bros. |
This can be used to attack spiky enemies. When Mario climbs on top of Luigi, press ->-> to the rhythm. Finish by pressing the Button! Press it when you jump on the enemy to get an Excellent!
|
6 (Normal)/9 (Easy) | GBA: Use Splash Bros. 20 times. |
| 3DS: Get an Excellent with Splash Bros. 6 times. | |||
 Chopper Bros. |
GBA: Dunk Luigi and attack! | GBA: 5 (Modes 1 & 2), 3 (Mode 3) | After freeing Cork and Cask in Chateau de Chucklehuck (in tandem with Dunk Hammer). |
| 3DS: Press the Button when Mario swings his Hammer over his head. Press the Button when Mario jumps on Luigi to pop up. Tap the Button once Mario decends to the same height as the enemy!
|
3DS: 6 (Normal)/8 (Easy) | ||
 Super Chopper Bros. |
This won't affect flying enemies. Press the Button when Mario swings his Hammer over his head. When Luigi is directly under the enemy, press to knock them into the air! If you knock Luigi back into the ground, you can hit your foe into the air again. To knock Luigi back underground, press the Button when Luigi hits the ground. Then, press when the foe hits the ground to make submerged Luigi knock them sky high! ... Continue this rhythm eight times to earn an Excellent rating!
|
10 (Normal)/13 (Easy) | GBA: Use Chopper Bros. 32 times. |
| 3DS: Get an Excellent with Chopper Bros. 6 times. | |||
 Swing Bros. |
GBA: Swing Luigi around! | GBA: 6 (Modes 1 & 2), 4 (Mode 3) | Obtain the Secret Scroll 1 in the Hammerhead Bros.' cave, after obtaining the Super Hammers. |
| 3DS: Press when Luigi and Mario hold hands! Keep holding the button to make them spin around. They will keep spinning faster. The faster they spin, the more damage they will deal. When Mario and Luigi reach top speed, let go of the Button! Press when Luigi collides with a foe! Pull it off flawlessly to earn an Excellent rating!
|
3DS: 8 (Normal)/10 (Easy) | ||
 Super Swing Bros. |
Successfully earn a Good rating or better to cause an item to drop. Press when Luigi and Mario hold hands! Keep holding the button to make them spin around. They will keep spinning faster. The faster they spin, the more damage they will deal. When Mario and Luigi reach top speed, let go of the Button! Press when Luigi collides with a foe! Nail all button inputs to earn an Excellent rating! Press the Button when Mario and Luigi touch to make them join together! Press and at once when you stomp on a foe. Don't let go to earn an Excellent rating!
|
15 (Normal)/18 (Easy) | GBA:Use Swing Bros. 10 times. |
| 3DS: Get an Excellent with Swing Bros. 6 times. | |||
 Fire Bros. |
GBA: Attack with fireballs! | GBA: 6 (Modes 1 & 2), 3 (Mode 3) | After visiting the Relaxation Room (in tandem with Dash). |
| 3DS: When Mario throws a fireball, press the Button quickly to make it grow. When the fire gets close to Luigi, hit it by pressing the Button! The bigger the flame, the better your chances of an Excellent! And the more damage you'll deal!
|
3DS: 12 (Normal)/15 (Easy) | ||
 Super Fire Bros. |
When Mario throws a fireball, press the Button quickly to make it grow. When the fire gets close to Luigi, hit it by pressing the Button! Press when Mario and the fire are the same height! A larger flame may earn an Excellent! If you succeed, there's a chance you'll inflict the BURN status on your enemy.
|
14 (Normal)/17 (Easy) | GBA: Use Fire Bros. 28 times. |
| 3DS: Get an Excellent with Fire Bros. 6 times. | |||
| Luigi | |||
| Bros. Attack | Description | BP | Location |
Bounce Bros. |
GBA: Jump off Mario! | GBA: 4 (Modes 1 & 2), 3 (Mode 3) | GBA: After meeting the Starshade Bros. (in tandem with High Jump) |
| 3DS: Press before Luigi jumps on Mario. Press when both are directly above the enemy! Press the Button when jumping on an enemy. Time all jumps well to get an Excellent rating!
|
3DS: 5 (Normal)/7 (Easy) | 3DS: During the tutorial for Bros. Attacks. | |
Super Bounce Bros. |
This move can hit two enemies. Press the Button before Luigi jumps on Mario. Press the Button before hitting the ground to perform a big jump! Get an Excellent rating by jumping on enemies using → in the correct order!
|
8 (Normal)/11 (Easy) | GBA: Use Bounce Bros. 8 times. |
| 3DS: Get an Excellent with Bounce Bros. 6 times. | |||
Knockback Bros. |
GBA: Fire Mario to attack! | GBA: 5 (Modes 1 & 2), 3 (Mode 3) | After freeing Cork and Cask in Chateau de Chucklehuck (In tandem with Mini-Mario) |
| 3DS: Press when Luigi swings his Hammer over his head. Mario will become Mini Mario! Press the Button whenever Luigi's Hammer is about to hit Mario! Press when Mario hits an enemy. Nail all button inputs to earn an Excellent rating!
|
3DS: 8 (Normal)/10 (Easy) | ||
Super Knockback Bros. |
Press when Luigi swings his Hammer over his head. Mario will become Mini Mario! Mini Mario will ask Luigi for help. During that time, press the Button. Press the Button whenever Luigi's swings are about to hit Mario! Mario will bounce back when he hits a foe. Luigi can then knock Mario into the foe again. Press when Mario smashes into a foe. Press to hit him again when he returns! ... Do this successfully five times for an Excellent! Note that the speed gets faster!
|
10 (Normal)/13 (Easy) | GBA: Use Knockback Bros. 43 times. |
| 3DS: Get an Excellent with Knockback Bros. 6 times. | |||
 Thunder Bros. |
GBA: Attack with thunder! | GBA: 6 (Modes 1 & 2), 4 (Mode 3) | After visiting the Relaxation Room (In tandem with Tickle). |
| 3DS: Press when Luigi builds up his thunder. Press when Luigi gets on top of Mario to perform a big jump! Press when Luigi is highest in his jump. Get an Excellent to deal heavy damage! If you succeed, there's a chance you'll lower the enemy's DEF.
|
3DS: 14 (Normal)/17 (Easy) | ||
 Super Thunder Bros. |
Press when Luigi builds up his thunder. When Mario's Hammer is above his head, press ! When Luigi gets to the base of the foe's feet, press the Button for an Excellent rating! If you succeed, there's a chance you'll lower the enemy's POW.
|
10 (Normal)/13 (Easy) | GBA: Use Thunder Bros. 24 times. |
| 3DS: Get an Excellent with Thunder Bros. 6 times. | |||
Cyclone Bros. |
GBA: A twin-spin attack! | GBA: 8 (Modes 1 & 2), 4 (Mode 3) | Obtain the Secret Scroll 2 in the Hammerhead Bros.' cave after obtaining the Ultra Hammers. |
| 3DS: Press when Luigi swings his Hammer over his head. Mario will become Mini Mario! When Luigi jumps, tap the Button! This will spin Mini Mario around at high speed! Get many consecutive hits for an Excellent! You can attack enemies several times. During the attack, you can change the foe you are targeting. When Mario starts to move forward, move the Circle Pad toward the foe you want to target.
|
3DS: 13 (Normal)/16 (Easy) | ||
Super Cyclone Bros. |
Press when Luigi swings his Hammer over his head. Mario will become Mini Mario! When Luigi jumps, tap the Button! This will spin Mini Mario around at high speed! Get many consecutive hits for an Excellent! You can attack enemies several times. During the attack, you can change the foe you are targeting. When Mario starts to move forward, move the Circle Pad toward the foe you want to target. In the Super version, an additional attack can be made at the end. When Mario and Luigi stop spinning, press the Button to prepare for the finisher. Finish by pressing when the Hammer is overhead! This can make enemies dizzy.
|
15 (Normal)/18 (Easy) | GBA: Use Cyclone Bros. 21 times. |
| 3DS: Get an Excellent with Cyclone Bros. 6 times. |
Gallery
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (Splash Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions (Splash Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (Chopper Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions (Chopper Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (Swing Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions (Swing Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (Fire Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions (Fire Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (Bounce Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions (Bounce Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (Knockback Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions (Knockback Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (Thunder Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions (Thunder Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (Cyclone Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions (Cyclone Bros.)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story / Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
| Bros. Attack | Illustration | Description | SP | BP | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Green Shell* |
|
Mario kicks with ; Luigi with ! Keep on kicking the shell! Target: One enemy. Effect: None. |
3 | 4 | Trash Pit |
| |||||
  Fire Flower |
|
Repeatedly press the button of whoever's holding the big fireball! Target: Random. Effect: BURN. |
4 | 6 | Pump Works |
| |||||
  Jump Helmet |
|
Land on the helmet and jump with ! Dash to the landing spots with   /by pressing left or right on  !Target: One enemy. Effect: None. |
6 | 10 | Flab Zone |
| |||||
  Yoo Who Cannon* |
|
Remember which barrels the bros are in! launches Mario; launches Luigi! Target: Random. Effect: None. |
7 | 14 | Toad Town (after mastering the Shell Mario technique) |
| |||||
  Super Bouncer |
|
Launch HIGH with . Move Luigi to the ball's top with /by pressing left or right on . Use to squash. Target: Random. Effect: DIZZY. |
7 | 12 | Energy Hold |
| |||||
  Mighty Meteor |
|
Dash with /by pressing left or right on ! Press and hold or to build power, and release to swing! Target: Random. Effect: POW down. |
8 | 20 | Toadley Clinic (from the intern after obtaining the Miracle Cure) |
| |||||
  Spin Pipe |
|
Memorize how the bros stack up! Mario stomps with ; Luigi with ! Target: One enemy. Effect: DIZZY. |
10 | 16 | Plack Beach (after completing Kuzzle's first puzzle) |
| |||||
  Snack Basket* |
|
Use /Press left or right on to eat, then repeatedly press to throw Luigi. Slam down with ! Target: All ground-based enemies. Effect: None. |
14 | 18 | Dimble Wood |
| |||||
  Magic Window |
|
Mario stomps with ; Luigi with . Both stomp together with and ! Target: Random. Effect: DIZZY. |
18 | 26 | Bowser's Castle (after defeating the Shroobs) |
| |||||
  Falling Star |
|
Aim with  /Move Starlow with . Throw at the star with if the light is red, if it's green!Target: One enemy. Effect: DEF down. |
20 | 28 | Peach's Castle Garden |
|
* - Required for the game.
Gallery
Artwork of Snack Basket
Remake artwork of Snack Basket
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (Green Shell)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (Green Shell)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (Fire Flower)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (Fire Flower)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (Jump Helmet)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (Jump Helmet)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (Yoo Who Cannon)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (Yoo Who Cannon)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (Super Bouncer)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (Super Bouncer)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (Mighty Meteor)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (Mighty Meteor)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (Spin Pipe)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (Spin Pipe)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (Snack Basket)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (Snack Basket)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (Magic Window)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (Magic Window)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (Falling Star)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (Falling Star)
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
| Mario | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bros. Attack | Illustration | Description | Effects | BP | Type | Location |
 3D Red Shell* |
|
Use the A Button for Mario and the B Button for Luigi, and kick that shell! | Mario and Luigi kick a Red Shell at enemies, first targeting one enemy before moving to the next. If the targeted enemy is in the back, the Bros. will fire the shell at any enemies in the target's way. For the final hit, Luigi passes the shell back to Mario, who uses a charged kick. | 4 | Boots | Mushrise Park |
 Bye-Bye Cannon |
  
|
Memorise the order that the shadows of Mario and Luigi launch into the sky. As they land, press the A Button for Mario and the B Button for Luigi. If you get it perfect, they'll descend in the opposite. Stay focused! | Mario and Luigi jump into a cannon. A randomized sequence of them, including duplicates, are fired out. As they land on the enemy, the player must hit the and Buttons in the order Mario and Luigi came out. If successful, the player must do the same sequence backwards for maximum damage.
|
7 | Boots | Wakeport |
 Bomb Derby |
 
|
Slide right on the Circle Pad to toss bombs then hit 'em with the A Button! Don't delay your swings! Toss a bunch, feel the tempo, and hit all the bombs! | Using the , Luigi passes bombs to Mario who must bat them into the enemies using . The bombs will explode on Luigi if they take too long. The last bomb is bigger and does more damage.
|
9 | Hammer | Driftwood Shore |
 Jet-Board Bash |
|
Press and hold the B Button to paddle. As you draw near, press the A Button! | The Bros. hop on a board and charge at an enemy. Luigi paddles to go faster, done by holding . Mario swings his hammer as they collide with the enemy, with . The faster the board is moving, and the closer the Bros. are to the target when Mario starts swinging, the more damage is dealt.
|
12 | Hammer | Somnom Woods |
 Zee Egg |
  
|
Slide the Circle Pad left/right to align the Zeekeeper and the Wakeorb. Once the Wakeorb and the Zeekeeper are aligned, Mario or Luigi will jump out! Use the A Button for Mario and the B Button for Luigi to hit the Wakeorb! | Mario throws the Zee Egg, unleashing the Zeekeeper. He takes Mario and Luigi into the skies and shoots a Wakeorb down. As they descend, the Zeekeeper has to stay aligned with the shifting orb with the , letting Mario and Luigi use their hammers to boost the Wakeorb's speed. The Wakeorb explodes when it hits the ground, primarily damaging one target but hurting others.
|
15 | Hammer | Mushrise Park (given by Eldream after rescuing all Pi'illos) |
| Luigi | ||||||
| Bros. Attack | Illustration | Description | Effects | BP | Type | Location |
 3D Green Shell* |
|
Use the A Button for Mario, and the B Button for Luigi, and kick that shell! | Mario and Luigi kick a Green Shell at enemies. It targets all ground enemies; the shell is kicked at enemies randomly. It ends with Mario passing the shell to Luigi, who uses a charged kick. | 4 | Boots | Mushrise Park (given upon freeing Brickle from the main fountain) |
 Fire Flower |
 
|
Use the A and B Buttons for the bros. When the fireballs get big, throw 'em! If you throw all big fireballs, it's bonfire time! Mash the A and B Buttons! | Mario and Luigi generate fireballs. Shoot the fireballs when they are their biggest size for more damage. If this is done successfully, a second phase starts where the player repeatedly taps and to throw more fireballs.
|
5 | Fire | Dozing Sands |
 Dropchopper |
  
|
Tilt the Nintendo 3DS left and right to pilot the craft once Mario and Luigi grab on. Jump up with the A and B Buttons! If you grab on quickly, you'll fly higher. Press the prompted button when you're above a foe for a devastating slam! | The player tilts the 3DS to move the Dropchopper, aiming above Mario and Luigi so they can grab on. Afterwards, Mario and Luigi drop down with a spin onto one enemy, releasing a shockwave that hurts other enemies. The earlier Mario and Luigi jump on, the higher the Dropchopper flies, and the more damage is dealt. | 7 | Boots | Mount Pajamaja |
 Slingsniper* |
 
|
Slide and hold the Circle Pad down to draw back, hold the B Button, and aim. Tilt the 3DS to line up your target, then release the B Button to launch Luigi! | Mario pulls Luigi back in the string of a slingshot, using , then locks in place by holding . The player must use the 3DS to aim, then release to successfully sling Luigi into the target enemy.
|
9 | - | Mount Pajamaja (given by the Massif Bros. after completing the Ball Hop puzzle) |
 Star Rocket |
 
|
Tilt the 3DS to change the star's trajectory and grab all the little stars. Use the A and B Buttons as the bro land. More little stars mean more power. | The player tilts the 3DS to guide the Star Rocket, collecting all the smaller stars in its path. Afterward, Mario and Luigi stomp the target. With perfect timing, the collected stars also attack. | 12 | Boots | Neo Bowser Castle |
* - Mandatory Bros. Attacks.
Giant Luigi's Bros. Attacks
| Bros. Attack | Description | Mechanics |
|---|---|---|
| Rhythm Mushroom | Touch Mushrooms to heal up! | This move cannot be used in the Battle Ring. Once Mario throws mushrooms at Luigi, the player must tap the screen as Luigi eats them. |
| Drill Stomp | Spin more for a super stomp! | This move is unlocked during the battle against Mount Pajamaja, but cannot be used against Robo-Drilldigger X. Mario and Luigi jump while spinning. The player must draw as many circles as possible in the direction shown to make Mario spin faster, then then he and Luigi come down for heavy damage. Successful inputs allow this to be used two additional times. |
| Finishing Bros. | Aim with the 3DS! | This move is used at the end of each battle. Luigi throws a star at the boss, while Mario guides it as it comes down. The player must tilt the 3DS to aim the star marker onto the enemy's weak point, which if hit will earn an "Excellent!" rating and reward the player with better items and more coins than if an "OK" rating is achieved upon missing the target. |
| Star Driver | Control the star to attack! | This move is used in the final phase of the battle against Bowser, as well as Bowser X. It looks the same as Finishing Bros. but involves a larger star. The player must tilt the 3DS to dodge Bowser's fireballs, Avoiding them all allows it to defeat Bowser. If a fireball hits, the attack is nullified and Bowser gets to take another turn. |
Gallery
Artwork of Jet-Board Bash
3D Red Shell
Bye-Bye Cannon
Bomb Derby
Jet-Board Bash
Zee Egg
3D Green Shell
Fire Flower
Dropchopper
Slingsniper
Star Rocket
Rhythm Mushroom
Drill Stomp
Finishing Bros.
Star Driver
Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam
| Mario | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bros. Attack | Description | BP | Location |
| 3D Red Shell | Mario kicks the shell with , and Luigi kicks with . Chain multiple kicks together!
|
3 | Dropped by Nabbit in Peach's Castle. |
| Rocket Blast | The rocket will take Mario and Luigi high up in the air before they jump off. To stomp, press each character's button just as he lands on the enemy. If both bros. stomp the enemy, the rocket will fire at the end. Aim the rocket by sliding left and right on the Circle Pad. Do one loop, and then aim right in the middle of where your enemies are standing! | 5 | Complete Catch Nabbit!. |
| Bomb Derby | Slide right on the Circle Pad to throw a bomb, and then press to hit it towards an enemy. The faster you go, the more damage you can do. Make it to the end to launch a giant bomb!
|
7 | Throw a Bomb Bud at Nabbit in Gloomy Woods. |
| Cannonball Chuck | Press to begin spinning, then again when you're ready to launch. Aim straight ahead! Once your cannonball is in the air, you can steer left and right using the Circle Pad. You can also fly higher by sliding down and lower by sliding up on the Circle Pad. When aiming for tall enemies, slide down on the Circle Pad to fly high and topple them!
|
9 | Complete Nabbit Multiplication. |
| Toad Trail | Use the Circle Pad to steer as you slide along the path of Paper Toads. Watch out! If you fall off the path, your attack will fail. Press to jump over gaps in the rails. At the end of the path, steer Mario and Luigi towards the enemies with the Circle Pad!
|
11 | Defeat King Bob-omb atop Mount Brrr. |
| Luigi | |||
| Bros. Attack | Description | BP | Location |
| Fire Flower | Repeatedly press the button of the bro holding the bigger fireball. The sizes of the fireballs will change from time to time. Whenever the sizes of the fireballs change, the thrower will also switch. Throw lots of fireballs to go into a bonus mode. Just keep mashing and !
|
3 | Dropped by Nabbit in Peach's Castle. |
| Drill Shell | Press to launch, and then press to drill down when you're directly over an enemy. Once you connect, press as many times as possible to deal the most damage.
|
5 | Catch Nabbit for the first time in Doop Doop Dunes. |
| Dropchopper | Move the Dropchopper above Mario's and Luigi's head using the Circle Pad. Press for Mario to grab on and for Luigi. The faster they both grab it, the higher it goes. Aim for your enemies using the Circle Pad, and press the top character's button to release!
|
7 | Trio Drill Dash into Nabbit in Doop Doop Dunes. |
| Balloon Blast | At the top of each jump, press either or to blow up the balloon. The better your timing, the bigger the balloon will get. The timing gets harder with each jump. Pump that balloon and let it fly!
|
9 | Complete Skyjinks with Nabbit. |
| Mega Thwonk | Press each time Luigi stomps on the ground. You'll speed up if you time it right. Press at just the right time to whack your enemy with the hammer. Continue pressing each time Mario lands on an enemy's head to keep dealing damage!
|
12 | Complete Bad Nabbit. |
Gallery
3D Red Shell
Rocket Blast
Bomb Derby
Cannonball Chuck
Toad Trail
Fire Flower
Drill Shell
Dropchopper
Balloon Blast
Mega Thwonk
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ブラザーアタック[?] Burazā Atakku |
Brother Attack | |
| スペシャルアタック (Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story)[?] Supesharu Atakku |
Special Attack | ||
| Chinese | 兄弟特技[?] Xiōngdì Tèjì |
Bros. Special Technique | |
| French (NOE) | Attaque duo (Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga) Attaque spéciale (Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story) Attaque frère[?] |
Duo Attack Special Attack Brother Attack |
|
| German | Paar-Attacke Spezialattacke (Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story)[?] |
Pair attack Special attack |
|
| Italian | Attacco Fratelli Attacco Speciale (Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story)[?] |
Brothers Attack Special Attack |
|
| Korean | 브라더 어택 Beuradeo Eotaek 스페셜 어택 Seupesyol Eotaek[?] |
Brother Attack Special Attack |
|
| Portuguese | Ataque Bros.[?] | Bros. Attack | |
| Russian | Дуплет[?] Duplet |
Doublet | |
| Spanish | Ataque tándem Ataque especial[?] |
Tandem attack Special attack |
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