Professor Oak's Pokémon Ratings Explained
After completing each course, your photographs are presented to Professor Oak for evaluation. His scoring system is based on several factors, and understanding these ratings is key to improving your photography skills and unlocking new content. Professor Oak doesn't just look at a pretty picture; he's assessing your ability to capture the essence of each Pokémon.
Professor Oak's ratings are primarily divided into four categories, each contributing to your overall score for a particular Pokémon photo:
- Size: The larger the Pokémon appears in the frame, the more points it generally receives. This means getting close to the Pokémon or using zoom effectively is rewarded. However, a blurry or poorly framed "large" Pokémon won't score as well as a clear, well-composed shot.
- Pose: As detailed in the "All Pokémon Poses" section, dynamic, unique, and characteristic poses are highly valued. A Pokémon performing an action, interacting with its environment, or displaying a special animation will earn sificantly more points than a Pokémon in a simple neutral stance.
- Center: The Pokémon should be as close to the center of the frame as possible. Photos where the Pokémon is off to the side or partially obscured will receive lower scores for centering.
- Other Pokémon: If you manage to capture multiple Pokémon of the same species in a single photo, especially if they are interacting or in a special pose together, this can lead to substantial bonus points. Capturing a rare "group pose" is particularly rewarding.
Beyond these core factors, Professor Oak also considers the following:
- Faced: A clear shot of the Pokémon's face, especially if it's looking directly at the camera, is a sificant bonus.
- Special: This rating is awarded for capturing particularly rare or impressive moments, such as legendary Pokémon encounters, unique interactions, or specific event triggers.
- Background: While less impactful than the other factors, a clean and uncluttered background can sometimes contribute positively to the overall score.
Ultimately, Professor Oak is looking for photographs that showcase the Pokémon in its most vibrant and interesting state. By focusing on these rating criteria, you can strategically aim for the types of shots that will impress him the most and help you progress through the game.