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Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA) - FAQ/Walkthrough
v0.99 - 11/27/2003
by Dev [devhatesyou(at)gmail(dot)com]
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==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
= [1.0] : Table of Contents                                                   =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
Note: This guide uses a sectioned code search system, so you can easily find
what you're looking for. The walkthrough is broken down further so you can
see individual sections as opposed to having to scroll and find which section
of the game walkthrough that you're looking for. For example, to find the
opening section of the game's walkthrough, use your browser/wordprocessor's
FIND function, punch in or paste "[6.01]" and you should scroll to the area in
the document which matches it, the opening area for the walkthrough. This will
either be the opening of the section itself or the code in the table of
contents. If the latter, just hit search again and you should pop down to the
section itself. I hate scrolling through a 150kB+ document for a certain part
as much as anyone else, so I implemented this simple yet effective system in
my FAQ/Walkthrough. Enjoy.
SECTIONS:
[1.0] : Table of Contents
*
[2.0] : Update History/News *READ THIS BEFORE MAILING ME*
*
[3.0]  : Controls
[3.1] : Controls: Field Screen
[3.2] : Controls: Battle Screen
[3.3] : Controls: Menu Screen
[3.4] : Controls: Menu Screen Explanation
*
[4.0] : Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
*
[5.0]  : Main Characters - Mario and Luigi
[5.1] : Non-Player Characters
*
[6.00]  : Walkthrough
[6.01] : Walkthrough: Opening
[6.02] : Walkthrough: Koopa Cruiser
[6.03] : Walkthrough: Stardust Fields
[6.04] : Walkthrough: Hoohoo Village and Hoohoo Mountain
[6.05] : Walkthrough: Beanbean Castle Area
[6.06] : Walkthrough: Chucklehuck Woods
[6.07] : Walkthrough: Beanstones Sidequest
[6.08] : Walkthrough: Starbeans Cafe Sidequest
[6.09] : Walkthrough: Beanlets Sidequest
[6.10] : Walkthrough: Woohoo Hooniversity
[6.11] : Walkthrough: Oho Oasis
[6.12] : Walkthrough: Beanbean Airport
[6.13] : Walkthrough: Teehee Valley, Little Fungitown
[6.14] : Walkthrough: Guffawha Ruins
[6.15] : Walkthrough: Beanstar Piece One
[6.16] : Walkthrough: Beanstar Piece Two
[6.17] : Walkthrough: Beanstar Piece Three
[6.18] : Walkthrough: Beanstar Piece Four
[6.19] : Walkthrough: Optional / Secret Areas
[6.20] : Walkthrough: Joke's End
[6.21] : Walkthrough: Bowser's Castle
*
[7.0]  : Item and Equipment Lists
[7.1] : Items: Consumable Items
[7.2] : Items: Key Items
[7.3] : Items: Beans
[7.4] : Equipment: Pants
[7.5] : Equipment: Badges
[7.6] : Equipment: Accessories
*
[8.0]  : Enemies
[8.1] : Bosses
*
[9.0] : In-Game Cameos/References
*
[10.0] : Secrets/Extra Info
*
[11.0] : Contacting the Author
*
[12.0] : Credits
*
[13.0] : Copyright/Legal Information
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
= [2.0] : Update History/News                                                 =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
- Progress:
* Walkthrough: 100% (Pending any corrections)
* Items: 98%
* Enemies: 98%
* Other: 97%
*** Overall: ~98%
This section is used to signify what was changed from version to version, along
with additions, corrections, and so on. It is here that I will also declare if
I'm accepting submissions for anything like monster or item data, which will
most likely turn out to be the most time consuming parts to fully complete.
Currently accepting submissions for:
- Enemy data. Corrections / additions are welcome.
- Item data. Corrections / additions are welcome.
* Please contribute in the format I've outlined for enemy/item data.
- Other very noteworthy stuff. (Secrets I missed?)
- Corrections on inaccurate info. I'm especially interested in points that
people feel weren't explained very well in the walkthrough. Please quote
the exact section and text you feel was inadequate.
Before submitting, make sure it's not already in the FAQ! I'll of course only
accept and give credit for things that I didn't already have in the guide as
correct info.
Other incomprehensible stuff will most likely be ignored/deleted/not responded
to. So make sure you write in English and not internet d00d lingo so that I
can actually understand you. My mail client and I share in the joy of hitting
delete when it comes to garbage mail like this.
* v0.99 - Released 11/27/2003: Format changes, and revisions to things like
BOSS strategies and mini-game sections. Also, I added a side quest that I
had missed before. It's in the optionals section of the Walkthrough.
There is little left for me to do, now.
* v0.98 - Released 11/21/2003: A few more small optional areas I found were
added, and other minor revisions/changes, mostly in the Walkthrough section
which should be a lot easier to read through now.
The whole guide is nearing completion. A few minor changes and I'll be able to
say it's finished unless someone has an incredibly great idea that could add
to this document in a large way. I'll most likely put out my Final update by
the end of the month.
* v0.95 - Released 11/18/2003: Second revision. ALL of the Bros. Attacks are
now fully documented in their use. Added a cameos/reference section, and a few
minor changes like a breakdown of each Walkthrough section to make it easier
to read through. Walkthrough is just about 100%.
* v0.9 - Released 11/17/2003: The first release of the document. Some things
are most likely incomplete! Walkthrough is pretty much complete except for the
small optional areas which yield some unique items and stuff. I'll try to get
to those in a future update. In short, all it needs is some polishing to be
100% complete. As a note, this is my first full FAQ/Walkthrough I have
written. Well, is it any good?
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
= [3.0] : Controls                                                            =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
This section covers how the controls and interface for the game are handled.
It's quite simple, but much different than most games. The Battle screen
handles differently than the Field screen which also handles differently than
the menu, which is different from either of the other two, so I'll be listing
what function each button performs and where. Most of it is explained in game,
as well.
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= [3.1] : Controls: Field Screen                                              =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
A Button: Performs currently selected action for the LEAD character.
B Button: Performs currently selected action for the BACK character.
L Button: Switches between action modes for the BACK character.
R Button: Switches between action modes for the LEAD character.
L+R Buttons Simultaneously: Switch both Bros. to Jump action mode.
Select Button: Opens Suitcase (Menu Screen)
Start Button: Switches Lead character.
D-Pad: Move in selected direction.
NOTE: You must switch the Lead character, and switch it often to solve
many of the games puzzles since Mario and Luigi each perform different
actions (aside from their basic jump). For example, the first actions
you learn besides the basic jump you start with are High Jump - requires
Luigi to be in the back, and Spin - which requires Mario to be in the back.
Each move has its own unique function and each will be used to solve puzzles
throughout the game.
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
= [3.2] : Controls: Battle Screen                                             =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
A Button: Select/Confirm actions for Mario, also dodging and counter-attack
function for Mario.
B Button: Select/Confirm actions for Luigi, also dodging and counter-attack
function for Luigi.
L/R Buttons: Cancels item selection. Toggle Bros. Attack difficulty level.
Select Button: None.
Start Button: None.
D-Pad: Move the selection ring with left and right (it's like the Mana
series), up and down for menus.
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
= [3.3] : Controls: Menu Screen                                               =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
A Button: Confirm. Toggles place names in Map subscreen.
B Button: Cancel/Exit Menu.
L/R Buttons: Switches between Mario and Luigi in the "Bros. info" and
equipment subscreens, and between Items/KeyItems/Beans in the items
subscreen.
Select Button: None.
Start: None.
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
= [3.4] : Controls: Menu Screen Explanation                                   =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
I'll explain the menu and its layout in more detail.
Main Menu: Top part displays number of coins, time played (the little clock).
Center piece shows the "Passport", which displays Mario and Luigi's status.
Their level, current HP and BP (Bros. Points), and any status ailments.
As well as the photo taken on Bowser's ship in the early part of the
game -- pose and all!
On the far left, you have the selection for submenus.
The Top icon, the mushroom, goes into your Items screen which displays items
and their effects. There arethree submenus you can toggle with L/R here.
Items, which displays your recoverative items. Key Items, which displays
key items which you have collected. Finally, Beans, which displays how
many beans of each type you have. Beans are only used in Starbeans Cafe to
brew up some drinks (and get accessories). There's also a display here
with Mario & Luigi's HP/BP so you can see their status as you apply some
recovery items, which is the only means of healing in the game.
The second icon from the top, the "Jeans & Badge" icon takes you into the
equipment screen. Mario and Luigi can each equip one pair of pants, one
badge, and one accessory. Press L/R to toggle between Mario and Luigi
for equipping on this subscreen. Note that some pants can only be equipped
by Mario, and some only by Luigi. Some both can equip. If the item is
solid red, only Mario can equip. If solid green, only Luigi can equip.
If half green, half red, both can equip. The HP and DEF displays show
how much of a change you'd get by equipping the item, and at the very
bottom, you'll see if the item has any special abilities or if you'd lose
your current special abilities by equipping something else. Badges modify
BP and POW, and accessories only have item attributes.
The third icon from the top, the Bros. Info icon, takes you to the status
screen which shows your characters' stats, and what they have equipped, as
well as signifying whether you have the hammer (and what grade of hammer),
and/or the magic hand techniques, via icons in the lower left.
Here, I'll break down what each stat means.
* LV: Character Level.
* HP: Hit Points. When they reach 0, Mario or Luigi will die!
* BP: Bros. Points. Not Badge Points like in Paper Mario. This is used to
perform Bros. attacks.
* POW: Attack Power. Most important stat to concentrate on.
* DEF: Defensive Power. Also important, but you can dodge most attacks with
some timing, so concentrate more on POW.
* SPEED: How fast your characters' attacks turn is played in a combat round.
Combat is turn based, but those with faster speeds go first (except in the
case of special item attributes)
* STACHE: A luck/charisma stat rolled into one. Controls how frequently you
get criticals and also gives better discounts at shops.
I guess shopkeepers in Beanbean Kingdom can't resist a nice looking mustache!
Might be a good idea to put a few level bonuses into this.
* EXP: Total experience acquired by character.
* NEXT: Experience needed to achieve next level up.
Finally, the bottom icon. Beanbean map. It's obviously the map of the
Beanbean Kinddom. You can press A in here to display the location names.
When a Red Flag appears on an area, that's where you should be headed next to
advance in the game. There's not a whole lot to this submenu.
This concludes the control section. Most of that information is painfully
obvious, but I wanted to cover all the bases to cut down on dumb e-mails!
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
= [4.0] : Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ                                    =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
This section covers questions frequently asked about the game.
Q: Is this game more like Super Mario RPG (SNES) or Paper Mario (N64)?
A: While this game shares some similarities to both games, it is a game in
its own. This game focuses more on the action key timing than both previous
RPG Mario games did, and has quite different gameplay to both titles.
Personally, I think this is the best RPG Mario yet. The gameplay just screams
"well done". It is however shorter than your average RPG. Just be assured of
one thing; the game is good. If the game wasn't THAT good, I probably wouldn't
have written this guide, now would I?
Q: How long is this game?
A: It's about 13-20 hours for an average person. Personally, for most whom I
know that played this without a Walkthrough or guide, the average was about 16
hours. This is of course not finding all of the secret stuff. My first game
was about 14 hours clocked.
Q: What is the max level you can get with the Bros.?
A: Max level is 99. See the Secrets / Other Info section for more.
Q: Any other ways to heal/restore BP besides items?
A: You will be restored to full HP/BP after some boss battles, but aside from
restorative items and that, no.
Q: "d00d do u no wher eye can downl0ad teh ROM?!!111oneoneone?!!1"
Translation: "Dude, do you know where I can download the ROM (read-only memory)
image dump of this game?"
A: Don't ask. I'm not writing this FAQ to help you pirate video games.
Along the same lines; Don't e-mail me about emulator problems with the game,
but instead seek help from the emulation community for that. I won't answer
these questions directly nor will I answer them in any future update of this
FAQ/Walkthrough.
Q: Do you have any cheat codes for this game?
A: I'm not going to cover these in my FAQ/Walkthrough. I'm sure someone else
will post a list of codes on GameFAQs eventually. This game is pretty easy
as is, though.
Q: Can I contribute anything to this guide?
A: YES. First, however, I ask you read the Update/News section and make sure
that what you're submitting isn't already in here. When this guide is finished,
I'll remove this question and denote it in an update in that section.
***
... That's all for now. If you have any good questions, don't be afraid to
ask. Just make sure you've got your head screwed on right and that it's not
already answered somewhere in the FAQ.
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
= [5.0] : Main Characters - Mario and Luigi                                   =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
This section tells a little about Mario and Luigi, and also lists their
attacks and moves, and how they work.
Mario is the original fat italian plumber we all love (or not?). He dresses
in red. He and his brother break the myth that "white men can't jump".
The star of many games and one of the main contributors to lining Nintendo's
pockets, Mario has withstood the test of time as a video game character.
Luigi is Mario's skinnier, taller brother, who dresses in green and can jump
better than a basketball star, just like his brother. I've always liked Luigi
better than Mario, though, ever since the NA version of Super Mario 2 where
Luigi had insane jumping skills that allowed him to do what no other could.
Through their years in the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario and Luigi have gained
quite a reputation for themselves. Well, Mario has anyway. Luigi is often
referred to as "Mr. Green", "Mario Fan", or similar in this game. Possibly
in reference to the fact that Luigi hasn't been in many of the recent
Mario games and newer players wouldn't even know who he is. He gets no
respect, but I still think he's the better of the two Bros., personally.
Mario and Luigi are the only two playable characters in the game, but that is
made up for by the fact that they gain quite a few attacks, combinations and
techniques for use on both the field and in battle. To solve all of the
puzzles in the game one must use each character and switch between them often
as they develop different and unique abilities for puzzle solving. It's still
a good game without a ton of playable characters.
Now, I will list all of the attacks/moves that I know of.
-------------
Solo Attacks:
-------------
Each character can Solo attack in battle. These are not much different
between the brothers. They are Jump, Hammer, and Hand. It doesn't require
any resource to perform these. As in Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario,
pressing the button at the time of impact (or certain other times) can
increase the damage done by attacks. A for Mario, B for Luigi.
* Jump Attack:
Jump attack is best used for flying or shelled enemies. Press A or B when you
connect with the Jump for extra damage. This is the classic attack of our
plumbing friends, the Mario Bros.
* Hammer Attack:
Hammer is best used for spiky enemies, and is also used for counterattacks.
There are three grades of hammer, but this does not change their combat
power or how they function in combat. While *Attacking* with the hammer, press
A or B when it begins to shake for extra damage. While *Defending*, hold down
A or B and release BEFORE the hammer begins to shake to counter attack.
Otherwise, without special item attributes, you'll be dropping your defense.
* Hand Technique Attack:
Hand techniques are best used on enemies with a weakness to none of the
other two attacks, or an elemental weakness to fire or thunder. To use
Hand techniques in battle as solo attacks, just wait for them to charge up a
full-sized ball and press A or B, depending on the character. Very simple.
Mario gets Fire. Luigi gets Thunder.
You begin with only the Jump attack. Others are obtained early to midway
through the game.
***
----------------
Field Abilities:
----------------
Field abilities are actions that are performed in the field screen. They are
often used to get around obstacles and/or solve puzzles. Aside from the
initial jump move, Mario and Luigi get totally seperate field abilities.
----------------------
Mario FIELD Abilities:
----------------------
* Jump: A basic jump. You can start battles at an advantage by jumping
on some enemies. Others (like spiked enemies) will start you at a
disadvantage, so beware. Use the Hammer for those enemies. You start
the game with this ability.
* Spin: With Mario following Luigi, Mario jumps on Luigi's head and the duo
twirl around. You can cross over gaps with losing altitude with this move.
* Hammer: With Mario in front, select the hammer. You can pound switches and
initiate combat with some enemies at an advantage with this. This is gained
at Hoohoo Village, and then later powered up at a cave near Beanbean Town.
* Hammer Pound: With Luigi behind Mario with his hammer out, Luigi can pound
Mario down to half size so Mario can fit through small holes. While in this
mode, Mario can also find hidden treasure for Luigi to dig up. You don't
gain this move along with the hammer itself, it is later learned. This is
learned at Chateau de Chucklehuck.
* Hand/Fire: With Mario in front, you can charge up a flame and ignite
some things. It's required to solve some puzzles. This is learned at
Oho Oasis.
* Hand/Fire Dash: With Mario behind Luigi, you can charge up and release
this move to rush forward in a straight line. This will knock cannonballs
and large Koopas who won't move aside, and get you between some obstacles
late in the game. Poor Luigi. Like the Hammer Pound move, this isn't
learned initially with the Hand techniques. It is later learned. You also
pickup the Fire Bros. attack with this technique. This is learned at
Gwarhar Lagoon.
----------------------
Luigi FIELD Abilities:
----------------------
* Jump: A basic jump. You can start battles at an advantage by jumping
on some enemies. Others (like spiked enemies) will start you at a
disadvantage, so beware. Use the Hammer for those enemies. You start
the game with this ability.
* High Jump: As I said, each brother develops different abilities. Instead of
Spin, Luigi gets High Jump. With Luigi following Mario, you can perform this
move to propel them higher than a normal jump. It's often required. This is
learned in Stardust Fields.
* Hammer: With Luigi in front, select the hammer. You can pound switches and
initiate combat with some enemies at an advantage with this. This is gained
at Hoohoo Village, then later powered up at a cave near Beanbean Town.
* Hammer Pound: With Mario behind Luigi with his hammer out, Mario can pound
Luigi into the ground where he performs his best Bugs Bunny tunneling
impression. Jokes aside, this is used to pass under some gates and dig up
hidden items. You can't pass under some solid surfaces, though.
This is learned at Chateau de Chucklehuck.
* Hand/Thunder: With Luigi in front, you can charge up thunder to give
power to some objects. Like the flame counterpart, it's required to solve
some puzzles. This is learned at Oho Oasis.
* Hand/Electric Sidestep: With Luigi behind Mario, you can charge up and
release electricity. This will allow them to step sideways and backwards
without looking in that direction. Required to pass by some areas and
required to push Boo statues since you can't look at them. You also pickup
the Thunder Bros. attack with this technique. This is learned at Gwarhar
Lagoon.
***
--------------
Bros. Attacks:
--------------
These are combo moves performed in combat and are the sole reason you
have the BP (Bros Points) stat. They generally do more damage than any
other attack. The difficulty level for them (1-3) determines not only
how much BP it takes to perform, but the overall effectiveness. So it's
best that you get the timing down and set the difficulty to 3 for max
effectiveness and BP efficiency. There are one to three timed button
presses involved with a bros. attack, and getting all of them is
neccessary for the full effect. With enough use of a specific attack
you can get an 'Advanced' icon next to it. Using level 3 Bros. Attacks,
you'll attain Advanced Bros. attacks faster.
Advance moves let you perform different attacks that can do different
things than the original attack. I'll list the known ones below. They
involve pressing different buttons at different times. You'll see the
"Advance!" icon appear and a different attack can occur. You can only do
the Advance moves if you have the ADV icon next to your selected attack.
To earn Advance Bros. Attacks, you must use a specific Bros. Attack many
times and perform it completely; or at least enough to get a "Great!" message
to count towards advancement.
At level 1, you get slow-motion, color indicators, button indicators, and dark
tinting during button press sequences. Bros. Attacks are least effective and
cost the most BP at this difficulty level.
At level 2, slow motion and dark tinting are gone but you can still see the
icons for button presses. BP cost is still the same but attacks can be more
effective. This is the intermediate difficulty level that is easy enough
to graduate to once you grow tired of the slow motion in level 1 and feel
you can handle a higher difficulty.
At level 3, the button icons disappear, too. However the attacks are the
most effective and cost less at this level. To use this level of Bros. Attacks,
it's recommended that you know when and how to press the button combinations
and timing for your Bros. Attack as the only indicator you get is a small
flash of red and/or green aura on your characters.
You don't begin with any Bros. Attacks; They're learned throughout the game.
----------------------
Mario's Bros. Attacks:
----------------------
* Splash Bros. - "Jump high and drop!"
Mario's Jumping Bros. Attack. Base cost: 4BP.
The Splash attack has Mario jump over Luigi's shoulders into the air, while
Luigi runs to catch up with Mario. Mario picks Luigi up, they spin and smash
into the targetted enemy.
Button Sequence: A, B, A.
Advance Sequence: A, and then press A where you would normally press B, and
when Mario comes back down to Luigi again, press B. He should be spinning
like a top towards an enemy, and come down on them. When he nears the target,
you need to press A again for extra damage. This works on spiked enemies.
* Swing Bros. - "Swing Luigi around!"
Mario's secret Bros. Attack. Requires Secret Scroll 1. Base cost: 6BP.
Mario grabs Luigi and swings him around, increasingly faster the longer that
you hold the A button. He then throws him at the targetted enemy. This is one
of the best Bros. Attacks when properly performed. Unfortunately, it is by
far the hardest to perform perfectly, especially the Advance version.
Button Sequence: Press and Hold A at the appointed time, then hold it until
Luigi and Mario are spinning so fast they become like a colorful spinning top.
Make sure an enemy has a target painted on them before you release or it
fails. When Luigi is flying towards the target, you can press B at the right
time to make the damage jump exponentially.
Advance Sequence: As Luigi is heading back towards Mario after a successful
collision with an enemy via Luigi's buttonpress, press A midway through
Luigi's return trip. The Bros will jump - hands joined, towards and over your
target, then spin downwards. Alternate pressing A+B really quickly here when
they stop moving down for some extra damage. Supposedly, Advance Swing Bros.
can steal items off of enemies when performed perfectly.
* Chopper Bros. - "Dunk Luigi and attack!"
Mario's Hammer-based Bros. attack. Base cost: 5BP.
Mario pounds Luigi into the ground and jumps forward, while Luigi, still
underground follows. Mario bounces off the top of Luigi's head, and while
coming down from this jump spins while swinging his hammer, hitting the target.
It's quite powerful.
Button Sequence: A, B, then mash A repeatedly when Mario flashes red the
second time for extra hits. Higher difficulty = higher number of potential
extra hits.
Advance Sequence: A, then press A when you would normally press B. From here,
when Luigi passes under the enemy, press B to make him shoot out of the ground
and damage the enemy. You can press A from here to make Mario pound him back
into the ground while the enemy is in the air and then have Luigi pop out
again as the enemy nears the ground. You can repeat hammering him into the
ground and "juggling" the enemy like this several times for more damage.
* Fire Bros. - "Attack with fireballs!"
This is Mario's Fire Hand Bros. attack. Base cost: 6BP.
Mario charges up fire for this attack. During the initial part of the attack
while Mario has the red aura, tap A as many times as you can. The higher you
set the difficulty level, the more fireballs Mario will throw. When he's done
charging, he will begin throwing them an an arc toward Luigi, who can hit them
with a hammer into the target. If Luigi fails to hit the fireball, he will be
burned and the attack will end prematurely. This attack can also cause the
POW Down status effect to enemies.
Button Sequence: Mash A repeatedly (until Mario's charge is finished), and
then press B every time a fireball is within range for Luigi to hit it.
On difficulty 3, I've gotten up to 9 fireballs. Lots of damage on some
enemies, especially those with Fire weakness.
Advance Sequence: When the fireballs are being hammered over Mario, press
A with Mario to have Mario create a large fireball in the air. After all
of his fireballs have been thrown, Mario will jump off of Luigi's head at this
large fireball, you must press A at the right time and Mario will spike it,
volleyball style into the targetted enemy. Damage is dependant on how many
fireballs went into making the large fireball.
----------------------
Luigi's Bros. Attacks:
----------------------
* Bounce Bros. - "Jump off Mario!"
This is Luigi's jumping Bros. Attack. Base cost: 4BP.
Luigi jumps off Mario's head forward into the air, Mario dash jumps into the
air and they both slam into the targetted enemy.
Button Sequence: B, A, B.
Advance Sequence: A instead of the first B, then B as Luigi's hands reach the
ground. When Luigi somersaults into the enemy, press B just before contact.
If there's more than one enemy, Mario will somersault towards a second enemy
as well and you should press A just before he connects. Alternatively, you
can just press the first A and then no additional button presses for a larger,
single target hit.
* Knockback Bros. - "Fire Mario to attack!"
This is Luigi's hammer-based Bros. Attack. Base cost: 5BP.
Luigi pounds Mario down to half size, and golf whacks him into the targetted
enemy. I'd think that'd hurt Mario more than the enemy, but apparently not.
Button Sequence: B, B, A.
Advance Sequence: B, then press A immediately after that, which causes Luigi
to hammer Mario down to half size. Luigi will then try to golf the midgeted
Mario with his hammer, so press B at the correct time here. As Mario nears
his enemy, you must press A. He'll fly back towards Luigi, and you can press
B as he nears Luigi to send him for an extra flight at the enemy before the
attack ends, for even more damage. If the enemy is still alive after this,
I've heard you can keep hammering Mario back and forth until you mess up.
* Cyclone Bros. - "A twin-spin attack!"
Luigi's secret Bros. attack. Requires Secret Scroll 2. Base cost: 8BP.
Luigi pounds Mario down to half size, jumps on his head, they both spin and
have a nice chat with their enemies, with Luigi's hammer doing the talking.
Button Sequence: B, and then mash A repeatedly when Mario flashes red.
Higher difficulty = more hit potential!
Advance Sequence: After the last hit, Luigi will lean holding his hammer
back while on Mario's head. Press B here. When the Bros. straighten up
with Luigi holding his hammer straight up, press A a moment later.
It's an extra hit and can cause stun status effect to the target.
* Thunder Bros. - "Attack with thunder!"
This is Luigi's thunder hand Bros. Attack. Base cost 6BP.
Luigi charges up thunder, jumps off Mario's head and releases his thunder
mid-air, hitting all enemies. This is the ONLY Bros. attack that specifically
targets all enemies. Great Bros. Attack. Costs only 4 BP at level 3 diff.
This attack can also cause the DEF Down status effect to enemies.
Button Sequence: (wait for the thunder charge) B, B, B.
Advance Sequence: As Luigi is jumping over Mario's shoulders after the first
press of B, press A. Mario will back up and hold his hammer up. Press A
shortly after Luigi lands to have Mario pound him underground. He will travel
at the enemy underground, where you can press B when Luigi is actually under
the enemy for the final part of this attack. This is only single target.
Any other specifics on how things are controlled will be dealt with in the
walkthrough section in the area where you obtain the skills/attacks. Most of
it is explained in-game very nicely.
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
= [5.1] : Non-Player Characters                                               =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
This section covers some information on significant non-player characters
encountered in the game.
---------------
Princess Peach:
---------------
Victim of many kidnappings, and this time, victim of an apparent theft of her
voice; replaced with deadly explosives. Princess Peach makes appearances in
this game as helpless as ever. As always, it's your job to help her as the
master plumbers and champions of the Mushroom Kingdom, the Mario brothers.
-------
Bowser:
-------
What would a Mario game without Bowser be? He's back, and he wants you to...
get Princess Peach's voice back so that he can kidnap her again! So, he gives
you a ride in his new aircraft (which one of his troopas said wasn't paid off
yet), and ends up having it blown up by Fawful, Cackletta's minion. Some
comedy from him follows throughout the game. Like the scene near the beginning
when he's begging for mercy while crying as he's stuck in someone's
bullet bill cannon, too fat to get out. Later in the game he undergoes a
startling transformation.
---------------
Prince Peasley:
---------------
Prince of Beanbean. Regarded as a cool guy by his fellow countrymen.
In reality, he's just a bumbling fool with some "bling bling" and really
strange flashing hair. He seems at times to have a clue as to what's going
on, but you'll quickly learn that he does not. He also has fruity theme
music going on. Comedy relief, ahoy!
-----------
Queen Bean:
-----------
Mother of Prince Peasley and Queen of Beanbean country, she's a big, loud
and ugly bean. She wants you to get the Beanstar that Cackletta stole from
her castle back to her.
----------
Cackletta:
----------
The ever annoying main villain of the game, Cackletta is a deranged bean that,
well... cackles a lot and wants to... eat a lot of things and rule the world.
On a side note, she's probably the only one to take away the fugly title
from Queen Bean. She dares to pull off "cool evil plans" that Bowser wouldn't
even touch.
-------
Fawful:
-------
Cackletta's minion Fawful is almost as annoying as she is. He has some sort
of vacuum cleaner on his head and flies around with it. His hobbies include
shooting down unpaid-for ships owned by Bowser, and something involving some
mustard. He has severe mental problems, as you'll see near the end of the game.
Also, he has fury. Play the game to "get" that statement. Probably the best
new character introduced by this game. If you disagree, Fawful says that you
are a "fink-rat".
-------
Popple:
-------
A self-proclaimed 'great' thief that Mario and Luigi run into various times
throughout the game. He's always looking to steal something or get revenge
on the brothers for their first meeting. Some nice comedy scenes involving
him. Just don't let him get too close when you fight him! He DOES steal.
He's probably the most recurring boss in the game.
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
= [6.00] : Walkthrough                                                        =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
The walkthrough is composed of several sections rather than being one huge,
hard to navigate mess like some other Walkthroughs may be. It uses the same
coded search capability as the other sections. They are listed in the table
of contents.
***
WARNING: This Walkthrough will obviously contain many "Spoilers", but those
of you who are concerned with that probably won't reference a FAQ/Walkthrough
on your first playthrough, anyway.
***
To be as brief as possible at some points (for both file size and my sanity),
I won't explain back tracking. I will assume that since I had explained
the way there, you should have no problem finding your way back. Except in
special circumstances where you need to do something out of the ordinary
to get back to where you came from.
In latter parts, I may also use statements like "To start, go to X area.
When you get there..." and go on from there. I'll also assume that after a
certain amount of time you've mastered how to put Luigi in the back and
high jump to higher ledges for example, but don't worry -- I'll explain how
it works in the part of the walkthrough that it's introduced and probably
throughout the next one or two sections specifically state to do it at
points that it's needed. I'll try to explain things as best as I possibly can.
This game isn't like most RPGs when it comes to puzzles.
Now, on to the walkthrough! Yes, the part that took the longest to write.
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
= [6.01] Walkthrough: Opening                                                 =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
ENEMIES: Bowser.
BOSSES: None.
By now you've probably seen the opening, and the scene in Princess Peach's
castle where the "Ambassador" from Beanbean Kingdom shows up and gasses her.
The "Ambassador", after she throws off the disguise is actually Cackletta,
and the little guy who carried the box none other than her servant, Fawful.
Fawful has stolen the Princess' voice with his head-vacuum-thingy and replaced
it with explosives. Followed by a lot of cackling laughing and some pretty
cheesy lighting. The pair flee from the scene into an ominous sky.
Cut to Luigi... doing laundry. Toad shows up, looking for the brothers.
Asks Luigi if he's seen the "Kingdom Courier", and then runs past him
looking for Mario. You take control of Toad, for the first and only time in the
game. Walk left and note the steam coming out of the bathroom in the brothers'
house. Walk closer to the bathroom and Toad will note that he hears humming.
Toad runs into the bathroom and... "EEEEEK!" comes out with a red face.
He starts to run away, not wanting Mario to know he's seen him in the shower.
Unfortunately he slams against a dresser and stuns himself. Mario walks out of
the shower in underwear, a question mark over his head. Mario jumps on Toad's
head several times to wake him out of his stupor.
All Toad can say is "P-P-Princess P-P-Peach" before Mario knows what's going
on and runs out of the house half naked towards where Luigi is doing Laundry.
He jumps into his clothes and ropes Luigi, dragging him along with him
to Peach's Castle. The Princess is sobbing on the throne and Bowser has
apparently come for his routine Princess kidnapping.
The Bros. run into the throne room with Mario still dragging Luigi until
he lets go and Luigi slams into Bowser's back. Bowser makes a comment on
this and you are introduced to the combat system with a not-so-friendly
fight with Bowser. All you can do is Solo attack right now, and only
Jumps. You will learn the basics of combat here. Action Commands and how
you can dodge enemy attacks if you time a Jump (and later, Hammer Swing)
right. Pay attention to what the Mushroom man will tell you about Action
Commands and dodging. It will be very helpful later on in the game. It's hard
to lose this fight, so just keep jumping on Bowser until he exclaims
"Urk! Blaargh". Much comedy follows.
Bowser finds out he CAN'T kidnap her because she would destroy his Castle.
He tells Mario to "Do something Super!" and the Toads ask that Mario go
rescue the Princess' voice. Bowser decides to help Mario a little bit for
a change. So that when everything is back to normal, he can resume his
busy kidnapping schedule. Now we're off to Bowser's Koopa Cruiser! but
first, let's go over some basics on interacting in the field screen.
You'll cut to a courtyard scene where you take control of Mario.
Notice that when you get close to someone you can talk to, the Jump icon
is replaced by a face icon. This means you can talk to them, of course.
Head north and talk to the blue-headed Toad for an explanation on Action
Icons. He'll inform you of the basic three action icons you can use at
the moment. Jump, when you're not near anyone or anything special.
Talk, when you're near someone who you can talk to, and Exclamation,
when you're near a sign or special item.
Head left up the first stairs you come to and jump up on the shorter hedge
on the left, then up to the higher hedge on the left. You can talk to
the Toad here who can't seem to find his precious belonging. Agree to help.
Now walk south along the ledge until your Action Icon changes to an
exclamation and hit A. Instead of jumping, you'll pick up his precious
belonging he lost on this ledge. "You found something precious!"...
Go back and talk the Toad who asked you to find it. He'll give you a
1-UP mushroom which revives a fallen Mario or Luigi with 50% Hit Points.
You should see a box on a small hedge to the right of you. Try to jump to
it from the top hedge and jump from underneath it, just like other Mario
games for a mushroom. Mushrooms are restorative items that heal Hit Points.
This normal kind of Mushroom heals 25 Hit Points. Note that items are the
only way to heal in this game aside from the automatic HP/BP refill after some
boss fights.
Drop down and head over to the right side of this courtyard, where a
Toad is standing near a hedge with a Mushroom on it. Talk to him, Jump up and
get the Mushroom. Tell him you got the mushroom for him and he'll say you can
keep it since you're going to the Beanbean Kingdom and it'll be dangerous.
He'll also give you a Super Mushroom, which heals 50 hit points. Head a bit
north and Jump up the hedges there, head south and pop the box for another
normal Mushroom. Now drop down and head north to see one of Bowser's minions
mulling around. Talk to him and find out he's lost. Tell him you know where
they've went and to head north. ^ Thatta way! He'll thank you and run off.
You can read the billboard here for a little bit of Mushroom Kingdom news.
"Mario and Bowser team up?", or "Royal Speech Bombs". Now head towards the
top north end of the screen, in the middle. Luigi is there, jumping up and
down. 'Talk' to him. He gives you a 'clue' on where Bowser has gone, but
since it's the only way you can head I'm sure you'd have deduced it on your
own. Head north onto the next screen. The purple-headed Toad will tell you
about Save Albums. Note the book with an "S" to the left of you. That is
a Save Album. Stand underneath it and Jump. You can save. The other, red
headed toad tells you where Bowser's Koopa Cruiser is and that you should
always save before heading somewhere dangerous. Sound advice.
Head north towards the next screen and you'll see someone shouting
"Master Mario!!!". Toadsworth, Princess Peach's assistant shows up.
He gives you the Suitcase, which opens the menu by pressing Select.
See the controls section above to learn all about it. He'll also
give you 100 coins and ask if Luigi is going as well. Luigi says no
in his own way, and Toadsworth deduces that he's only seeing Mario
off.
Head north to the next screen and you'll see that only one troopa of Bowser's
"mighty" Koopa army has even bothered to show. Thanks to your directional
advice, of course! Bowser demands Mario get on the ship because he's late and
kept him waiting. Now all he needs is his baddies. There's only one there and
Bowser, not recognizing Luigi asks if Luigi is volunteering to join his army.
"Mr. Green" indeed. Luigi starts to flee the scene when the rest of Bowser's
troopas show up and send Luigi flying back towards the Koopa Cruiser.
Luigi isn't very brave, is he? Luigi then tries to sneak off but as the
ship is boarded and takes off he gets grabbed by a cartoon arm and dropped
inside with Mario.
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
= [6.02] : Walkthrough: Koopa Cruiser                                         =
==---------------------------------------------------------------------------==
ENEMIES: Goomba.
BOSSES: Fawful (1).
This is basically a tutorial area.
Mario and Luigi are inside the ship and the speakerphone asks Mario and
... "Mr. Green Mario brother guy" to report to Bowser! It asks you to sort
through your suitcase and head to your destionation. Save here if you wish.
Head right to the next screen. There's not much to sort through in your
suitcase right now so ignore that for now. Talk to the lone Koopa Troopa and
learn that they added a "new member" who's in training until they reach the
Beanbean Kingdom. Who this is, I don't know. Moving along, speak to the left
pair of Troopas to learn that you can switch who's in the lead by pressing
START. You'll need to remember this. Talk to the right pair to learn that, on
the Field screen, the A button controls the front char and the B controls the
back char. You need to remember this, too! For now it will just make that
person jump since that's the only field action you have. Move north and along
to the rightside of the room where you'll meet another pair of Troopas who
tell you about Bros. Blocks. These are just coin dispensers but pay attention
to what they say and use the Bros. Blocks for some coins. Position Mario
underneath it and Luigi to the right of Mario and jump. Hit A, B, A
B, A, B to jump and hit it until it runs out. You'll notice it goes M, L, M
L, M, L. I'm sure you can figure out what that means. Head down and right,
exiting to the next screen.
There's a Troopa taking photos here. Try to head north and you'll be stopped
by him. Apparently the brothers don't have passports with pictures. So he'll
take your pictures. Step onto the mat. You can press Up, Down, Left, or Right
for a pose if you want, or remain perfectly still. It doesn't effect the game
any except for the pictures you'll see in your main menu screen of Mario and
Luigi. It's still a nice touch, nonetheless. Head north and right, and bump
the block on the way for a Mushroom. At the crossroads, head south and talk
to the Troopa who thanks Mario for giving him directions earlier since he
was the first to make it there. He'll give you a 1-UP Mushroom. Bump the
block next to him for another Mushroom. Head north, and up the stairs.
On this screen, head right and then south, where you'll come upon a barrel
in your way that will be pushed. Keep moving south and a Troopa will tell
you to stop breaking Bowser's cargo. Mario and Luigi will question him on
the location of the deck and he'll tell you that first you should learn
how to fight as a pair. Walk up the shaking barrel, and your Action
icon will change to an exclamation. Open it up! Select yes and you'll
enter combat with... some goombas. Now you'll learn how to dodge with
each character. You'll also learn that if a jump dodge is timed right, you can
deal damage to an enemy with it. This doesn't work on Spiked enemies and
projectile attacks such as flames, as it'll hurt YOU. You'll also learn that
on the BATTLE screen, A controls Mario and B controls Luigi. Always.
When the fight is over, head south and you'll come along another shaking
barrel. Break it and enter another fight. You know what to do. Practice
practice practice. You can avoid taking most damage. After this second
fight, Mario should level up. I recommend taking most stat bonuses into POW, as
it's the most important stat. Head left, and see a Troopa chasing a Goomba.
He's got more important things to do and asks you to catch them. He'll teach
you about initiating battles at an advantage, though! If you jump on, and later
hammer some enemies in the Field screen, you can start battles at an advantage.
You will damage and/or stun them at the start of the fight. However, if an
enemy touches the Bro. in the back on the Field, YOU start at a disadvantage.
After that battle, Luigi should level. Choose your stat bonus and then
practice your new knowledge on the next Goomba. Head left up the stairs.
The first Troopa here will tell you something you already knew, as will the
bulletin board. You should Save. The two Troopas ahead will tell you about the
Crane and the blocking cargo. So bump the red block with an exclamation mark.
Luigi gets mistaken for cargo.
***
A word on level ups here, since you've probably gotten one or two by now:
Pump most level up bonuses into POW. It's the most important stat. Period.
I've been told that some people had problems damaging some of the bosses late
in the game without the use of Thunder Bros. to lower defense. Don't let this
happen to you! Get high POW!
***
On the deck, Luigi is held by the crane while Mario and Bowser have a talk.
Luigi sees something from his unique vantage point, but Bowser and Mario aren't
sure what it is. Luigi manages to get down as an explosive ball crashes into
the Cruiser, then Mario and Bowser finally see what Luigi saw.