As more games are incorporating aPhoto Modeinto their controls, it’s got some players itching for more opportunities for photography. Capturing a moment in time, even in a video game, is still something special and sentimental.
Thankfully, there are plenty of games that actually have photography as one of the core mechanics.
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By telling a story through a camera lens, relaxing gameplay, or other uses, the use of photography in these games is integral for progress.
So, while players are making memories with each photo, they’re in for an unforgettable experience overall with these games.
An Adorable & Mysterious Adventure Through a Lens
For players wanting a more wholesome adventure, they would have a great time withToem, created by the Swedish developerSomething We Made.
Toem is an adorable game that revolves around players taking pictures to solve puzzles and help the community. It’s sweet, it’s relaxing, and the art direction is stylish and outright pretty.
Players will find themselves exploring breathtaking Scandinavian landscapes, enjoying the immersion of nature, meeting kind NPCs that could benefit from their help.
It’s a fun, relaxing game that takes all the quiet, peaceful moments of photography and creates a full experience out of it.
9The Good Life
A Fun Slice-of-Life of a Photojournalist
The Good Life
The Good Lifeis a cute, family-friendly game that followsphotojournalistNaomi Haywardas she takes pictures of a mysterious town in Englandto pay off her debt.
But this town doesn’t have any dark mysteries — no, instead, the residents are able to turn into cats and dogs, an ability that Naomi also learns. Throughout the game, she alternates between these forms in order to progress the story and get good photos.
Taking pictures is a major mechanic of this game, requiring players to have Naomi upload the pictures she takes so she can make money — and complete the various side quests this game offers.
The NPCs are quirky and fun, the atmosphere is light-hearted, and the game offers all the lovely parts of being a photojournalist that anyone can enjoy.
Just note that, at first glance, the game can be confusing, but it’seasy to learn.
8Beasts of Maravilla Island
Capture Mythical Creatures in Lush Landscapes
Beasts of Maravilla Island
For those wanting a more wildlife photography adventure,Beasts of Maravilla Islandcovers that wonderfully. Following the protagonist,Marina Montez, players explore the wonders of the island after reading about magical creatures from her grandfather’s journal.
Throughout the game, Marina captures photos of magical wildlife in stunning landscapes, vibrant scenery, and lush greenery.
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All the while, she works to maintain conservation efforts like her grandfather had wished for, documenting everything for the world to see in both her journal and her camera roll.
Players are able to enjoy wildlife photography with magical beasts and no risk, a wonderful and calming experience for all animal lovers.
7Eastshade
A Photographer’s and Painter’s Paradise
Eastshadeis a unique take on the photography game genre, as it uses the core mechanics of photography, but to manifest paintings instead.
Playing as a painter exploring a peacefulopen world, the sole objective is to capture beauty and to bring people together through that beauty. By completing NPC quests, the community is brought closer together, bonding over each painting and becoming better overall.
to paint, players simply take a picture, and the painting materializes on canvas exactly to the specifications captured. It’s a beautiful, wholesome world, one that will leave players in absolute awe.
6Umurangi Generation
Stylistic, Urban Street Photography
Umurangi Generation
For those who want a faster-paced city environment, look no further than theUmurangi Generation.It’s a first-person photography game set in futuristic Tauranga, New Zealand.
The game hasPhoto Bounties, which are the main quests in the game — they can require photos using specific lenses or a certain number of targets to capture in each photo.
It varies, but provides a rich experience and an immersive urban world, to the point whereprofessional street photographers credit the game for its accuracy.
It’s an unforgettable experience for players who love photography and city life, and it remains beloved for capturing humanity in ways that are only reflected in reality.
5Martha is Dead
Solve A Murder Through Pictures
Martha Is Dead
Martha is Deadis apsychological horror gamethat plays likea photography game anda walking simulator. The gameplay loop is simple, but photography remainsat the core.
The game follows Giulia while she works to uncover the mystery of what truly happened to her twin sister, Martha.
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The details of the camera mechanics are wonderful. They allow players to adjust the exposure, aperture, and focus. Plus, tons of additional accessories for the camera can be found, making each discovery all the more crucial.
Since this takes place before the age of digital cameras, photos also have to be developed. With each photo comes a new addition to the album, and new secrets are uncovered.
4Phasmophobia
Hunt Ghosts (With Friends Too)
Phasmophobia
Another non-traditional photography game is the terrifying, yet hilariousPhasmophobia. By playing as a group of ghost hunters, this four-player game revolves around survivingsupernatural horrorswhile documenting them.
Photography is integralto capturing ghosts sincePhoto Evidencecan capture all kinds of details the camcorder and other devices may have originally missed. Plus,paranormal investigators earn more money with pictures.
For those who want a good scare while taking pictures, this game is a fun experience with friends (especially if everyone is a coward).
3Penko Park
Cute and Spooky Photography
Penko Park
Penko Parkis an adorable game for players that like light spookiness, similar to what one would expect going into a Tim Burton film.
In the game, players explore an abandoned wildlife park inhabited by new and mysterious creatures unlike anything anyone has seen before. The monsters are adorable, and there is a lot to learn and discover with each picture taken.
It’s a wonderful game that is equal parts creepy and cute, a great candidate to prepare for this upcomingHalloweenwhile still providing a pleasant and calming experience.
2Fatal Frame
The Staple of Photography in Horror
Fatal Frame
To this day, theFatal Frameseries (known asProject Zeroin Europe) remains iconic for its terrifying use of photography. Instead of simply taking pictures for information or an album, players have to take pictures of ghosts to defeat them and seal them away.
It’s a frighteningsurvival horror gamewith photography as the central mechanic, forcing players to deal with enemies head-on in order to get out alive.
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This horror game remains incrediblyunique for its photography mechanic, as it’s done strikingly well and manges to remain genuinely scary.
It’s an unforgettable experience for horror fans and photography hobbyists alike, especially those who love to be scared.
The best part is that it’s a series with five games, meaning that there are plenty of different stories to experience and ghosts to uncover.
1New Pokémon Snap
Take Pictures of Your Favorite Pokémon
New Pokémon Snap
Most players remember the iconicPokémon Snapfor theNintendo 64, as it remains the pinnacle of photography games.
Thankfully, the sequel,New Pokémon Snap, is just as fun andhas stunning graphics. Sure, the first game has nostalgia and charm, but theNintendo Switchrelease expands on so much more and is a lot more fulfilling fornew and returning players.
With over 200 different Pokémonto photograph, there are tons of content and exploration that players can experience. The world is bright and colorful, and the gameplay is super fun and lighthearted.
It’s a great game that does plenty of justice to those who loved the first and want to experience the magic all over again.
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