Nintendo’s ridiculously cute diorama puzzler Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is out today in North America (Europe will have to wait until 2nd January). In our review we said it was “relentlessly charming and joyous, and is another example of Nintendo's developers flexing their creative muscles along with game-making skill. There's nothing else like this on Wii U, and it's a welcome addition to the system's growing library”.
Many of our readers commented at the lack of amiibo information in our review, this was for a simple reason — Nintendo hasn’t revealed what shape it will take yet. We know that Captain Toad is going to become an amiibo compatible game with an upcoming software update, Nintendo’s own website says “the game will also support select amiibo figures in 2015”.
So that got us thinking, given a bit more time to perfect the amiibo compatibility, how might it enhance the game experience when the update appears?
Current amiibo Implementations
The poster child for the amiibo revolution is, of course, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U; the current range of amiibo figurines were ultimately created for that game. You can can battle, train, and level-up your amiibo figures — you can even create your own unique amiibo by adjusting its attack, defence, and speed by 'feeding' it equipment. Currently this is the only game to offer “Read/Write compatible” amiibo support, so you can actually save your amiibo customisations onto your amiibo to load back at a later date.
Mario Kart 8 and Hyrule Warriors have now been retrospectively updated to support amiibo also, but their implementation is more limited. In Mario Kart 8 you can simply unlock a special costume for your Mii racer by using one of ten selected amiibo such as Mario, Samus or Link. In Hyrule Warriors you can use the Link amiibo figure to get the Spinner weapon from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess game; you can also use the Zelda amiibo figure to get a 3-star (or more) weapon. Touching any other amiibo will give you a surprise gift of rupees ranging from one to 50,000, or vital resources that can be used to contribute towards badges for your characters. So, these two games are read-only, which simply allow you to unlock bonus items but don't directly interact with the action.
The Future of amiibo
We know that — outside of Super Smash Bros. — Nintendo has plans for expanding the amiibo range during 2015, and has stated it will be creating ranges of characters outside of the Smash universe. The Mario figurine currently available is Smash themed, and we would wager that it will not be too long until we see a Tanooki suited Mario, or even a kart racing Mario amiibo. Aside from Captain Toad, it has also been confirmed that upcoming games such as Mario Party 10, Yoshi’s Woolly World and Kirby and the Rainbow Curse will be amiibo compatible. The exact form of this compatibility is currently a mystery.
In 2015 we’ll also see a peripheral device released to allow the 3DS to read the NFC chip in amiibo, and indeed the new 3DS console has NFC support built in. Other than Super Smash Bros. for 3DS it has yet to be revealed which 3DS games will support amiibo at present.
How We’d Like to See amiibo Used in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Let’s start with the most important thing first, we’d love to see Nintendo release Captain Toad and Toadette amiibo figurines as we have lovingly mocked up for you at the start of this article. There could also be a Shy Guy amiibo for good measure, too. Not only would these look great on a collector’s shelf, but these will doubtless be key to successful amiibo support within the game as a Toad character is not one of the Smash Bros. roster of fighters.
While we could simply see these two figurines used to unlock bonus content added to the game via a software update, such as some new levels — we’d like to see a deeper read/write integration for these two main characters as they would not be used in Smash Bros. How about challenges set for completing certain levels and collecting all the three gems within a time limit in order to “level-up” your amiibo for battles when playing Captain Toad at a friend’s house? Though not necessarily fisticuffs, it could mean amiibo Toad characters racing through special puzzle areas. The initial game also has bonus stages for obtaining coins, so similar ideas could be used with amiibo stepping into the breach. Finally, if Treasure Tracker had co-op in the future — which could be fun with one on the GamePad screen and the other on the TV — having an amiibo assist in the absence of a second human player could be beneficial.
Other than new Toad-themed amiibo, it would be great to see other amiibo figurines find a home in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker too. As the game traces it’s origins back to Super Mario 3D World it would be a no-brainer to include support for Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach amiibo — but what form might this take? We could imagine the addition of some remixed levels which allows players to play as these three characters but also make use of Mario’s ability to shoot fireballs, Luigi’s high jump and Peaches hovering skills. If that's too drastic, consider the alternate characters in Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move, all with the same abilities but giving an aesthetic variety.
We might also possibly see new game-changing power-ups added to the game. Currently the game features bonus objectives such as clearing a level and finding objects such as a hidden mushroom — imagine touching a Link amiibo to your GamePad and equipping Captain Toad with a hookshot to enable him to reach a hidden Triforce object? The possibilities are endless!
Challenges for amiibo
Unlike Skylanders and Disney Infinity, Nintendo’s amiibo have been pitched to consumers with the added benefit of use within multiple games as a unique selling point — this sets the bar very high. Currently we’ve seen clever implementation in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, but just read-only unlocks within Mario Kart 8 and Hyrule Warriors. To fully deliver on the promise of amiibo, we’re expecting to see innovative uses of these “toys to life” figurines in the future. Without a core hub such as Skylanders this puts an additional burden on future Nintendo games to prove the benefits of amiibo.
How would you like to see amiibo used within Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker? Let us know your ideas by leaving a comment below.
Comments 41
Love this game so beautiful
I thought those were real for a minute.
inb4 Amiibo is used just for unlocking costumes in Captain Toad.
@FishieFish I thought that as well ;_;
I'd like to see amiibo unlocking a puzzle and a character to play as - with unique traits, as you stated in the article.
Getting this game for Christmas from the GF, can't wait.
I said before and I'll keep saying it.
Minecraft/landmark/infinty hybrid but with nintendo characters and items and stuff with each amiibo unlocking both characters and their set pieces (ex: Samus unlocks her in the game and give you Metroid themes like computers, elevators, stell walls, etc. Link unlocks his character plus ancien walls, floors, treasure chest, etc.)
a) I can not wait to play Treasure Tracker. Seems like a fun, relaxing puzzle game.
b) I have to say the Yoshi, Samus, and Fox MK8 mii outfits look rather cool.
I really wish that amiibo could read and write for multiple games at a time. This would make them so much more capable. What Nintendo should do is automatically save the amiibo data onto the Wii U whenever it is done being used and delete the game data from the amiibo. Then when playing the software and using an amiibo it automatically loads the data onto the amiibo. This could cause problems though when wanting to take amiibo to a friends house as the data wouldn't be present on a friends console. To fix that you could go to the amiibo settings and write game data onto it. Nintendo could also grant the ability to save amiibo data to SD cards/hard drives. That would be cool.
Here is how it should work:
Software loaded>Load data onto amiibo when used>Save amiibo data onto Wii U when finished using an amiibo>Delete data from the amiibo
Note: I'm not really sure if this is how they currently work. If so that is cool. If not this would require an extreme amount of programming and the current amiibo hardware might not even support this idea.
Also I really wish that the amiibo would automatically unlock all of the custom moves for that character, for the player to use, in Super Smash Bros.
I'll probably pick up Captain Toad's Treasure Tracker in the next week or two. The levels, gameplay, and characters look awesome!
I preordered mine, but it hasn't shipped yet...
Played 6-7 levels of Captain Toad last night. It's unbelievably charming and polished in appearance! I'm loving the gameplay very much as well.
It's too bad that this is the kind of game that will only sell to a minority of Wii U owners. And compared to the broader industry, it's like it won't even sell at all.
Toad amiibo should have been packaged w/ the game, Nintendo is clueless.
Amiibo should be playable, or a skin that gives Toad the ability to jump, shoot, swing a sword. Kind of easy to figure out which characters could unlock which.
Nintendo will probably just forget all about it.
For me, it's either a costume for Toad/ette or the (selected) amiibo character itself taking the place of Toad/ette as the playable character.
Dang it I thought those were real for a second!
Those are really good ideas and not sure what else to suggest.
Figurines with DLC locked within them (as opposed to downloading from the eshop). Although I disagree that Toad and Toadette can't be used in Smash. What if they were to become extra DLC for Smash? Unlock Toadette to add to the roster etc... or a special Captain Treasure Tracker battle stage. Maybe just to unlock a trophy each.
A 2-player mode exclusive to those who have one or 2 of the figurines might be a bit limited. Although 2-player could be offered as a simple free DLC via the e-shop but the figurines enhances the 2player experience by offering additional levels/modes etc.
For Treasure Tracker, existing amiibo prob wont be used much more than unlocking aesthetic or useful extras.
I'd love to see Toad/Toadette costumes for Mario Kart
I want my Shy Guy amiibo! Don't let me down Nintendo!
Yeah. I hope to see some interesting ideas used. Whatever they're trying to pull with Mario Kart 8 doesn't cut it.
I haven't played the game yet, so this idea might not work. But here's the idea.
Could this game be approached like a Time Trials in Mario Kart? Amiibo could save ghost data so you and friends could compete for best completion scores.
Eh, that would probably take up too much memory anyway.
I think it would be an interesting option to unlock post-launch DLC stages either via monetary purchase or scanning already owned amiibos. The latter would encourage the idea of amiibos benefiting multiple games and even reward current owners, while the former is an open option for those who cant/wont buy amiibos.
With this route across multiple games, amiibos will essentially pay for themselves (or at least increase their value).
I hope there is amiibo support for Splatoon, even if it's just costumes. I would love to see a Samus costume in Splatoon.
How did you guys get that amiibo picture with all the MK8 miis.
@Hero-of-WiiU http://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/ways-to-play/
I know I'd run straight to EB Games if Nintendo started selling Toadette amiibo.
Captain Toadette... Nintendo, take note! Also, on a different note, don't completely forget Doshin, please.
@suburban_sensei I just wish my Mii didn't sound like Julia Child while racing or I'd use the Fox and Yoshi costumes more.
I've been using Pikachu on Hyrle Warriors and have been getting what I believe are 3 star weapons, just like the Zelda figure gives.
This game is way good. Get this game. If you thought those mini levels were kinda meh in 3d world like I did . Then you will miss out I got this as a gift and I am so pleasently surprised . The graphics, sound effects, music, and gameplay are superb. It's more than just a puzzler. I can't wait to use the Amibos when they come out. It is really a charming game. The replay value is really high. And those mine caves what ridiculoussly good.
I've got an idea! If you scan an Amiibo in it removes the perma-tutorial plastered on the bottom 1/3 of the screen explaining how to move an analog stick! That would be the best use of an Amiibo yet!
@rjejr ??? Kinda lost on that one- the ability to jump and swing a sword would break the game. It would be akin to to letting MK8 racers drive through walls and fly across gaps.
I think what everyone wants is unlockable characters. To play as a different character in a given game. But they'd have to have the same move set so as to not break the game.
Cant wait for this game
I feel that Nintendo should make compatibility from one franchise to another. It would be a neat workaround for the "one save only" limitation. Imagine an endurance test in Mario Party 10 based around how you updated the toy in Smash.
They could all have a similar update menu to Smash Bros. to keep compatibility consistancy and parity.
Am I wrong or these Amiibo only unlock something that an update added to the game software? I mean, Toad seems perfect for themed DLC, but why should I need to buy those expensive figurines for unlocking extra levels that I can simply buy on the eShop? I'm sure Amiibo will only be used for little extras as costumes.
@brandonbwii Exactly what I was thinking. It's strange that people think of only having room for one set of data means that the amiibo are locked from doing anything substantial in multiple games.
The data could be consistent across multiple games. The amiibo could offer better assistance as a cpu ally or a larger challenge as an opponent in varying genres, depending on their level. Anything that has multiplayer can use the Smash save data for similar purpose.
The true question is, how willing are Nintendo to put all of these extra characters in their games? It could, again, be template data that they write once and use in all of their future titles. Post-patching outfits and rewards should not exemplify their plans going forward if they develop from here on out with amiibo in mind.
Toad has joined the battle. I really wish these amiibos unlocked dlc.
@JaxonH - "To play as a different character in a given game. But they'd have to have the same move set so as to not break the game."
What's the point in that? There's no reason to replay a puzzle game w/ a different skin if it doesn't do anything different.
"??? Kinda lost on that one- the ability to jump and swing a sword would break the game. It would be akin to to letting MK8 racers drive through walls and fly across gaps."
Or it would be akin to making Luigi Levels for NSMBU where Luigi can run faster and jump higher so the game plays different. Disclaimer - I haven't played the Luigi levels but I've heard Luigi plays differently, he is not just a skin. My apologies if I'm wrong.
And yes, it would "break" the game, which is why the game is coming out in 2014 but the amiibo support isn't coming out until 2015, they don't want people playing the game w/ the amiibo beofore finsihing all the puzzles w/o the help of a gun or sword first. Jumping may be a stretch but what's the difference bewteen having a gun like Samus or throwing turnips, the result is the same, bullets or turnips, same result. Or a sword vs turnips, same result, dead bad guys. I don't think it makes it as broken as you think, just a different game play experience, which is what the amiibo need to justify their experience to get people to replay a puzzle game.
@rjejr You're right about Luigi jumping higher, but as you said, they had to make levels specifically for him as a result.
And ya, the sword wouldn't be that big a deal. A little Kirby running around with a sword probably wouldn't be an issue. I was more thinking of the jumping when I said it would break the game, because the entire game is designed around a character that can't jump.
Having a character's trademark move set can work, but not always. It just depends on the type of game and the move set in question. Look at the morph ball and all those other moves in Bayonetta 2, and it didn't affect the gameplay negatively.
But for a game like Captain Toad, you'd have to be careful so as to not interfere with the core mechanics. Idk, maybe they could have a set of 3 levels designed around each character, and do it for 4 characters (that's 12 levels extra total if you owned all 4 amiibos). Maybe have one with magnetic rails and morph ball tunnels for Samus, have one for Luigi with the Poltergust 5000 and ghosts set around a haunted mansion, have one for Marth where your moves are grid based, and take turns with the enemies moving around the level, and if you encounter them and don't have a turnip (or item) you take a hit, stuff like that.
But the levels would have to be designed specifically with the move sets in mind. Other than that, Idk. Besides predetermined unlocks I'm not sure there's much more you can do with the memory capabilities of RFID.
@JaxonH - I'd buy a Luigi amiibo for Poltergust 5000 levels. Have I mentioned I really want to play Luigi's Mansion 2 on my tv? Or a Gamecube VC of the first game? Or an HD remake of the first game? I'll give ya credit for the Samus ball, that never even occurred to me.
Have you played it yet? I feel kind of weird discussing what can or can't be done w/ the level design when I haven't even played it yet. Not that it's ever stopped me before. I'll get back to you after Christmas. I wonder how long it will take to play 70 levels?
SPOILER - did you see the vid of the bonus levels? They could probably do alot on those w/ any amiibo they wanted, they weren't built w/ this game in mind.
Going to go try an DL the Godzilla demo from Japan. Godzilla is coming! I'm so excited.
@rjejr Yeah I'm playing it right now in fact. Gotta squeeze in some play time, cause tomorrow it's back to Minneapolis for another week- always right when good games release too :/ When I get back that guide should have arrived too (eBay is not the most reliable for prompt shipping).
So far I've played like 6 levels, and they can take 5-10 minutes each, depending. Me, I gotta get all 3 gems before the star, and I always replay a 2nd time to do the bonus challenge. Not too thrilled about the 3D World levels. I mean, those were designed for fast running and jumping and, well...Mario mechanics. I prefer the fish tank-like puzzle levels- that's where the true fun comes in. And, the game is great, it really is. Excellent level design (as usual).
I can't be the only one who thinks this amiibo thing is kinda lame. I pay thirteen dollars for a toy that can only be used for trivial things in select games. The reason figures work with Skylanders and Disney Infinity is because you have the motivation to buy them for a specific purpose. I'm not going to drop thirteen dollars on a toy that may or may not have any use in the future. Amiibo represents Nintendo's unfortunate problem nowadays; jumping the gun and releasing things without enough support. Example: Zelda U not coming out until after Starfox U, which comes out after Majora's Mask 3D. It should have been a launch title like Twilight Princess was for the Wii.
I see two possible ways Amiibo figures can be used.
1. New Stages: I see this as the most likely choice, basically how it works is it allows you to play bonus levels based on the Amibio's game, such as a Zelda themed level for Link, a Kirby themed level for Kirby, etc.
2. Costumes: This one would be very similar to Mario Kart 8, where Amiibo's unlock costumes. I think that some costumes will be exclusive to Toad or Toadette, like the Peach outfit, which would only work for Toadette.
Alternatively, I can see the Amiibo figures unlocking new stages where your character wears an outfit.
@jjmesa16 Just save the data on the amiibo for multiple games, it's simple. You're only saving the tiniest info that the software then interprets, it's doesn't need to do all this saving transferring deleting stuff.
In the original NES games, you could enter your save data, which included all of your items, upgrades, locations, levels, whatever in a string of like twenty numbers and letters. That takes up almost no space by today"s standards. This response I'm typing right now takes up more data than what the amiibo needs. So I'm sure it can hold tons of info from multiple games.
A bit late to the party, but swiping Zelda could give you a Zelda costume, let you swing a sword, and unlock a couple DLC levels. A sword to defeat certain enemies like Shy Guys and stuff wouldn't break the game, even if it made a few of the levels feel a bit cheap.
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