Hey everyone! It’s been a very exciting week for Pokémon fans across the globe as “Pokémon Go!” makes its debut in various countries. Originally announced in 2015, this game was set to revolutionize the way players hunt, capture, and train Pokémon. It has already become the most talked about app in the world, and has only been out for a handful of days. “Pokémon Go!” utilizes Augmented Reality (AR) technology that allows the gamer to move past controlling the trainer, and move directly into BECOMING the trainer. As soon as you open the game, you’re introduced to Professor Willow. Much like Professor Oak, (The OG) he studies and records the many types of Pokémon and their habits. After customizing your character, catching your first Pokémon, and creating your user name, Professor Willow releases you into the world to begin your journey. However, there’s a catch to this game and it’s that, due to its use of GPS and AR, you must physically travel around in order to catch different types of Pokémon.
Does this mean you need to go to the Gulf of Mexico or the Pacific Ocean in order to catch a Squirtle or Magikarp? The answer to that is a most likely “no,” for a couple of reasons. Reason number one is that you can travel to literally any known body of water ( A park pond or local lake,) to catch Aquatic Pokémon…and reason two is that Magikarp is a literal derp and has been showing up in random places – like grocery stores and frying pans.
It also provides extra perks, like the option to acquire incense, a pheromone-based spray that attracts Pokémon to you. Like the original Pokémon games, you have a limited supply of Pokéballs and have to buy more when you run out. But like every game, it has it’s pros and cons. Something I’m not a fan of is the fact that you have to spend REAL money in order to acquire these items. It’s not the most efficient game for those who aren’t financially blessed. “Pokémon Go!” also has it’s fair share of bugs, but we have to remember that it’s a brand new game. The developers will run into issues they didn’t plan for, but like every other game, the bugs will get patched. For example: Since it’s release in several countries on July 6th, 2016, the servers have constantly been crashing. As fellow TGON staff member, Jasmine Isaksson, worded it, “The server-down screen is this generation’s new ‘Blue-screen-of-death.’”
Fear not though, I’m predicting that the server-down issue will be resolved, especially as more people manage to get through the initial sign up and developers strengthen their servers. So many people are trying to dive into the world of Pokémon at once, and the servers can’t handle that much data intake all at the same time. After everyone calms down about signing up, it should run more smoothly.
This game is an app that utilizes your smartphone or tablet (Both Android and IOS) to explore and excel as a Pokémon trainer, but what happens when you’re unable to physically open the app. Whether it be because your phone or tablet is dead, or something else prevents you from playing? Fear not, for the “Pokémon Go!” developers though of that as well. From what I can gather regarding dates, July 31, 2016 is set to see the release of an accessory called “Pokémon Go! Plus.” It’s a device that poses as a bracelet, and when fully charged and functioning, will alert you when a Pokémon is nearby. At the push of a button, you can capture the Pokémon and, as soon as you’re able, you can open the app on your device to see what you’ve caught.
So! I’ve given the lowdown on this game and provided a bit of my own opinion, but what do others say about it? I’ve asked fans and TGON Staff members alike, and this is what they had to say:
“’A Stranger uses Stab! It’s super effective!’ Don’t let this be you. Pay attention to your surroundings at all times.” – Jon Hicks: TGON contributor for The Walking Dead and Fear Of The Walking Dead.
He does have a point, people. The game will tell you this as well…don’t get engulfed. Pay attention to yourself, your actions, and your surroundings.
“I like that ‘Pokémon Go!’ gets you up and going, risking life and limb and running into walls to ‘catch them all!’” – NoxFalls: TGON and “Pokémon Go!” fan.
Contrary to the prior comment, NoxFalls will apparently do anything to get her Pokédex filled. I recommend staying out of her crosshairs and ensuring that she doesn’t wander too close to cliff edges. Or walls.
“A piece of advice I recommend to fellow players is this: Be sure to stock up on Pokéballs and incense as MUCH as possible.” – ZombieOverlord1: TGON and “Pokémon Go!” Fan.
A good piece of advice from this potential Pokémon Master, as those are two of the items you’ll run out of the quickest. It’s very easy to waste four, five, or even six Pokéballs in an attempt to capture one Pokémon. So watch your item count and be conservative if you have to!
In the end, this game is addicting in it’s simplicity, and I’m giving it a 5 out of 5 glasses rating. Go out there, be the very best, like no one ever was. Travel across the lands, search far and wide, and teach Pokémon to understand the power that’s inside! Thanks for reading!
