General Tips
Punching directly under a critter launches it straight up into the air, punching just behind a critter launches it forward, and punching just ahead of it launches your target backward. Precision punching is the key to clearing a phase as quickly and safely as possible. For example, if a turtle is approaching the edge of a platform, punch behind it so that it lands near your position, and then follow up with a quick kick. When you deliver your first punch to a crab, aim just ahead of your target to knock it back, and then punch it again as it moves back into range.
A stunned critter flashes between two color schemes just before it recovers. Use this warning sign to gauge whether you should retreat or attempt a last-second kick.
If you don’t think you can reach a stunned critter in time to kick it, it’s sometimes best to punch it instead. Doing so flips your target back onto its feet, but it also prevents the critter from growing angrier.
Look before you leap! You can’t change direction in mid-air, so make sure you’re moving at the proper speed—and in the proper direction—before you commit to a jump.
Use POW Blocks sparingly. They’re great for emergencies (or for flipping groups of critters for valuable kick combos!), but POW Blocks also serve as useful platforms. Depleted or destroyed POW Blocks are replaced only during bonus phases, so plan accordingly.
You earn a lot of extra points by hunting fireballs or performing kick combos, but the surest way to achieve a high score is to keep the game going as long as possible. It’s often better to keep your hero safe than to attempt a risky maneuver.
When a new Mario (or Luigi) is brought in from your reserves, the hero appears on a small platform near the top of the screen. This platform can remain in the area for up to 10 seconds, but it vanishes the moment you take control of your hero. Each time you rejoin the fray, take a moment to assess nearby threats and carefully plan your first move.
2-Player Tips
During cooperative play, consider assigning specific tasks to each player. Put one player in charge of punching critters while the other player kicks them to complete phases as quickly and safely as possible.
Player scores are kept separately, meaning that points are awarded only to the player who earns them. If you’re playing cooperatively, consider swapping responsibilities between phases to ensure that you and your partner can boost your respective scores throughout the game. When you’re playing competitively, look for chances to thwart your opponent’s attempts at high-value maneuvers like kicking critters or collecting coins.
Mario and Luigi can bump into each other, so try to stay out of your partner’s way during a cooperative game. During competitive play, you can use this feature to block your opponent’s path or push them into approaching enemies.
If you find yourself being pushed toward an enemy, don’t bother trying to push back. It’s much more effective to simply jump over your opponent. A properly timed escape will not only get you out of harm’s way, but it can also send your opponent rushing into the approaching threat.
The POW Block also affects heroes. During a competitive game, use POW Blocks to launch your opponent into the air while stunned critters are flipped back onto their feet. Remember that each POW Block can be used only three times—during a cooperative game, communicate with your partner to ensure that a POW Block is used only when it benefits both players.
