If you were born in the 90’s, you were more than likely involved in the Pokémon phenomenon in some way or another. Whether you loved it or hated it, Pokémon took the entire world by storm when it was first introduced to the world. Created in 1995, what started as a basic video game eventually involved into its own long running TV show, a trading card game, movies and so much more. Back in its prime, Pokémon was literally everywhere you went and it still continues to have a strong impact in today’s youth as well. On July 6, 2016, the streets began to fill with 90s kids who grew up with this beloved franchise as well as many others. Our heads were down in our phones, and we walked all over town in pursuit of reliving our beloved childhood memories and once more become a Pokémon master.
Welcome to Pokémon GO.
Pokémon GO is a brand new app-based game for iOS and Android users that puts users inside their own Pokémon world. Partnered with Google Earth, the game uses your GPS location and creates a map of your current surroundings. Pokémon can be found all over your location and you are able to catch in real time with your camera once they are found. You are able to raise and train your Pokémon and can use them for battle. Not only that, people are able to mark landmarks in your cities and you are able to obtain special items from visiting these landmarks. These landmarks can range from your local city hall, an amusement park, or maybe even the post office.
Pokémon fans will also remember the epic gym leader battles we experienced back in the day. Well, they’re back in this app as well! Certain locations are marked as gyms and you are able to battle in them and potentially take them over so you can become the gym leader yourself. Locations vary for these, as in my current place of residence our local water tower is a gym, a court house, as well as even a popular bar just down the street.
Pokémon GO has been taking the world by storm, and it already has had some controversy to it. The game warns you to always be aware of your surroundings while playing this game. Some law enforcement has even spoken out reminding kids to look both ways before crossing the street and not get too distracted by what you’re doing in the game. One Australian police station even had to tell kids to stop coming into the police station believing that there was a Sandshrew to be caught inside of there. With this game being only a few days old, I’m sure we are going to hear plenty more stories like this.
Growing up with Pokémon, I have really enjoyed this game thus far. On its release date, I was with a group of six to seven people just walking around town playing the game. This is where I believe the game actually has many positives for today’s youth.
This isn’t a game you can play just by sitting on your couch, the game encourages you to go outside, to explore your town or city and see what’s out there. With the landmark system, kids can learn about landmarks in your town that they may have not known about before. Not to mention, certain Pokémon can only be found in certain locations. So you can’t just catch them all in your neighborhood. For instance, to catch certain water Pokémon, you’re going to have to even go by some lake or body of water to discover them.
Although we still have our technology with us, this game urges us to step outside, get some fresh air and maybe even a little bit of exercise. I’m excited to see where this game goes, and I hope it stays around and continues to evolve for the sake of newcomers as well as the folks who all grew up with this beloved franchise.
