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Let's talk: Pokemon Snap is overrated.

I'll never forget throwing that Charmeleon into the lava and seeing it come out as a Charizard, stop trying to trample on my childhood OP.
 
It's a great idea that wasn't given a chance to be fully explored. The creative potential for a new Pokemon Snap on the Wii U is off the charts.

That said, a lot of it is nostalgia (for me anyways), and how cool it was to experience a living 3D Pokemon world; seeing Pokemon in their habitats.
 
I talked about this recently:

The concept is "take photos of Pokemon in the wild", which has potential and immediate fan appeal, but the game is merely a very shallow (and stylistically plain) rail-shooter that is entirely exhausted before you know it (small and simple, in addition to "short"). There being no or unknown games thematically revolving around photography before or after just makes it more a disposable novelty from the 90s - highly susceptible to it being remembered more fondly for its concept or the nostalgia (like, one of the most interesting things about the game is that you could go to blockbuster to print the banal photos). If they do make another Pokemon Snap, it would be faced with a lot more criticism (it probably won't even allowed to be a rail-shooter, let alone a very poor one).

A new game, that's much, much better, would be interesting I suppose. Like I said though, it would have to be much better (or very cheap, since that makes things okay for some reason) or it would be torn to shreds.

Did anyone actually go to blockbuster to print out their photos?

Yes, I remember doing that two or three times.
 
Yes I went to blockbuster too as a kid they gave you Pokemon cards to put in the machine and a poster to put all your photos on
 
The ONLY reason I didn't enjoy it as much as a kid is because it feels somewhat outdated, only featuring the original 151. The actual gameplay still immerses me to this day.

I would absolutely purchase a Pokemon Snap sequel.
 
I first played Pokemon Snap as a 19 year old male. I played hundreds of hours of that game because I loved it. I went to Blockbuster to print out photos.

I will buy any Nintendo Snap related game that Nintendo makes. I would also Kickstart a game that simply utilizes the same gameplay.
 
This game was a bit hollow when it first came out, notably in game length, number of pokemon, and overall speed. That being said, the concept was very fun and, at least for me as a child (probably like 7 or 8), posed a bit of a challenge. The Wii U is a very good console to explore more of this concept on. Some ideas that come to mind to keep it fresh could be challenges with:

1. Camera filters
2. More challenging ways to get pokemon out of hiding besides the apples
3. Different modes of transportation with their own spin (plane, boat, hovercraft?)
4. Different regions

Among others. The main issues would have to be fixed too of course but, incorporating some of the strengths of the gamepad, I could see this being a system seller. Not necessarily the "killer app", but a system seller
 
Played it too completion a month ago, and it was so good that it made me revisit the DS games.
Game is just so cheerful and full of character, I just wish it was longer and had a pro mode where you need to properly expose pictures according to the situation.
 
The original might be a bit overrated, but the potential for a Wii U sequel is monumental. For Pokemon fans, it's a unique, immersive experience that's a lot of fun. And I can't imagine a game that would complement the Wii U game-pad better.
 
I liked it back then and still do now.

What I like about it is that we get to see how each Pokemon lives and behaves in it's own environment outside of battle and one gets to interact somewhat with them.

Taking pictures at the right moment waiting for them to do special moves or evolve is another part I enjoy.
 
Loved it as a kid. It was magical to play, discovering things and exploring a Pokemon world in 3D, even if it was on rails.

Replayed through the whole thing last year. Still enjoyed it quite a lot.
Its such a unique game and I enjoy the photography aspects and finding secrets in the game and trying to get the perfect shot.

So no, I don't think it is over rated personally. It could play better with a modern joystick though I think.
 
Agreed. Took me a couple of hours to beat.


Although despite its super-short length, it's still kinda fun. I used to play it over and over again for some reason...
 
No. Pokemon Snap is awesome.

And I haven't really like Pokemon since Red and Blue. Though Y is pretty good, need to get back to it eventually.
 
It's a very clever game, with some brilliant moments (like the cave zone). It's short but it's a game that's supposed to be replayed like an arcade game. The Pokemon Snap Stations were awesome at the time. I remember wasting so much lunch money on stickers.

Edit: Meant tunnel zone.
 
I think this was the first time I felt bad as a kid. I wanted this game soooo much. Ask my parents to get this game for me because it was pokemon. I felt embarrassed after I played the game. I made such a big deal for a game that all you do is take pictures of pokemon in 9 different zones....it was a low point in my gaming career.
 
It would be cool if there were two modes: on track and free roam. Go on track to progress and unlock secrets, but you can also get out and just see Pokemon interacting with each other and take pictures.
 
The core mechanic is excellent, the levels are great, but it's a short and small self-contained game with not a lot of replay. It is absolutely begging to be iterated on.
at least there are cool secrets and stuff for replay value but yeah awesome game, wish it was longer.

It would be cool if there were two modes: on track and free roam. Go on track to progress and unlock secrets, but you can also get out and just see Pokemon interacting with each other and take pictures.
open giant world pokemon snap mode omgggg
 
Did anyone actually go to blockbuster to print out their photos?

YUUUUP! The first thing I did in this topic was a Ctrl + F for "Blockbuster". I wasn't even a kid when this came out. I was 19 or 20 and still thought it ruled. I played it so much that, when I was driving to work, I would look in the trees and on the side of the road expecting to see Pokemon jump out at me!
 
The game is charming as fuck.it may not be perfect but it makes me smile every time. The animations are hilarious and throwing apples had never been more fun.
 
Pokemon Snap is good and it has potential to create something even better.

The "lucasarts adventure" feeling of discovery how to interact with each pokemon on their natural habitat can be GREATLY expanded
 
I've actually never played a Pokemon game. I'm 46yo ... was almost 19 when the NES first came out ... so never got into it. Thinking about trying one now because the series has obviously stood the test of time. Pretty sure it started on gameboy but I'd rather try a TV console game or modern handheld for my first exposure. Thinking about trying Pokemon XD - Gale of Darkness, or would I be better off with something else?


.
 
A sequel should be pretty easy to expand upon. New region featuring 12 different locations such as Plains, Wetlands, Caverns, Abandoned City, Tundra, Coral Reef/ocean, Volcano, Desert, Mountain peak, Beach, Rain Forest, and Canyon. Each area features multiple branching pathways all on rails and unlocking the various pathways also unlocks the next area around the island. You can interact with Pokemon using the same items as before there are other ones as well such as emitting a sweet scent to attract certain Pokemon and get them to behave differently. You can also give berry treats which some pokemon may enjoy. There is also a day/night option affecting what Pokemon appear at what time of day. There also would be a dynamic weather system that certain Pokemon will come out at different times depending on weather(sunny, rainy, snowy, etc.). Occasionally you will be alerted to swarms of uncommon pokemon in different areas like in the game. Different camera lens filters for taking pictures. When capturing a picture of a pokemon, Todd will record notes after you complete the level that you can read which may also provide hints on how to possibly make them evolve or interact in different ways. A level also has a scoring system and a rating of photos. All photos can be shared with Miiverse and certain achievements can unlock various different stamps to use. There would be a significant increase in the amount of pokemon in the game with a good variety of different generations. How you can interact with the Pokemon are expanded upon and a lot more different situational things you can do such as making Charmeleon evolve in the original.

I've actually never played a Pokemon game. I'm 46yo ... was almost 19 when the NES first came out ... so never got into it. Thinking about trying one now because the series has obviously stood the test of time. Pretty sure it started on gameboy but I'd rather try a TV console game or modern handheld for my first exposure. Thinking about trying Pokemon XD - Gale of Darkness, or would I be better off with something else?


.
The console Pokemon games aren't good to get started with. Go for X/Y, its a great intro into the series.
 
You're wrong, OP. Sorry.

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I don't know if it's "overrated" or not, but the game was fun as heck when I replayed it recently. Why they haven't bothered with a sequel is beyond us.

And it was absolutely the best thing during Pokemania.
 
I played it on release at age 29, and I loved it. Haven't gone back to it since, but I still have it somewhere, I may give it another go to see if it holds up.
 
Overrated? By whom? I don't think it's lauded as some pinnacle of gaming at all, but it's a very unique game. I wouldn't even know what gaming genre to put it in and it makes me sad that the gameplay elements aren't explored more by other developers (or maybe they are, please let me know what games). It's short and sweet (on-rails, replayable, multiple areas to explore.)

It's probably one of the few N64 games I can go back to right now and still enjoy. It's extremely short but I always competed with my friends for the best shots. The grading system wasn't the best and sometimes I liked to keep photos that didn't score high but thought looked cool anyways. I liked the game a lot but there is so much potential and things they could add in on a sequel.
 
I didn't play the game until I was 18-20ish (a few years after it came out), and I thought it was a lot of fun. I don't think it's overrated either, yeah it's nothing AMAZING but it is definitely a fun game with a cool concept. Just throw more stuff to do into it and I'd still play it.
 
I think Pokémon would benefit from the Mario Golf approach: A lower price for the base game and then offer plenty of DLC.
That or maybe free to play
 
It is remembered fondly by some, but let's not pretend it achieved high accolades even on release. When it came out, a lot of review scores were sub par and many said it was simply too short. It does have it's fans for a lot of reasons though:

+A really creative game idea that has rarely been duplicated even today
+Seeing Pokemon in 3D in their natural habitat was a big draw for many
+A lot of the puzzles were genuinely creative
+Encouraged replay since there were many things you could easily miss the first time
+OMG Mew

I remember liking it as a kid, but it was certainly on the lower rung of Pokemon games at the time. I think a sequel has a lot of possibilities though. You could instantly upload the pictures to tumblr or Instagram, or use the gyro functions in the 3DS or Wii U Gamepad.
 
Recently replayed it and nope, it's awesome. Pretty shallow but addicting, especially if you're a Pokémon fan.

Considering all the bad buzz online (apart from a small minority) it is in no way overrated.
 
I've actually never played a Pokemon game. I'm 46yo ... was almost 19 when the NES first came out ... so never got into it. Thinking about trying one now because the series has obviously stood the test of time. Pretty sure it started on gameboy but I'd rather try a TV console game or modern handheld for my first exposure. Thinking about trying Pokemon XD - Gale of Darkness, or would I be better off with something else?


.

Are you okay with starting a series with a spinoff? Then yes, go for it. If you want to see what the series is all about, really go for X/Y on 3DS, it's worth it.
 
Pokemon Snap has excellent ideas but the game has limitations in part by the technology at the time and if they flesh it out it could be great. Fatal Frame has nice ideas but the slow pace of the game bores me and I might be one of the few people to not get a single scare from the game.
 
I didn't understand the idea of Pokemon Snap when I was a kid. I saw the commercials, and it just seemed dumb. You look at Pokemon... And take pictures of them? Who thought of this? Why would I want to do this? How would this be fun? What made it worse is when the Pokemon Snap kid turned up in the cartoon, it wasted an episode on a stupid character from a pointless game.
 
I didn't understand the idea of Pokemon Snap when I was a kid. I saw the commercials, and it just seemed dumb. You look at Pokemon... And take pictures of them? Who thought of this? Why would I want to do this? How would this be fun? What made it worse is when the Pokemon Snap kid turned up in the cartoon, it wasted an episode on a stupid character from a pointless game.

... did you ever actually play it?
 
I didn't understand the idea of Pokemon Snap when I was a kid. I saw the commercials, and it just seemed dumb. You look at Pokemon... And take pictures of them? Who thought of this? Why would I want to do this? How would this be fun?
It's pretty much the same mechanics as actual photography (in real world, I mean). Except that the game provides you interesting subjects.

There's enough games available (recently Afrika, and I wish it was available in Europe T_T ...) to prove that the formula is appealing to some people at least.

Even Forever blue and games like this have similar mechanics. See also Pilotwings.
 
It's pretty much the same mechanics as actual photography (in real world, I mean). Except that the game provides you interesting subjects.

There's enough games available (recently Afrika, and I wish it was available in Europe T_T ...) to prove that the formula is appealing to some people at least.

Even Forever blue and games like this have similar mechanics. See also Pilotwings.

In actual photography you're recording images of real things that you've actually seen, and you can share them with people you know and describe them to them. Who are you going to share fake photographs of pokemon with? What smells, tastes, sensations and goings on around the scene will you describe to them? Can you blow up images from Pokemon Snap to show someone more detail? It's nothing like real photography as far as I can tell.
 
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