Last week the world was blessed with Pokemon Go, and since then it has all but taken over. Even as I sit here writing this I'm watching Pokemon: Indigo League (for the 1,000th time) and consistently checking my phone for Pokemon. For those of you who do not know: Pokemon Go is an iOS and Android game app that allows you to catch Pokemon and battle gym leaders while walking around. For those of us who grew up playing Pokemon, this is a very exciting moment. And for the people who never played or do not care for Pokemon, this is just another fad distracting millennials. However, whether you like the game or not, it is undeniable that it has definitely inspired people to get out of the house and walk around.

It's not uncommon to see packs of people walking around with their phones in the air looking for Pokemon, Pokestops (landmarks that award players for stopping), or gyms. Especially in popular areas like Monroe Park or Short Pump Town Center where the Pokestops are plentiful. The game has created a camaraderie between players, excuse me, trainers that never would have existed without Pokemon Go. I have met so many people through the game because we have a need to stop and talk with other trainers. We swap strategy and tips. We tell each other where the rare Pokemon are hiding. We battle each other through gyms. And, if you're like me and my friends, we compare Pokemon. Earlier this week my friend and I were sitting outside a pool hall when another trainer came up to us and immediately began a conversation. By the end of our chat I had learned so many things I probably would have never figured by myself, and I was convinced to join Team Valor.

Speaking of which, the game also creates a healthy rivalry between trainers by having you pick which team you want to battle for. Team Instinct (yellow), Team Mystic (blue), or Team Valor (red). Each team has different values regarding Pokemon, and trainers are called to choose their team based on their beliefs. I chose Team Valor because it appeals to my need to be strong and powerful. Also, our leader, Candela, is one badass woman. Of the estimated 9.5 million daily players, 32% are Team Valor, 25% are Team Instinct, and 43% are Team Mystic. (Some people believe Team Mystic is only pulling so many trainers because our brains are wired to choose the middle option, but I'm not so sure about that. Basically this game has given me a chance to relive my childhood in a new and adventurous way. And despite what the haters say, I think Pokemon Go is a great game, and everyone should give it a try.

Sources: http://www.recode.net/2016/7/13/12181614/pokemon-g... http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/15/12197190/first-c...