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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Pokemon Snap
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 15 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 29 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Genre(s): Puzzle, Simulation
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: July 1, 1999
Summary
In Pokémon Snap, you're on assignment from Professor Oak, the world-famous Pokémon professor. He needs lots of photos taken on Pokémon Island, where you'll cross six fascinating environments in search of all the Pokémon you can find. Pidgey will soar over your shoulder on the Beach. Diglett will pop up in the Tunnel. A group of Charmander will run by in the Volcano. And that's only in the first three environments! Wait until you see all the lively Pokémon in the River, Cave and Valley. When you return to Professor Oak's lab, he'll score your photos based on several merits: Did you capture the Pokémon in a great pose? Does its size fill the photo frame? Is it centered within the shot? And have you snapped more of the same kind of Pokémon in the background? Taking photos on Pokémon Island is a lot of fun, but it's a true test of your photography skills, too! [Nintendo]
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Gaming Maxx
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 >TotalGames.net
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 >Game Critics
If it inspires you to take up photography, visit a zoo, or go on a real wild safari (not that phony Disney stuff), the experience would be far richer.
Read Full Review >Electric Playground
The idea that a game can entertain by simply asking its participants to carefully observe and document the virtual world that's been created for them is quite profound. I wouldn't be surprised if Pokemon Snap becomes the first in a brand new genre.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
"OK, Bulbasaur, you're on the beach, you're happy...give me some frolic, Bulby!" [Jan 2004, p.189]
Hot Games
It's less of a game than Pokemon Stadium to be sure, but fans of the whole phenomenon will leap right to it.
Read Full Review >Nintendojo
Even for non-Pokémon fanatics, this game is definitely worth a look-- if only for the strange and addictive experience of an unfolding photo-safari on a videogame console.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
A refreshingly unique game … despite its ephemeral nature, Pokemon Snap is a must-buy for fans of the license and probably warrants interest from those that aren't.
Read Full Review >All Game Guide
Some gamers will be quickly bored when they find out all there is to this game is snapping pictures, while others, especially younger audiences, will want to gather as many photos as possible to show their friends. Players should be warned that Pokémon Snap can be easily finished within a weekend.
Read Full Review >GamePro
For Pokemon fans, this is a wonderful game; for everyone else, it's likely a waste of time.
Read Full Review >GameShark
Despite the deep game play, the game life suffers a bit due to the fact that it's a rail-shooter. The tracks are always the same, and your course is always the same. More tracks than the 7 provided would have added some game play length.
Read Full Review >IGN
Depth, quite frankly, is our only complaint. Had the game been longer and featured more Pocket Monsters, we would have only criticized the fact that everything runs on rails, which is not really as bothersome as one might think. Otherwise, Pokemon Snap is an addictive, surprisingly fun gem of an experience that definitely deserves a rent.
Read Full Review >Nintendorks
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.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
Allowing the gamer to actually wander around Pokemon Island on their own would have added a much-needed layer of depth and exploration. It's also safe to say that the appeal of this game is very limited to Pokemon fans.
Read Full Review >Gaming Age
Pokémon Snap is a poor effort on Nintendo’s part. It is completely obvious that the game was rushed in order to cash in on the Pokémon frenzy. They could have spent six more months creating some new areas and adding all the available Pokémon into it and then it would have been a much better overall game.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 7.5 (out of 10) based on 29 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Hank H gave it an8:
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.
A. F. gave it an8:
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.
Donald B. gave it an8:
Generally, for a pokemon game that isn't an RPG, this is pretty good.
Starfire gave it a9:
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.
Nick B. gave it a6:
Kinda fun at first, but it gets boring quick. And the secret level sucked, with only one (difficult) pokemon to snap in the entire level. And also, couldn't they have added in more features? For example, you earn money by taking good pictures, which you could then spend to upgrade your vehicle, buy extra bait, or buy a telephoto lens for your camera. It's good at its roots, but Nintendo could have put a lot more effort into it.
Elisha gave it a 0:
Its pokemon must i say anymore?
Robert C. gave it a 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.
