For those unfamiliar with the gaming landscape of the 90s, the Nintendo 64 was a landmark console upon its release. As the Japanese giant’s response to the SEGA Saturn, it achieved considerable success and notably introduced the first fully 3D Mario title, Mario 64. Another title that cultivated a dedicated fanbase was Pokémon Snap, a photography simulator set within the Pokémon universe. The Pokémon franchise experienced a surge in popularity during the 90s, especially on the Nintendo 64. While Snap wasn’t a runaway hit, a sequel has been highly anticipated by many. New Pokémon Snap for Nintendo Switch can be considered that sequel – although a title like Pokémon Snap 2 might have provided greater clarity.
In New Pokémon Snap, players assume the role of a Pokémon photographer, embarking on a safari to capture images of Pokémon in their natural habitats. The objective is to photograph as many Pokémon as possible, striving for dynamic and engaging shots. Ideally, players aim to capture multiple Pokémon in a single frame and utilize special items to influence their behavior, creating unique photographic opportunities. Essentially, New Pokémon Snap functions as a family-friendly on-rails shooter, where the player’s vehicle follows a predetermined path, and the challenge lies in photographing as many Pokémon as possible along the way. The zoom function allows for finer detail, yielding higher scores, but only one photograph of each Pokémon per round can be submitted, necessitating multiple playthroughs of the same course to maximize rewards.
As with most Nintendo releases, New Pokémon Snap exhibits a baseline level of quality. The core concept is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for players to pick up and play. The game leverages the inherent collect-a-thon appeal of the Pokémon franchise, encouraging players to replay levels to improve their scores and capture the perfect shot of each Pokémon. However, the scope of its mechanics resembles that of a mini-game, raising questions about the target audience. While it’s suitable for older children, who appreciate the collecting aspect and possess the required dexterity, younger children may find it too challenging. Adults can also enjoy the game, at least initially, but the long-term appeal hinges on whether the repetitive gameplay loop becomes too limiting.
From a technical standpoint, the game performs admirably. The graphics are crisp and well-defined, the controls are responsive (both motion and button-based), and it utilizes the well-established “gotta catch them all” framework that has proven successful for decades (most recently with the AR game Pokémon GO). The full retail price may seem slightly steep for a game that could have been released as DLC or a smaller standalone title. However, it remains an enjoyable experience that will undoubtedly satisfy fans, especially those who have been waiting for a sequel for years. If you belong to that group, immediate purchase is recommended. Others may consider waiting for a sale or trying a demo before committing.
