Charge Attack

The Charge Attack, also known as the MAX Attack, is a recurring attack mechanic in the Mana series. When preparing for a Charge Attack, the player character stores the equivalent of qi energy in order to land a blow of greater force against a foe. This is usually signaled by a change in the attack animation of a given weapon.

Final Fantasy Adventure / Adventures of Mana
A Charge Attack is available by simply allowing Sumo to stand or move continuously in one direction before pressing the attack button; while his weapon is idle, this fills his Will Gauge to maximum. Each weapon has a unique animation when fully charged.

Secret of Mana
The Power Attack is introduced. Following roughly the same principle as the previous game, the currently-controlled party member can charge a Mana Weapon if the attack button is held for approximately 3-5 seconds per charge level while standing or walking, as determined by the character's current weapon proficiency relative to the current Orb level for the equipped weapon. Each charge level has its own animation and will cause greater damage if all of the hits connect. Running will immediately deplete all charged stamina and thereby force a restart from level 0.

Trials of Mana HD
Absent from the 1995 original, the Charge Attack is an extension of the strong attack and is achieved by holding down the assigned button for about 3 seconds. The controlled character's weapon will glow when charged. A hit that connects may force larger CS energy shards from its target. Charged attacks are also useful in breaking armored enemies.