Items (Ecrazeus Castle)

When going through the courses and some mini-games, you'll collect several consumable items. They can be used at any time in the action, to do various things: from healing health, to damaging foes or inflicting a status effect.

There are three important caveats to using items:

1. Items take a short amount of time to actually trigger. Do not use items as a last second crutch before being hit and being KO'd. But it can happen, so at the very least, be ready to dodge until it triggers.
2. Using items triggers an item cooldown timer. Until the timer runs out, you cannot use items. Some items reduce this cooldown, while others increase it, so be very careful with what item you use.
3. Each item will reduce your score multiplier by a set amount, depending on the item. The amount is listed in the description.

However, in spite of all the downsides, you are highly encouraged to use items. It is practically going to be impossible to play an entire course (or even Quest mode) without taking damage for most people. Carefully assess all the available items at your disposal, and use the item with the least downsides for the current situation.

In Quest Mode, I'd highly recommend you hoard strong healing items for the late game, as they're quite rare, and enemies and hazards can chew through your health very quickly towards the end.