In case you've been living under a rock for the past, the release of the augmented reality app, Pokemon Go has taken the world by storm. For kids who have grown up with the franchise, it will make you feel nostalgic, which embracing a new chapter in the franchise. For kids, or adults who have just picked this up as their first Pokemon game, know while it is inspired by the original games it doesn't completely do the franchise justice. I'm going to list the pro's and con's of the game as well as a few tips, tricks, and secrets for those playing the game or contemplating playing.
PROS
Like any Pokemon game, Pokemon starts the same, but you get to customize your avatar (to an extent) to look like yourself. You get to select one of three Pokemon as your starter, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. However there is a secret fourth option I'll get to later on. There is just something so rewarding about going out and literally finding Pokemon in unexpected places. Even more so flicking the Pokeball off your phone in an attempt to capture them. Gotta get them all! With over 200 Pokemon to go out and catch, there will be no shortage of adventure.
I will say that while most people drive around to catch Pokemon there is still a social aspect as well as a getting outside and walking around. In order to hatch eggs, the player MUST walk the said distance. The game will not register car movement. With an indicator on the bottom left corner of the screen, players can indicate just how far they are from nearby Pokemon. While you would think the game would cause players to be buried in their phone sitting inside, the game actually has made some positive impact. I have personally noticed more kids and adults getting outside and walking around. And whats better than finding Pokemon on your own? Finding them with friends. The game includes items that encourage group play, such as Lures which attract Pokemon for groups of players. Players have been arranging meetups for Pokemon hunting/playing and honestly, I'm totally okay with that.
Pokestops are crucial in the game if you want to avoid spending money. Many Pokestops and Gyms are in well known public locations. A lot of parks, churches, and for some reason Krispy Kreme. Again, no complaints. Like always, some of the most fun comes from naming your Pokemon. You can give them cute nicknames, names after STD's, drugs, or even your friends. The sky is the limit on this one. However the best part of the game without a doubt is the ability to use your camera to take pictures of Pokemon. People have been taking some hysterical pictures and it's honestly one of the highlights.
CONS
Perfection is never achieved on the first try and Pokemon is no exception to that. I mean look at how much the Gameboy version has evolved and improved over the years. This game was tricky, because the creators tackled something huge, a worldwide augmented reality mobile game. First and foremost, I as well as every single person who has played the game are all too familiar with one blatant problem with the game. The Servers.
This screen is seen too often and as cute as it is, it's irritating too. Even worse is when the game is loading, but your information can't be retrieved from the servers. In the evening this isn't much of a problem, but if you try and play the game between 12pm and 5pm you can almost guarantee you'll see this screen 7 out of 10 times you try to get on.
Like just about every mobile game that exist, in app purchases are always going to be a thing. The developers were super smart when creating this as far as what should be purchased. Players can't access a gym prior to reaching level five. This is extremely frustrating for some people. Which has lead players to buying incense which attracts Pokemon to you for half an hour, but what happens when you run out of Pokeballs? Well on average a Pokestop will give you 3 Pokeballs, but that is hardly enough to keep up. So then players will want to buy Pokeballs. Furthermore, you'll eventually get some eggs from Pokestops. You have to put these eggs in an incubator. You are only given one. So when you have 9 eggs and one incubator, you'll want to buy more incubators. and Boom. you've dropped about 10 bucks in your first week. Honestly I've already spent $2 and I'm not happy about it.
This is kind of a scary one. A lot and I mean A LOT of people are Pokemon-ing and driving. And why not? It allows players to catch Pokemon at an fast pace. The developers knew this would be an issue, but honestly there isn't hardly anything they could do to combat it. There have already been reported wrecks from people catching Pokemon while they drive, people arrested for trespassing in an effort to catch a Pokemon, and even someone finding a dead body while searching for a Pokemon. (No, seriously. Look it up.)
It is a very life consuming game. Honestly if you want to be any match for competition you'll be on the game as much as you can. Sort of a problem when it takes you away from important life priorities. Some other list of small problems with the game are GPS misreadings, the game freezing after catching Pokemon, and honestly difficulty catching even the most simply Pokemon as your level increases.
TIPS, TRICKS, AND SECRETS
Now I do know a few people that have caught Pikachu's just out and about, but they aren't easy to come by. You can get a Pikachu as your starter when you first sign up. Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur appear on the map around you in the beginning and you tap which one you would like to catch. However if you walk away they will disappear and eventually reappear. Do this a few times and eventually Pikachu will pop up too.
Another neat trick for catching Pokemon is to spin your Pokeball before you throw it. While I'm not entirely sure what it does, I do believe it increases your chance of catching the Pokemon. Or you can always feed it berries if you have them. However if you don't think you'll come across it again it's definitely something you'll want to try. Just simply put your finger on the Pokeball, lift it up and spin it rapidly until the stars appear. Then toss.
You'll notice when going to catch Pokemon that they have a colored circle within the target range, indicating difficulty level. Green, Orange, and Red. If you wait for the circle to get smaller and successfully toss the Pokeball within that range you'll increase your chance of coming away with that Pokemon.
Pokemon will demolish your battery and data. While there isn't much you can do for your data besides upgrading your plan with your provider, you can utilize the power saver mode in the settings. You'll thank me later!
Gym battles are tough and I mean TOUGH. Honestly I wouldn't go into a gym until at least 6 of my Pokemon have a cp of 300 or more. I would try and have one be 500. Like the game Pokemon have a special attack. This will charge up as you battle in the upper right corner. If you are still alive by this point hold your finger on the screen to use this attack.
Honestly it's the weirdest phenomenon I've ever been apart of, but I wouldn't have it any other way. So get out there, catch them all, and be the best like no one ever was!
BTW. Team Instinct Rules.
