"Pokemon Go" took the world by storm earlier this year when the uber-popular mobile app debuted. Now the craze has died down, but can new additions breathe life into the game?
"Pokemon Go" allows players to use their cell phone cameras to capture creatures from the original "Pokemon" games. The app exploded onto the scene with a huge surge of populartiy, but inevitably the hype faded. But since the beginning rumors have persisted about developers Nintendo and Niantic adding Pokemon from the newer generations, and now the evidence has been mounting that Pokemon from the second generation of games could soon be added. But will they be enough to save "Pokemon Go"?
The first generation of Pokemon is undoubtedly special. They're the first group of characters that many fans fell in love with and they've endured in popularity throughout the years. As the "Pokemon" franchise celebrates 20 years in 2016, it seemed like a no brainier that "Pokemon Go" should cash in on the lasting popularity of those original creatures. But in order for the app to remain exciting, it needs new additions.
The second generation of Pokemon came about a few years after the original. Those Pokemon debuted in "Pokemon Silver" and "Pokemon Gold", sequels to the original games. It goes without saying that this group has not quite reached the levels of popularity enjoyed by the monsters from the original games, but the second generation still holds a special place in the hearts of many longtime fans. There's also still a substantial amount of nostalgia going for the second generation. Part of what made "Pokemon Go" so popular in the first place was the fact that even former "Pokemon"" fans were enticed solely due to their nostalgia for the originals. While some of those fans may not care as much for the second generation, there are still many that will.
New Pokemon will certainly breath new life into "Pokemon Go", but the second generation content doesn't need to stop there. "Gold" and "Silver" introduced new gameplay features to the "Pokemon" series that could impact "Pokemon Go." These features include specialty Pokeballs, breeding, and more. If these features could find their way into "Pokemon Go" alongside the second generation Pokemon, the app could really expand and offer reasons for fans to become reinvested.
The second generation of Pokemon holds a special place in the hearts of many and bringing the Pokemon to "Pokemon Go" will definitely revitalize the app a bit. But if the developers really want to ensure that the masses look back into "Pokemon Go" they should look into bringing some of the second generation gameplay features alongside those newer Pokemon.
