New Pokemon Snapjust released a few days ago, but rumors about a potential DLC are already circulating around the community. Dataminers have discovered evidence that a DLC could be coming, and while it’s far from confirmed, fans are hopeful. Most players are still exploring the Lental Region, but some have already completed the main courses and are looking for more to do.
Thankfully,New Pokemon Snapis the perfect game for DLCs. Bandai Namco still has hundreds of Pokemon to play with and many opportunities for new stages. Slowly adding new things would encourage people to keep playing even after they finish the main story. New Pokemon, new stages, and new editing tools would all make for great DLC content and would feel like missed opportunities if the current version is allNew Pokemon Snapwill ever be.
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New Stages
New Pokemon Snaphas 11 different locationsfor players to explore, and each location comes with a day and night version that makes a huge difference. On top of that, the level changes with every research level, making secret interactions possible. Most of the stages also have one or more branching paths that reveal new areas or provide better angles, so there’s much more variety than meets the eye. Each level inNew PokemonSnapis well-thought-out and provides multiple opportunities to snap unique photos of favorite Pokemon.
However, even though Bandai Namco could never program an infinite amount of animations or interactions with the Pokemon that populate the existing stages.New Pokemon Snapis a vibrant and fulfilling experience, but it isn’t a huge one. In a DLC, opening up additional levels would be a no-brainer. Just about every natural environment has a place inNew Pokemon Snap,but there’s a lot of opportunity for more nuanced stages. When looking at the map, there is definitely room for more.
TheLental Region is made up of several unique islands, each with its own ecosystem and climate. Each of those islands has one or more stages, but the islands are far from fully explored. For example, the island of Florio only has one stage (two if you count the Illumina Spot) despite being one of the largest islands in the game. There’s got to be more to see on Florio alone.
New Pokemon Snapcould also open up new areas, similar to whatPokemon Sword and Shielddid with its DLCs, or take players to faraway regions for a specialized research exhibition. There are over 800 Pokemon, andSnaponly has 200 of them. Where are all the rest?
New Pokemon
With new stages would inevitably come new Pokemon.New Pokemon Snaponly has about 200 Pokemonon its roster, which has been one of the main criticisms by fans who feel like their favorite Pokemon was left out. In the game’s defense, adding many more Pokemon would make the existing stages feel overwhelming and crowded, but with a DLC new Pokemon could easily be added.
There are a couple of locations in the game that could use some more activity, the island of Volcua in particular. The vast desert seems like it could be home to many more Pokemon than are normally seen. Datamining has revealed that there could be up to 40 more Pokemon added at some point- or that 40Pokemon were cut from theSnaproster. It would be great to see these Pokemon come to the game and liven up the emptier areas.
A DLC that added additional stages could add additional Pokemon, but they could also be added to the existing stages.Pokemon Snapcould also switch out Pokemon based on the season or host special events where certain monsters are available for a short period of time.NewPokemon Snapseems tailor-made for that kind of content, but one thing is for certain: 200 Pokemon is not enough to satisfy fans used to catching hundreds.
Another one of the most criticized omissions is the lack ofevolving Pokemon. The originalPokemon Snaphad a feature that challenged players to trigger evolutions.New Pokemon Snapdoesn’t necessarily need that (even though it would be nice), but it does need to put Gyarados in the game if Magikarp is featured. It’s a frustrating pattern throughout the game; Bounsweet and Scorbunny are there, but Tsareena and Cinderace are not, and so on. A DLC should prioritize adding those Pokemon to existing stages and populating additional courses with new monsters.
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More Legendary Pokemon
There are10 Legendary Pokemon inNew Pokemon Snap,and each one of those encounters is special and exciting. However, there are about 60 Legendary Pokemon in the universe and once again, many players found their favorites left out. One of the most glaring omissions is the Legendary Bird Trio. Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres seem like obvious, classic choices forPokemon Snap,but none of the three are anywhere to be found.
New Pokemon Snapalso split up other iconic Legendary groups. Of the Legendary Dogs, only Suicune is in the game. Where are Raikou and Entei?Snap’sfeatured Legendary, Xerneas, is also missing its companions Zygarde and Yveltal. Not every Legendary Pokemon needs to be in the game, but it seems odd to not include some of the most popular ones and split up groups. There’s a balance with Legendary Pokemon because too many would make their appearances less special, but a DLC would definitely need to add more.
In addition, most of the Legendary Pokemon chosen forNew Pokemon Snapare the smaller ones, physically speaking. Mew, Celebi, and Manaphy are great, but what about Rayquaza, Giratina, and Kyogre? Some of the Pokemon that would have the most impressive and exciting photo ops are nowhere to be found, but a DLC could change that.Sword and Shield’s"Crown Tundra" DLC had a hugefocus on Legendary Pokemon, so it’s not outside the realm of possibility.
More Photo Editing Effects and Stickers
New Pokemon Snaphas a lot of fun ways to customize photosand make them truly unique. Effects, filters, stickers, and frames can be unlocked throughout the game, so the limited options quickly expand, but there’s still room for more. Players have gotten extremely creative with their photos and the editing, resulting in some amazing photographs, but there could definitely be more filters and effects that enhance a photo more naturally. A cartoon cupcake doesn’t always blend seamlessly.
More photo editing options are also aperfect opportunity forNew Pokemon Snapto take advantage of micro-transactions. It makes a lot of financial sense. Players who don’t like to spend time editing their photos needn’t bother, but players who do would probably be willing to pay few dollars for a themed stickers and effects pack. It would be nicer to have new options in free updates or as part of a DLC, but some optional add-on purchases would be a wonderful way to keep things fresh and would definitely be better than no new content.
Along with additional standard effects, it would be great to have some animated effects to add to photos. Twinkling stars, falling snow, and moving flames are just a few examples of small effects that could create truly dynamic photos. It wouldn’t have to be anything crazy, but it’s the details that really make the photo. With aDLC,New Pokemon Snapcould add entirely new sections to the photo editing part of the game and let player creativity run wild.
New Pokemon Snapis a wonderful experience as is, but there’s so much that could be added with a DLC. Hopefully the rumors are true, and if not, hopefully Bandai Namco continues to release smaller updates that will extend the lifespan ofNew Pokemon Snapfor months and years to come.
New Pokemon Snapis available now on Nintendo Switch.
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