---Despite the tedious nature of it, there's still a vigorous debate on what length a game should be. I understand the argument, especially if you value capitalism and think the dollar is almighty. I however don't care how long or short a game is, as long as it uses it's time well. I've played many games throughout the years, and out of all of them Pokemon Snap is one the best short games out there. Really it's a great game no matter what category you put it in. The fusion of excitement, wonder, and strategy is all delivered into this compact package of entertainment software.
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---For those unaware, Pokemon Snap is a video game where you play as a photographer who must document all the creatures (called Pokemon) on a remote wild island. How you document these Pokemon is through your primary tool: the camera. Each "course" in the game sees you going through an on-rails adventure, snapping shots of the wild life around you. Once your course is finished, you return to the local researcher, Professor Oak, who will grade your shots and put the best ones in a "Pokemon Report."
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---Snap is both a relaxing retreat and an exciting foray. It takes the mechanics of an on-rails first person shooter like House of the Dead, and recontextualizes them into this wonderful game about taking pictures. It's the kind of game that's got so much charm and appeal, that one can't help but complete it in a night, which isn't hard to do. Part of that is due to Snap's execution being water tight. There are no detours, or filler, or even pizzazz. From the start Snap is determined to just put you in the field and start documenting.
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---Another aspect of Snap's brevity is the courses themselves. Each course follows a specific theme. Think "beach", "cave", "river." These locations are a bit generic sounding on paper, but in execution they're so layered. Pokemon Snap makes fantastic use of 3D space. There's always going to be something you miss because you were trying to take a picture from a certain angle. These courses practically beg to be combed through by the player in order to experience everything they have to offer.
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---The one part of these courses I love the most are the Pokemon themselves. These creatures were already an iconic piece of pop culture by the time Snap was released. Though, Snap enhances the "Gotta Catch em' All" attitude of the franchise by giving these Pokemon personalities through how they interact with the environment, the other Pokemon, and even the player themselves. Having these personalities be based off what was established in the popular Pokemon anime is a genius touch. Each Pokemon in the game feels like an inhabitor in the game's world without having the looped routine nature of their backend logical behaviours poking through, ruining the illusion.
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---Another area Pokemon Snap excels at is it's flow and progression. Courses and additional abilities are unlocked by adding more Pokemon types to the Pokemon Report, or by boosting the score Professor Oak gives you with each shot you submit to him. The aforementioned abilities bring some welcome replayability to Snap's courses. For example the apple is great at luring Pokemon closer, or the pester ball which is great for disturbing the Pokemon's normal behaviour. These always come at the right time, and makes the player want to go back and use their newly acquired skills to find newer Pokemon or get better shots.
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---With all this praise I should say that I do think Snap has it's issues. For one, I'm sure it's brevity isn't for everyone, and I understand that. One part of the game I'm personally not a fan of is the photo scoring itself. Pokemon Snap's requirements for a good shot is for the Pokemon to be right at the center of the shot composition, with it taking up a good portion of the frame, and in some acceptable "pose". These criteria can be pretty dubiously graded at times, plus with some of the Pokemon always being far in the distance, getting the best shot can feel frustrating. I also thought a particular point in the game where you had to hit a button with a Pokemon could be a bit touchy.
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---Overall though I believe Pokemon Snap to be a brilliant game. One that still feels unique and fresh to this day while also being a great afternoon relaxer. It's a game to get lost in, and admire the world it builds up. It's also software that has depth, making for an enjoyable experience even if it does only last for a few hours. It's safe to say Pokemon Snap's cult status is well deserved, so please go ahead and take your shot at this classic video game. - [09/10]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---For those unaware, Pokemon Snap is a video game where you play as a photographer who must document all the creatures (called Pokemon) on a remote wild island. How you document these Pokemon is through your primary tool: the camera. Each "course" in the game sees you going through an on-rails adventure, snapping shots of the wild life around you. Once your course is finished, you return to the local researcher, Professor Oak, who will grade your shots and put the best ones in a "Pokemon Report."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---Snap is both a relaxing retreat and an exciting foray. It takes the mechanics of an on-rails first person shooter like House of the Dead, and recontextualizes them into this wonderful game about taking pictures. It's the kind of game that's got so much charm and appeal, that one can't help but complete it in a night, which isn't hard to do. Part of that is due to Snap's execution being water tight. There are no detours, or filler, or even pizzazz. From the start Snap is determined to just put you in the field and start documenting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---Another aspect of Snap's brevity is the courses themselves. Each course follows a specific theme. Think "beach", "cave", "river." These locations are a bit generic sounding on paper, but in execution they're so layered. Pokemon Snap makes fantastic use of 3D space. There's always going to be something you miss because you were trying to take a picture from a certain angle. These courses practically beg to be combed through by the player in order to experience everything they have to offer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---The one part of these courses I love the most are the Pokemon themselves. These creatures were already an iconic piece of pop culture by the time Snap was released. Though, Snap enhances the "Gotta Catch em' All" attitude of the franchise by giving these Pokemon personalities through how they interact with the environment, the other Pokemon, and even the player themselves. Having these personalities be based off what was established in the popular Pokemon anime is a genius touch. Each Pokemon in the game feels like an inhabitor in the game's world without having the looped routine nature of their backend logical behaviours poking through, ruining the illusion.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---Another area Pokemon Snap excels at is it's flow and progression. Courses and additional abilities are unlocked by adding more Pokemon types to the Pokemon Report, or by boosting the score Professor Oak gives you with each shot you submit to him. The aforementioned abilities bring some welcome replayability to Snap's courses. For example the apple is great at luring Pokemon closer, or the pester ball which is great for disturbing the Pokemon's normal behaviour. These always come at the right time, and makes the player want to go back and use their newly acquired skills to find newer Pokemon or get better shots.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---With all this praise I should say that I do think Snap has it's issues. For one, I'm sure it's brevity isn't for everyone, and I understand that. One part of the game I'm personally not a fan of is the photo scoring itself. Pokemon Snap's requirements for a good shot is for the Pokemon to be right at the center of the shot composition, with it taking up a good portion of the frame, and in some acceptable "pose". These criteria can be pretty dubiously graded at times, plus with some of the Pokemon always being far in the distance, getting the best shot can feel frustrating. I also thought a particular point in the game where you had to hit a button with a Pokemon could be a bit touchy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---Overall though I believe Pokemon Snap to be a brilliant game. One that still feels unique and fresh to this day while also being a great afternoon relaxer. It's a game to get lost in, and admire the world it builds up. It's also software that has depth, making for an enjoyable experience even if it does only last for a few hours. It's safe to say Pokemon Snap's cult status is well deserved, so please go ahead and take your shot at this classic video game. - [09/10]