Action Command

An Action Command (also known as a Timed Hit) allows a character to do significantly more damage to an enemy than a normal hit. Often, Action Commands occur when the player presses the "A" button right before the party member hits his opponent. Additionally, party members will receive less damage if the player presses "A" right before an enemy attacks. In Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, they were called Timed Hits are the key to success. The Paper Mario series, and the Mario & Luigi series both later used Action Commands.

In Paper Mario, Twink gives Mario a special pendant that allows the plumber to perform Action Commands. This artifact proves useful in the upcoming battle against a Magikoopa; a fight that occurs after Mario visits Shooting Star Summit for the first time.