With the release of Pokémon Go in the United States on July 6th, it has quickly become the most popular mobile app for both iPhones and Androids. For those unaware, Pokémon Go is an app in which you can catch and collect Pokémon in the real world. The app uses your phone’s GPS to pinpoint where Pokémon are in relation to your location in the real world. In addition your phone camera allows you to see the Pokémon, meaning you can see and catch a Pikachu in your own backyard!
Following its release, it seems that Pokémon Go is the game everybody is talking about. Everyone from ardent fans, to those unfamiliar with the franchise are all playing this game. I’ve even heard numerous parents downloading Pokémon Go just to see what all the excitement was about. But just what about Pokémon Go makes it so popular for both devoted fans and casual players? Is it really that different from any game meant for a 3DS?
I think yes and no. Many of the basic game mechanics are the same, making it nostalgic for old fans. Some of these functions include the basic principles of catching and collecting Pokémon, evolving them and battling gym leaders. What makes this game great for all people however, and different from any other game we’ve seen so far, is the fact that you don’t have to have any prior knowledge of Pokémon. While you are battling gym leaders, the mechanics for battling them are a lot simpler from the other games. Newcomers to the Pokémon universe don’t have to memorize a confusing chart of 18 different types, or create perfect move sets for taking down gym leaders and other trainers.
Defeating gym leaders in Pokémon Go just involves tapping to attack and swiping to dodge. Anyone, regardless of their knowledge of the Pokémon world can do it! And while this may seem simple, defeating gym leaders is not the main purpose of the game, making it not as important of a function. Pokémon Go is about going out into the real world, exploring it and catching Pokémon. The focus is not on defeating gym leaders, battling the Elite 4 and becoming the Pokémon champion. Pokémon Go focuses on something that was actually our original task in any of the other Pokémon games: to complete the Pokédex to further the Professor’s research.
In any Pokémon game, whether it be Red, Sapphire or X, we are all asked by the Professor to catch every single Pokémon so that data about them can be filled. Along the way, we abandon the idea of catching them all, and decide to take on the task of becoming the Pokémon champion instead, forgetting about the Professor's research. Pokémon Go explores the idea of a world where your main focus is to travel the world around you and catch Pokémon.
In addition to Pokémon Go’s focus being different, the fact that the app is free makes it a lot more desirable than any other Pokémon game. Most recent Pokémon games cost between $30-$40, and that’s if you already have the expensive console to go with it. A quick search in the app store and a 30 second download, and boom! You have the same app every other person is talking about, and you didn’t have to spend one dollar getting it.
And while another Pokémon app has been released in the past, Pokémon Shuffle, there are thousands of similar puzzle games just like it. Pokémon Go is a fresh, new concept that has enthralled millions of players across America, and the world. With its revolutionary technology, exciting game play and easy comprehension for all players, not to mention that it's also free, it’s no wonder this game is so popular. The thrill of seeing a Pokémon in the real world has been a dream of Pokémon fans for decades, and now this dream has finally become a reality. Download Pokémon Go, and join millions of people working to catch 'em all!
