July 6, 2016, marked an epic moment in gamer history. Through iPhone and Android devices Niantic, Inc. released Pokemon Go, built on their Real World Gaming Platform. Millennials around the world (myself included) immediately delved into this interactive gaming opportunity that brought our childhood back on a whole new level.
You can do everything with this game: catch and collect Pokemon, battle them, evolve them, visit Gyms and PokeStops, and hatch Pokemon Eggs.
Here is part of the description that iTunes gives:
"Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, Pikachu, and many other Pokémon have been discovered on planet Earth!
Now’s your chance to discover and capture the Pokémon all around you—so get your shoes on, step outside, and explore the world. You’ll join one of three teams and battle for the prestige and ownership of Gyms with your Pokémon at your side.
Pokémon are out there, and you need to find them. As you walk around a neighborhood, your smartphone will vibrate when there’s a Pokémon nearby. Take aim and throw a Poké Ball… You’ll have to stay alerted, or it might get away!"
Unlike most apps and video games, Pokemon Go beats the gamer stereotype of sitting at home all day (which is why most parents don't like them) by forcing you to go out to catch the Pokemon. After all, if done enough, walking is just as effective an exercise as running. I know people that have stayed out almost 24 hours just going around town playing the game.
Possibly the best feature of the whole game is the camera feature. You can turn it on when you encounter a Pokemon and it will put the Pokemon into the real world focus of your camera. Just snap and save the picture and you can share your adventures with the world however you wish.
Watch the official trailer for Pokemon Go here.