thanks Cap N!  so whether or not they topple an enemy after I use break is kind of random?  I've had such poor luck  being able to use those kind of attacks on the boss I'm fighting.  

Someone didn't pay attention during the tutorials on Break, Topple and Chain Attacks. It's remedial Xenoblade classes for you Snee. Tsk, tsk.

He's a creator with ADD, Pete. He was probably composing something in his head or working on the next chapter of his current novel and just wasn't paying attention.

yeah, my attention span isn't great, plus I've taken long breaks from it.  Sorry!  

Yep, I know that Tami. It doesn't mean I'm not allowed to poke him with a stick though. :)

Thats why RPGS are the worst at stopping and taking a break. I started playing Bravely Default again and Im like sort of at a loss at some of the enemies and what I was excately doing in it because you can do so many things before advancing the main story to get more job spheres. So im back to figuring it all and remembering I quit for a bit because its hard and heavy grinding. I dont mind grinding but this is a little over the top.

that game does have a lot of grinding. It's kind of annoying. I mean, that game has so much going for it but there's just some things about it that make it not so fun. 

AHAHAHAHAHAAA! 

Well finishing up som side quests is a good idea as it'll level you up, but, i'd also recomend uograding your gear, especially gems.

in order to get the upper hand you need to use the Break (pink) which unbalances or weakens the enemies stance and then use the topple (green), that attack is usually reserved for the "Tank" of the group. If your 3rd character has it, use daze (yellow) to prolong the topple. topleing isn't always random and is more likely to happen once the specific attack is strenghened.

certain characters have position specific attacks, Like Shulk's back attack is strongest from behind (most effective after topple)

As mentioned the guage above is the chain attack but doubles as a revive, use it only when neccessary but once it's full? TOPPLE. how long the chain attack mode lasts is up to how strong your team is (including their relationships which each other).

Use Shulks Monado to to either buy time or deal a heavy blow.

That's all I can remember 

thanks man! this is really helpful!  I'm gonna play it a little later before dinner.