The newest game craze for your phone breathes new life in an old phenomenon. Pokemon has dominated popular culture for two decades and it's bigger than ever with the addition of Pokemon GO. This interactive game app allows the player to collect, evolve and battle Pokemon. Let's be honest, haven't we all wanted to see a Pikachu magically pop up in our backyard? So many people around the world are having their dream come true (or at least closest thing to it) by becoming a Pokemaster.
It's been incredible to see the diverse Pokemon GOers roam around cities in search of Pokemon. The Scruffy Seals and myself have spent some nights wandering around the University of Minnesota campus and we're not the only ones. This game gives people a chance to spend time with friends being extremely productive while being not productive at all (depending what your perspective is). My friends and I have crossed paths with many people, struck up conversations with complete strangers. No, this isn't unusual but it's remarkable to be able to interact and hold a conversation with people that doesn't take place in a bar or club for people my age.
Most of my friends who decline any activity that includes getting off their couches are now demanding to go catch Pokemon. All of this because of Pokemon GO. There should be a desire to get out and be active in the world. If this game does that, then that's great! I want to find Pokemon everywhere across the U.S. and then around the world!
(Above) Things got pretty crazy taking down this Drowzee in Minneapolis.
There are some negatives for the game. Besides temporary problems with the servers, the main dilemma may be the unavoidable "Pokemon-and-Drive" epidemic. People already have problems with texting and other phone use. But let's not do this, so please don't try it. Be safe, have fun, and don't ruin the game for others. Probably another complaint is too many Weedles, Zubats and Pidgeys (oh well, gotta' catch em' for the xp). Besides all of that, this app is one of the most innovative game in recent years and will surely revolutionize the industry. This game holds plenty of potential for what it will become and that's exciting.
My advice to any skeptics or people intimidated to try the game is to just try it. You don't have to be a Pokemon fanatic to enjoy this game. Just try it, you'll probably have fun. Only time will tell what this game will become but it's fantastic to see old and new generations introduced (or reintroduced) to Pokemon. To my fellow Pokemon GOers, have fun and go Team Mystic!
