Snap is a more than worthy addition to the library of both Pokémaniacs and non-Pokémon fans alike.
The original story has remained almost entirely in tact with the only difference being that your character's name has been subtly changed from Todd to Todd Snap in order to incorporate the affectionate nickname given to him in the Pokémon Anime. As Todd you are a well-known photographer who has been summoned by Professor Oak to photograph the sixty-three available Pokémon to accompany his scientific findings. These pictures are taken using a perfect control scheme across seven linear, but distinct courses throughout the fictitious Pokémon Island. The mechanics for accomplishing this work flawlessly as each level plays as if it were a rail shooter in which you are able to take up to 60 pictures per run. The camera is always spot on and is easily manipulated by even the most casual of gamers. When you return to the lab at the end of each level you must decide which images you'd like to show Oak in an easy to use navigation menu. He then coherently allots points to each photograph depending on the Pokémon's size, pose, and your framing technique. While taking pictures seems relatively simple it is not a straightforward exercise as you need to earn the bonuses given for having multiple Pokémon in the scene and/or for capturing the image while the Pokémon was evolving, attacking or performing some other special action in order to achieve the highest possible score. These points, which are the driving force of the game, are then added to Oak's Report which includes an indepth log of your progress as well as the finest image of each Pokémon you've photographed.
Although you may only keep one image per Pokémon in the aforementioned report you can also save up to 60 of your favourite pictures in a personal photo album. Despite this appearing to be a pointless endeavour, there is a lot that can be done as all saved images can be posted to the Wii message board, and can even be accessed in the Wii's Photo Channel which allows for image editing and the creation of rather challenging Pokémon based jigsaw puzzles. Sadly, your pictures cannot be transferred to a home computer, but nevertheless there is a lot of enjoyment to be had.
Snap is not, by any stretch, a shallow game as there is a multitude of things for players to experience. First and foremost, while there are only seven levels in the game, it will take at least eight hours for you to beat as each level requires multiple play throughs for you to be able to capture all that happens within a single course. Also, because this game plays like a rail shooter, you are required to either photograph a certain number of Pokémon and/or solve a puzzle within a course to unlock next level. This means that you have to be continually aware of your surroundings, and often need more than one run through to complete the given task. This is often not a tedious affair as there are many sights to marvel at in each level including the Easter Eggs that have been included in the game. Not only will you spot such fanfare as a Surfing Pikachu, but are also subject to the geographical anomalies known as "Pokémon Signs" which range from rock formations to smoke patterns that distinctly resemble some of the original 150 Pokémon. Beyond that there are multiple items to attain that are not only fun to experiment with, but are also necessary for you to complete the game. These items include, but are not limited to, apples, pester balls, and the Poké Flute. With these aforementioned supplies you can force Pokémon to evolve, knock them down, wake them up, and even draw previously unseen Pokémon out of hiding. These tools are very well-thought out and, like everything else, work without issue over the course of the game.
However, it is the overreaching depth that surfaces amidst the combination of all the game's mechanics that makes this title all too appealing simply because the Pokémon are, for all intensive purposes, alive. They respond to your presence, and actions as well as those of other Pokémon; Pigeys fly together, Eevee plays with Chansey, and Charizard continually scares everyone away from him. Although these actions are scripted there are so many levels to each Pokémon's behaviour that it will take several playthroughs for players to fully understand how a given Pokémon will react. There are literally, despite the rail-shooter design, dozens of ways to experience the magnificence of each level. The game's only downfall in terms of depth is the lack of Pokémon available within the game as it only sports 63 of the original 150. Fan favourites such as Onix, Machop, Rattata, Abra, and Oddish nor their evolutions (of which Onix doesn't have) are nowhere to be found. This is not a major issue, but will definitely bother any true Pokémon fan.
To further add to this engaging experience is the audio included in the game as it appropriate and enjoyable in nearly all situations. It ranges from being lively on the rapids, to relaxed on the beach, and even is dark as per necessary in the Cave level. Furthermore, all the Pokémon Cries have been included and are often heard, at varying intensities, throughout the course of a level. The other in-game sound effects are quite well done with the only mishap being that the throwing sound is extremely odd, and entirely inexplicable. Nevertheless that one quirky sound grows on players and thus is only a small detriment amidst the otherwise great audio experience that the game provides. Fittingly, the sound within the navigation menus, despite Oak's sometimes annoying catchphrases, is just as good as the music is catchy, and the sound effects are never over or under bearing.
In terms of graphics this game hits a home-run as it has aged incredibly well. The environments are colourful where appropriate, distinct from one another, and successfully draw the player into the Pokémon World. It is enjoyable to see the expressions of Pokémon change as they interact with both the player and each other. Furthermore, the photographs you take appear to have been captured with a top of the line camera which just adds to the all around enjoyment players will experience in this title.
In short, Snap creates a vast and realistic Pokémon wilderness that captivates all players from the onset of the game. The feeling you get as you play through each level is nearly indescribable as the lives contained on the island essentially jump off the screen, and keeps you enthralled after game completion. Unfortunately the game isn't perfect as it includes some occasional tedium, Oak's annoying catchphrases, and sadly only features 63 of the original 150 Pokémon. Nonetheless Snap stands as a true testament to the longevity and versatility of the Pokémon Universe as it, in building on the Pokémon Legacy, provides an all around amazing experience in an unconventional manner that all gamers, Pokémaniacs or otherwise, ought to experience at some point in their gaming career.