The 1990's were full of fads, crazes, and shows with almost cult-like followings. From track suits, to the dot com bubble (and bust) to shows like Power Rangers developing huge followings, seemingly everything happened in this decade that either touched gold or touched disaster (or in the case of Power Rangers, seemingly both.) One such show that became a phenomenon with a major following became Pokemon, which to this date continues onward with shows, games, and mobile games as well. One such Pokemon game that came at the probable height of its fandom was Pokemon Snap. A game that features.. literally.. taking pictures of Pokemon in their 'natural' habitat. It was popular as a game for Pokemon Gamers, but also Nintendo gamers, and it came back in 2021 with a new game, New Pokemon Snap (yes they could have used Pokemon Snap II but.. I digress.) How does the original do for the N64? What needed to be improved?
Positives:
1. It's a quick paced game with quick paced levels. Since the scope of the game is so limited, you can't really attract an audience well with a game that takes forever to complete. Pokemon Snap can be done in a couple of hours and keep you wanting to complete the game fully as best as possible. The fact the levels typically only take about 4-5 minutes each is a good thing for the game.
2. The replayability factor of the levels is big here, as you have to replay levels with different items that you get. It's not a totally great replayable game, but the levels that you have to do are major and needed overall to extend the game's time span. I feel they did a good job developing the game to have the levels be replayed over and over again.
3. Graphically, the game is fantastic. Nintendo and the group that made this game did a terrific job with graphics and making this game and its levels look exquisite.
4. Same for the soundtrack, as the soundtrack is beautifully done and is exquisite as well.
5. The controls aren't too jerky, odd or anything while taking pictures. You won't have too much issue with focusing the camera as it is already auto-focused in so you won't have blurriness like you might have IRL taking photos.
Negatives:
1. The game is very limited in scope with not much more to offer. It's taking pictures of Pokemon, there isn't much else to it. And you had better take them well because..
2. Professor Oak's grading system has to be about the worst grading system I have ever come across in a game or real life. if a pokemon is top-middle or bottom-middle by a bunch, you still get credit. If it is even THE SLIGHTEST bit off center though, you are downgraded horrifically. His grading system for including other Pokemon is also just terrible. How did this dude allow Ash, Gary and others to determine Pokemon fate instead of a good professor?
3. With the game limited in scope, it's also limited in Pokemon. There are only 60 Pokemon to take photos of here, well short of the 151 it would typically manage overall. It just falls flat to have just some Pokemon and not even a majority of the beginning amount.
Rating:
Overall, Pokemon Snap is a good-to-very good Pokemon game and a good N64 game. The negatives definitely prevent it from being great. However, it's popularity kept it going to the point they got a new game in 2021. There is no escaping the road this game helped build for the future of Pokemon in America in the peak of its time. Overall, a 7.5 out of 10 works for Pokemon Snap
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