Mario Tornado

Mario Tornado, also known as Star Spin , is a recurring attack used by Mario in the Super Smash Flash series. In both games, Mario spins around rapidly for a short time, he ends the attack by punching upward, knocking away trapped opponents.

In Super Smash Flash
In the original Super Smash Flash, Mario Tornado is 's. The move is slightly quicker than the Super Smash Bros. Melee version of the attack, with little to almost no hitstun, but still a very damaging move nonetheless.

In Super Smash Flash 2
In the reboot, Super Smash Flash 2, it has become 's down special move. The move now possesses considerably more knockback and hitstun than its counterpart in SSF, and can now be used for recoveries as it allows Mario to hover in the air momentarily when the special move button is pushed repeatedly. It is also one of the best momentum canceling moves in the game. As a nod to the spinning attack from Super Mario Galaxy, the Baby Luma comes out of Mario's cap during the ending strike, but is merely a cosmetic addition.

Origin
The Mario Tornado is likely based on the Spin Jump move that originated in Super Mario World. The Spin Jump has lower vertical range than Mario's regular jump but deals more damage (or fully defeats enemies such as Koopa Troopas, who would otherwise be knocked out of their shells which could then be grabbed and thrown, or Galoombas, who would otherwise be knocked over and could be grabbed and thrown), offers protection from landing on many spiked normally-hazardous objects and enemies, and can break Rotating Blocks from above if Mario is not Small.

Since the move's appearances in Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee, the spin jump has continued to appear in Super Mario games. While its higher damage and block-breaking power are now the job of the Ground Pound move instead, spin jumping tends to cause Mario to fall slower, capable of removing most enemies to a fog, and gives Mario more height upon bouncing off enemies.

In Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel, Mario has access to a Luma-powered variant of the move, which acts as a one-hit attack, physical projectile reflector, and mid-air double jump/stalling technique.

Trivia

 * When the Baby Luma was first incorporated into the move, it actually had a small hitbox that dealt high knockback. This has been removed altogether, though.