Tech

Should You Jump On The Pokémon Go Bandwagon?


“Gotta Catch ‘Em All”!

Recently it has been dominating the news, social media and is a very popular conversation starter. Complaints have been made about the excessive use of mobile data and phone battery. Unfortunate accidents have resulted. Unexpected friendships have been formed. All this has resulted from one mobile game that has been dominating phones all across the globe, Pokémon Go. With such popularity, many people have been jumping on this bandwagon with the hopes of becoming a Pokémon Master. But what exactly is Pokémon Go and should you jump on the bandwagon as well and join in the chase?

What Is Pokémon Go?

As a free-to-play mobile game, Pokémon Go encourages players to collect their favourite Pokémon right from their devices. Utilizing data and location services, players must explore their local neighbourhoods for wild Pokémon. Collected Pokémon can be evolved, strengthened and used to battle against other players. Thanks to augmented reality technology, catching Pokemon has finally come to reality.

The Past History Of Pokémon

This all sounds confusing if you’ve never played or even heard of Pokémon. Let’s take a look at the history of Pokémon and how this beloved game has developed over the years. The franchise first released Pokémon Red and Green for the Nintendo Game Boy. Players could only become Pokémon Masters by catching and training all of the 151 different characters. Through the years, over fifteen different versions were released. New creatures, Pokémon breeding and 3D graphics enhanced the gaming experience. The extraordinary success of the game eventually branched out into Pokémon cards, films, merchandise and an anime series.

Taking Advantage Of Location Based Technology

With the use of mobile phone GPS technology, players must walk around their local neighbourhood in order for the game to progress. More wild Pokémon will randomly appear when the device senses movement. Furthermore, the type of Pokémon that can be encountered depends on the time of the day and the player’s current location. For example, water type Pokémon can be found lurking near beaches and rivers. On the other hand, dark type Pokémon tend to come out during the nighttime. What a great excuse to head over to the local beach or park with your friends. Click here for a list of different types of Pokémon and where they can be found.

Pokemon location

 

Creating Your Personalized Pokémon Trainer

At the beginning of the journey, players will be asked to personalize their own avatar. The gender, skin tone, hair, attire and eye colour of the trainer can be customized. By catching, training and evolving Pokémon, players will be able to gain XP points and level their character. At level five, local Pokémon gyms become accessible and the real fun begins.

Trainer Customizaation

 

Acquiring And Using Items

If you’ve ever played any other version of Pokémon, you’ll probably remember what can be found inside a trainer’s bag. Pokéballs, potions, and berries are common items which any Pokémon fanatic will recognize. Items can be collected by levelling up, visiting PokéStops or making in-game purchases.

Pokemon Go Items
via cnet.com

 

Collecting And Hatching Pokémon Eggs

Pokémon eggs are only some of the goodies which are gifted by local PokéStops. To hatch these eggs, simply put them into an egg incubator and continue exploring your local neighbourhood. A standard egg incubator can be found in your bag and additional incubators can be bought from the shop. Wondering which Pokémon will hatch from the egg? Pokémon eggs will only hatch by walking a certain distance while the app is open.

Pokemon Go Eggs
via vg247.com

 

Searching For PokéStops and Pokémon Gyms

With the help of location services, various real-life locations become PokéStops or Pokémon gyms. However, what’s the difference between these two? PokéStops are landmarks that will allow players to collect XP points and level up their in-game character. They also randomly gift various items such as Pokéballs, potions and Pokémon eggs which can be collected every five minutes. Running low on Pokéballs? Explore your neighbourhood to find these PokéStops.

Pokemon Go Gyms
via metro.co.uk

All that time spent catching Pokémon can finally be put to good use at a nearby gym. Gyms allow other local players to battle each other using their Pokémon. A trainer who is above level five will finally be able to join a team. Team instinct (yellow), mystic (blue), or valor (red) all fight against each other to conquer and defend local gyms. Click here to learn more about battling at Pokémon gyms.

PokeStop
via gamerant.com

 

Bringing A Pokémon Master’s Dream To Life

For a lot of people, Pokémon brings back nostalgic memories of the countless hours spent trying to catch them all. Pokémon Go is a dream come true for many fanatics, it brings the game to life. Now the hero or heroine in the game is no longer a virtual character, but the players themselves. Players can finally physically leave their homes to seemingly go out and catch these creatures in the real world.

Pokemon Heroes
via Pokemon.com

 

Getting Out Of The House To Catch Them All

Getting out of the house is essential to become a Pokémon Master. Since its launch, many players can be found wandering around the neighbourhood and hanging out at local parks. Players are encouraged to increase their daily amount of physical activity and friendships are also being strengthened. Friends come together to relive the thrill of catching the creatures that once filled their childhoods.

Pokemon Go Dog Tired From Walking

 

Stay Safe And Be Respectful

Although Pokémon Go may be a great way to get out of the house and be active. Preventable incidents of distracted pedestrians and drivers have been all over the media. It may be tempting to venture onto private property or walk into a restaurant to catch a Pikachu. But do not put yourself in physical danger or be disrespectful for a virtual creature.

Pokemon Go Safety Alert
via Pokemon Go

So, should you jump on the Pokémon bandwagon? The answer is: why not?! It’s an excuse to get out of the house, get active and be social while catching them all, and it’s free. Enjoy the chase!

Visit the official Pokémon Go site.



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