The Best Games Where You Snap Photos

Photo-taking games are typically fun and relaxing, whether it’s snapping a picture of animals, people’s daily lives, or the stunning environments created by the developers. Often, games will have a photo mode feature as an extra, so players can appreciate the beauty and hard work that goes into their favorite worlds.

However, though it’s usually associated with cozy gameplay, horror games like Fatal Frame and MADiSON prove that this core element can also be used to create an atmosphere terrifying enough to keep players on edge. Some games get really creative with the ways players are able to take photos, while others have simpler mechanics. Either way, it’s a great reminder to stop and see the world through a different lens.

10

Pupperazzi

The Perfect Shot Is A Ruff Challenge

Dog lovers will be sure to fall in love with the adorable first-person experience that is Pupperazzi, as the entire goal is to take photos of different dog breeds dotted around the city of Muttropolis. Yes, petting is a feature, as are other interactions, like dressing the dogs up or playing fetch.

If players are looking for something relaxing after a stressful day, where they don’t have to solve complex puzzles or decipher tons of convoluted lore, Pupperazzi is perfect for winding down and spending some time with cute canine companions.

9

MADiSON

Demonic First-Person Psychological Horror

Those wanting something on the darker, more disturbing side may want to consider MADiSON, a psychological horror involving a demon who terrorizes protagonist Luca as he tries to complete a ritual whilst taking photos with a Polaroid and uncovering clues as they develop.

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From Diablo to Doom, demons have been a terrifying staple in several great franchises over the years. But which of them are the strongest?

Scares are abundant, trying to knock players off their game as they work out the narrative whilst the demon pursues their every move. The puzzles can be a little difficult, as players have reported they were stuck a few times. However, the game itself is well worth the attempt.

8

Penko Park

Adorably Spooky On-Rails Adventure

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Penko Park

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Adventure

Simulation

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Released

October 23, 2020

For fans of the Pokemon Snap rail-shooter style of gameplay, in comes Penko Park, where players are tasked with getting the perfect snapshot of spooky ghosts roaming different environments, whether they’re hiding behind trees or presenting themselves right in front of the camera. Players can take a linear path or uncover hidden areas just waiting to be explored.

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Play music to lure the ghosts out, or throw a Penko Ball to get various reactions and swiftly capture them to earn enough points to create stamps, which unlock new mechanics or a different biome to traverse. Despite being lighthearted with its creepy-cute aesthetic, some of the creature designs can be a little unsettling.

7

Shashingo

Learn Japanese With The Click Of A Shutter Button

Learning a language can be difficult for many people, but also so rewarding. There are various ways to learn that don’t involve taking a course or reading a textbook, including video games. What better way to learn about other cultures than by integrating the knowledge into one’s own hobbies?

Shashingo provides a fun and interactive way to learn some Japanese vocabulary by taking photos of objects or signs on buildings. Though it won’t make anyone a master of the language anytime soon, it’s a perfect starting point for those wanting to try learning something new.

6

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

Relax During A Calm, Nature-Filled Getaway

An important topical glance into the preservation of wildlife, join Alba and her friend Ines as they band together to save a Mediterranean island. The community is really brought together in this short experience; a brief but captivating reminder to look at the beauty in the world that surrounds humans and other animals.

Just like Pupperazzi, gamers looking for something chill when they want to turn their brain off will definitely enjoy Alba: A Wildlife Adventure in all its peaceful glory. Spending some quality time watching various species go about their lives in their natural habitats is sure to make anybody feel at ease.

5

The Star Named EOS

An Emotional Mother-Son Narrative Mystery

From the developers of Behind The Frame: The Finest Scenery comes a new emotional story, but featuring photography in lieu of painting. It follows a young boy named Dei as he recreates his mother’s photos whilst trying to understand her mysterious disappearance.

The visuals are beautifully hand-drawn and really add to the charm of this short but well-crafted experience. There are various puzzles to tackle that keep the player invested in this family’s lives, while simultaneously eager to unlock all the pieces of the mystery. Gamers looking for an impactful story won’t want to miss The Star Named EOS.

4

Viewfinder

Imaginative Combination Of Art And Photography

One of the most creative and ambitious concepts to come out in recent years, Viewfinder challenges the perspective of the world around the player, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking to reach new destinations and solve puzzles. Take photos of the environments using the camera provided, and work out the intriguing perspective puzzles of the game.

A collection of different artistic elements makes this game feel so surreal, whether it’s different visual styles, the use of color and texture, or taking physics to a whole new level. Viewfinder is a mind-bending, impressive display of technique that only the process of game creation can provide.

3

Toem

A Quirky Monochromatic Adventure

Toem is an adventure game with an isometric perspective. The protagonist uses their camera to capture all sorts of subjects: Bugs, animals, people, and even monsters. Collect stamps by completing challenges set by the wacky cast of characters — this grants the ability to ride the bus and visit a brand-new location.

There’s a lot of content to go through here, allowing the player to use their initiative and be as curious as possible with every meticulous detail. The charming hand-drawn visuals, complete with a chill lo-fi soundtrack, will have players sitting back to relax as they delve into the whimsical world of Toem.

2

Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly

A Terrifying Family-Focused Ghost Horror

One of the most iconic horror series — also known in other countries as Project Zero — is Fatal Frame. Utilizing its unique photographic gameplay combined with Japanese culture, the atmosphere is unmatched. The franchise as a whole is well-loved, but the second entry, Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly, is the most popular.

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Following twin sisters Mio and Mayu as they navigate an abandoned village, Crimson Butterfly sets up a creepy but enthralling tale with themes of possession and loss alongside vengeful spirits that populate the village. The main focus is to defeat these ghosts using a magical camera called the Camera Obscura, but notes and other items sprinkled throughout the game really bring it to life.

1

New Pokemon Snap

Fun For All Ages In This Interactive Spin-Off

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Released

April 30, 2021

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OpenCritic Rating

Strong

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A fan-favorite spin-off from one of the most well-known franchises of all time ended up producing a sequel 22 years later, with tons more content, updated graphics, added interactions, and even more Pokemon to document photos of.

The core gameplay of the original Pokemon Snap is still intact as a rail-shooter, and the new features really add an extra layer of immersion to the franchise’s universe for gamers to interact with their favorite creatures. They can enjoy a relaxing experience watching a Lapras swim around in the light of a sunset, or a drowsy Torterra getting some shut-eye. New Pokemon Snap is a joyous adventure for all generations.

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9 Games With The Best Photo Mode Features

It’s common for many AAA titles today to include a photo mode. These games, however, implement the feature to its fullest potential.