Mario Tornado

Mario Tornado, also known as Star Spin , is a recurring attack used by Mario in the  series. In both games, Mario spins around rapidly, trapping opponents who get sufficiently close, before entering a spread-eagle stance and bashing foes away.

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 mashed. 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 . The Spin Jump has lower vertical range than Mario's regular jump, but it deals more damage, fully defeating enemies who otherwise take two hits in order to be defeated — such as Koopa Troopas and Galoombas —, while also offering protection when landing on spiked hazardous objects or enemies. Lastly, Spin Jumps can also 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 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 and bounce higher off enemies.

In both Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Mario has access to a Luma-powered variant of the move, which acts as an one-hit attack, physical projectile reflector, and midair 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.