Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Nintendo Wii U)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): December 5, 2014
- Release Date (EU): January 2, 2015
- Release Date (JP): November 13, 2014
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Developer: Nintendo, Group No. 2, 1-UP Studio
- Genres: Puzzle
Game Features:
Review Approach:
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker – a game created based off of a minigame in the Wii U title Super Mario 3D World. It’s quite the interesting concept. Nintendo’s charm and zeal shows off here as we witness a gem – an uncut gem, yes, but it is still a gem. It actually felt like more of a minigame than a full retail game, given how short the title was.
In this title, players put on the shoes of Captain Toad, who is searching for the kidnapped Toadette. Captain Toad makes a short yet fun romp through many different terrains to rescue her. And yes, that is the summation of the plot. This title works by pitting players into a cubic stage, which has Captain Toad exploring with several different tiers of terrain that go in, out, and about the cube. So what’s the catch? You can’t jump. You can, well, waddle around, but the game adds a layer of challenge by putting you firmly on the ground. Your goal is to grab jewels, coins, and stars (which will end the level) to proceed. Therefore, the game actually becomes a game that focuses on your timing and your method of proceeding.
Captain Toad proved to be a game about mechanics. It had this “stealthy” element that I actually very much enjoyed. It isn’t full stealth like some games you’re thinking of, but the game does require a bit of deft utilization of the camera to understand your surroundings. Side note, I played this game and kept hearing Ra’s al Ghul’s words in Batman Beginsevery time I lost my life in the level about not minding my surroundings. I noticed that even the most insignificant of objects in a stage could actually define a stage entirely. Raised platforms in these levels are nothing to scoff at if you can’t jump.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a unique and charming title through and through. It’s definitely no beast like Super Smash Bros. for Wii U or Mario Kart 8 in terms of content, but it provides some charming fun that at the end of the day is a perfect signature of what Nintendo is actually capable of. They delivered a very nice, high quality, HD mini-adventure that could surely entertain even the most cold hearted gamer to an extent. You will always feel like you are improving as you go on – the skills that you master in the earlier levels will carry on into the later levels, and as you become more adept at these maneuvers, the stages become much more interesting to navigate around. I got a small twinge of joy every time I beat those stages to completion – getting a 100% complete achievement for beating the game completely was a small but rewarding feat.
My only real concern with this title is that the game is a bit absurdly priced. Priced at $40, the game offers a relatively short playtime that left me feeling a little lacking. Despite receiving a copy from the kind folks at Nintendo of America, I had a sense of emptiness at the end that wanted something more. The bonus content that lets players run throughout the world of Super Mario 3D World was hardly enough to satisfy my infinite gaming appetite. Minor quibbles include hardware gimmicks like blowing into the game pad, which felt annoying and awkward, or the fact that I couldn’t really jump, but those are entirely personal and added a layer of intrigue to the game’s exploration based mechanics.
The game is the ideal representation of a childhood dream. It’s an adventure to find things and revel in the rewards. I felt like I was a kid again finding those insects underneath the rocks, but running away at the bees that came out at times. It has the perfect representation of why I stick with Nintendo, and maintains my faith that they will continue to make high quality games. Light on content, but a satisfying little romp that will be sure to charm everyone. Despite a price tag of $40, the game is sure to be an entertaining experience for the player who can rest assured that they will be able to participate in a high definition puzzle explorer. I would recommend this title to anyone who wants to try a little something new, and for Mario series fans alike – this game has something for everyone.
Verdict
- -Charming, high quality graphics
- -Intriguing cubic level concept
- -Innovative level design
- -Camera feels clunky
- -Hardware forced gimmick takes away from 1080p experience
