Toad and Toadette take their first bow on Nintendo’s main home console for this brilliant platform puzzle game that’s sure to appeal to Nintendo enthusiasts and young gamers.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker was originally a mini-game on Super Mario 3D World for the Wii U. Due to the popularity of the format, Nintendo developers decided to create a whole game based on the concept. Players are able to control captain Toad, and sometimes Toadette, in order to safely navigate through various 3D puzzles with the aim of reaching a golden star.
During my playthrough I discovered that you control Captain Toad with the left analogue stick, however, he can’t jump so need you to find other ways of reaching hard to reach areas. You can find plants to pull up, which can reveal coins or be thrown at enemies, or sometimes can raise platforms. You can also find tools such as pick axes to clear obstacles or enemies.
To move around the camera you can use the right analogue stick or tilt the Wii U gamepad. Pushing the ‘Y’ button affects where you view Captain Toad up close or further back. The game also makes great use of the gamepad’s touch screen, especially during those moments when you can manipulate platforms. It adds a greater sense of immersion when playing through a level. A big highlight for me is when you get to the levels involving the mine carts. Utilising the gamepad’s gyroscope you take on a first person view and have to aim turnips at enemies whilst riding along a track.
Research indicates that Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker will also be compatible with Nintendo’s new Amiibo characters, however, since there’s a shortage in Europe and a patch is required for the game, I’m yet to test this function.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker has got to be the best game I can recommend for young gamers who are looking at buying a Wii U or already have one. It’s a puzzle game that any age can easily get to grips with and is sure to exercise their puzzle-solving minds. Also, the game’s graphics look beautiful and cute, even when playing the game off the TV screen on the gamepad.
Unfortunately, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is not due for release in the UK until the 2nd January 2015. The game has already been PEGI rated 3, with a RRP of £29.99. You will also be able to download the game from the Nintendo eShop.