Croco : le crocodile filou de Super Mario RPG

Croco: The Wily Crocodile of Super Mario RPG

1189 mots | Temps de lecture : 5 minute(s)

Croco is one of those adversaries you don't forget: a small, purple crocodile wearing a top hat, a rogue through and through, who makes his way through Super Mario RPG sowing chaos. His name is the same in French and English (Croco), a clear nod to his crocodile nature.

First appearing in 1996 on the Super Nintendo, he returns to the spotlight with the 2023 Switch remake. An inveterate thief, recurring boss, then repentant merchant: Croco alone embodies the mischievous and quirky tone of this cult RPG.

Summary

Croco, the cunning crocodile from Super Mario RPG

Croco immediately stands out with his gentleman thief appearance: top hat on his head, a mischievous grin, and a quick gait. In Japan, he is called クロコ (Kuroko), a clear contraction of "crocodile."

He makes his debut in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, the role-playing game developed by Square (Squaresoft) with Nintendo, released in 1996 in Japan and then in North America. The title was never released physically in Europe at the time: it wasn't until the 2023 Switch remake that it could be officially enjoyed in French.

Be careful of a common misconception: despite his status as an antagonist, Croco does not belong to Smithy's gang, the main villains of the game. He is an independent bandit, only concerned with lining his pockets.

Two boss fights against an elusive adversary

Croco is one of the first memorable bosses in the adventure, and you face him twice:

  • At Bandit's Way: After stealing a precious item from Mallow, Croco flees. Mario and Mallow chase him through the maze before cornering him for a first duel.
  • In the mines near Moleville (Mole Mines): Later, Croco traps Mario, knocks him out, and robs him. You have to chase him again to recover your loot, in a much tougher confrontation.

True to his cunning nature, Croco doesn't fight fair: he dodges, runs away, and cheats. Fast and elusive, he throws bombs and doesn't hesitate to steal items mid-battle, forcing the player to stay on guard. These clashes, half-chase, half-brawl, are among the most memorable moments of the early game.

A thief obsessed with treasure

Croco's main motivation is theft. It all starts when he snatches Mallow's precious Frog Coin: it's this incident that prompts the little cloud creature to team up with Mario. Later, in the mines, he shamelessly snatches coins from the entire party.

This greed is not incidental. On Star Hill, where shooting stars grant wishes, we discover Croco's secret wish: to get his hands on all the treasures in the world. This perfectly sums up the character — an opportunist without much malice, but unable to resist anything that shines.

A gentleman thief personality

What makes Croco so memorable is as much his attitude as his misdeeds. Small in stature, big in confidence: he behaves like a gentleman thief, proudly sporting his top hat like a dandy of the streets. Always in a hurry, he prefers flight to confrontation and never misses a good quip.

His touch of madness also comes through in his lines: in the original version, Croco punctuates his sentences with expressions from several languages, which reinforces his eccentric and show-off side. He perfectly embodies the absurd and lighthearted humor that is the signature of Super Mario RPG.

From bandit to merchant: Croco's turnaround

As often in Super Mario RPG, the tone remains good-natured, and Croco eventually surprises. At the end of the adventure, we find him not as an enemy, but as a merchant: he runs a small shop in Bowser's Keep, where he sells useful items and even offers some advice.

This complete reversal – from pickpocket to handy supplier – contributes to the game's charm and makes Croco an endearing figure rather than a true villain. The rogue finishes the adventure on the side of the good guys, proving that for him, the lure of gain always outweighs resentment.

Croco returns in the Switch remake (2023)

In 2023, Super Mario RPG was completely revamped on Nintendo Switch, with 3D graphics, reworked animations, and, most importantly, a first official French translation. Croco retains all his charm: the same thefts, the same two fights, the same final shop.

This comeback delighted fans, who held fond memories of this thieving crocodile. Long confined to a single game, Croco remains one of the iconic characters that the community would love to see again in other installments of the Mario saga.

Croco at a glance

French Name Croco
English Name Croco
Japanese Name クロコ (Kuroko)
First Appearance Super Mario RPG (1996, Japan/North America)
Type Crocodile bandit (boss)
Role Recurring thief, then merchant
Boss Fought 2 times (Bandit's Way, then the mines)
Reappearance Super Mario RPG (Switch, 2023)

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FAQ

  • Who is Croco in Super Mario RPG?
    Croco is a purple crocodile and bandit, wearing a top hat. He is a recurring thief whom Mario confronts twice as a boss throughout the adventure.
  • How many times do you fight Croco?
    Twice: first at Bandit's Way, then a second, more difficult time, in the mines near Moleville.
  • What does Croco steal in the game?
    He first snatches Mallow's Frog Coin, which kicks off the adventure, then steals coins from Mario and his party in the mines.
  • Does Croco become Mario's ally?
    Somewhat: at the end of the game, he changes sides and runs a shop in Bowser's Keep, where he sells useful items to the group.
  • Is Croco present in the 2023 Switch remake?
    Yes. He appears in Super Mario RPG (2023), the first officially translated French version, with the same thefts, fights, and final shop.
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