Unless you've been living under a Geodude, you might have noticed one app that has been blowing the Internet by storm. That app, Pokémon Go, has now beaten Candy Crush as the #1 app in the United States. That's crazy!
The best thing about the app is the many pros that come with it because it's an app like no other. Here are the top eight reasons why Pokémon Go is legit Pokémon goals.
1. It has made Pokémon become mainstream again.
I've been a Pokémon fan since the beginning, willingly battling every generation of Pokémon from Kanto to Kalos. I've been fine in my personal bubble just doing my own thing, as others talk about sports and the like. However, this app has allowed non-Pokémon fans and ones who "grew old" from the franchise to join us like never before. Pokémon is now said in a less shameful tone and has become the "it" thing, something that hasn't happened since the early 2000s. Even the presidential candidates are talking about it! It's cool and weird at the same time.
2. We actually leave the house.
What's so cool about Pokémon Go is you have to actually leave the house to catch the Pokémon. It has made people, like me, who usually stay inside in isolation playing video games all day, want to walk about in the neighborhood. Famous landmarks around town will be Pokéstops, so it's a fun to learn about the history around you as you walk. It has made the new generation leave their Netflix for once and go explore, something that never happens! Exercise is now encouraged in a fun way, and if you do it right, you'll hit a gold mine.
3. It's a social experience.
Usually with mobile apps, it's just you and the game. With Pokémon Go, there is an added element of meeting people outside who like the same exact thing. I was just at my college recently and we all grouped up and caught a Pikachu together one night in one of the most beautiful moments in my Pokémon journey. People who you would never talk to are now willing to interact and help you find what you are looking for. It's a great feeling.
4. It makes people who are depressed or have anxiety have something productive to do.
For those who have social anxiety or depression and who would generally stay in the house, this app encourages those individuals to go on their own scavenger hunt and do something productive. It has been a positive thing for everyone, and especially for these individuals, it brings the fun back in life.
5. You can actually collect them all!
At least currently, only the first generation Pokémon are in the app, which has allowed trainers to have the motivation to collect all 151 Pokémon. While it is inevitable that they will add other generations, it is cool to have the low number for now, allowing an obtainable goal for everyone.
6. The Pokémon are generally near the environment they would be in the game.
A Pokémon game in real life wouldn't be complete if the locations weren't at least somewhat realistic. What's cool about the game is generally if you're near water, water Pokémon will be there. If you're walking in grass, grass Pokémon will be there too. It's just something quirky that makes the whole adventure that more real.
7. The teams give some competition.
While some may say the teams on Pokémon Go (Instinct, Mystic, and Valor) are flaws of the game and give unnecessary rivalry, I feel like the team aspect can be seen as a positive. When you reach Level 5, you can choose one of these three teams with their own qualities that make them special. You then back up your team and try to take over a gym together. It gives a sense of belonging within the already set community with people with similar desires helping each other through various battles. When done correctly in all competitive fun, this can be a really interesting thing to see. As a Mystic member myself, I love seeing all the blue around, but it's more rewarding seeing gyms of red and yellow as well.
8. We are literally living our dreams.
For the Pokémon fans that have been here since the beginning, this app is a dream come true for us. We've been on our Gameboys and 3DSs pretending to be a trainer looking to be the best that nobody ever was. Well, with Pokémon Go, you can actually be the best. You can catch that Jigglypuff, hatch an egg, ride a bike, and battle all in one day. This is what we have all waited for, and I can't ask for anything greater.
