Highlights

  • The upcoming Super Mario RPG remake will feature a brand-new secret superboss, in addition to the return of the Final Fantasy-themed boss, Culex.
  • The inclusion of another secret boss has sparked speculation among fans.
  • Culex, the original secret superboss, retains his 2D sprite appearance and wields four elemental crystals, accompanied by a re-arrangement of Final Fantasy 4's boss music by composer Yoko Shimomura.

A blog post about Super Mario RPG includes a tease about a brand-new secret superboss that can be found in the remake. A remake of the original Super Mario RPG was one of the most surprising announcements of the June 2023 Nintendo Direct. It is looking to be a faithful remake, while also adding new features like special rematches against Super Mario RPG's bosses. One boss that fans were hoping would make a return is a Final Fantasy-themed superboss, Culex.

In the original Super Mario RPG, Culex is a being who comes from a different dimension, engaging in a fight with Mario's party. It is the game's secret superboss, having more HP than both phases of the final boss and having several elements that are evocative of the Final Fantasy franchise. There was a big debate regarding Culex's return in the Super Mario RPG remake between fans after the game's initial reveal. Many really wanted to see the classic boss return, while others argued that this reference should be replaced with something more modern. According to a new blog post about the game, Culex is returning, but he won't be the only game's secret boss fight.

RELATED: Super Mario RPG Remake Keeping Nintendo Character Cameos

This Nintendo blog post goes into detail regarding two Japanese commercials made for Super Mario RPG, covering various aspects about its gameplay and story. One thing that immediately stood out from one of these commercials was its final seconds, where it quickly showed off Culex (or Crystaller in Japanese). The blog post points out how fans of the original might have had trouble with the boss, with the fight itself being only accessed by the Shiny Stone (shikapikaishi) item that unlocks a sealed door. However, the post then points out how there is an "even more special" stone (ishi) that is waiting to be found, which likely means that this new item will unlock another boss fight.

Culex Super Mario RPG Remake

Including another superboss alongside Culex for fans to find has gotten fans speculating about what it could be. The most common suggestion that fans have put forth would be the big bad of Final Fantasy 7, Sephiroth. This was based on a big meme among fans, with many believing that Mario's party would be able to trounce Sephiroth. As such, this game would be the perfect opportunity to bring the match-up to life, though this is just speculation.

Much like in his original appearance, Culex appears as a 2D sprite that wouldn't be out of place from one of the first six Final Fantasy games. He also wields four crystals of the elements and his unique theme is a re-arrangement of Final Fantasy 4's boss music. The commercial briefly teased the first few notes of his theme, which appears to be re-arranged by Super Mario RPG's original composer, Yoko Shimomura. Many fans are already excited to see what secrets this remake has in store, as well as the chance to fight Culex again.