Super Mario RPG: Is Culex In The Switch Remake?

One of the most infamous parts of the Super NES version of Super Mario RPG is Culex, a superboss that requires an extremely precise strategy to defeat.

Many have been curious to know whether this menacing Dark Knight of Vanda returns in the Switch remake, and if he does, just how hard he is. In this guide, we'll be covering whether Culex does return in the 2023 remake of Super Mario RPG, and just who Culex is.

Note: This guide will contain some mild gameplay spoilers for Super Mario RPG on Switch. If you don't want to know the answer to this question, then here's your warning.

Super Mario RPG: Is Culex In The Switch Remake?

Who is Culex?

Culex is a superboss in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars which you can find in Monstro Town. You'll need the Shiny Stone to encounter him.

Culex is a Dark Knight of Vanda (in the English version) who has come to Mario's world from another place. However, Mario's world is uninhabitable, so he's stuck in this in-between space behind a door in Monstro Town and hopes that he'll be challenged by someone strong enough.

In Japanese, Culex acknowledged himself to be a two-dimensional being, compared to Mario and co.'s more 3D appearance, and wants to understand what that means.

What is Culex a reference to?

Culex is, in fact, a reference to developer Square's Final Fantasy series. Surrounded by four crystals which represent the four elements — Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind — that feature throughout the early games.

On the SNES, Culex was notable for being the only character to be a fully 2D sprite. He also has both a smaller sprite in the overworld and a larger, more intricate sprite in battle, just like many of the foes in Final Fantasy.

Also, all of the music used when facing Culex are remixes of songs from the Final Fantasy series. During the battle, a rearrangement of 'Battle 2' from Final Fantasy IV plays. When you manage to defeat him, the Victory Fanfare from the Final Fantasy series plays. And, when you talk to Culex before he vanishes, a version of the Prelude plays, too. Pretty fun, right?

Is Culex in the Switch remake?

Yes, Culex does return in the Switch remake of Super Mario RPG, and in a way that will be a pleasant surprise to many.

When you encounter Culex in the remake, you'll notice that he appears in his 2D pixel-art form as opposed to being rendered in full 3D. This makes his Japanese backstory even more prominent, and Culex acknowledges the difference in dimensions in the English version this time around, too.

Oh, but he's still as tough as ever, so don't worry about this being less of a challenge this time around.

For more help on getting through Super Mario RPG, check out our full Super Mario RPG guide for everything you need.