User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 479 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 26 out of 479
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  1. Dec 5, 2014
    10
    The BEST game for all ages of 2014! This game screams charm and never lets go for its almost 100 stages! If you love Mario games, puzzle or platforming games, or games like Pushmo and Crashmo, this is the game for you! It's a game I can play with my 6 year old and 4 year old in the room! Well done Nintendo! 10/10
  2. Oct 30, 2016
    7
    Toad gets its own game after a long wait and joins the family of legendary platformers made by Nintendo (Mario, Kirby, Donkey Kong, Wario, Yoshi, etc;) how does this new hero fare ?

    Graphically the game takes full advantage of the hardware with great colors that catch the eye, the art direction is mastered but I would have liked more new enemies and most of all more bosses (only two
    Toad gets its own game after a long wait and joins the family of legendary platformers made by Nintendo (Mario, Kirby, Donkey Kong, Wario, Yoshi, etc;) how does this new hero fare ?

    Graphically the game takes full advantage of the hardware with great colors that catch the eye, the art direction is mastered but I would have liked more new enemies and most of all more bosses (only two kind in the whole game). There's a nice use of the gamepad which is pretty rare for the Wii U and of course no bugs or glitch like always with Nintendo.

    Gameplay wise there's a great focus on puzzle solving and less on platforming (Toad can't jump) the levels are almost all shape like a cube, which is a bit disturbing and doesn't help to make the world believable. But globally the game is fun and the puzzles are well thought.

    Like all the Nintendo platformers the story is almost non existent and its clearly not an argument for the player but most of all the main flaw of the game is that it is extremely short you can finish the campaign at 100% in 6 hours, add 2 more hours for the extra levels and that's it you can put the game on the shelf.

    In conclusion Captain Toad is a nice introduction to a new gameplay but the lack of diversity and the extreme shortness are two big weight that doesn't make this game advisable for every one.
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  3. Jan 18, 2015
    8
    This game is build on a simple concept: tons of diorama style levels, where you must figure a way to make Captain Toad reach the star (and collect other items as well), without jumping. Works like a puzzle/platform mix.
    Those who played the fun Captain Toad mini-games in Super Mario 3D World, know pretty much what to expect, but now it's delivered on a more robust package: bigger levels
    This game is build on a simple concept: tons of diorama style levels, where you must figure a way to make Captain Toad reach the star (and collect other items as well), without jumping. Works like a puzzle/platform mix.
    Those who played the fun Captain Toad mini-games in Super Mario 3D World, know pretty much what to expect, but now it's delivered on a more robust package: bigger levels (and in great quantity), more enemies, new power-ups, boss battles and more elaborated (but still not too challenging) puzzles, but keeping it's simplicity. Ideal for short gameplay sessions.
    I recommend this game for players who just want to give a break from more complex and timing consuming games or simply relax and have some fun.
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  4. Dec 30, 2014
    8
    Captain Toad has it's charm, great level design, and excellent graphics, similar to SM3DW. What it don't have is an accurate camera and zooming system, and an OST that doesn't remix the same songs over and over again.
  5. Mar 8, 2016
    8
    The adventurous Captain Toad manages to keep 2014 a fun year for Nintendo and company for every Nintendo fan and Wii U owner out there in the entire globe.
  6. Jul 21, 2016
    7
    Even though Captain Toad's visuals and presentation are extremely well done, I found that the gameplay was rather repetitive at times. I felt like I kept running into the same levels that reused similar mechanics that while although were fun and novel the first few times around, it starts to get a bit boring by the fifth. For example, I found that I kept running into the same mine cartEven though Captain Toad's visuals and presentation are extremely well done, I found that the gameplay was rather repetitive at times. I felt like I kept running into the same levels that reused similar mechanics that while although were fun and novel the first few times around, it starts to get a bit boring by the fifth. For example, I found that I kept running into the same mine cart levels every few pages I happened to complete. As in regards to the gameplay I'd like to take note that I had mixed feeling when utilizing the Wii U gamepad as the controller. Solving puzzles on the Wii U gamepad was lots of fun but the finicky and frankly quite frustrating camera controls had me wrestling with the controller rather than being truly immersed in the cute allies and enemies Captain Toad stumbles across. Expand
  7. May 1, 2020
    8
    Mandatory for wii U, although a bit short and simple in my opinion. However, scenarios with the quality of nintendo very beautiful and diverse. 100% recomended.
  8. Dec 6, 2014
    10
    Maybe more of a 9.5 than a true 10, but it is definitely a 10 for FUN. It is a pretty unique game and the graphics are typical amazing Nintendo quality of colors and cuteness. Equally a blast for a 37-year-old guy and my 8-year-old daughter.
  9. Dec 5, 2014
    10
    LMAO this $40 game is more polished and more fun than most of the $60 releases that have come out this year. People will dismiss this game for being a full game version of the Toad levels from 3D World, and that's a shame because this is one of the most high quality games of the year. Not quite on the level of smash bros. wii U or bayonetta 2, but the puzzles and other gameplay elementsLMAO this $40 game is more polished and more fun than most of the $60 releases that have come out this year. People will dismiss this game for being a full game version of the Toad levels from 3D World, and that's a shame because this is one of the most high quality games of the year. Not quite on the level of smash bros. wii U or bayonetta 2, but the puzzles and other gameplay elements have simply been executed perfectly. Expand
  10. Dec 23, 2014
    9
    I always thought the captain toad mini games were a huge highlight of super mario 3d world, so when I heard about this spinoff I was really excited, and it did not disappoint. This game is charming and fun. And while it's not very difficult, it did have me wondering "how the heck do I get up there?" on several occasions, and I always enjoyed myself figuring it out.
  11. Dec 6, 2014
    10
    If you want to sit down relax & have a fun experience captain toad has you covered with beautiful graphics great music & fun puzzles. This has Nintendo charm all over it & a game that is simply fun
  12. Dec 5, 2014
    10
    What an amazing game! The puzzles are interesting and clever, the artwork is gorgeous (especially in HD), and the gameplay is fun and addictive! Oh yeah, and Toad is **** adorable.
  13. Dec 28, 2014
    10
    This game if fun for anybody who picks it up. So far two people who never play video games are currently loving it in my household. For the more seasoned gamer, it takes some getting used to not being able to jump, however the quirky mechanics they dreamed up to compensate make it much more enjoyable than your average puzzle platforming adventure. Very colorful, imaginative and pricedThis game if fun for anybody who picks it up. So far two people who never play video games are currently loving it in my household. For the more seasoned gamer, it takes some getting used to not being able to jump, however the quirky mechanics they dreamed up to compensate make it much more enjoyable than your average puzzle platforming adventure. Very colorful, imaginative and priced lower than a AAA title while delivering AAA fun. Highly recommended. Expand
  14. Dec 7, 2014
    8
    Wii U owners need Captain Toad. Its a nice game for unwinding after those lengthy smash marathons. Good puzzle/adventure game with some challenges here and there. The levels are all vibrant and gorgeous looking. The camera can be wonky from time to time which can be frustrating but never the less pick this game up!
  15. Dec 29, 2014
    10
    ¡Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker it's a simple idea that becomes in an unforgettable game! You can have a lot of fun for $40 only. Simply, a must have in your Wii U Collection.
  16. Jan 2, 2015
    10
    A nice surprice to me. Very good game. The puzzles are amazing. And the game play using the game pad is awsome! Congratulations for Nintendo for this game.
  17. Dec 5, 2014
    10
    Great game very polished for a great price! Toad rocks, cool puzzles, played for a few hours and love every minute of it! Nintendo knows how to make a game look gorgeous!
  18. Dec 7, 2014
    10
    Excellent game, cute and charm, great puzzles. it's worth every penny. Toad finally has a game, i love it, my girlfriend love it, my little brother love it, it's a game for anyone.
  19. Jan 19, 2015
    9
    A really fun, cute and relaxing game. Every wii u owner should look it up. It has great puzzles and really cool graphics, it's really addicting and fun gameplay. Oh and yeah, Toad got his own game!!
  20. Dec 9, 2014
    8
    In many ways, I consider Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker everything that is right and wrong about Nintendo. From its charming duo, beautiful graphics, great level design, insane creativity, this game proves to be a joy. However, once again Nintendo makes similar mistakes. But does it destroy Captain Toad? No way, I find Captain Toad a fantastic Wii U game and another reason to buy a Wii U.In many ways, I consider Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker everything that is right and wrong about Nintendo. From its charming duo, beautiful graphics, great level design, insane creativity, this game proves to be a joy. However, once again Nintendo makes similar mistakes. But does it destroy Captain Toad? No way, I find Captain Toad a fantastic Wii U game and another reason to buy a Wii U.

    Adapting from the levels in Super Mario 3D World, Captain Toad Treasure Tracker is a puzzle platformer where or hero (either the captain or toadette) travel through small little worlds to collect a star. However, our heroes cannot jump, and rely on power-ups (pick-axe and double cherry), turnips, and crafty puzzle solving to get past enemies. This is one of the strongest things Nintendo thrives in: innovative gameplay. Captain Toad is an extremely fresh concept and thus makes the experience more fun. The level design is also brilliant as expected, giving a new theme each level to tackle.

    In each level there is 3 gems to be collected. These gems are pretty easy to be find, easier than the green stars in Super Mario 3D World. However the challenges of each level (such as find a gold mushroom, defeat all enemies, collect a certain number of coins, etc.) extend the length and difficulty of the game which is very welcomed. The length of Captain Toad is also not much of a problem. One of my main concerns was that the 40 dollar price tag would mean that the game's quality wasn't worth a full price tag. However this is not the case. The game is oozing with Nintendo love and quality and while on the short side, I think 40 dollars is the perfect price.

    There are flaws in this game. The camera isn't as responsible as it should be, being wonky and often causing unintentional death/frustration. Also Captain Toad lacks a fresh story for this character's first journey, the latter levels can become repetitive, along with other annoyances.

    Pros
    + Beautiful Graphics, Great Music, and a cute duo at helm.
    + Level Design for the most part is extremely fresh.
    + Fresh concept compared to recent similar Mario titles
    + The challenges add some difficulty and replay value.
    + Gamepad gimmicks, like using the minecart to shoot turnips, I found a joy!
    + Lack of jumping was actually very fresh leading to interesting puzzles
    + Wonderful debut for Captain Toad!

    Cons
    -Camera isn't as responsive as it should be.
    - Easy quest for the most part
    - Same old same old story with other all too familiar ideas

    Final Score 8.2/10- A great game made by Nintendo to finish off their big year. I highly recommend this game if you are looking for a fresh experience to enjoy.
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  21. Jan 16, 2015
    9
    When my time with Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker came to an end, I was sad to see it go. The world was such a joy to be in. Its calm, charming atmosphere was a nice escape, and I looked forward to seeing what unique level lies ahead. Although its scope and length is closer to what you might find in a mobile game, it’s great level design, beautiful environments and replayability made itWhen my time with Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker came to an end, I was sad to see it go. The world was such a joy to be in. Its calm, charming atmosphere was a nice escape, and I looked forward to seeing what unique level lies ahead. Although its scope and length is closer to what you might find in a mobile game, it’s great level design, beautiful environments and replayability made it feet worthy of its $40 price tag, and is most certainly a game that well worth your time.

    Color By Pixel
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  22. May 2, 2015
    10
    This is a flawless game. The graphics look stunningly-glorious, like for example, Buhja on miiverse posted a picture of how neat and nice the graphics are. The level designs are awesome, especially the Super Mario 3D World ones like Super Bell Hill. The bosses are fun. The controls are good. I hate it when Captain Toad con't jump, but he makes up for it with easier levels that require noThis is a flawless game. The graphics look stunningly-glorious, like for example, Buhja on miiverse posted a picture of how neat and nice the graphics are. The level designs are awesome, especially the Super Mario 3D World ones like Super Bell Hill. The bosses are fun. The controls are good. I hate it when Captain Toad con't jump, but he makes up for it with easier levels that require no jumping. Captain Toad originally appeared in Super Mario Galaxy, which is another game you should totally get. Captain Toad Treasure Tracker is a VERY good, and fun game and you should totally get it. Why do I rarely play this game? :( Expand
  23. Dec 19, 2014
    10
    The game is fantastic and brilliant. The game has lot of challenges for all ages, don't believe what haters say, the game HAS challenges even if you're not a child. You'll spent good time playing it. The time challenge is another great addition and the last level ;) (I can't say too much but you'll better play it by your own but it's almost impossible). I hope they add DLC with more levelsThe game is fantastic and brilliant. The game has lot of challenges for all ages, don't believe what haters say, the game HAS challenges even if you're not a child. You'll spent good time playing it. The time challenge is another great addition and the last level ;) (I can't say too much but you'll better play it by your own but it's almost impossible). I hope they add DLC with more levels or something with the amiibos. Expand
  24. Jan 2, 2015
    10
    I'm absolutely loving this game, I thought I would like it as I like puzzle games but this has far exceeded my expectations. The only fault I can find is there aren't more levels! hopefully the upcoming Amiibo features will add some more levels as I can't get enough of this game!

    The controls and graphics are just perfect and the difficulty level is set just right, I think its a game
    I'm absolutely loving this game, I thought I would like it as I like puzzle games but this has far exceeded my expectations. The only fault I can find is there aren't more levels! hopefully the upcoming Amiibo features will add some more levels as I can't get enough of this game!

    The controls and graphics are just perfect and the difficulty level is set just right, I think its a game that almost anyone could pick up and enjoy. Its a unique, polished, FUN game that I would say is a must buy for the WiiU.
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  25. Jan 3, 2015
    10
    This is a gem of a game! It mixes the puzzle and platform genres, and the result is absolutely fantastic. It's full of smiles and charm, just as you would expect from a title from the Mario universe. This offers something else in terms of gameplay though. The levels are tiny 3D worlds with astonishing content, great variety and level design. Since Toad cannot jump you have to walk throughThis is a gem of a game! It mixes the puzzle and platform genres, and the result is absolutely fantastic. It's full of smiles and charm, just as you would expect from a title from the Mario universe. This offers something else in terms of gameplay though. The levels are tiny 3D worlds with astonishing content, great variety and level design. Since Toad cannot jump you have to walk through every level to the star at the end, but the way there is never straight forward. Each level contains three gems in addition to the star, and you'll find yourself rotating the camera in every possible direction looking for these. The levels also have unlockable challenges that offers great replay value. Examples are killing all enemies, avoiding combat or finding hidden mushrooms and much more. Captain Toad really speaks to the explorer in me, and I love the feeling of unveiling a new level trying to find its secrets. If you're a fan of puzzle games, platformers or Mario games in general you should give Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker a chance. It even comes at a reasonable price! Expand
  26. Mar 27, 2015
    9
    For what started out as an experimental minigame, Captian Toad has become an excellent title. Even at its budget price tag, Captain Toad still packs excellent quality. The level designs are excellent and really show off Nintendo's creativity. The game also oozes with charm, one really can't help but crack a smile while playing this game. I'm thoroughly enjoying what I've seen so far, it'sFor what started out as an experimental minigame, Captian Toad has become an excellent title. Even at its budget price tag, Captain Toad still packs excellent quality. The level designs are excellent and really show off Nintendo's creativity. The game also oozes with charm, one really can't help but crack a smile while playing this game. I'm thoroughly enjoying what I've seen so far, it's definitely worth checking out if you're into puzzles at all. Expand
  27. Feb 26, 2015
    8
    One of Nintendo's surprise reveals during E3 2014, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker takes the adorable character (along with the even more adorable Toadette) through dozens of diorama-like stages in search of coins, golden mushrooms and golden stars. It's easy to think the game is merely more of the same puzzle action seen on the special stages in Super Mario 3D World, but if you do, you'llOne of Nintendo's surprise reveals during E3 2014, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker takes the adorable character (along with the even more adorable Toadette) through dozens of diorama-like stages in search of coins, golden mushrooms and golden stars. It's easy to think the game is merely more of the same puzzle action seen on the special stages in Super Mario 3D World, but if you do, you'll have another thing coming.

    Flavored as "chapters" in a book, Treasure Tracker's stages take place in incredibly polished self-contained mini-worlds. Captain Toad can't jump, due to his heavy backpack, meaning you'll have to use your brain in order to reach some places. That said, getting to the golden star at the end of each level is generally a very easy, laid back task.

    Much more challenging is the path to 100% completion, however: each stage tasks you with finding three hidden gems, as well as completing a specific objective that can go from collecting a number of coins, finishing without taking damage, killing all (or no) enemies, and so on. Those are generally very fun to try and attain, offering replayability and longevity to the game.

    The graphics, music, and sound effects follow very closely on the footsteps of Super Mario 3D World, which obviously mean they are top-notch. The game features some very beautiful landscapes that are a joy to just stare at.

    Sometimes you'll want to zoom in on your character to properly complete some tasks, which is easily attained by pressing X. It should be said, however, that the camera is not always ideal, thanks to the isometric view and the increasing intricacy of the stages as you go further into the adventure. Sometimes there will be no completely comfortable angle to witness a given part of a stage, making for a bit of trial-and-error. Tilting the gamepad also functions as camera control, but I found that to be more annoying than beneficial, preferring to use the right analog stick.

    Then there are the stages that throw the entire thing on its head. There are boss battles (which, granted, could be more varied throughout), endless-running levels, bonus stages that task you with all sorts of shenanigans (including my favorite: collecting as many coins as possible while trying to escape from one or more mummies), and even first-person shooting segments which put the gamepad to great use.

    When it came to extra content, I was particularly pleased. I won't spoil anything here, but suffice it to say that, aside from the game's three main "books", there's a fourth one. Some of the content in there requires you to have Super Mario 3D World save data on your system to access, while others are unlocked after beating the game, and still others require a 100% completion rate in every stage. Those (especially the two latter groups) can be incredibly tough to beat, but they're so well crafted that it all ends up being completely exhilarating.

    Even if it's not necessarily a title that will lend itself to extended mega-sessions of gameplay, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is one of the best puzzlers to grace the Wii U. It features plenty of content for every kind of gamer, with great graphics, music and level design, and with loads of attention to detail. Hopefully, this will be only the beginning of what could be a brilliant new franchise.

    Rating: 8.0
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  28. Jan 24, 2015
    9
    The cynic might see Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker as a quick cash grab from a desparate Nintendo, but then that cynic would miss out on one of the Wii U's defining games of 2014. It might not be massive, but it is a creative and continuously compelling twist on the way we think about puzzle platformers. Executed with polish and never extended beyond the limits of its premise, TreasureThe cynic might see Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker as a quick cash grab from a desparate Nintendo, but then that cynic would miss out on one of the Wii U's defining games of 2014. It might not be massive, but it is a creative and continuously compelling twist on the way we think about puzzle platformers. Executed with polish and never extended beyond the limits of its premise, Treasure Tracker is the absolute best version of itself it could have been. Expand
  29. May 25, 2015
    8
    While not an especially deep or massive game, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is nevertheless a great title that will keep you addicted and coming back for more. Its visuals are pleasant, taking many assets from Super Mario 3D World but using them in new ways. Many of the levels have one-off aesthetic themes that are unique to that level and will never be seen again, which means thatWhile not an especially deep or massive game, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is nevertheless a great title that will keep you addicted and coming back for more. Its visuals are pleasant, taking many assets from Super Mario 3D World but using them in new ways. Many of the levels have one-off aesthetic themes that are unique to that level and will never be seen again, which means that nothing ever feels stale. One minute you’ll be playing through a detailed Wild West themed level, the next you’ll be on a steam train hurtling through a snowstorm and then you’ll be thrown in a giant hamster cage. Not only are the themes and visuals varied and impressive, but the game has so much charm. Captain Toad and Toadette, similarly to Luigi in Luigi’s Mansion, are adorable characters who are sure to bring a smile to the face of anyone who has a heart. Treasure Tracker’s undeniably cute look should be enough to draw anyone in, ten years old or thirty.
    Treasure Tracker’s core gameplay mechanic revolves around getting Toad, who can’t jump, to the star in each bite-sized level. Toad’s lack of a jump ability turns a goomba or a shy guy, which was a laughably hopeless enemy in Mario games, into a real danger, meaning your playing style must be totally different to that of Mario titles. There are still ways to kill enemies, but it’s much more of a challenge to do so. A lot of the challenge lies within the camera, as you must constantly manipulate the camera to get the right angle, often exposing nooks and crannies you previously couldn’t see. The GamePad is utilised particularly well; there are some challenges that involve tapping blocks to move them to the right positions and you can also prevent enemies from moving by tapping and holding them on the GamePad’s screen. The best way the GamePad is used is definitely in the mine cart levels. Here, Toad travels down a precarious track in a mine cart. The TV gives you a third person view of what is going on while the GamePad’s screen gives you a first person view. You have to aim it- using its motion sensor- to shoot turnips (which are stripped from Super Mario Bros 2) at targets. It’s things like this that are the icing on the cake for Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was how you sometimes have to blow on the GamePad to make platforms move. It’s not fun; rather, it’s an annoying inconvenience.
    The levels’ sizes are akin to those of Super Mario 3D World’s Captain Toad levels; they are tiny, so much so that many of them can be beaten in under a minute if you know exactly what you’re doing. Finish one level and the next is instantly unlocked, so each levels shortness makes the game addicting, leading to a ‘just one more level’ approach that could keep you playing for ages. The levels are easy enough to beat, with puzzles that are clever and often require thought, but are also not hard to beat. However, each level houses three gems which are often a real challenge to obtain, but are optional (though you sometimes need a certain amount of gems to progress through the game). This is what gives the game such broad appeal- a less experienced gamer can still beat it while not grabbing too many of the gems while a more experienced gamer will rise to the challenge of getting every last one. Regardless of skill level, you can have a great time. There are two main bosses that you fight three times each throughout the game. While they are challenging and inventive, it’s disappointing that there are only two bosses.
    In spite of the gems, which make the game more challenging and increase its lasting appeal, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a short game. It only has just over 70 levels, which, as mentioned before, are very short themselves. And that number includes the game’s bonus levels, some of which are stripped straight out of Super Mario 3D World. The levels’ shortness isn’t a problem in itself- in fact, it suits the game perfectly- but you would expect for there to be many more levels to compensate for this. There isn’t any other content at all apart from the three episodes and bonus levels that the game is split up into- no extra modes, nothing. This would be fine if the game was longer, but it isn’t long, which leaves you wanting more considering it’s a retail game.
    Overall, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a huge amount of fun. Although it could do with more content, or be sold as an eshop game with a lower price, it’s still a must-have game with its addicting challenges and puzzles.
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  30. Jan 20, 2015
    8
    This is such a charming and beautiful game that is for ALL ages. And yes i mean ALL ages because some of the levels are actually difficult and can it can take a bit of skill to collect everything. It's such a pleasant experience that will keep you going right until the last level.
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 78 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 78
  2. Negative: 0 out of 78
  1. May 1, 2015
    85
    Simplicity is the name of the game here. And with this simplicity Nintendo offers, once again, a great puzzle-platformer suited for everyone.
  2. CD-Action
    Apr 1, 2015
    90
    As usually Nintendo squeezed every last drop of fun out of a simple idea. [04/2015, p.59]
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 18, 2015
    80
    Nintendo has made its first mobile game. Too bad Captain Toad ended up on Wii U. This game would've been perfect on iPad. A puzzle game that has a very compact structure is a common sight on iDevices, but rare on consoles, that are meant to be used in a livingroom. [Feb 2015]