Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Editor's Notes

Disc copy reviewed for the Wii U.

Introduction

Quite often it's the simplest of ideas that germinate into the most interesting games. Take for example 'Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker' for the Wii U. Originating from a handful of short, but memorable, levels from the immensely popular 'Super Mario 3D World', 'Captain Toad' has earned his value among the ranks of the Nintendo elite, resulting in a stand-alone experience. But is charm and fond memories of a prior gaming experience enough to carry this diminutive character through to the end?

The Game Itself: Our Reviewer's Take

Beginning as so many of Nintendo's titles do, tragedy strikes Captain Toad's happy little world as his companion, Toadette, is whisked away by Wingo, an oversized bird that is addicted to all things shiny. Determined to save his friend, Captain Toad embarks on a journey even the bravest of Hobbits would find daunting. The only thing standing in his way? Some of the more interesting and unique head-scratching puzzles I've had the pleasure of experiencing.

Therein lies the foundation of 'Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker'. A solid puzzle game - with a dash of platforming thrown in for good measure - that solidifies itself as a worthy addition to the genre. Each level of 'Captain Toad' is a bite-sized experience that, when consumed, always ends with the same acknowledgment – "Just one more." Like indulging in a box of chocolates, you know when it's time to stop but can't resist the temptation for more.

What makes 'Treasure Tracker' stand out from the multitude of puzzle games that have come before it are the intuitive, and often ingenious, mechanics that take full advantage of the Wii U gamepad. The ability to rotate the three-dimensional space Captain Toad navigates helps to not only solve that particular puzzle, it also encourages further exploration and discovery of additionally hidden gems, coins, or life-adding mushrooms. 'Ah-ha' moments are at an all-time high when playing 'Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker'.

Manipulating structures to provide a more direct passage, or to reach levels previously unexplored, is as simple as touching the gamepad's screen, swiping along its surface, or rotating your finger in a circular motion to replicate the opening or closing of an oversized valve. The results are intuitive, feel appropriate, and are significantly less gimmicky than previous games I've played on the WiiU that have employed a similar interface. It also helps that these mechanics are used sparingly and never feel forced.

While having the option to play 'Captain Toad' off-screen and entirely on the gamepad is always a welcome option, several levels of the game utilize this opportunity in more interesting ways. Whether experiencing a mine-cart rollercoaster ride, or jumping into the seat of a cannon, players are dropped into a first person shooter perspective from behind the screen of the gamepad; blasting away at enemies and explosive brick walls.

'Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker' is a joy to play, and the pacing of the game invites any skill level – experienced or newcomer - to give it a try. Never did I feel that a level was unfairly difficult or overly simplistic. The controls are consistent (and consistently basic) from start to finish, and always ease the player into newly introduced gamepad interfaces. Although the ability to rotate the camera angle up, down, and 360 degrees does take some getting used to, it was never a frustrating experience.