On July 6, 2016 the newest Pokemon game was released in America. Pokemon Go is the first game of its kind, an augmented reality game that allows Pokemon trainers to catch Pokemon in the real world. Yes, you read that write. Gamers actually have to leave the house and walk out into the world to catch Pokemon, get Pokeballs, train and capture gyms.
One of the better things about Pokemon Go, is that you actually have to go outside. The boys and girls who sat in class on their phones playing apps, or on their DS playing Pokemon, digimon, kingdom hearts, and any other plethora of DS games are now actively walking across town to help take over a gym, catch a rare pokemon or get some extra pokeballs at a pokestop.
While players get to personalize their avatar, the game has very limited options of customization. My sister and I made our avatars at different times, different places, did not even know the other had Pokemon Go and still made the same avatar with different hair styles.
Another aspect of the AR game is that once a player has reached level 5, they get to pick a team to be on. Currently, there are a total of three teams, Mystic/Blue, Instinct/Yellow, and Valor/Red. Each team is represented by Legendary Pokemon; Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos
Team Instinct, also known as Team Yellow, is represented by Zapdos, which is an electric type Pokemon. Team Mystic, also known as Team Blue, is represented by Asticuno, an ice and water type Pokemon. Team Valor, or Team Red, is represented by Moltres, the fire type Pokemon of the three. There are very few factors to take into account when picking what team to be on once you reach level 5. Most players choose the team that most of their friends are on or their favorite color of the three. The biggest and most important factor: What team is currently dominating the area?
The dominate team in the area is important because you can only train at a gym that your team owns. Mystic cannot train at a Valor or Instinct gym, they can only battle. Training your Pokemon is essential to leveling and evolving your Pokemon, as well as learning new skills. Training also helps you obtain XP, stardust, and extras; which can be lure modules, incense, potions, revivals, or candies.
Stardust and candies help power up and evolve your Pokemon, while lure module and incense attract wild Pokemon. Potions and revivals can help heal or revive injured Pokemon after battle in a pokegym.
This AR Pokemon game is the first step into virtual reality video games. Something I want to be alive to witness.
