Gamers snap up Pokémon Snap

[07.29.99] » The first Nintendo 64 Pokémon title rolls into stores.

Yes, Mike, I can.

   Game shops across the nation have received their copies of Pokémon Snap and have begun selling them to eager gamers. As the first Nintendo 64 Pokémon title in the U.S., Snap is the first game that brings the world of Pokémon into 3D, capturing the vibrance and excitement of the cartoon.

   The player takes the role of Todd, ace Pokémon photographer. Todd has been summoned by Professor Oak to Pokémon Island, home to 63 distinct species of Pokémon. Todd has to capture as many of them on film as he can to meet the professor's wishes. Todd traverses the levels in his ZERO-ONE vehicle, camera in hand. He can't steer the vehicle or alter his course; he can only aim quickly and snap the best possible pictures of the various Pokémon. Environments include a beach, tunnel, volcano, river, cave, and rapids.

   At the end of each level, pictures are "graded" by Professor Oak on a variety of factors. How large is the Pokémon? Is the Pokémon facing the camera? Is the Pokémon doing something interesting? Is the Pokémon centered? And are there other Pokémon of the same species visible in the picture? Some Pokémon are hidden in the level, and getting that "perfect shot" can be a maddening process.

   The GIA will return soon with a full Pokémon Snap review. Until then, prospective buyers should keep two things in mind. First, if you like Pokémon, you'll probably love this game; conversely, Pokémon haters should stay very, very far away. Second, the title is extremely short, but filled with fun and replay value, similar to Sony's PaRappa the Rapper. Happy Pokémon hunting!