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Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Review for Wii U

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Review for Wii U

To the Rescue

Every now and again I have a review that hits my desk and I feel a little less than excited about it. After the many years I have been doing this, it happens from time to time. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to play the title; it’s just that in those moments I am a little more than exacerbated by what this new title will hold. This was the case with Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker . I had no inkling of checking it out, heck I don’t even think it was really on my radar, but I can say this much, I was pleasantly surprised. Which has been happening a lot with Nintendo and the Wii U.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is very cliché, let’s just get that out there. Someone is kidnapped then you have to go on a quest to save him or her, rinse and repeat. The story honestly, isn’t that great, but it does fall into the norm when it comes to the Mario titles (though I still say Luigi’s Mansion and the first Super Mario Galaxy had the more engaging storylines). I think though the simplicity is more on purpose and not so much for the older fans that are looking for stronger storylines in these types of games. In simpler terms, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker really is a game meant for everyone.

The level designs are simple enough they follow suit with the levels found in Super Mario World 3D . In fact some of the bonus levels are exactly that (more on this in a moment). So there’s not a ton of new here, but that in itself is not a negative mark against the title. Instead it continues the thought of it being for everyone. The level designs are meant for you to be able to jump in and play and not feel downtrodden about the occasional complex puzzles to figure out.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Screenshot

But those complexities are meant for those completionists who want to collect everything and unlock bonus levels as they progress. Each level has three diamonds, and a gold star that you must acquire in order to complete the level. The diamonds are optional and can often times be very tricky to get. There are also golden mushrooms that will unlock bonus levels. Once you complete the level the first time you will then have the option to complete certain challenges depending on the level. For example, something as simple as shooting a certain number of piranha plants with radishes (in first person mode, I might add).

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Screenshot

This actually brings me to what helped make this game both a challenge and accessible. Toad and Toadette can’t jump. They don’t have the same abilities as Mario and the rest, in fact they are quite limited in what they can do. Defeating enemies is also filled with limitation. You can throw radishes at the enemies in order to defeat them, but only if there are radishes around to throw. If the enemy is “undead” then shining your light on them will defeat them, but the only other thing you can do is run. Run your little toad legs off as fast as you can. It makes for increased difficulty, especially if you use your radishes all willy nilly and not sparingly in certain areas.

In addition to the regular gameplay mechanics, the touchpad also plays a big part. Special blocks, cogs and certain coins can only be obtained through using the touchpad. This can at times add to the overall joy of playing the game, but it has once or twice proven to be an issue. The expected multitasking of using the touchscreen and playing at the same time proved more than a challenge to myself, occasionally. This is something I can see some less experienced gamers becoming increasingly annoyed with. This could even annoy seasoned players as well. But with over 70 levels to explore, collect everything, and overall dominate everything there’s truly something for everyone in this title to enjoy.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Screenshot

Graphically, the cute simple character designs are not intrusive, they aren’t outside the normal of what you’d expect from a Mario family title. This is one of the more enjoyable aspects about a Mario family title. Before you even turn it on you know what to expect. You know what you are getting before you even start the game, and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker does not disappoint. Same thing with the sounds of the game. They do not venture outside what we have heard before, and the score behind the levels is music that is just sort of there. It’s not annoying or abrasive, it’s just like hey this is Mario music, and then that’s it.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a lot for the price. It’s a value game, and it’s just a fun little title for everyone. Nintendo continues to prove why they are the legends of the industry. They deliver time and time again with solid titles, and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is one such title. Admittedly I was not looking forward to this title when it came across my desk, but I am really happy that I sat down with it. If you are looking for a last minute gift idea for your Nintendo enthusiast, this is one to get.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 3.5 Graphics
The simplistic nature of the levels help this game really shine. 4.0 Control
It never feels cumbersome, but it does occasionally frustrate. 4.0 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
If you love Mario game sounds then this is right up your alley. 3.8 Play Value
It’s simple, it’s approachable, but this might also be its biggest problem. 4.0 Overall Rating – Great
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 – 1.9 = Avoid 2.5 – 2.9 = Average 3.5 – 3.9 = Good 4.5 – 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 – 2.4 = Poor 3.0 – 3.4 = Fair 4.0 – 4.4 = Great 5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

  • Equipped with nothing more than a neck scarf, backpack and oversized head lamp, Captain Toad finds hidden gems, coins and power-ups on his way to the gold star at the end of each tricky, trap-filled stage.
  • Captain Toad isn’t particularly fast or strong. He can’t jump and he has no super powers. But he knows that sometimes, it’s all about wits and perspective.
  • Twist the camera to reveal hidden locations and other secrets. The Wii U GamePad offers a closer view of the dangers and hidden items in each maze, and its gyro controls can also be used to peer around.
  • Captain Toad’s world is brimming with life, with dangerous enemies, tricky platforms, nasty traps and secrets to uncover. Each stage is its own puzzle to solve, and littered throughout are hidden items in hard-to-reach places. Can you help our tiny adventurer survive to find them all?

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