"The Definition of Originality"

I can say without doubt this is the most original thing to come out on a game system, ever. And better still, it's portable! You see, this isn't just a game. This is a real, full usage camera, as the name suggests. And although you can't take super-high resolution pictures as you could with a normal camera, the purpose of this gadget shines clear as day. The point of this wonderful toy is to work with the art coined as ''funtography.'' When Nintendo designed the GBC, their aim wasn't to make super-sharp photographs that are to be taken as works of masterful photographic genius, rather to make photography fun again. In this delicious package, you are supplied with everything you need: A modest digital black-and-white camera, an editing studio, loads of trick lenses, and tons more, all of which fit in the palm of your hand! And if you shell out the extra couple of bucks for the GameBoy Printer, you can print your pictures and turn them into stickers! Very nice indeed.

Concept: Crazy! It's a camera for the GameBoy. And unlike most gadgets this obscure, it's by Nintendo themselves, and you are assured quality. But they don't stop at just a camera, no. You can transform your pictures in an unlimited number of ways, play games (as well as put yourself into them), and even make your own music. Video game concepts simply can't get any better. 10/10

Graphics: Alright, your not going to impress anyone by the resolution of the GBC. It makes do with the resources available, and unfortunately those resources are limited. The GameBoy's screen is small, and high-res photographs were clearly not on Nintendo's mind when they were designing it. However, the pictures are good enough for what it is, and nothing more. The menus and interface are all very well designed, and are pleasing to the eye. It can be hard to take quality photos, but you can adjust the contrast and brightness levels very precisely. One nifty thing of note: The GBC's lens can pick up infra-red light signals, and it's fun to toy around with. 7/10

Control: Alright, I know the GameBoy can't alter physics (although that would be sweet), but it can be difficult to aim the camera exactly the way you'd like. Things often seem tilted, or too close or far. Also, the lighting can be touchy in some areas. However, the interface and everything works just fine. Also, the games aren't bad, but one of them is a button masher, so you button bashers will be satisfied. Also, there is juggling, and the shooting game isn't bad at all. 8/10

Sound: The main focus on this part of the review is on the DJ mode. Although not the greatest music maker around, it is a very nice addition and is definitely welcome. You can only make techno songs pretty much, so us metalheads are out of luck. It's tough to make anything worth listening to, but it is worth it. Also, you can turn parts of the music off when actually playing it, which is cool. The sound for the rest of the game isn't bad, but it's not great. 7/10

Glitches: None. 10/10

Replay: I'll be honest with you, I rarely play this thing. But, there are those who will never put the GBC away, so it really depends on your personality. For those photo lovers out there, this is for you. You'll get a lot of joy out of it. If you get the printer, though, you'll get a lot more fun out of this. Also, trading pictures with other people is cool, too. 5/10

Overall: Ok, just because I never use it doesn't mean I'm not glad I have it. It's really kitschy, if anything. It is really well made though, it's survived many inches of dust in my drawer. I'd say get it, it's worth having it, even if you never do use it. I just can't wait for the color version on the GBA! 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/10/02, Updated 10/10/02