Pokemon Snap

 Nintendo 64
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 150 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 150
  2. Mixed: 56 out of 150
  3. Negative: 8 out of 150
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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. ohaiKendyl
    May 18, 2011
    7
    The simplicity of Pokemon Snap is elevated by its excellent presentation and charm. Pros: Lots of Pokemon to "snap"; surprisingly addictive; the additional feature that let you print snapshots from the game was ingenious. Cons: Too short -- more Pokemon, rewards, and unlockable content would've been nice; no multiplayer mode; lacks a lot of depth and replay value.
  6. 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.
  7. NickB.
    May 20, 2006
    6
    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 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.… Expand
  8. NickD.
    Nov 26, 2003
    0
    If I could give it a negative number I would. It is the dumbest idea for a game ever. IT IS LAUGHABLE HOW DUMB THIS GAME IS.
  9. RobertA.
    Feb 21, 2004
    6
    Not so dumb. very original but would be better with...hmm...people!!
  10. Elisha
    Jun 14, 2004
    0
    Its pokemon must i say anymore?
  11. Guivera
    Mar 2, 2011
    5
    People who but this game expecting an action packed adventure are setting themselves up to disappointed, and to be blunt they are just plain stupid. The actual game for what it is, is quite enjoyable for the first couple of hours. After that, however, the game becomes dull and repetitive. It simply isn't entertaining enough to recommend.
  12. DonaldB.
    Nov 25, 2007
    8
    Generally, for a pokemon game that isn't an RPG, this is pretty good.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. KendylKlownfish
    Apr 29, 2011
    7
    Is it groundbreaking? Hell no! But is it addictive? Hell yes! Pokemon Snap elevates a boring presentation into a challenging, but fun experience for Poke-fans of all ages.
  16. CommandoDude
    Aug 4, 2011
    7
    It's a good game to rent for an evening. Sure, the pitch seems less then exciting, take a bunch of pictures of poke'mon. But it's really a little more complex then that, since you're ALSO interacting with these poke'mon, to get better pictures, who do all sorts of weird or humorous things. It might not be exciting, but it is amusing.
  17. Zilcell
    Nov 8, 2011
    7
    While it is fun to take picture of Pokemon over and over, there are many limits in this game. There are not a lot of different kinds of Pokemon available to take pictures of and there are few courses. It can be very addicting and there are a lot of unlockable items available to change the usual patterns of the courses.
  18. 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
  19. Fragems
    Jun 24, 2012
    7
    This game is a very basic on rails shooter. However it is a pretty fun and catchy game. Altogether there are 7 levels and 50+ pokemon to take shots of. Throughout the game you unlock a few new items the apple, master ball, poke flute, and accelerator engine which can be used to go back and unlock new pokemon throughout the past levels. The only thing that really disappointed me about thisThis game is a very basic on rails shooter. However it is a pretty fun and catchy game. Altogether there are 7 levels and 50+ pokemon to take shots of. Throughout the game you unlock a few new items the apple, master ball, poke flute, and accelerator engine which can be used to go back and unlock new pokemon throughout the past levels. The only thing that really disappointed me about this game was the final area after having to run back through the previous lvls collecting symbols i was expecting an awesome lvl with multiple pokemon and interesting scenery like all the lvls that had come before it. Instead i was treated to a so-so boss battle against a single pokemon while i drifted through one of the most bland environments in the game. Overall I would still say this is still one of the better N64 and is definitely worth a play through.… Expand
  20. spadenx
    Dec 9, 2011
    7
    Easily one of the most unique Pokemon games out there, I did enjoy quite a bit. The only bad thing about it is that it lacks in overall levels and the gameplay isnt interesting. Besides that, It was suprisingly fun to take pictures of pokemon.
  21. bestbloodyday
    May 22, 2012
    7
    This games is unique in its genre. Was very funny and addictive. Problem is, tough, the short campaign. You can only repeat the levels trying to make all te secret photos, but that's everything. This game could be completed in a few hours, which is bad. That's why it deserves a 7.
  22. iPasha
    Apr 29, 2013
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pokemon Snap is has a pretty nice idea: You drive along a track, where you can find Pokemon and make a photo of them for you album for example.

    +good gameplay
    +a lot of pokemon
    +if you are tricky you can discover new Pokemon
    -SHORT story and tracks
    -In my opinion the tracks are too linear

    In fact a good game but I think the developers could make more tracks and the world could become more ''open-world'' like mario 64.    … Expand
  23. 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?
  24. ZombieWhosoever
    Jun 2, 2014
    7
    Though I'm not much of a Pokemon fan, this game was pretty fun as a child. It was solid entertainment that was both creative and amusing, especially seeing the reactions of the Pokemon as you threw food at them.
  25. Ninbi
    Aug 28, 2013
    4
    Original concept, but the gameplay is very lacking overall. Some people find it to be a refreshing change of pace and it could be worth trying out. However, overall the game is rather mediocre.
  26. Glitter
    Aug 30, 2013
    7
    Initially engaging and entertaining, as a video-game should be Pokémon Snap is a junior course in fine-art photography for the Pokémon audience. Pokémon Snap still lacks the completion required to elevate it to above repetitive. As you progress, you're required to re-complete the same half a dozen courses. The fun eventually wares off, and you're left with a mere dozen hours of fun. TheInitially engaging and entertaining, as a video-game should be Pokémon Snap is a junior course in fine-art photography for the Pokémon audience. Pokémon Snap still lacks the completion required to elevate it to above repetitive. As you progress, you're required to re-complete the same half a dozen courses. The fun eventually wares off, and you're left with a mere dozen hours of fun. The only feature left is scrapbooking, which is trivial unless to utilize the now defunct printing station novelty. Perhaps best played in intervals over an extended period, Pokémon Snap could be considered a classic if it weren't so restrictive.… Expand
  27. FreedomFighters
    Feb 25, 2018
    5
    "Pokémon Snap" was one of my bigger childhood games. The idea of playing a game revolving around taking pictures of Pokémon was just so endearing to my young self and I had an absolute blast whenever I got the chance to play it. And as I've played through the game again, I found that those childhood memories are still there...even if the game hasn't aged so gracefully.
    "Pokémon Snap" is    "Pokémon Snap" was one of my bigger childhood games. The idea of playing a game revolving around taking pictures of Pokémon was just so endearing to my young self and I had an absolute blast whenever I got the chance to play it. And as I've played through the game again, I found that those childhood memories are still there...even if the game hasn't aged so gracefully.
    "Pokémon Snap" is charming right from the jump. Riding along in the ZERO-ONE taking pictures of Pikachu on a surfboard and Snorlax scratching his stomach just feels endearing for some reason. On top of that, the game is very relaxing and it can be pretty addicting, and there's even some challenge as you move along to later levels. It's a game that keeps you on your toes while still being pretty fun.
    That said, the game has its share of drawbacks: the controls are often clunky, the game is extremely short, the visuals haven't aged wonderfully, and the limited selection of Pokémon to take pictures of is a big disappointment.
    I wanted to go back to "Pokémon Snap" for the first time in ages and say "wow, this game is amazing!" Unfortunately, the game itself is just okay; a decent time-waster that unfortunately had far too much untapped potential. However, even if the game isn't great, I'd love to see where Nintendo goes with a potential remake/sequel, because like I said, there's a lot of untapped potential here that could work on another system. So, while "Pokémon Snap" is merely an "okay" adventure, I would love to see a sequel that could take things up a notch. Until then, "Pokémon Snap" is decent for the $10 it costs on the Virtual Console, but don't set your expectations too high.
    Final rating: 5 out of 10 "Hmm..."    … Expand
  28. SuperWooper
    Mar 3, 2015
    7
    An risky move by Gamefreak to branch the Pokemon series off into different genre that paid off. The original concept of Pokemon Snap actually was not going to include Pokemon, but instead be a normal photo taking game. I can't imagine how this game would've been if it would've just been "Snap". The game in general handles very well and smoothly and is very appealing. Being able to takeAn risky move by Gamefreak to branch the Pokemon series off into different genre that paid off. The original concept of Pokemon Snap actually was not going to include Pokemon, but instead be a normal photo taking game. I can't imagine how this game would've been if it would've just been "Snap". The game in general handles very well and smoothly and is very appealing. Being able to take pictures of Pokemon rather than battling them, in my opinion, makes the Pokemon world seem more realistic, making us realize that Pokemon aren't only for objects of battling each other.

    The biggest complaint that everyone noticed though is the amount of Pokemon in the game. With there being 150 Pokemon at the time, only 63 of them were included in the game, which is disappointing. How can we "catch 'em all" on camera when less than half of them are in the game? And although the courses in the game are very diverse in different, there are only 7 courses. The low number of courses along with the low number of Pokemon meant the game was a short play, and has low replay value.

    Overall, if you still haven't played Pokemon Snap and are looking for cheap games to add to your N64 collection, this game is an easy grab and a must have! Lots of time and memories were put into my game and every time I play it brings them back as well as ever.    … Expand
  29. likevin96
    Feb 1, 2017
    7
    Pros:
    - Short game, good for brief bursts of gameplay
    - Loaded with secrets
    - Core gameplay loop is actually rather fun
    - Move character models are charming and expressive

    Cons:
    - Not even half the Gen 1 Pokemon
    - Final stage is kind of lame
    - Judging of pictures is inconsistent at best

    True Score: 7.5
  30. 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.
  31. joehi1
    Dec 13, 2017
    6
    Pokemon Snap is a great Pokemon Spinoff that's short length and lack of replay value make it feel as if it ended development time too early. It makes taking pictures of Pokemon fun instead of a chore, however that only last for a couple of hours until the main story is over. While you can return top each stage with your arsenal of items and attempt to score more points on your pictures,Pokemon Snap is a great Pokemon Spinoff that's short length and lack of replay value make it feel as if it ended development time too early. It makes taking pictures of Pokemon fun instead of a chore, however that only last for a couple of hours until the main story is over. While you can return top each stage with your arsenal of items and attempt to score more points on your pictures, that's all the game really offers for post-game content. Something like a two-player mode, or sidequest, or a challenge mode would have at least added something to the game so that it didn't feel so empty but sadly it didn't. Pokemon Snap feels like it had so much more potential it could have lived up to and now fans of this spin-off are left to wonder, "will we ever get a sequel?"

    Cons
    Extremely short length
    Lack of post-game content
    Lack of replay value
    No 2-player modes
    Limited selection of Pokemon    … Expand
  32. HMRasmus
    Oct 25, 2020
    8
    Who knew taking pictures of Pokemon could be so fun? I could really dig more games like this.
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. 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

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best N64 Game of 1999
3
#3 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.
    Read full review
  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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