New Pokémon Snap: 10 Things We Want To See
After 21 years, fans are finally getting the long-awaited sequel to Pokemon Snap.
Pokémon Snap, which was released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64, was a very special game. Not only was it one of the first games in the series released on a console (just beaten to the punch by Pokémon Stadium), but it focused on photography rather than turn-based battles. The player had to take as many pictures as possible while navigating through a series of rail shooter-styled levels. It wasn't perfect but it was a nice little spin-off that has since developed into a cult-classic.
Fans have been clamouring for a sequel for decades but Pokémon Snap director, Junichi Masuda, worried the novelty of the game wouldn't work nowadays since "now everyone has a camera". But with Pikachu and friends reaching a new level of popularity in recent years, Masuda realised gamers weren't going to back down.
When a trailer for the sequel, New Pokémon Snap, was officially released in June, the gaming community went nuts. Details are sketchy but fans are already speculating on what new features this follow-up will behold. Will it be more interactive? How big will the roster be? What online features will it have? However it turns out, die-hard fans of the beloved franchise cannot wait to snap 'em all.
10. Judging Photo Quality Accurately
In the original game, you play as Todd Snap, a photographer who helps Professor Oak with his research by taking pictures of the wildlife. To study the specimens properly, you need to take quality shots of the animals in the area. Oak takes several factors into account upon analysing your images. If the Pokémon is clearly in frame or is striking a specific pose, you will be awarded with extra points. Obtaining a certain amount of points is crucial to unlock new regions of the island to explore.
Now, that sounds like a pretty logical format for a photography game. Unfortunately, this mechanic wasn't exact. You could get the greatest picture of Pikachu possible but Oak might give you a low score, claiming the yellow mouse is barely in the frame. You could get a shot of a Pokémon whose appearance is obscured and yet, Oak will reward you with a ton of points.
This was one of the biggest let-downs for Pokémon Snap and it needs to be fixed for the sequel. This mechanic cannot be good or better than the original. It HAS to be perfect.