Snappy Happy (Pokemon Snap 64 (N64))

Member Name: Ice_Blaster

Product:	Pokemon Snap 64 (N64)
Date:	30/09/01 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Colourful, Pokemon

Disadvantages: easy

To be honest, I wasn't that optimistic about the game when it was first released, firstly because it didn't offer all Pokemon, and more importantly, the idea of taking snaps of these very Pokemon was hindered by the fact that the player takes a very specific route. This presents itself as a linear game, and a linear game it is.

From the start, the game offers you a single course, the beach, and a select handful of pokemon to snap. In order to progress, you first must either have taken a predetermined number of pokemon, or have collected a certain number of points. Soon, you must discover hidden routes to progress, like the path to the volcano course from the tunnel. The game allows you to re-run each course you have completed in whichever way you please, be it for a leisurely ride to view the environment around you, or for getting those missing pokemon from your album.

Upon achieving a certain number of points or snapping a number of pokemon, Prof. Oak gives you tools like apples and later on, a flute to entice the pokemon you wish to catch further, as they are naturally very shy in their own habitat. The game also allows you to save 60 of your best shots for future viewing - so if Prof. Oak rates your picture of Pikachu fainting from a knock on the head by an apple from yours truly as poor, then at least you can save it onto your album to show how cruel you really can be to your friends.

Although Nintendo have come up with an original twist into the Pokemon franchise, the game has many flaws; firstly, as mentioned before, not all 151 pokemon are present, and although this doesn't effect the gameplay, it does somewhat make the experience a bit shorter. Secondly, the in-game graphics are not up to the usual Nintendo standard - the textures on objects like mountains and grass are usually bland, which can be very ugly to look at when close up.

However, if you are a Pokemaniac, like to feed your Pokemon, watch them inter
act, see Snorlax dance or smack Pikachu on the head with a pester ball - than this is a game to be considered.

Score - 7/10.

Summary: