| “ | Greetings. I am Culex, Dark Knight of Vanda. I've crossed into this dimension to fight for the Dark Mage. You who stand before me... Where does your depth come from? Why are you rendered so three-dimensionally? The evil power that gave me life mapped out this flat plane as my form. You are formed from a power unknown to me. I wish to gain the secret of your three-dimensional world! You will enter combat against me? | „ |
| ~ Culex questioning Mario's three-dimensionality |
| “ | Denizens of the three-dimensional world... Our paths cross once more. You have used your great strength to grant the wishes of powerful people. The force of your strength resonated with my own wishes, enabling me to attain greater evil power and return to this plane. You shall see this power firsthand! Heh heh... Feast your eyes! This new form is worthy of your three-dimensional world! I return to this world remade. I am matter and antimatter. I am past, present, and future. I will consume all time and space! My evil power is in harmony with this three-dimensional world. And now, it will crush you! |
„ |
| ~ Culex, showing off his new three-dimensional form |
Culex (Crystaller in the original Japanese version), also known as Culex 3D in his 3D form, is a minor antagonist in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars as well as its Nintendo Switch remake. He Is a multidimensional dark knight-alike being who resides from another dimension called Vanda. His abilities are greatly enhanced by the control over time and space and the laws of creation. Trapped inside a warped dimension, his world can be accessed through a mysterious sealed door in Monstro Town, which will only open if the Shiny Stone is present. As the servant of the mysterious Dark Mage, Culex meets Mario and his friends. Intrigued by their presence in three dimensions when he himself is bound to a two-dimensional plane, Culex tries to understand what gives them their dimension and power. After his defeat, Culex gets a slight revelation of the special power exclusive to Mario and as a sign of respect gives him the Quartz Charm before returning to Vanda.
He is known as the Master of Time and Space and has dominion over creation itself. His power, as inferred, spans from the beginning to the end of time, including realms like the Dream Depot that is inextricably bound to space-time. Culex's War, it is said, takes place across dimensions, and he himself is said to reside outside of the ordinary space-time continuum at the moment of his departure. In the Nintendo Switch, Culex dramatically returns. His wish to achieve the power of the third dimension is granted by Star Hill, transforming him into a fully realized 3D being. This new form reflects his evolution and understanding of dimensionality. After getting defeated a second time, Culex is reduced once more to his flat planar form, rewarding Mario with the Crystal Shard before departing to Vanda and hinting at a remaining yearning to perfect this newfound power.
Personality[]
As an outcast from his own dimension, Culex exhibits a profound longing for connection and understanding. Beneath his stoic exterior lies a deep emotional complexity, revealed subtly in his interactions with Mario and his companions. His formal and archaic speech reflects both his intelligence and the wisdom accumulated across dimensions. Culex’s battle strategy and approach to conflict demonstrate his sharp intellect, showcasing a mind skilled in both combat and philosophical thought.
Culex adheres to a strong sense of honor and integrity, engaging in battle with Mario only after his worthiness is proven. His noble spirit is a striking departure from typical RPG antagonists, embodying a warrior bound by a personal code of ethics. This integrity is further underscored by his respect for fair play, emphasizing the mutual respect between him and his adversaries. These traits deepen his character and elevate him beyond a simple challenge to a meaningful and enigmatic presence in the narrative.
Biography[]
Upon venturing into the enigmatic realm, our valiant hero, Mario, is cordially greeted by Culex himself, who proceeds to impart his captivating tale. The enigmatic entity reveals his origins, his purpose, and the trials he has endured, all while maintaining an air of mystique and intrigue. Following this mesmerizing narrative, Culex extends an audacious challenge to Mario and his faithful companions, inviting them to a formidable battle of skill and courage. The choice to engage in this arduous confrontation is ultimately left to the discerning player, who must decide whether to accept this daunting proposition or respectfully decline, potentially missing out on the unknown rewards that await.
The epic showdown between Mario, Mallow, Geno, Bowser and Toadstool against the formidable Culex and his loyal Crystals was about to commence. As the battle commenced, Culex was not alone in his quest for victory; he had the support of four mighty Crystals - the Earth Crystal, the Fire Crystal, the Water Crystal, and the Wind Crystal. Each Crystal possessed incredible elemental power, granting them the ability to unleash devastating magical attacks. It became evident that defeating these Crystals individually before targeting Culex would be the most strategic approach. However, the stakes were high, for if Culex were to fall, the remaining Crystals would meet their unfortunate demise, shattering one by one on their next turn. Thus, our heroes knew that the fate of their world hung in the balance as they prepared to face this formidable foe and his loyal entourage. The battle was about to unfold, and only time would tell if Mario and his allies possessed the strength and cunning to emerge victorious in this ultimate test of skill and bravery.
In the event that Mario's party emerges victorious, Culex bestows upon Mario the coveted Quartz Charm as a token of his appreciation. Having fulfilled his purpose, Culex bids farewell to Mario's dimension and gracefully exits the scene, allowing Mario to be whisked away back to the familiar surroundings of Monstro Town. However, as if to emphasize the ephemeral nature of this encounter, the portal through which Culex arrived mysteriously evaporates, leaving behind nothing but an impenetrable barrier of solid rock, serving as a tangible reminder of the extraordinary events that took place.
In the Switch remake of the game, players have the opportunity to battle the formidable Culex once again, even after defeating the final boss, Smithy. Thanks to the successful restoration of the Star Road by Mario and his party, numerous influential individuals were able to have their desires fulfilled. Surprisingly, this included Culex, whose wish was to acquire the extraordinary abilities associated with the third dimension. As a result, he summoned Mario and his companions into his mystical realm, where they were confronted by Culex in his newly transformed state, ready to engage in an epic battle.
Once Mario's party emerges victorious, the malevolent forces that had transformed him into a 2D sprite gradually dissipate. Consequently, Culex is compelled to retreat momentarily in order to restore his original 3D form. However, before departing, he conscientiously keeps track of the number of turns it took for his adversaries to defeat him in battle. As a token of appreciation for their efforts, Culex generously bestows a Crystal Shard upon the player.
Power and Ability[]
Culex’s formidable arsenal of powers sets him apart as one of the most challenging adversaries in the Mario universe. His abilities are both magical and physical, enhanced by his strategic intellect and commanding presence.
- Magical Mastery: Culex wields devastating spells, summoning elemental forces and conjuring barriers that shield him from harm. His elemental magic, amplified by the Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind Crystals, allows him to inflict immense damage across a range of attacks. Each crystal embodies its respective element, synergizing with Culex's own powers to create devastating combinations.
- Physical Strength and Agility: Beyond his magical prowess, Culex exhibits exceptional physical abilities. His swift movements and precise attacks make him a challenging opponent in close combat. He combines agility and strength to deliver strikes with both finesse and overwhelming force, keeping his opponents constantly on their guard.
- Mastery of Time and Space: As the Master of Time and Space, Culex’s control extends over the flow of time and the fabric of reality. He is implied to hold dominion over constructs like the Dream Depot and is capable of crossing dimensions, existing momentarily outside the space-time continuum.
- Regal Presence: Culex’s ornate armor and otherworldly aura contribute to his imposing presence. This regal bearing reinforces his identity as a being of immense power, one who commands respect and awe even before a fight begins.
- Strategic Intellect: Culex is an astute tactician, analyzing opponents' weaknesses and exploiting them with calculated precision. This intellect, coupled with his vast magical and physical abilities, ensures that players must approach the battle with skill and forethought.
- Dimensional Evolution: In his second encounter in the Nintendo Switch remake, Culex gains the power of the third dimension. His fully realized 3D form reflects his growth, both in understanding and power. However, this form also demonstrates the fragility of dimensional power, as his defeat reduces him back to his planar state.
Quotes[]
Original[]
| “ | "Greetings. I am Culex, Dark Knight of Vanda. I've crossed into this dimension to fight for the Dark Mage. But this world is uninhabitable for me and my kind. I must return to my own world. Before I go, though, I would like to challenge your strongest knight. Will you accept my challenge? You will enter combat against me?" | „ |
| “ | "You are wise to hesitate. Without any weapon or armor, you have no chance." | „ |
| “ | "En garde!" | „ |
| “ | "A little off, eh?" | „ |
| “ | "Perhaps in another time, another game, we may have been mortal enemies... Let us part as comrades in arms." | „ |
| “ | "Take this. Treasure it as a keepsake of our fight." | „ |
| “ | "Farewell, champion knight!" | „ |
Remake[]
| “ | "Heh heh... Feast your eyes!" | „ |
| “ | "This new form is worthy of your three-dimensional world!" | „ |
| “ | "I return to this world remade." | „ |
| “ | "I am matter and antimatter. I am past, present, and future. I will consume all of time and space!" | „ |
| “ | "My evil power is in harmony with this three-dimensional world. And now, it will crush you!" | „ |
| “ | "You shall bear witness to the power of post-game content!" | „ |
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- He was designed by Square Enix and makes a reference to the Final Fantasy series ("Perhaps in another game, another place, we would have been mortal enemies") after defeating him. His music is also the boss theme of Final Fantasy IV. Further cementing this, the remake lists his origin world as "Last Illusion", which is synonymous with "Final Fantasy".
- Culex's base hit points "4096" is the square of 64.
- Culex shares his name with a genus of mosquito.
External Links[]
- Culex on the Mario Wiki
- Culex on the Super Mario Wiki
[]
 Villains
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