Pokémon Go was just released earlier this week, but it’s already captured the attention of former Gameboy-wielding card collectors and newbies alike. Even police stations are getting in on the fun, warning trainers to stay safe and be aware of their surroundings. While not officially released in the United States, the APK (Android Application Package) was leaked and has been circulating via Facebook and other social media platforms. I downloaded it immediately and haven’t been able to put my phone down!

For those of you who had not heard of Pokémon Go previously or wanted to wait until its official US release, you should know that this is a new level of handheld gaming. It's being compared to the Wii Fit in terms of how it gets users up and active, but I would say it's much more than simply "getting active". This game almost forces its users to explore their neighborhoods. I have discovered landmarks, small parks, and memorials just from exploring with this game. I've walked much more than I normally do at home (which is perfect for school this fall) and I've been able to connect and exercise with friends that I haven't, and may not have, seen.

If you’ve played Pokémon before, you know the general idea of what goes on before you can get catching. For Go, the process is shorter, more customizable, and more realistic. Typically, you get to choose your pre-customized gender and then you have to go out and find the professor to get your starter. This gets real annoying if you forget to save your game or if your console dies on you because the intro takes up a good chunk of time. In Go, you choose your gender along with your physical appearance. You can customize eye color, hair color, skin tone (which is a BIG step up), as well as your outfit colors. Then, you click through a quick dialogue and you’re on your way!

The actual game play is really enjoyable! It gets you moving and exploring real-life locations, which you can track using their version of a Google map. You gain XP when you catch a Pokémon, and when you have leveled up a few times you can travel to your local Pokémon gym and battle it out. Where can you find these gyms? Think about important, high traffic locations in your community (parks, train stations, and VFWs work very well!). Even if you don’t find a gym there, you will come across stops where you can spin to win Pokéballs, eggs, or other items. After exploring, battling, and capturing, you may want to evolve your Pokémon. Just save up enough of that type’s candy (that’s right, candy makes Pokémon evolve!) and spend it wisely to either level it up or evolve it entirely.

While you may want to have a charger on hand if you’re playing for more than an hour at a time, the game itself is worth the wait. With all of the upgrades from other handheld versions, it’s no wonder the game has become such a hit so quickly! Other handheld games cannot compete with this platform; I have yet to see another game that involves the player the way Pokémon Go does! Look around for the APK if you wish, or wait it out until the US release, but seriously consider downloading this game!