Shroom for the Stars: Captain Toad for Smash 4! CHAPTER 11: IT'S A MII; TOAD!

[GM_3826]

Hey, a Captain Toad series isn't a bad idea. I mean, think about it; besides Luigi's Mansion, almost all Mario series spin-offs (i.e. Yoshi and Donkey Kong Country) are 2D (vein of Super Mario Bros.) or 2.5D (vein of New Super Mario Bros.) sidescrollers, and as much as I love NSMB and Yoshi and etc., I think we've had enough of those for a bit.
Captain Toad, however, brings an entirely new concept to the Nintendo-verse (or at least the Mario-verse). We haven't been able to play as a character whose main quirk is that he can't jump, and the fact that a whole game revolves around that leaves a lot to be explored. Sure, Link and other characters can't jump either, but Captain Toad spotlights not jumping, and coming from the Mario franchise, that's pretty unique. Probably the most ironic thing since having Luigi clean out a haunted mansion.

You mean Mario brother/sister series. Yoshi, Wario, and Donkey Kong are all sibling series. Mario Kart, Party, Tennis, and Golf are spinoffs.

 

[True Blue Warrior]

What about the idea of making Toad into a heavyweight mix-up character?

 

[PixelPasta]

What about the idea of making Toad into a heavyweight mix-up character?

Heavyweight? How on earth could that work for Toad?

 

[Rasumii]

Heavyweight? How on earth could that work for Toad?

Well for Captain Toad he has the heavy backpack, which is what I assume he means.

 

[GM_3826]

Toad has also been portrayed as slow and strong just as much as he as been fast. That kinda lends itself to a heavyweight character.

 

[PixelPasta]

Toad has also been portrayed as slow and strong just as much as he as been fast. That kinda lends itself to a heavyweight character.

He's definitely strong, but slow and heavy certainly do not come to mind when I think of Toad. I mean, he is known for his speed! To take that away from him in Smash would be a crime.
Not to mention, in almost all of the Mario kart/sports games, Toad is a lightweight.... just look at the size of him! He simply doesn't look the part, for a heavy character. Picture him alongside Bowser, Dedede, DK - it just doesn't make sense.

I've always felt like a character's stats should not only derive from the stats they have in their own games, but should also reflect their personalities.
To me, Toad is a very cheerful character; he has this likable childish innocence about him. He is kind and polite, being a retainer and all, but can sometimes be a tad impatient. He is also quite excitable for a little guy, and is easily upset. Because of this, he is often depicted running around, shrieking. Toad is also sort of a coward - but still ends up being brave when he is needed.
That is why I feel like he needs to be light and quick. Aside from the physical aspect of his size, Toad's childishness and naivety lends to his light weight. Furthermore, because he is often panicking due to his timid nature, a fast and frantic play-style comes to mind instantly.

 

[Zzuxon]

Toad by any name should definitely be a lightweight.

 

[Pokechu]

Why not a weight gimmick with his backpack? He starts off heavy and slow, hard to knock off, but emptying his backpack makes him fast and lighter, making him easier to knock off.

 

[Zzuxon]

Why not a weight gimmick with his backpack? He starts off heavy and slow, hard to knock off, but emptying his backpack makes him fast and lighter, making him easier to knock off.

That has been suggested. It would make for an interesting mechanic.

 

[Propeller Toad]

@Pixel Pasta

No problem! Those movesets are neat indeed and I agree so much on the fun aspect that Toad must have as a playable character!

I want him to be a character that makes people smile in the midst of the serious Smash Bros. environment!

Also a Toad Brigade FS would be sweet. I hope the other brigade members also appear in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker! I can totally see Banktoad storing the captain's treasures and Mailtoad delivering Miiverse stickers. XD

@ YoshiandToad

I agree with what you've said, and indeed it has been hard for us Toad fans over the years. Yoshi, Bowser Jr., Petey and now Rosalina overshadowing our favourite mushroom retainer was tough - but at least Captain Toad is getting his own game and by Nintendo EAD Tokyo too!

This game is definitely a major release compared to the various recent Yoshi titles and Super Princess Peach. :0 I sure hope Toad finally gets the respect he deserves via this charming game. And indeed, we as the Toad fans must do our best to support this release!

Also that Captain Toad weight gimmick sounds very neat and unique too. He definitely shouldn't be a heavyweight; however, his weight and jumping capabilities being affected by a move such as storing items in his backpack could play a rather unique role in the Smash Bros. series.

 

[YoshiandToad]

Also that Captain Toad weight gimmick sounds very neat and unique too. He definitely shouldn't be a heavyweight; however, his weight and jumping capabilities being affected by a move such as storing items in his backpack could play a rather unique role in the Smash Bros. series.

It's a great gimmick, one we've been talking about as far back as December last year!
So imagine my surprise when said weight gimmick turns out to be one of Palutena's special moves (second Downward Special):

It's interesting to note that many of Palutena's moves seem extremely similar to other character's moves however.
Not that I presume this alludes to anything Toad related, but I felt it's worth noting.

Also worth noting that stat alteration gimmicks can be used(as also seen by Wednesday's Pokeball's of Victini and Xernas).

 

[Albo]

Mmmm, if Captain Toad did have the weight gimmick, I think the most he should be is a middle-weight (is that a word?) when the backpack is full. Next to Koopa Troopa and Goomba...and Babies..., Toad seems to be the lightest Mario character since he's one of the few to always be classified as a lightweight in Mario Kart (was he a featherweight in 7?). Nevertheless, that backpack of his is really heavy...

By the way, anyone have confirmation on the rumor of Nintendo announcing the full roster on August 12?

 

[Oz37]

Mmmm, if Captain Toad did have the weight gimmick, I think the most he should be is a middle-weight (is that a word?) when the backpack is full. Next to Koopa Troopa and Goomba...and Babies..., Toad seems to be the lightest Mario character since he's one of the few to always be classified as a lightweight in Mario Kart (was he a featherweight in 7?). Nevertheless, that backpack of his is really heavy...

By the way, anyone have confirmation on the rumor of Nintendo announcing the full roster on August 12?

It was apparently a mistranslation; CoroCoro magazine is only supposed to show all of the already revealed characters.

 

[Albo]

It was apparently a mistranslation; CoroCoro magazine is only supposed to show all of the already revealed characters.

Aww, that sucks. I guess it was too good to be true anyways.

I suppose all we can do now is wait for Smash 5?

 

[Arcadenik]

Aww, that sucks. I guess it was too good to be true anyways.

I suppose all we can do now is wait for Smash 5?

No. We do not sit idly and wait for SSB5. We tell Nintendo via social media and Miiverse/Club Nintendo that we want Nintendo to give Toad more character development. I, for one, want Nintendo to differentiate Toad further apart from Mario, Luigi, and Peach in the main games and RPG games. I want Nintendo to make Toad stand out in Sakurai's eyes so much that Sakurai will want to add Toad in Smash as a playable character. The goal is to get Sakurai to stop seeing Toad as the Chrom of the Mario series and start seeing him as the Robin of the Mario series.

 

[Albo]

No. We do not sit idly and wait for SSB5. We tell Nintendo via social media and Miiverse/Club Nintendo that we want Nintendo to give Toad more character development. I, for one, want Nintendo to differentiate Toad further apart from Mario, Luigi, and Peach in the main games and RPG games. I want Nintendo to make Toad stand out in Sakurai's eyes so much that Sakurai will want to add Toad in Smash as a playable character. The goal is to get Sakurai to stop seeing Toad as the Chrom of the Mario series and start seeing him as the Robin of the Mario series.

Yeah, I know. I just wanted to use that Spongebob GIF xD It seemed pretty reasonable to use at the time.

So, about that Month of Peach. Interesting stuff, huh?

 

[YoshiandToad]

Yeah, I know. I just wanted to use that Spongebob GIF xD It seemed pretty reasonable to use at the time.

So, about that Month of Peach. Interesting stuff, huh?

Honestly I'm finding it hard to take seriously. It seems unofficial unless Nintendo suddenly reveals Super Princess Peach 2 is a thing this month.

Still some sort of Smash info on Peach, and her custom moves regarding Toad wouldn't go amiss.

 

[Arcadenik]

It's interesting that Peach got a month to herself when Luigi had a whole year to himself.

I really wish there was a Year of Toad...

 

[Albo]

Honestly I'm finding it hard to take seriously. It seems unofficial unless Nintendo suddenly reveals Super Princess Peach 2 is a thing this month.

Still some sort of Smash info on Peach, and her custom moves regarding Toad wouldn't go amiss.

Yeah, it's weird because they had a whole Direct based on YoL, if I'm correct, and MoP just gets a Tweet. But remember, normal Toad is very, very close to de-confirmed if not already.

It's interesting that Peach got a month to herself when Luigi had a whole year to himself.

I really wish there was a Year of Toad...

Well, Peach gets a lot more respect from Nintendo than Luigi...Toad obviously gets much more disrespect but whatever heck, a week of Toad would be better than what I'd expect.

 

[YoshiandToad]

Yeah, it's weird because they had a whole Direct based on YoL, if I'm correct, and MoP just gets a Tweet. But remember, normal Toad is very, very close to de-confirmed if not already.

Oh I'm aware, but if one of the customized Toad options is Captain Toad...
Also I'm interested in seeing if Peach's Toad does anything OTHER than just be a meatshield.

On another note; is this Month of Peach even official with Nintendo, or just Nintendo of America randomly declaring it a thing?

It's interesting that Peach got a month to herself when Luigi had a whole year to himself.

I really wish there was a Year of Toad...

A year of Toad? Judging by the way he's been treated in the past, a Day of Toad may be asking too much...hopefully Captain Toad changes that.

 

[Propeller Toad]

Ah, I hadn't been aware of Palutena already possessing a weight/stat changing move.

Neat find though it's a shame Captain Toad couldn't introduce that gimmick. :/

Also I agree, is there a purpose to the Month of Peach? I don't see Nintendo randomly spawning a bunch of Peach games anytime soon. A Day of Toad..let's not rush Nintendo. I mean they only JUST realized that Toad was popular after all these years.

Also nice points Arcadenik. I too mention how the availability of Toad being playable in certain games is one of the reasons I enjoyed them so much via Club Nintendo.

Captain Toad is about as distinguished as a "The Toad" can get. Honestly, in my Mario headcanon, Captain Toad is our good ol' Toad. SM3DW's Toad just keeps reminding me of the NSMB Wii Toads if anything (with Toad's special speed stat).

It sure would be one heck of a surprise if Captain Toad actually does end up being a hidden newcomer in this game.

 

[Arcadenik]

If anyone got Miiverse account, you can add me. I'm Arcadenik there, of course. We can post pro-Toad posts and yeah each other's posts.

 

[Oracle_Summon]

What would Captain Toad's Alternate Costume be?

 

[Propeller Toad]

What would Captain Toad's Alternate Costume be?

As tempted as I am to say the other four members of the Toad Brigade as the Captain's alts - it would probably make him feel like a collection of the Toad Brigade than his own separate character.

I'm suspecting the spots of his mushroom head to change colours or perhaps his neck scarf and clothes could change to different colour shades.

Also getting regular Toad as a bonus alt would be sweet!

 

[YoshiandToad]

What would Captain Toad's Alternate Costume be?

Probably.

The old red vest Captain Toad of Galaxy fame. He may get a regular Toad alt(which honestly would be better) but it would depend on if the headlamp was in his moveset or not.

 

[Albo]

Speaking of Miiverse, I forgot to mention I went to the Smash community and posted, "#CaptainToad. Does no one else want this adorable little guy?" and got nine Yeahs, so I guess that's pretty good.

Alt costumes (my preferance at least) would be regular, Toad Brigade, maybe Toadsworth and Toadette (if it's not too much of course.) It may seem like he's a collection and too big of changes (taking away the whole costume entirely and subbing for completely new ones) but it's not like it hasn't been done before, like Pikachu in Brawl could wear hats and things of that nature.

Captain Toad as a hidden newcomer would be the Bob-omb.com, but I somewhat doubt it. =[

 

[Propeller Toad]

Miiverse is definitely a good place to start.

Heck, Captain Toad's own popularity grew drastically from there. :o Enough to help warrant his own game too.

Looking at SMG's model of Captain Toad makes me realize how far he's come. From a simple comic relief character to a true star. It's nice Nintendo finally gave him a more distinguished look too. Captain Toad reminds me of the classic Nintendo protagonists. Lovable and determined. XD

Dang..I sure hope Nintendo gives us a second trailer for Captain Toad soon. I remember SM3DW was pretty overlooked and bashed until the second trailer came out. Captain Toad's own game could use some more info soon. It's gotten great reviews so far demo-wise, but the game itself needs more attention.

 

[Arcadenik]

9 Yeahs? Very nice! I just posted a #CaptainToad post about how fun it would to play as Toad with the pickaxe in Smash and I got 6 Yeahs just now.

Edit... make that 7.

 

[Pokechu]

In my opinion, a Year of Toad would actually be great. What it'd contain would be the hard part, though, since they couldn't really just shove Toad into everything...sadly.


On topic, though, I really think that CT: TT should include Toadette (and Toadsworth) as playable characters. That'd be fun. Not really needed, but still cool to have. I also think that it'd be SO cool to make your own puzzles. Close to 0% chance of happening, but it'd be fun and cool, and boost the longevity of the game.
Speaking of which, I wonder what will boost the longevity of the game? Will there be a few mini-games along the way of you completing puzzles, like how in SM3DW, the CT levels were like the mini-games? Would there be jigsaw puzzles with Toadette helping you out? Mazes where you play as Toadette? Probably not because then they'd have to make a new game out of that too, haha. It'd still be cool, though.

And speaking of mini-games in CT, I wonder if CT: TT will be a New Super Luigi Bros. U situation, though, where it's DLC for it's respective game and you have the option to just get it physical. I wonder this, because recently there's been talks of it being not $60, but $40. I'm personally hoping for it to be it's own game, and not DLC, but either way works. If it is like a NSLBU situation, though, I doubt that there would be Toadette themed mini-games

I also went digging through my Club Nintendo surveys to fill out the Mario ones to notify Ninty about Toad. This is going to sound funny, and here it is; when I was finished completing a few of them, I thought

"Hmm. What if they actually responded by putting Toad in more games. Then it'd be a cool way to make them put cool characters I like in more games! What if I try it with Toadette? Toadsworth? Lana? Oh, I know!


Daisy!"

in all honesty tho Daisy's kinda cool. I just wish, like Toad, that she appeared in more games. ofc Toad has higher priority tho in my surveys, lol.

 

[YoshiandToad]

Year of Toad, you say?

(Damn that's a long wait though)

 

[Albo]

Miiverse is definitely a good place to start.

Dang..I sure hope Nintendo gives us a second trailer for Captain Toad soon. I remember SM3DW was pretty overlooked and bashed until the second trailer came out. Captain Toad's own game could use some more info soon. It's gotten great reviews so far demo-wise, but the game itself needs more attention.

We could be waiting a while; 3D World's redemption trailer came on October 1st. Though Captain Toad is recieving much more praise than 3D World did at E3, a new trailer would be awesome to convince those final naysayers that this is not just an expanded minigame: it's a compltely new experience.

And speaking of mini-games in CT, I wonder if CT: TT will be a New Super Luigi Bros. U situation, though, where it's DLC for it's respective game and you have the option to just get it physical. I wonder this, because recently there's been talks of it being not $60, but $40. I'm personally hoping for it to be it's own game, and not DLC, but either way works. If it is like a NSLBU situation, though, I doubt that there would be Toadette themed mini-games

Hey, we didn't know the seemingly useless Captain would be getting his own game too. Miracles happen, and I really would like the Toad Brigade, Toadsworth, and Toadette to all play important roles in Treasure Tracker.

This gif, the other one of Captain Toad walking while surrounded by a Shy Guy, Magikoopa, Boo, and Goomba (I believe), cookies, and Iwata and Reggie "fighting" at E3 are the best things ever.

Also, something to describe the story of our Smash lives as Toad fans:

 

[Pokechu]

Year of Toad, you say?

(Damn that's a long wait though)

I saved both of those images.

Those images are the best I've ever seen of anything. 11/10 my like for them is larger than how big ridley is

 

[GM_3826]

There are two Mario characters that drastically need more respect:
Waluigi,
and Toad.

 

[Pokechu]

There are two Mario characters that drastically need more respect:
Waluigi,
and Toad.

I'll be honest, I just don't get the appeal of Waluigi D8

 

[YoshiandToad]

I'll be honest, I just don't get the appeal of Waluigi D8

Camelot gave him quite a lot of personality, and he's kind of wacky and silly. Understandably though, much like Toad, Jr, Daisy or Rosalina, he's not for everyone.

 

[Zzuxon]

I love Waluigi.
I'd love to see him in smash AFTER Toad and Paper Mario get in.

 

[GunGunW]

Waluigi would be really awesome if he had a Mario spin off moveset like the tennis racket, golf club, etc.

Toad, Bowser Jr., and Rosalina should get in over him, but he could be the next addition after those three.

 

[TheNerdyOne_]

Waluigi would be really awesome if he had a Mario spin off moveset like the tennis racket, golf club, etc.

Toad, Bowser Jr., and Rosalina should get in over him, but he could be the next addition after those three.

Waluigi's considered a Wario character, so he wouldn't really effect Mario characters.

 

[Albo]

My personal order is Toad > Paper Mario > Waluigi/Daisy > Bowser Jr.

Toad (or Captain) is first for obvious reasons.

I've changed my views on Paper Mario, after realizing that he'd actually be pretty fun with partners and stickers and the like (besides, if Link and Toon Link can exist, I think Mario and Paper Mario aren't too far-fetched.) Plus, I'm all for seeing an HD Paper Mario :3

Waluigi and Daisy are kind of on the same note to me. Both I really don't care since, in design, they're little more than pallette swaps and their potential is somewhat average. Sure, you could pull movesets from Mario Tennis, Baseball, Mario Ballet (I know it isn't real, but it'd be hilarious), but wacking someone with a tennis racket wouldn't be too different from wacking someone with a baseball bat, or so I would presume. But what do I know? As TheNerdyOne_ pointed out, now that Waluigi is apparently a Wario character, it wouldn't matter much if he got in since he wouldn't take a Mario slot.

Bowser Jr.'s just...no. If Nintendo owned Geno, I would've put him in front of Jr. Yes, he could use a paintbrush. Sure, his taunt could be turning into Shadow Mario or using the Airships. But how much can one pull from one mechaninc? That's like saying Mario should only use F.L.U.D.D., Luigi should only use the Poltergust 5000, and Peach should only use her frying pan (I wouldn't mind that though, since that leaves Toad a larger chance at being playable xD). And him using the Koopa Clown Car to fly around? After using it in NSMBW and NSMBU, I think it's best if we left it just in those two games considering how slippery it controls and, if one actually mastered it, how OP it could be. Maybe I hate him 'cause he's a brat or 'cause he's just annoying, but I really, really don't want him in.

Of course, I respect your opinion(s) if you think otherwise. This is just my two cents that no one asked for.

 

[Berserker.]

If Captain Toad sells well (or above expectations) and is well received, then we'll get somewhere

EDIT:

Unless, NINTENDO MARKETS IT POORLY LIKE THAT CERTAIN CONSOLE....