Skip to main content

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Video Game Review)

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker expands on a popular mini-game of a similar name introduced in Super Mario 3D World with over 60 unique levels and a 5-7 hour campaign. The game is a lot of fun for gamers of all ages and introduces a brand new series for Nintendo that should be a popular franchise years after the first game is released. The game stars one of Mushroom Kingdom's most beloved characters in his first title ever, and if it weren't for a few presentation blunders, the game would be yet another must own title for Nintendo Wii U owners.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is all collecting stars located at the end of stages to progress through the game, reach the game's later levels and eventually complete the game's campaign. There are plenty of coins, powerups and hidden gems to collect along the way though, and like most recent releases for the Super Mario Bros. franchise, a lot of the entertainment offered from the game comes from unlocking all of the secrets the game hides.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker can be described as similar to the indie game Fez, though Toad's heavy gear keeps the character from being able to jump throughout the new title. Players will interact with all sorts of items in order to defeat enemies, blow away walls that block the player's progress or perform some other objective. Players will use the Nintendo Wii U's gamepad to rotate the camera in the game and find different areas in the 3D world presented in the game as well. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker mixes the best parts of the platforming and puzzle genres to create a unique experience unlike any other.


Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker utilizes some great ideas such as twisting pipes, mine carts and some creative boss battles to make an entertaining experience for players, but not all of the ideas used in the game work as good as others. The game's use of the gamepad's gyroscope to move the in-game character is a nice idea in theory, but in execution, players can easily twist the camera to an obtrusive view on accident and lose a level because of the poor camera controls. Additionally, in-game menus make it difficult to cycle through levels to see what secrets remain locked after a player has completed the stage.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is the happy, fun tone the game exudes right from the get go. Players can experience the game as Toad or his sidekick Toadette. The cute characters have great animations that always portray the character's mood well to players and onlookers, and the same careful design is present in enemies and environments that players explore as well. Each new world feels drastically different from another, and the game rarely recycles pieces of levels in an effort to expand the game in an uncreative fashion.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker's charm makes its way into smaller areas of the game as well. Exploring the haunted house levels are a thrill thanks not only to the reactions from Toad and Toadette when facing off with undead enemies, but the game's lighting is fantastic and makes the illuminating rays from the character's headlamp really shine. Some of the more colorful stages look great too whether it's the neon lights of a pinball type level or disappearing blocks on rhythm based levels. The high quality graphical presentation Nintendo releases are known for definitely makes its way into the release of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a full fledged game available at a discounted price for Nintendo Wii U owners. A few issues keep the game from being as enjoyable as it could be, but Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a great choice for Nintendo Wii U owners all the same. The game is easily enjoyable for fans of the Super Mario Bros. franchise even though Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker does not share a whole lot of similar gameplay to the platformer franchise. Toad and Toadette are fantastic and completely lovable in their first starring role, and the characters nearly impossible not to smile while playing the game. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is out now exclusively for Nintendo Wii U.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is now available exclusively for Nintendo Wii U and can be purchased for $39.99. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is rated E by the ESRB for Mild Cartoon Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker website.

Game Features:
  • Single Player
  • 60+ Levels
  • Super Mario Bros. Inspired Characters and Worlds
  • Tons of Optional Objectives and Hidden Secrets
  • Amiibo Support

Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Nintendo
Available exclusively for Nintendo Wii U (reviewed)
Release Date: December 5, 2014

Score: 8 out of 10

Popular posts from this blog

Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo 2026 Wrap-Up

Another year, another packed weekend of fandom in the Rocket City The 2026 Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo has officially wrapped, closing out three energetic days at the Von Braun Center and once again proving why it’s considered Alabama’s largest celebration of geek culture. From April 17–19, fans from across the region gathered for a weekend that blended celebrity encounters, gaming, cosplay, and community into one sprawling pop culture showcase. A Weekend That Delivered for Fans This year’s event marked the 11th edition of the expo, and it leaned fully into its reputation as a destination convention. With a diverse crowd and programming that spanned all corners of fandom, the show floor stayed busy from opening Friday afternoon through Sunday’s final hours. Attendees explored a massive lineup that included over 200 vendors, artist and author alleys, panel discussions, and dedicated gaming spaces. Whether fans came for collectibles, comics, anime, or tabletop sessions, t...
Level Up: Read More »

Water for Elephants: An Immersive Circus Journey (Event Preview)

Step into a traveling circus brought vividly to life on stage. This fresh musical transforms the bestselling novel into a tactile, immersive experience. The rumble of tracks, the sway of ropes, the flash of lights… all come alive as the stage shifts beneath the performers’ feet! A young man leaps onto a moving train and discovers a new life with a traveling circus. An older version of him narrates, weaving memories through the unfolding events. The story remains clear even as the stage bursts with energy and movement. The music pulses through every scene, thanks to PigPen Theatre Co. Their sound hits with power, then pulls back to let the silence speak. Drums and brass slice through the energy, while softer moments find space to breathe and resonate. Jessica Stone directs with confident, sweeping movements and a calm, steady presence. Rick Elice’s script holds the emotional core tightly, making every moment resonate. The show feels authentic… worn hands, weary smiles, and subtle action...
Level Up: Read More »

Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo 2026 Returns for Its Biggest Year Yet

Huntsville, Alabama is preparing for one of the state’s biggest celebrations of geek culture as the Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo returns April 17–19, 2026. Now entering its 11th year, the fan-favorite convention will once again take over the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville, bringing together thousands of fans for a three-day event dedicated to comics, movies, television, anime, gaming, cosplay, and more. Known as Alabama’s largest celebration of all things geek, the Expo continues to grow each year, expanding its footprint throughout the Von Braun Center with additional ballrooms and event spaces. The expanded layout allows for a larger show floor, more panels, and plenty of room for the massive crowds that attend annually. A Star-Studded Guest Lineup The 2026 Expo features an impressive roster of celebrity guests from across television, film, animation, and gaming. Fans will have the opportunity to meet stars such as Zachary Levi, Ron Perlman, LeVar Burton, Tom ...
Level Up: Read More »