Let me tell you about my recent gaming obsession - Jili Super Ace Deluxe. I've spent countless hours exploring every corner of this masterpiece, and what truly sets it apart are five incredible features that transform the gaming experience. I remember when I first picked up the controller, I expected just another action game, but boy was I wrong. The combat system alone deserves its own award ceremony.

Now, here's something crucial I learned during my playthrough - the permanent upgrade system is an absolute game-changer. Every eight levels, and I mean exactly eight, not seven or nine, you get to choose one permanent upgrade that stays with you for the entire game. I made the mistake early on of not paying enough attention to these choices, and let me tell you, it made the mid-game significantly tougher than it needed to be. The beauty of this system is how it forces you to think strategically about your long-term build rather than just focusing on immediate power spikes.

What's particularly brilliant is how the developers handled character specialization. Both Mario and Luigi get the same upgrade options, but their natural stat growth differs dramatically. I found myself leaning toward Luigi in my later playthroughs because his Defense and Stash stats - which function similarly to Luck in other games - just felt more valuable in the tougher boss fights. There was this one particular battle against the Crystal Golem where Luigi's superior defense literally saved my run when I made several dodging mistakes. Mario might have better raw damage output, but Luigi's survivability makes him perfect for players who, like me, sometimes mistime their dodges.

The EXP boost upgrade became my personal favorite after testing various builds across three complete playthroughs. Choosing the extra experience gain early meant I was consistently 2-3 levels ahead of the content, which made dealing with unexpected difficulty spikes much more manageable. There's this satisfying snowball effect where being higher level means clearing battles faster, which means more experience, creating this wonderful positive feedback loop. I'd recommend new players prioritize this upgrade on their first run - it just makes the learning process so much smoother.

What surprised me most was how these permanent choices actually changed how I approached combat fundamentally. After selecting the power stat upgrade that gives extra stats with each level-up, I noticed my playstyle shifted from careful positioning to more aggressive damage trading. It's fascinating how a single choice at level 16 can completely alter your approach to battles 20 hours later. The game does an excellent job of making these decisions feel meaningful rather than just incremental number increases.

I should mention that the eight-level interval for upgrades creates this wonderful rhythm to progression. Just when you start feeling comfortable with your current power level, the game presents you with another strategic choice that makes you reevaluate your build. It reminds me of those perfectly spaced rest stops during a long road trip - always arriving exactly when you need them most. During my second playthrough, I actually found myself counting levels in anticipation of the next upgrade opportunity.

The brother-specific stat specializations add another layer of depth that I haven't seen in many similar games. While both characters can technically perform all actions, their inherent strengths encourage different playstyles. I found myself using Luigi more defensively, waiting for perfect counter-attack opportunities, while with Mario I adopted a much more aggressive, in-your-face approach. This subtle character differentiation means you're not just playing the same character with different sprites - you're actually engaging with the combat system in meaningfully different ways.

Here's a pro tip I wish I knew earlier: the order in which you select upgrades creates unique synergies that the game doesn't explicitly tell you about. For instance, choosing the EXP boost first and then following up with the power stat upgrade creates this incredible scaling build that dominates the late game. Meanwhile, going for defensive upgrades early makes the early game smoother but might leave you struggling with damage output against certain bosses. There's no single "correct" path, which makes experimentation so rewarding.

What makes Jili Super Ace Deluxe truly special is how all these systems interconnect seamlessly. The permanent upgrades don't exist in isolation - they complement the character specializations, which in turn enhance the core combat mechanics. It's this beautiful design harmony that elevates the game from merely great to genuinely masterpiece territory. I've played through the game four times now, and each run felt distinct because of the different upgrade combinations I experimented with.

The Stash stat deserves special mention because it's so uniquely implemented. Unlike traditional luck stats that just increase critical chance, Stash affects everything from item drop rates to special effect triggers to even hidden dialogue options. I once had a playthrough where I maxed out Luigi's Stash early, and the amount of extra content and resources I accessed was staggering. It's the kind of stat that seems minor at first but reveals its incredible depth as you invest in it.

As I reflect on my time with Jili Super Ace Deluxe, I'm struck by how the developers managed to create such depth without overwhelming players. The learning curve feels natural, the power progression satisfying, and the strategic possibilities nearly endless. Whether you're a casual player just looking to experience the story or a min-maxing enthusiast determined to create the perfect build, the game accommodates your playstyle while still encouraging experimentation.

That's exactly why discovering the top five features that make Jili Super Ace Deluxe a gaming masterpiece has been such a rewarding journey for me. From the brilliantly paced upgrade system to the nuanced character specializations, every element feels carefully crafted and purposefully implemented. This isn't just another action game - it's a masterclass in game design that respects player intelligence while providing an absolutely thrilling experience. I'm already planning my fifth playthrough, and I have a feeling I'll discover even more depth that I missed previously.