At Summer Game Fest, I had the opportunity to play Snap & Grab, a unique co-op heist game developed by No Goblin and published by Annapurna Interactive. Unlike traditional heist gaming experiences, where action and stealth dominate the gameplay, Snap & Grab invites players into the flamboyant world of 80s pop culture, reflecting a distinct blend of style, humor, and a lighthearted approach to thievery. Set against a backdrop of vibrant aesthetics, the game introduces players to Nifty Nevada, a fashionista photojournalist who utilizes her job to find the most extravagant treasures owned by the wealthy elite, turning the act of stealing into an art form.
The gameplay mechanics of Snap & Grab are engaging and innovative. Nifty employs her camera not just as a tool of journalism but as a means of orchestrating elaborate heists. The objective is to take photos of various obstacles—such as guards or distractions—that enable her team of quirky minions to perform their unlawful acts without direct involvement from her. This twist adds a layer of strategy and creativity, allowing players to devise multiple ways to execute their thefts. As Cessia Castillo, the game’s level designer, explained, the blend of influences from games like Hitman and Pokémon Snap leads to a gameplay style rich in problem-solving, where players can create unique paths through the sandbox-style environments.
In the demo at Summer Game Fest, I tried my hand at one of the several heists available in the game, where I discovered that the potential for replays is significant. Players can approach each mission in various ways based on their creativity and experimentation, as the game features numerous items to steal along with photo challenges and opportunities to recruit new team members. The diversity of options for completing each heist, coupled with a progression system allowing for new abilities to be unlocked, elevates the game’s replay value. It’s not just about the items themselves; the quirky nature of Snap & Grab invites players to explore and play around with the narrative.
Throughout the demo, I found myself immersed in the charming chaos that arose from collaborating with fellow gamers, bringing to life the game’s core premise of teamwork and creativity. Players were encouraged to strategize together—pointing out various obstacles to photograph and planning elaborate distractions. This sociable style of gameplay, reminiscent of couch co-op experiences, added an element of fun and made the game feel less like a competitive race and more like a collaborative adventure. With every twist and turn, laughter and creativity flourished as players delighted in finding unique solutions to the heist challenges, combining their efforts into unexpected hilarity.
Another fascinating aspect of Snap & Grab lies in its satirical elements, which critique the extravagance of the wealthy elite. As Nifty steals items that reflect the absurdity of the art world, she also encounters quirky characters, such as an emotionally intelligent penguin at an aquarium. This whimsical tone is mirrored in the non-violent approach to gameplay, where the humor takes precedence over action, allowing for a fun, lighthearted atmosphere. With elements such as capturing photos of distractions and stealing neglected pets, the game pokes fun at societal norms, presenting players with a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
Ultimately, Snap & Grab stands out as a refreshing take on the heist genre, providing a canvas for players to explore their creativity while enjoying the camaraderie of co-op gameplay. The unique blend of 80s aesthetics, innovative mechanics, and offbeat humor creates an experience that is both enjoyable and engaging. As I concluded my time with the demo, I felt excited about its potential, looking forward to its official release for PC, PS5, and Xbox in 2026. With its emphasis on collaboration, replayability, and a cheeky sense of humor, Snap & Grab is poised to captivate players and redefine the cooperative heist experience.
