Unless you’re successfully living under a rock, you’ll know that the latest craze sweeping the world at the moment is the Nintendo app Pokemon Go. It allows players to walk around their environments and catch Pokemon (“pocket monsters”) in real time. I, like a lot of other people across the country, have been completely sucked into this game, so I thought it would be fitting to explain just why this app has become so addicting.
1. It brings back childhood memories
This might be the most integral part of why I even downloaded the app in the first place. Growing up, I absolutely loved the Pokemon video games, and continually bought them in hopes of beating them. (I only succeeded once. Thank you, Pokemon Sapphire.) It got to the point where people in my life would buy the new games for me as birthday presents because they knew that if they didn’t, I’d find a way to get them for myself anyway. I stopped playing them sometime in middle school, and since then I steal away every once and a while and try to pick up where I left off. Since it’s now suddenly popular to be obsessed with Pokemon again, it makes me feel more comfortable with the large amount of (almost encyclopedic) knowledge I had about Pokemon when I was little that I still remember.
2. It rewards real-life exercise
Okay, so people have already figured out how to trick the app into thinking that they’re walking when they’re actually just tying their phone to a ceiling fan or something. And sure, when people use this app outside they tend to stare at their phone in search of the nearest Pokestop. But for me -- someone who is currently trying to get more exercise because my one true love is food -- Pokemon Go gives a little boost of motivation that you might not have otherwise. Sure, this means that I have to use data while I’m out on a walk or jog (and trust me, I shudder to think of what my data usage will be like this month), but it seems worth it if it convinces me to go for a walk when in any other situation I wouldn’t have. Some days I just don’t feel like getting into my car and driving all the way to the gym (the actual gym, not a Pokemon gym); walking around where I live with the app open is a perfect way to still get outside.
3. It brings people together
Recently I went to the Marietta Square, an area around me that has multiple stores and restaurants. It was very evident that a large majority of the people there were taking advantage of all the Pokestops in the area. It was really neat seeing people of all different ages trying to catch the same Pokemon at the simultaneously. I met a little boy who was playing at the same time as his dad. His father was guiding him through using the app, and they celebrated together when one of them caught a Pokemon. In addition to the outside-world interaction, once you reach level 5 in the game, you can pick one of three teams: Valor, Mystic, or Instinct. This brings an even closer sense of community to the game, as your team competes against the other two for control of the various Pokemon gyms in your area. I won’t say which team I’m on, but feel free to guess!
4. You just gotta catch 'em all
I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was. To catch them is my real test, to train them is my cause… And this goal has never seemed more achievable with Pokemon Go. I can’t wait to catch more and more Pokemon as the game grows. Not all of the original characters are currently available, but I can’t wait for that day to arrive.
I am not saying that this app is perfect. It goes without saying that there is still much to be desired from this game, especially regarding player safety. Not playing responsibly (playing while driving, etc.) is the widest concern, as a player could cause harm to themselves or others around them. However, once people start to learn the downsides I think it will be a great way to get some fresh air and relive your childhood. Good luck, fellow trainers; go forth and catch ‘em all!
