"Flee now while you still can!" — Tutankoopa, Paper Mario
Tutankoopa is a boss in Paper Mario. He is Koopa Troopa dressed in pharaoh garbs and a minion of Bowser who had occupied Dry Dry Ruins during the events of Paper Mario. Tutankoopa is the main boss of Chapter 2, the second boss of that chapter and overall the fourth boss of the game.
History[]
Paper Mario[]
Tutankoopa's voice is heard the second Mario enters the Ruins. Throughout the level, he continues to warn Mario to turn around and leave or else he'll suffer a horrible fate. When Mario finds Tutankoopa, they battle in order to save the next Star Spirit. Tutankoopa repeatedly summons Chain Chomps, his loyal guards, to dispose of Mario for him. He also has magic attacks and throws blue shells at Mario. Occasionally, his magic will backfire and he'll hit himself on the head with a rock. After Mario and his partners defeat him, an outraged Chain Chomp comes out, snapping at Tutankoopa. Even though he tries to calm it down, it chases him into a cell. During the credits parade, Tutankoopa is seen numerous times still being chased by the Chomp.
Appearance/Personality[]
Tuntankoopa is notable for his pharaoh complex, his magic abilities (such as shattering into fragments at will, leaving only his eyes and crown visible), and his heavy association with Chomps. Even though it is unknown whether he is truly a ghost or not, it is known that he serves the Koopa Troop in the present day.
Attacks[]
Tuntankoopa mainly attacks by throwing blue shells at Mario, he can also use magic that will create a large stone Chomp head that slams down onto the ground and causes debris to fall on either Mario and his partners or himself. Tuntankoopa can also summon a Chain Chomp to aid him.
Tips & Strategy[]
Whenever Tutankoopa summons a Chain Chomp, the player should use the Quake Hammer twice. This is very effective since the Chain Chomps only have 4 HP. Therefore, it takes just 2 Quake Hammer hits to defeat them. This also damages Tutankoopa as well. Chain Chomps also give Star Points. Parakarry is the recommended partner here as he can hit Tutankoopa for 5 damage (or 6 if he's been upgraded) each time he uses Shell Shot. Combine this with Mario's Power Jump/Bounce and Tutankoopa will be down in no time.
Another useful strategy is to use the D-Down Pound badge (which can be bought from Rowf for 75 coins) on the Chain Chomp. It only takes one hit, nullifying the Chain Chomp's high attack power. An upgraded Goombario is also a good choice in partners. Even without FP, Goombario can consistently hit Tutankoopa for 4 damage.
Trivia[]
- Tuntankoopa's name is based on the ancient Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun.
- Tuntankoopa is the first boss in Paper Mario to be aided by enemies.
- Tuntankoopa is also the first Chapter boss in Paper Mario to have a form of projectile, which is throwing blue shells.
- Tuntankoopa is the first boss of Paper Mario to not have firepower be made of pure energy.
- For some unknown reason, Tunankoopa has 30 HP, which is ten less HP than the optional mid-boss, Buzzar, who has 40 HP. This is possibly due to the frequent summoning of Chain Chomps during his fight.
