Pokemon Snap

Overall: B
Violence: B-
Sexual Content: A
Language: A
Drugs/Alcohol: A

Platform reviewed: Nintendo 64
Publisher: Nintendo
ESRB rating: E

Photography has been in my blood ever since I developed that first roll of black-and-white film as part of a 7th grade assignment. Many truckloads of celluloid later, I find great satisfaction in nature photography. During these outdoor photo sessions, I have often dreamed of pursuing my hobby full-time. In fact, my idea of the perfect job would be working as a staff photographer for National Geographic, traveling to exotic locations all over the world. If only I could convince them how badly they need me...

Well, not all dreams come true, but with Nintendo's Pokemon Snap, there is a way to get some first-hand location shooting experience. Apparently a fellow by the name of Professor Oak is doing extensive research on Pokemon in the wild. He requires the services of a photographer willing to travel to the uninhabited Pokemon Island and capture these creatures on camera. This is where you come in... don't worry about submitting a portfolio... Professor Oak will hire you on the spot.

Supplied with a self-propelled all-terrain vehicle and a Pokemon digital camera, you are dropped off at the beach (the first level). All you have to do is aim your camera and shoot away when the creatures come into view. But remember, a good photographer wants good pictures... so get the best pose possible. Don't waste too much time deciding though, because Kodak moments don't last forever and some of your subjects are a little camera shy. Oh, and please don't take any pictures of Pokemon from behind... they're embarrassed by that.

When your tour of the level is finished, pick out your best shots and take them to Professor Oak. He will then judge your images and decide whether they are good enough to include with his report. Points will be awarded according to Size (bigger subjects get a better score), Pose (higher points for active poses), Technique (if the subject is in the center of the picture, your points are doubled), and Other Pokemon (group shots rate higher points). After tallying your points, Professor Oak sends you off to another level with more assignments. As the game progresses, you will be awarded Pokemon food, Pester Balls, and the Poke Flute... these welcome additions to any gadget bag will assist in catching your subject's attention, resulting in some special photo-opportunities.

The folks at Nintendo know the fun doesn't end when the assignment is over, so they've included a digital photo lab of sorts, enabling you to save your best work in an album for later display. You can even take your game pak to a Pokemon Snap Station and have four of your favorite pictures printed as stickers (check www.pokemon.com for the location nearest you).

Because the focus of this game is shooting with a camera instead of a gun, death is no longer part of the entertainment package. As a result, violence and aggression have been replaced by an atmosphere of calm and learning. I find it interesting that this simple substitution could have such a profound effect on the outcome and appeal of the game. Some players, already hooked on the faster paced action of traditional "shooter" games may dismiss this one as boring or kid-stuff. That would be unfortunate, because there are still enough challenges in Pokemon Snap to test the abilities of a wide variety of players.

The game also does an admirable job in teaching some of the basics of shot composition, except for one point. Throughout the game, Professor Oak continually insists on the subject being smack-dab in the center of the frame. In reality, a picture is usually more appealing when the subject is shot off-center (known in photography as the rule of thirds). So, when you're playing the game... follow Oak's rules. But when you're out in the field... follow the rule of thirds.

In spite of my aspirations, Pokemon Snap is about as close as I'll ever get to being sent on assignment to some exotic location. Wait a minute... I haven't seen any pictures of Pokemon Island in National Geographic. Hey, honey... do you remember where I put those shots of Pikachu and Charizard?

Jim Fleming

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