New Pokemon Snap (Nintendo Switch)

I loved playing the original Pokemon Snap as kid, so I was excited to see a sequel come out after all these years. This one has way more content than the original game and has included challenges to extend the playtime by a lot. I was able to beat the game after 20 hours of trying to take my time, but there is still a lot to do after beating the game. I'm sure if you rushed through you could beat it in only 10 hours though. It's a pretty relaxing and visually appealing game, and it's worth the $40 I spent on it.

Cute game, but too much reading for little kids

My kids (7 and 5) got this game a few days ago, there is a lot of reading especially in the early levels so I had to read that part with them. It is a fun game however it’s repetitive and can be a bit boring if you have to redo levels. 5yo loves all things Pokémon and even he has said it’s boring. It’s definitely not a game that will keep them entertained on their own, it is however really fun to watch so we got some good family time out of it watching each other play and pointing out things they might not have seen. I gave 4 stars because the cost was high for what you get out of the game, it doesn’t hold their attention well and it’s not playable by young kids without an adult to help. Older kids would probably have more fun with it.

New Pokemon, Old Snap.

New Pokemon Snap has been highly-awaited, and really, why the hell has it taken Nintendo over two decades? They haven't hesitated to milk the mainstream Pokemon games into oblivion. Anyway, does the game live up to our excessive nostalgia? Well, it basically does, yeah.The graphics are charming, however if you have played any Pokemon game from the last decade they will not be too surprising. Nintendo seem to be scared to hire new artists. Having said that, there is nothing bad about the graphics my qualm would be that it's not exactly living up to it potential - it doesn't really look like two decades have passed. A few scenes are quite nice when it's colourful and out in the open, however too often we're drawn into dark caves that do little for the eyes.The ... MoreNew Pokemon Snap has been highly-awaited, and really, why the hell has it taken Nintendo over two decades? They haven't hesitated to milk the mainstream Pokemon games into oblivion. Anyway, does the game live up to our excessive nostalgia? Well, it basically does, yeah.The graphics are charming, however if you have played any Pokemon game from the last decade they will not be too surprising. Nintendo seem to be scared to hire new artists. Having said that, there is nothing bad about the graphics my qualm would be that it's not exactly living up to it potential - it doesn't really look like two decades have passed. A few scenes are quite nice when it's colourful and out in the open, however too often we're drawn into dark caves that do little for the eyes.The gameplay is key to Pokemon Snap and I don't think there is much here to complain about. It can be incredibly fun to watch the Pokemon in their natural habitat and try to capture their photo at just the right moment. I don't think a huge amount has changed from the first game and in this case that's not a bad thing.When first playing through the game I found the levels to be a little threadbare and barren of Pokemon and interesting sights. I then discovered that as you progress this increases, although sometimes not by much. I also think they did themselves a disservice by making the legendary Pokemon obscured and hard to find without looking it up online.What may infuriate some people is that it's not a fast game. It's designed to be more chilled however the menus and dialog I found to be painfully slow at times.The rating system for photos is mostly okay, but a few times it can become and arbitrary pain in the butt as it chooses how many stars to give your photo. Also, the grinding can be ridiculous to get to level 3 and beyond for most levels.The story makes a refreshing change from the mainline games with a familiar face or two popping up. What I like is how you could basically play through the game and pay the story minimal attention and not have your experience hindered. Some of the Pokemon choices involved did seem a bit curious, but again that can also be refreshing.Overall, if you came to have your Pokemon Snap itch scratched, I think you will leave quite satisfied. The game seems to pride itself on replayability and I did find myself going back after the credits rolled and that's not something I do a lot. It could probably have benefitted from a bit more imagination in the level design and more Pokemon, although it definitely has a lot more Pokemon than the original!

New and Nostalgic

As a long-time fan of the original Pokemon Snap (I still replay it every couple of years) I am BLOWN AWAY by how good this sequel is. It keeps nearly everything that was amazing about the original and adds just enough new features to feel fresh without diluting the concept. First of all, this game is FULL of content. If you're trying to fill out every star of every pokemon in your pokedex (and why wouldn't you?) and complete all of the requests, you are going to spend a very long time with this game. Sure, the main "storyline" could probably be completed in a day, but the real point of this game and its predecessor is to try to get the best, rarest photos of every pokemon available on every course, and that takes time and patience. It's true that there are no ... MoreAs a long-time fan of the original Pokemon Snap (I still replay it every couple of years) I am BLOWN AWAY by how good this sequel is. It keeps nearly everything that was amazing about the original and adds just enough new features to feel fresh without diluting the concept. First of all, this game is FULL of content. If you're trying to fill out every star of every pokemon in your pokedex (and why wouldn't you?) and complete all of the requests, you are going to spend a very long time with this game. Sure, the main "storyline" could probably be completed in a day, but the real point of this game and its predecessor is to try to get the best, rarest photos of every pokemon available on every course, and that takes time and patience. It's true that there are no evolution sequences in this game (for instance in the original you could lure a slowpoke to fish for a shellder and it would evolve into slowbro), which is disappointing, but there are so many unique pokemon interactions that I find myself unable to be angry about it. I don't want to spoil any of these moments for those who haven't played the game yet (every time I find a new interaction between 2+ pokemon I get a wonderful rush of delight from the surprise, so I don't want to ruin that for anyone else) but you will see pokemon chase each other, fight, play together, dance, and much more. There are definitely more routes than the original game has, and every time you gain enough experience in one to level it up you unlock more content on that route. There are also day and night versions of many of the courses offering unique pokemon and interactions, and sometimes you will find alternate paths you can choose to take. My biggest gripe is that this game retains the original's on-rails sequences where you have very little effect on how quickly or slowly your vehicle moves. I don't mind a linear path, particularly in such a heavily scripted game like this, but I wish you could stop and start as you please. I wish they had just made the player follow a set path through each route to "avoid disrupting the environment too much" or something but let us walk at our own pace and turn around as we wish. However, if my only complaint about this game is that it did something the original also did, I feel I can't judge it too harshly. I haven't even completed the main storyline yet and I have gotten dozens of hours of fun with many more ahead of me. I can wholeheartedly recommend this game both to those of us who grew up with the original and to new Pokemon fans experiencing Snap for the first time!

[Rewarded Review] A Different Concept

I played Pokemon Snap on the N64 only a couple of times, but really enjoyed it back then, probably because the very concept of the game format was radically different from anything else I had played, but it was fun.It's been too long since I played the original version, and given my limited experience, I cannot make comparisons between this and the original version. The concept is still fun and original, even in today's video game environment. Ultimately, you are moving through different landscapes trying to catch the best photo you can of Pokemon in the wild, not unlike if you went on a bird-watching adventure and trying to catch birds up close and posing perfectly.The storyline is somewhat necessary, but really seemed to slow down the game. It feels like there ... MoreI played Pokemon Snap on the N64 only a couple of times, but really enjoyed it back then, probably because the very concept of the game format was radically different from anything else I had played, but it was fun.It's been too long since I played the original version, and given my limited experience, I cannot make comparisons between this and the original version. The concept is still fun and original, even in today's video game environment. Ultimately, you are moving through different landscapes trying to catch the best photo you can of Pokemon in the wild, not unlike if you went on a bird-watching adventure and trying to catch birds up close and posing perfectly.The storyline is somewhat necessary, but really seemed to slow down the game. It feels like there is more to it than is necessary to play the game. I just kept feeling like I want to skip and move on. The controls are configurable, and I'm still trying different configurations to find the one that works best for me, but some controls, like rotating around from your current position, are hyper-sensitive and hard to get just right. However, practice makes this much easier.I'm not deep enough into the game to make an overall judgement call, but so far, I have not grown bored with the game, although if you prefer titles with more action, this one probably will have you getting bored quickly.

[Rewarded Review] Definitely recommend to any lover of the original

Fun game so far. A very new/updated/revamped take on the classic N64 Pokémon SNAP with modern graphics and newer Pokémon, but it includes so many details that truly tie it to the original. Can you still bonk a Pokémon on the head with an Apple? Yeah. Charmander party? Yeah. The game offers a couple of different control configurations and some customization for things like joystick/camera speed. I could do without all the characters in the game and am a little annoyed at how much their talking and side quests distract me from making progress in the game. The Pokémon are all delightful, though, and snapping unique or humorous photos of them is a joyful experience. Oh, and the personal photo album not only lets you add caption, but it also allows some detailed photo ... MoreFun game so far. A very new/updated/revamped take on the classic N64 Pokémon SNAP with modern graphics and newer Pokémon, but it includes so many details that truly tie it to the original. Can you still bonk a Pokémon on the head with an Apple? Yeah. Charmander party? Yeah. The game offers a couple of different control configurations and some customization for things like joystick/camera speed. I could do without all the characters in the game and am a little annoyed at how much their talking and side quests distract me from making progress in the game. The Pokémon are all delightful, though, and snapping unique or humorous photos of them is a joyful experience. Oh, and the personal photo album not only lets you add caption, but it also allows some detailed photo editing!!!

[Rewarded Review] Pokemon Photo P69N at its best!

Great game, reminds me of the old SNAP CRACKLE POP! With an added HD POP! It was fun to pretend you are the one living for the Pokemon... and there only desire is to ever escape your crutches forever!!! Wohahahah! You are actually the prisoner to the Pokemon as they delight in your madness to attain the perfectly centered photo, with a glimmer of some random action they will perform, and capture that for ALL ETERNITY!You will brave all manner of photo bombardment, finding any minute amount of points you could gather from the SLIGHTEST of angles, yet be deterred when it was weaker then your last photo, without any particular guidelines. But ALAS! There is a thrilling adventure to be had under all your craziness to attain perfection, instead just going for the deep ... MoreGreat game, reminds me of the old SNAP CRACKLE POP! With an added HD POP! It was fun to pretend you are the one living for the Pokemon... and there only desire is to ever escape your crutches forever!!! Wohahahah! You are actually the prisoner to the Pokemon as they delight in your madness to attain the perfectly centered photo, with a glimmer of some random action they will perform, and capture that for ALL ETERNITY!You will brave all manner of photo bombardment, finding any minute amount of points you could gather from the SLIGHTEST of angles, yet be deterred when it was weaker then your last photo, without any particular guidelines. But ALAS! There is a thrilling adventure to be had under all your craziness to attain perfection, instead just going for the deep dive into pokemon kingdom MADNESS..Be warned its addicting to take the most modelic photos of Pokemon for hours straight... enjoy!

[Rewarded Review] Snap like you mean it!

New Pokemon Snap is a return for the dormant 21 year old Pokemon Snap spinoff series, and what a return it is! Fans of Pokemon have waited years for a true sequel to the original, quirky Snap N64 game, and this Switch sequel does not disappoint, for the most part. It is amazing to see so many true to size Pokemon (over 200 across all 8 generations) in their real life habitats, coexisting and interacting with other Pokemon. Using the camera to take pictures, throwing fluffruit and illumina orbs, scanning, and using the Pokeflute, brings back memories of the N64 game, while still remaining engaging enough for newcomers. The game is overflowing with content (as well as supported by a free DLC drop) and the chase to catalogue each Pokemon and complete requests to get ... MoreNew Pokemon Snap is a return for the dormant 21 year old Pokemon Snap spinoff series, and what a return it is! Fans of Pokemon have waited years for a true sequel to the original, quirky Snap N64 game, and this Switch sequel does not disappoint, for the most part. It is amazing to see so many true to size Pokemon (over 200 across all 8 generations) in their real life habitats, coexisting and interacting with other Pokemon. Using the camera to take pictures, throwing fluffruit and illumina orbs, scanning, and using the Pokeflute, brings back memories of the N64 game, while still remaining engaging enough for newcomers. The game is overflowing with content (as well as supported by a free DLC drop) and the chase to catalogue each Pokemon and complete requests to get pictures of crazy Pokemon behaviors is truly exciting and satisfying. My one qualm about New Pokemon Snap is the lack of Pokemon evolutions (like in the original); if you're an old school fan returning for the nostalgia, you might miss these, but it's not a game breaker. Whether you are a new or old fan of Pokemon, if you are looking for something different and unique outside of the standard catch and battle 'em all, New Pokemon Snap has you covered. There's truly nothing else like it in the franchise.

[Rewarded Review] Some mild spoilers on gameplay mechanics

If you enjoyed the original 64 game, you'll have a blast with this one! Like the original game there are plenty of puzzles to figure out and chain events to trigger, like luring a pokemon to a specific spot for something unique to happen, and this one has a few added features for better quality of life and replayability!It brings a day and night cycle, and research levels for each setting. The path taken and environment are pretty much identical, but the placement and behaviors of the pokemon will change as your score raises higher. (Don't worry about missing anything! You can go back to previous levels before you select the stage!)There are also cues for when your picture lands a good score in one of the point categories, like nailing a specific pose or getting ... MoreIf you enjoyed the original 64 game, you'll have a blast with this one! Like the original game there are plenty of puzzles to figure out and chain events to trigger, like luring a pokemon to a specific spot for something unique to happen, and this one has a few added features for better quality of life and replayability!It brings a day and night cycle, and research levels for each setting. The path taken and environment are pretty much identical, but the placement and behaviors of the pokemon will change as your score raises higher. (Don't worry about missing anything! You can go back to previous levels before you select the stage!)There are also cues for when your picture lands a good score in one of the point categories, like nailing a specific pose or getting the pokemon centered just right. Additionally on the quality of life changes, there's an actual list of hints for the special events you can trigger.There's enough throwback references to bring on the nostalgia, (oh how I missed those floppy Magikarps!) and so, so many new pokemon to make it feel fresh and exciting.As for the environmental detail, the game is gorgeous! Pokemon under the water have that 'displaced' lighting feel, and there are layers to the environment where pokemon can be hiding, sometimes hidden so well you get just a second or two to snap a picture before they're gone.For those who are new to pokemon snap or to pokemon in general, it may not feel *quite* as magical as it does to us nostalgia buffs. Taking the nostalgia aspect out of the equasion, the game is like a cartoony, warm and casual safari picture taking game. Being stuck on a one-way track might make it a little "meh" for those looking for something more "open world adventure" but for others the one-way track can bring a feeling of challenge to the game; you've got to react quick when something happens to get that perfect shot! The storyline and characters may make the game seem a little on the childish side, but keep in mind that it *IS* a pokemon game; these aren't lions hunting down gazelle for dinner, they're fun and unusual creatures in a bright and colorful cartoon world.

[Rewarded Review] Super fun and engrossing! A great buy!

I cannot put this game down. It's so fun and engrossing and comes with tons of replayability as you're able to try different branching paths, day vs. night mode, and multiple combinations of gameplay mechanics to get the best photos.The stars for your photos actually represent behavior classifications, so each Pokemon has 4 (or more) behaviors that can be grouped up in 1-4 star ratings. The point score is what actually rates the quality of your photo. So you actually would take 4 times as much photos requiring you to go back into the course, and as quests become available to capture specific shots, you find yourself going back again and again.The more you visit a course, the more the pokemon get comfortable around you (leveling mechanic), so you get to ... MoreI cannot put this game down. It's so fun and engrossing and comes with tons of replayability as you're able to try different branching paths, day vs. night mode, and multiple combinations of gameplay mechanics to get the best photos.The stars for your photos actually represent behavior classifications, so each Pokemon has 4 (or more) behaviors that can be grouped up in 1-4 star ratings. The point score is what actually rates the quality of your photo. So you actually would take 4 times as much photos requiring you to go back into the course, and as quests become available to capture specific shots, you find yourself going back again and again.The more you visit a course, the more the pokemon get comfortable around you (leveling mechanic), so you get to experience changes in the course. I've spent so much time just on the first 2 courses, replaying to get the best shots and revisit the ones I missed, and there's still so much to go!I definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoyed the original Pokemon Snap!