Pokemon Snap (Australia)

Introduction: Pokémon Snap for the Nintendo 64 is an official, first-party photography game released in 1999. It is not a ROM hack or a bootleg, and the "Australia" designation likely refers to the PAL region release of the game. The story is set on Pokémon Island, a location created specifically for this title, where the player assists Professor Oak by photographing wild Pokémon in their natural habitats. The visual style is fully 3D, utilizing the N64's capabilities to create on-rails courses through diverse environments.

Gameplay & Mechanics: This game does not feature traditional Pokémon battling, catching, or Starter choices. The core gameplay involves riding the Zero-One vehicle on a fixed path through seven courses. Players use a camera to take pictures of Pokémon, which are then scored by Professor Oak based on size, pose, technique, and whether the Pokémon is in-frame. Key mechanics include using items like Poké Flute, Pester Balls, and Apples to interact with the environment and lure Pokémon into unique behaviors for better photos. The difficulty is not based on combat but on achieving high scores and discovering all Pokémon and their secret interactions.

Key Features:

• On-Rails Photography Adventure: The game's structure provides a curated, cinematic experience where players focus solely on observation and timing to capture the perfect shot.
• Interaction-Based Puzzles: Using items to alter Pokémon behavior is essential for completing the Pokédex and unlocking new areas, including the secret Rainbow Cloud course.
• Official Pokémon Stadium Integration: High-scoring photos could be printed at Blockbuster kiosks and transferred to the Pokémon Stadium game on N64 for use in the gallery.

This title remains a unique spin-off that emphasizes the ecological and behavioral aspects of Pokémon outside of battle.