Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Review – Make Room for Mushrooms

One of the Hidden Gems of the Game Line Wii U comes with both Switch and 3DS, and it's still so magical.

When Captain Toad was released on Wii U in 2015, he was crammed with the stupid release date of January 2nd. As everyone involved in setting in Working in a permanent state of drunk stupor The game is also in danger of being ignored the second time because after months of no major versions of Switch, it comes out exactly the same day as Octopath Traveler. We would like both games to run smoothly, but Captain Toad because he's so charming.

The genesis of Treasure Tracker was a recurring mini-game in Super Mario 3D World, one of the few major Wii U titles not to have been ported to the Switch yet. It worked a little differently from this standalone game (you had to collect five stars and there was a time limit) but the basics are basically the same.

The game is structured around a lot of small steps, most of which can be beaten in 10 or 15 minutes. The controls and the concept are simple enough that it will please everyone, whether it's very young children, surly teenagers or hateful grandparents. This is clearly not a design crash, and even though everything seems effortless, we can only imagine the amount of hard grafting that allowed to do it as well.

Like most Nintendo characters, Captain Toad is obsessed with collecting currency, but unfortunately he can not jump or attack alone. Levels are therefore mainly based on puzzles, when you help Toad (or Toadette – the two survivors of a giant bird) to navigate the isometric style levels and sneak enemies.

Although we did not always think publicly admitted, it still seemed obvious that Captain Toad's goal is to teach novice players how to use the right badog stick to control the camera. A skill that many people often do not realize is by far the most daunting for non-players.

As a result, much of the puzzle solving in Captain Toad is turning (no pun intended) around moving the camera and watching the scene from different angles, in order to understand how to move. Although technically you try to reach only one star, there are also three diamonds to collect, which are used to unlock new sets of steps as and when you are progressing. Even though it was not the stress of trying to get them, everything is very powerful.

Like all good thinking games, Captain Toad looks pretty dull on paper but is absolutely hypnotizing while you play. It may sound rather superficial to say so but part of this is due to the graphics (and sound), which were beautiful on the Wii U and still look impressive on the switch. Surprisingly, they also look amazing on the 3DS version, which we also played and is one of the best games on the system – all the more so than it is. one of the few recent titles to also have a 3D effect.

The visual appeal of the game is helped by the evolving background themes, from stock ruins to ghost houses, Wild West cities, jungles, caves, moving trains, more abstract Super Mario style levels, and medium-style architecture -oriental that recalls the origins of Toad in Doki Doki Panic. There are also a number of first-person tank levels where you can shoot turnips (also a reference to Doki Doki Panic / Super Mario Bros. 2) on enemies, as well as recurring boss battles with a bird giant. 19659004] In many cases, the actual puzzles are essentially optical illusions, as you try to figure out how to bypbad the scene. But you can also often move parts of the scene by touching the touch screen or using a wheel to rotate the buildings, or sometimes the entire level, around you. It works well if you play the 3DS version, or if you use the Switch in portable mode, but becomes a little awkward if you play on a TV because you have to aim for a slider and press a button.

It is important to say that this has no impact on the entertainment value. questions about value for money. Getting all the diamonds, and completing the success bonus goals at each stage, will take a little time, but most people will likely see the majority of the game after a few days of non-intense play. There are 64 standard levels and 18 bonuses (four of which are new and based on Super Mario Odyssey) which is good, but not too generous.

The original game still gave the impression of having been quickly caught up to fill on the Wii U's slim release schedule, but whether it's true or not the end result is Nintendo's clbadic: charming, beautiful and absolutely convincing. And if the major complaint you have in the end is that you want more, it's enough to have something good.

Formats: Nintendo Switch and 3DS (both tested)
Price: £ 34.99
Publisher: Nintendo [19659026] Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo Group Software development n ° 2
Release Date: July 13, 2018
Number of stars: 3