If you’ve played through Super Mario 3D World you’ll already know the intricate puzzle treat of the Captain Toad levels. Looking initially simple, these fixed isometric worlds presented a substantial and layered challenge to those wanting to find every last coin.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker takes this seed of an idea and turns it into a fully featured game in its own right. Through 70 levels you guide Captain Toad or Toadette to the goal star with nothing more than an oversized head lamp for guidance.
The game progresses much as it did in Super Mario 3D World, although here they are grouped into a series of books. There is a loose narrative but that’s really not the point. This is all about the puzzling action and how well designed each individual challenge is.
Each level is a world in its own right, not dissimilar from Super Mario 3D Land on the 3DS with its equally isometric presentation. Here though it’s less about exploration and discovery and more about path finding. Whether it’s a haunted mansion, library, desert, train, palace or temple location, the end is almost always easily visible. Getting there however takes more time, and getting there while collecting every item takes even more effort.
The action is controlled via the Wii U GamePad and the TV screen is doubled on the controller. You can use a stick or tilt controls to adjust the angle of view on the big screen which is often essentially for location hidden items.
On certain levels, like the mine-cart rides, the GamePad acts as a first person view of the world and is used to fire turnips at blocks and coins. It’s a minor novelty but adds some action and exuberance to an otherwise sedate experience.
Whether it’s the desire to bolster the Wii U’s line-up or expand on this successful formula that has driven the development of Treasure Tracker doesn't really matter. What we've seen of the game so far feels like a fully featured experience that makes the most of these simple puzzles with some clever innovations (my daughter appreciated being able to play as Toadette).
For families this works well with the layered difficulty meaning that younger players can focus on simply completing the level while more advanced gamers can aim to collect every item.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is out in the UK on January 2nd, but hits stores in the US this year on December 5th.
Comments 16
Now that I've seen enough details, I think I'll go'n preorder this
Excited for this.
I'm really loving the look of this, but find it so frustrating that it's out when it is. Normally I don't care if a game is delayed. Smash Bros? Pokemon? It wouldn't bother me in the slightest if Nintendo announce today they were both delayed til March. Captain Toad looks perfect for Christmas though. They could easily have it out a couple of weeks earlier if they really wanted. I'll probably save it for next year and save myself some money in the process.
Already have my copy preordered. This is one of my son's Christmas presents. We are both looking forward to this game.
My most anticipated game, even more than Smash. It just screams fun! Can't freaking wait to see what crazy designs the wizards of EAD bring this time. Also the soundtrack!! That jazzy Super Mario Bros theme from yesterday's trailer was absolutely awesome and catchy!
Looking forward to playing this with my wife and son. Pre-ordered from Best Buy. With Gamers Club discount, it's about $34 including tax. A total steal at this price .
My kid and I will love this. Maybe I could get my wife to play video games with it too.
If that early bulk download system is in place by December, I will be using it for this.
Although knowing the wizards at EAD Tokyo, this one will be less than 2GB, so barely the effort.
I'm really looking forward this, it looks gorgeous visually and gameplay-wise. And my little nephew will surely like it.
To be honest, I see this game getting some critical success.
This game looked amazing in the Nintendo Direct! The amount of detail and personally this game protruded seemed to even pass that of Mario 3D world!
Maybe it is because I have yet to play 3D World but for some reason I can't seem to get excited for this game. If I did play 3D World I suppose I would better be able to appreciate this game seeing as it is heavily influenced by the mini stages of that game and from what I hear they are pretty fun!
I have yet to pre order, but I will buy it at or soon after release!
The perfect family game for Christmas....... Oh wait!?!
Might save this as a good game for NEXT Christmas in case they don't have anything I fancy then. Don't want to waste it playing on my own through the year when this is such a good opportunity for family/group entertainment when together. Shame =(
This'll be cute for sure, but it's single-player and a puzzle game. Not exactly Christmas fare for us. Smash Bros. will be more our jam during the holiday season.
[SARCASM] I'm not sure about family friendly, rumor has it there is a 'hot coffee' mod in the works for level 37. [SARCASM/]
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