Action command

The Action command (also known as Timed Hits or Timed Attacks)is a term used to describe the action where the player can hit a button to deal more damage to an enemy or lessen damage taken. The A button is usually involved in using the Action command and is very common in the RPGs.

Paper Mario series
The Action command is present in all of the Paper Mario games. Paper Mario introduces the Action command in this series; however, Mario can only learn it once he gets the Lucky Star item from Twink. Once he does, Twink demonstrates how to use the Action command including how to Guard against enemy attacks to lessen damage. Using the Action command in this game requires the simple press of the to deal more damage or Guard against others. The Action command for the Hammer is different as the player must hold back on the control stick until the star lights up.

In Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, the Action command remains the same except now, this game introduces one for the Superguard. By pressing at the right moment, Mario can nullify an enemy's attack and, if it's a direct attack, can deal back 1 point of damage back to them. However, the Superguard is much more difficult to pull off and should only be used as a last resort.