Pokemon Snap

 Nintendo 64
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 187 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 115 out of 187
  2. Mixed: 63 out of 187
  3. Negative: 9 out of 187
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  1. DomS.
    Aug 7, 2003
    10
    As addictive as crack. Although, I don't know what crack is like...Don't judge me!
  2. RobertC.
    Mar 12, 2004
    9
    You know...for such a weird and a seemingly boring premise...this is actually a very fun experience. I just can't say how, but this game ruled a good amount of hours in the summer I got it.
  3. Starfire
    Oct 23, 2007
    9
    A fantastic idea, to see the Pokemon interacting with one another and take classy photos of them. I'd have liked to see more levels and more varied interactions- but still it is a fascinating and unique idea, the closest to a safari I've seen in a game yet.
  4. HankH
    Oct 12, 2009
    8
    This is a fun and innovative game, it's a neat concept w/ solid graphics. However it can be beaten in its entirety in about 3 hours. Still while it lasts it is quite fun.
  5. GamecubeLover
    Jul 28, 2016
    8
    The game is great but the gameplay is very repetitive and the story is bland. Pokemon Snap is a very great game but still very flawed but still play it it is very fun.
  6. DonaldB.
    Nov 25, 2007
    8
    Generally, for a pokemon game that isn't an RPG, this is pretty good.
  7. A.F.
    Jan 25, 2008
    8
    As it turns out, taking pictures of pokemon is a much more compelling concept than many would imagine. This isn't REALLY a pokemon game, but it's still addicting and fun. Short but sweet.
  8. TheCritic1
    Feb 12, 2013
    10
    I played this on the Virtual console on Wii and it is the second Pokémon spin-off I played, after Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs. This is by FAR the more superior of the two. There is just something about taking pictures of Gen 1 Pokémon that is just do fun. There is also alot of replay value, trying to get the best picture of Magikarp, Charizard or a Mew! It also shows me what games wereI played this on the Virtual console on Wii and it is the second Pokémon spin-off I played, after Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs. This is by FAR the more superior of the two. There is just something about taking pictures of Gen 1 Pokémon that is just do fun. There is also alot of replay value, trying to get the best picture of Magikarp, Charizard or a Mew! It also shows me what games were like back in the N64 days, which is really cool!… Expand
  9. jakerfv
    Mar 21, 2012
    8
    It is only snapping pictures of pokemon, but there is some stuff added to it, like doing the right functions to make a pokemon evolve or get a better shot, or find a hidden pokemon, and unlock new areas, it can be frustrating in that you got to be nearly perfect when you do something, like hitting a pokemon, to hit a switch, to open up a new level, but a part like that is near the end ofIt is only snapping pictures of pokemon, but there is some stuff added to it, like doing the right functions to make a pokemon evolve or get a better shot, or find a hidden pokemon, and unlock new areas, it can be frustrating in that you got to be nearly perfect when you do something, like hitting a pokemon, to hit a switch, to open up a new level, but a part like that is near the end of the level, there is a speed up option thankfully, when you want to get to an area, the game play is very linear, you are on a predetermined course.

    Adding a lot of secrets and ways to activate some interesting tricks, is what give this game a good replay value, yes the concept is pretty strange but it is not as bad as you would think, if you can find this for a decent price (5-10 USD) i'd recommend it.    … Expand
  10. celtqy
    Jun 18, 2013
    8
    Fun game for kids. Not so fun for anyone else unless you played it as a kid.
    They should definitely make a remake for WiiU.
    I guess the graphipcs were alrite?
  11. Qarren
    Mar 16, 2021
    9
    Some things seem great in theory, but don't work in practice. And some things end up better in practice than in theory. And some things are better in both than either. Pokémon Snap is the strange, dissonant latter. In theory, a game about on-rails photography is lame, yet the game is awesome. And in practice, the game could use an extra element or 2, yet in theory the simple, relaxingSome things seem great in theory, but don't work in practice. And some things end up better in practice than in theory. And some things are better in both than either. Pokémon Snap is the strange, dissonant latter. In theory, a game about on-rails photography is lame, yet the game is awesome. And in practice, the game could use an extra element or 2, yet in theory the simple, relaxing nature is the ideal aesthetic.
    Are you confused?
    Good. Then we can begin.
    Pokémon Snap is a low key game about photographing the popular franchise's creatures. There's also puzzle solving, secret finding and interaction with the creatures' AI. All of this makes for a tidy, compact experience lasting ~5 hours. I want to address something at this time:
    A short game is not a bad game. There is some misconception here that the experience is not enjoyable simply because of short length, but no. If I had short length, but I lasted hours and still had a largely satisfying experience I'd still make for a good choice to have some fun. Maybe games works on different rules to my hypothetical sex life, but the point still stands. As do I.
    Yes, the game could use another level or 2. And yes, the game could use another interaction or mode to change up gameplay rewardingly. And yes, the game could use less repetition of the same few iconic pokemon. This is particularly true given the game's goal. Pokémon already has the 'Collect Em All' tagline. I'm not sure why Wildlife Photography Simulator 1999 decided it needs less variation than a mainline entry.
    I still love this game because of that key relaxing nature I mentioned earlier. This game is better than weed, bro. I don't get why people get high, or why lame people say they get high on life. Get high on Pokémon Snap. It's more effective than the former, and 2000x less likely to drive away friends than the latter. Simply experiencing this beautifully laid out world full of cute and interesting creatures is pure joy. It's lovely to see pokemon do their own thing, and it's lovely to interact with them once you've piffed enough apples at them to both haemorrhage them and give them cyanide poisoning. Or, if you're in a rush, just use the so-called "pester balls" to gas them. If I ever become a wildlife photographer; oh you know I'mma use chemical warfare on those adorable critters. There's going to be a new section of Geneva for this shutterbug.
    This is where that extra element or mode to reward players comes into play. Though I found that I never had to MLG Pokémon Snap to beat the story; not realising this I ended up stressing somewhat about timing and aiming with the N64 controller. Puzzles can also occasionally feel fairly loose and undefined considering the interactions and controls, but this isn't usually an issue. Some challenge is necessary, even in a relaxing game, to incentivise progress and, as I said, the bar to beat the game is still fairly low. This was merely another example of Qarren getting in his own head. And I only evicted that guy from there last week. However, it made me think; unlikely as that may seem.
    There are rewards for progression in the game. First is pokemon food, then pester balls, and as you get into the end game you can speed up. And finally, there's the pokemon flute they give you right at the end to unlock more interactions with the locals of Pokémon Island.
    Yes, that's its name. Don't blame me. I didn't write it.
    I wrote this review, so you realise it could've been worse.
    Those flute interactions come a little too late to be of any real use, so consider that a reward for progress rather than a necessary tool for it. A little bit of extra life pumped back into a game you've now traversed almost entirely 3-4 times. That's nice, but let's take it a step further. As a true reward for beating the game, how about a tool or mode that allows you to go slower or even stop. That way you could truly let out the photographer in you. Believe it or not, actual wildlife photographers don't keep the Jeep pedals to the floor when they try to take photos. This is Pokémon Snap, not Pokémon Drive-By: G-Rated edition. To keep the competition in check, these photos shouldn't to add to your score. There's already a personal album available in the game. Simply add these photos to that; a small but effective reward to extend the life of the game somewhat. It may not be the best idea, but you can see my line of thinking. So could you please pick that up and put it back in my head. I've lost a lot of those lines.
    Pokémon Snap is an imperfect paradise. It's a good vibes machine. But like all such machines, humans can't enjoy it endlessly. The gameplay is unique and fun, and the world and soundtrack are ecstasy in digital form. You should play this game once whether you love or hate it.
    Please don't tell me you're still upset that I made sex jokes while discussing a franchise intended for kids. You're the one still thinking about it. Maybe you're weird.    … Expand
  12. thealexmott
    Mar 27, 2017
    8
    Short but sweet. You can complete this game in a day easily. But it's a blast for the whole time! I'll never understand why Junichi Masuda is so against making a sequel to this game.
  13. Leontorres7
    Nov 15, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A really good game, there are lots of cool things about it and it is a lot of fun to play.… Expand
  14. JonahImhere
    Nov 28, 2018
    8
    Didn't aged nearly as bad as I feared it could. It's relatively short and lacking but does its gameplay in a really well done way. As a spin-off, it may not compare to a PMD game, but it's still worth a try by its uniqueness
  15. ClomSoga
    Mar 18, 2019
    10
    Most underrated Pokémon game to date.
    The story actually does take a while to complete and is satisfying to complete.
    The post game content is the cream of this crop though....it's fun to get pictures of the Pokémon and try to beat your high scores on levels , and it takes a very long time to 100% the game (without a guide obviously). The game-play is smooth and works really well with    Most underrated Pokémon game to date.
    The story actually does take a while to complete and is satisfying to complete.
    The post game content is the cream of this crop though....it's fun to get pictures of the Pokémon and try to beat your high scores on levels , and it takes a very long time to 100% the game (without a guide obviously).
    The game-play is smooth and works really well with the 64 controller....unlike other titles on the 64 and the button layout is fantastic!
    The graphics are great and have aged really well.....unlike other titles on the 64.
    Do yourself a favor and pick this game up on the original hardware...
    It's fun at it's finest    … Expand
  16. asael24
    Jun 24, 2020
    10
    Tengo que decir que es el juego que me introdujo a Pokémon, le guardo muchísimo cariño, lo jugué un montón de horas, me encantaba explorar todo, descubrir nuevas rutas, tirarle manzanas a los Pokémon, tomarles fotos, fue una experiencia que me toco el alma, fue como ir a Disneyland pero muchísimo mejor, en pocas palabras es mi infancia; Y después de ver el nuevo tráiler del Pokémon snapTengo que decir que es el juego que me introdujo a Pokémon, le guardo muchísimo cariño, lo jugué un montón de horas, me encantaba explorar todo, descubrir nuevas rutas, tirarle manzanas a los Pokémon, tomarles fotos, fue una experiencia que me toco el alma, fue como ir a Disneyland pero muchísimo mejor, en pocas palabras es mi infancia; Y después de ver el nuevo tráiler del Pokémon snap decidí venir y puntuar a mi juego de Pokémon favorito. Lo amo mucho.… Expand
  17. wentos
    Apr 7, 2021
    8
    I revisited this recently since there's a brand new Pokemon Snap game coming out soon. It holds up very well! It's by no means perfect but it's still very enjoyable to play even in 2021. Aiming the camera is a little awkward but it's forgivable since this is an N64 game. My only other major complaint is the length. Even back when the game was new, I felt like there wasn't enough content.I revisited this recently since there's a brand new Pokemon Snap game coming out soon. It holds up very well! It's by no means perfect but it's still very enjoyable to play even in 2021. Aiming the camera is a little awkward but it's forgivable since this is an N64 game. My only other major complaint is the length. Even back when the game was new, I felt like there wasn't enough content. More tracks would have been nice. I understand that they couldn't add every single Pokemon as that would require too much work for all those custom animations. I just want more courses. I wouldn't mind repeats of Pokemon, like seeing Charmanders and Squirtles in some brand new forest level or something like that. Other than that I don't really have any criticisms. It's been something like 15 years since I last played this game and I forgot most of the details of the game beyond the most memorable parts. Rediscovering everything felt very satisfying. The graphics are nice for an N64 game. The soundtrack is good although it's got a couple weak tracks but it's generally solid.
    It's still a good game and I'm really hyped for the sequel.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best N64 Game of 1999
4
#4 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1999
7
#7 Most Shared N64 Game of 1999

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Nintendorks
    70
    It's not for everyone, but for the patient type (or a raving Pokémon freak) this game could be a refreshing change of pace, and give you a few solid hours of fun.
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  2. Gaming Maxx
    91
    If your a Pokémaniac then this game is definitely for you. If you aren't that big on the whole Pokémon craze, then this is at least worth a rental. Very original and very fun to play.
    Read full review
  3. TotalGames.net
    90
    Without a doubt, Pokémon Snap is a game of the highest quality and brings a new genre to the N64 … but if you hate the little creatures, we’d recommend that you give it a miss.
    Read full review
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