Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker grew out of the minigames that appeared in Super Mario 3D World and expands them into a full-fledged puzzle platformer in which the jump-incapable titular Toad moves through compact diorama levels shaped like cubes, towers, and intricate structures that can be freely rotated and viewed from every angle so the player can uncover hidden paths, keys, and treasures. Each level fits on a single screen and feels like a miniature model the player peers into from various sides.

Without the ability to jump, Toad must rely on clever maneuvering, collecting stars, avoiding enemies such as poisonous Piranha Plants or giant Wigglers, and the occasional use of special items like a mining pick or a turnip-throwing weapon against the boss Wingo, a bird who stole the treasure as well as Toad's companion, Toadette. The lack of a jump isn't a deprivation but the main design rule -- it forces the player to think the route through ahead of time, since a wrong step often means backtracking across the entire structure. The Switch version added new levels inspired by Super Mario Odyssey, a cooperative mode for a second player controlling a companion character, and gyroscope motion-control support for precisely aiming at hidden objects.

The design of individual levels emphasizes spatial reasoning and observation over reflexes, setting the game apart from most Mario-led platformers, and each level also contains three hidden gems and a secret collectible goal revealed only after the first completion. Short but dense levels and a welcoming difficulty make Treasure Tracker a beloved choice for family play as well as for players seeking a relaxing alternative to more demanding platformers, and the format of one level lasting just a few minutes suits handheld play perfectly. Critics praised the game for its inventive level design and charm, although some faulted its overall lower difficulty and length.