Superstar Saga Version Differences (2022)

Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga Version Differences (updated from altabiscuit's original post).

-This pastebin lists the differences between the Japanese and English versions as it relates to speedruns.
For general version differences refer to http://themushroomkingdom.net/mlss_j2e.shtml

-The only cartridge version is 1.0.  The differences are based on region differences (USA, EUR, or JPN)

-EUR and USA are practically the same mechanic wise however, EUR is the fastest version for Any% and Glitchless due to using Spanish text (fastest text) and having less/no lag during some glitches (void barrel).
JPN is the fastest version for All Bosses due to having different glitches (Barrel Clipping).

-Wii U Virtual Console versions have little to no differences to the GBA cartridges with the exception of a frame of input delay and minor insignificant lag differences.

-Playing on the Gameboy Player (not Gameboy Interface) introduces GBP enhancements for the game which changes the glitch sequences and makes it more difficult/inconsistent. To avoid this, plug any cable into the front of the Gameboy Player. There is also an extra frame of input delay.

From now on, the USA and EUR versions will be referred to as the English Version.

- Most HP, EXP, Coin, and Item Drop Values for bosses are different between the two versions but these differences are accounted for in the routes.

-- General Route differences --

- Barrel clipping is Japanese only
- English version can clip through rocks but it is slower and more likely to softlock
- Mush badge more expensive and less powerful on Japanese version
- English route does not farm Knockback Bros.  This leaves the final Cackletta fight up to some RNG, but it still faster.
- English version is the fastest version ultimately due to higher damage from the red pepper glitch and better mush badge.


-- Stats --

**Starting BP:

JAPAN
Mario 14 BP
Luigi 16 BP

ENGLISH
Mario 10 BP
Luigi 10 BP

Syrups are required for the early boss fights on the English version.


**Stat Progression:

-Attack progression is higher on the English version.
-BP progression is higher on the Japanese version.
-Level up bonuses are higher on average on the English version.



-- Splash Bros Advanced --

JP: Requires 20 uses
EN: Requires 19 uses

Technically the English version needs 20 uses, but the Bros Attack tutorial counts towards the Splash Advanced counter which effectively reduces it to 19.


-- Mush Badge --

The Mush Badge works the same in both games but it is much weaker on the Japanese version.

JAPANESE (Cost: 238 coins)
0.078 - Mushroom
0.098 - Super Mushroom
0.117 - Ultra Mushroom
0.199 - Max Mushroom

ENGLISH (Cost: ~110 coins, will vary based on level and Stache stat)
0.199 - Mushroom & Super Mushroom
0.250 - Ultra Mushroom
0.299 - Max Mushroom



-- Bosses --

**Tolstar
Tolstar has higher DEF on English version.  The following damage numbers assume both bros are level 3.

JAPAN
Splash Bros: Between 6-8 damage depending on Mario's stats
Bounce Bros: Always 6 damage

ENGLISH
Splash Bros: Always 7 damage
Bounce Bros: Always 5 damage

English version takes one more turn because a Syrup needs to be used.


**Hoohoroos
Hoohoroos has higher DEF on Japanese version and requires good stats to kill fast.  English version needs less turns on average to win this fight but has to use a Syrup due to less BP.

**Dragohoho
The English version on average will have higher attack stats, but will usually require a Syrup to be used during the fight, depending on stats this can take 4-5 turns.  The Japanese version can kill in 4 turns but requires high level up bonuses.

English version saves time when Advance! and a kill are done on the same turn because both animations happen at the same time.


**Queen Bean
JP: 100 HP
EN: 120 HP

This makes no difference in the speedrun because Mario does more damage on the English version to make up for it.  Assuming favorable stats, both versions should take four turns to kill Queen Bean.


**Popple & Rookie**
English version saves time due to Rookie attacking less and doing more damage on average.


**Popple & Birdo
Japanese fight is slower due to weaker Mush Badge, but does not have to do a rock skip to get here.


**Bowletta
JP: 700
EN: 500

English version is faster due to stronger Mush Badge and less HP.

**Cackletta
JP: 800
EN: 1200

Japanese version is faster because it uses Knockback Bros Advance infinite to kill.
English version is slower due to 2 cycle kill, but it gains a lot of time earlier in the run by not having to farm Knockback Bros.  Due to 2 cycle kill this fight is heavily dependent on RNG for a good time.


-- Glitches and Skips --


**Barrel Clipping
Version: Japanese only
Used for:  Early Fungitown, Big Skip, Bowser Castle Skip

-Early Fungitown, Big Skip, and Bowser Castle Skip is faster with barrel clipping

**Barrel Storage (using a real barrel)
Version: Both
Used for: Sign glitch


**Sign glitch
Version: Both
Used for: Early Firebrand


**Action Command glitch
Version: Both
Used for: Everything

Slightly faster on English version because L does not need to be pressed as many times.


**Hat Clipping
Version: Both
Used for: Early Fungitown, Big Skip, Rock Skip (EN)


**Rock Skip
Version: Both, but not needed on Japanese
Used for: Big Skip, Early Fungitown

Clips through rocks which require higher level hammers to break.  Japanese version does this with barrel clipping and is faster.


**Bowser Castle Skip
Version: Both, but behaves differently on both versions
Used for: Skipping Bowser's Castle
Japanese version is faster due to barrel clipping.
Timer event stored from HooHoo Mountain soul collecting game.


**Red Peppers Glitch
Version: English only
Used for: Cackletta fight
Makes the POW bonus of Red Peppers permanent if the bro you use it on dies and is revived with a 1UP shroom before the peppers effect wears off.  This also works with Green Peppers but is not useful in a speedrun.