Captain Toad Treasure Tracker finds new life on Switch and 3DS
Captain Toad Treasure Tracker originally launched on the Wii U and instantly become one of my favourite puzzle games on the system. It’s three dimensional gameplay and perfectly challenging levels kept me entertained for hours upon end.
Now, Captain Toad Treasure Tracker is available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS family of systems for a whole new audience. Both the Switch and 3DS versions of the game include new levels based upon Kingdoms in Super Mario Odyssey. And, Switch owners can play with family and friends with a new co-op mode.
Game Details
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS
Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action Puzzle
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer (Nintendo Switch only)
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Get ready for an adventure
The story in Captain Toad Treasure Tracker is fairly simplistic. One day while both Captain Toad and Toadette are looking for treasure, a gigantic bird snatches Toadette away. Captain Toad sets out to rescue Toadette from the evil bird and save the day.
The story is told in a series of three books, referred to as episodes in the game. The pages in each episode are composed of several chapters where each page is a level in the game. While the story isn’t really anything to write home about, it does serve its purpose and give a reason for Toad, and later Toadette, to set out on their adventures.
The same great gameplay with enhanced Switch and 3DS features
If you have ever played the Captain Toad levels in Super Mario 3D World, then you will know exactly what to expect when it comes to gameplay. However, if you’ve not had the chance to play, I’ll explain how this exquisitely crafted puzzle game plays.
Toad, and Toadette’s, skill sets are very limited. Essentially you can walk, dash, climb ladders, throw turnips you dig up from the ground, and carry items. Each level is self-contained and relies on the heavy use of rotating the 3D camera around to uncover hidden doors, path ways to advance, and bonus items. The Switch’s touch screen is used to move platforms up, down, rotate them and spin wheels. Additionally, you can zoom in and out to get a better view of the action and plan your next step.
Each level has three goals for you to complete—discover and collect three gemstones, grab as many coins as possible, and an optional objective. Optional objectives range from killing all the enemies on the designated stage to completing the level in a set number of steps. There is no time limit, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore each level. Here’s a helpful hint, pan the cameras in and out as far as you can and see what you can see, and then take the time to figure out how you can get there (especially as far as the gems, golden mushrooms and coin stashes are concerned.)
Charming and brightly coloured graphics
Captain Toad Treasure Tracker on the Switch and 3DS family of systems sports that undeniably charming look that Nintendo games have. While played in docked mode on the Nintendo Switch, Captain Toad Treasure Tracker runs at 1080p and 60 frames-per-second for a sharp and brightly colourful experience on your TV.
Playing in handheld mode on the Switch, the game runs a 720p and 60 frames-per-second. Regardless, playing in either mode offers up a simply gorgeous experience.
Track treasure with a friend and through new levels
Exclusive to the Switch version of Captain Toad Treasure Tracker is a two player co-mode. In this mode, one player controls Captain Toad, and the other player controls an onscreen cursor that is used to hurl turnips at opponents and activate mechanisms on certain levels. While this was fun at first, the novelty quickly wears off after about 20 minutes of gameplay.
Four new Super Mario Odyssey themed levels have been added to Captain Toad Treasure Tracker on Switch and 3DS. These can be unlocked by using the Mario wedding amiibo or through general gameplay. These new levels are definitely some of my favourite in the game and capture the magic of Super Mario Odyssey perfectly.
Although, I was a bit disappointed to discover that the Super Mario 3D World themed stages that were in the Wii U version of the game are no longer present. I assume Nintendo decided to replace these with the Super Mario Odyssey themed levels since it is a more relevant game.
Final Thoughts
Captain Toad Treasure Tracker is every bit as fun as it was on the Wii U. Consequently, the game feels more at home on the Switch and 3DS due to their portability, making it perfect for short-burst gameplay sessions. While I wish there were more new levels added to the game, you can expect to get a solid 8 to 10 hours of gameplay out of the game—even more if you are a completionist.
Out of the 82 total levels in this game, no two are the same. Each level offers a varying amount of difficulty. Although some levels are more difficult than others, I never really got frustrated. Most levels can be completed in a few minutes, but expect to replay them several times to discover and unlock all the goodies.
If you are looking for a puzzle game that offers a decent, but not too hard, challenge Captain Toad Treasure Tracker fits the bill perfectly.
+ Value priced
+ Offers a decent challenge
+ New Super Mario Odyssey levels are some of the best in the game
+ Perfect game to play on the go with short gameplay sessions
– Novelty of co-op mode on Switch wears off quickly
– Only 4 new levels added to the game
OVERALL
Gameplay: 4/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 4.5/5
Overall Rating 4.1/5 (82%)
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It doesn’t seem that there is a lot of new gameplay if you already own and have completed the Wii U version. If you are someone like that (I am) you may want to wait for a deal or something to try this one out. I know that I loved the original and want to try this out, but I think I’ll wait for a better deal.
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