Become a Blocking Boss in Paper Mario 64: Guarding, Timing, and Utter Domination
Ready to dive into Paper Mario 64, stomping Goombas and rescuing Princess Peach? Great! But are you tired of Mario taking hits like a champ… a punching bag champ? Watching Mario’s health drop quickly can be painful, just like pizza disappearing fast on game night.
Don’t worry! There’s a secret move to help you. It’s called blocking. In Paper Mario 64, mastering the guard can turn defeat into victory.
Guarding: Your First Line of Defense (Literally)
Guarding acts like Mario’s built-in “Nope!” button. Enemies in Paper Mario 64 are sneaky. They signal their attacks just enough for you to react. Blink and you’ll miss it. The window to guard is tiny, about 5 to 10 frames – a quick moment, roughly 1/12th to 1/6th of a second.
Here’s the deal: watch a Koopa Troopa or Boo closely. Right before the attack hits – BAM! – tap that ‘A’ button. Timing is crucial. Get it right, and Mario raises a blue shield. This reduces damage significantly. One point might seem small, but it adds up quickly.
Action Commands: It’s All About Timing, Baby!
Paper Mario 64 is not just about mashing buttons. It requires finesse. With timely Action Commands, you show those pixels who’s boss. Guarding is one part of this timing-based combat. Action commands appear during your attacks too, boosting damage and minimizing enemy hits.
Listen for audio cues and look for visual hints in battles. An exclamation point flashes before an enemy hits. That’s your guide to guard. If you react in time, Mario brushes off hits like they’re nothing. Nail that timing, and you’ll feel like a defensive genius.
Think of it this way: attacking is offense, guarding is defense, and Action Commands are the secret ingredient to mastering the Mushroom Kingdom battles.
Superguard? Wrong Castle, My Friend.
You might have heard of the “Superguard.” Maybe you think, “B button, right?” Not quite. While Superguard exists in the Paper Mario series, specifically in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, it’s not in Paper Mario 64. In The Thousand-Year Door, pressing ‘B’ at the right moment can reflect an enemy attack. That’s a real power move!
In Paper Mario 64, stick with the ‘A’ button guard. Master that first; then work toward Superguard skills in future games.
Beyond Blocking: Other Pro Tips for Paper Mario 64 Domination
You’re becoming a guard expert. But Paper Mario 64 has more tricks than just blocking. Let’s review some other tips to make your adventure smoother than freshly Zamboni-ed ice.
- Defense is Key (Duh!): Mario starts with zero defense. That means less defense than a cardboard box in a storm. Luckily, badges like the Defend Plus badge help reduce damage by a whole point. Stack them for extra protection. Every point matters!
- Watt is Your Electric Pal: Facing Anti Guys in Chapter 8? Watt, the cute light bulb, is your secret weapon. His paralysis moves are effective against them. Use his standard attack or moves like Chill Out or Time Out. Stun those foes!
- Bowser Boss Battles? Charge and Bounce!: Facing Bowser himself? Charge up Mario’s jump attack for a devastating Power Bounce. This can significantly reduce Bowser’s health. Combine it with hammer attacks or Watt for more impact. Remember, Bowser may use a Life Shroom to heal, so finish him off fast!
- Fast Travel is Your Friend: Tired of long walks in the Mushroom Kingdom? Don’t worry! Paper Mario 64 offers two fast travel options. Look for Warp Pipes and the quirky Fax Travel system. They save time and prevent backtracking.
- Save Early, Save Often: This is gaming rule number one. Spot a friendly block with an ‘S’? That’s a Save Block. Hit it with your jump, and save your progress. Losing hours of gameplay because you forgot to save is the worst. Don’t fall into that trap!
You now have blocking, Action Commands, defense boosts, and some pro tips to elevate your Paper Mario 64 skills from “button masher” to “battle master.” Go out there, guard like a pro, and show Bowser who’s boss! Perhaps Princess Peach will finally bake you that cake.
