Pokémon Go is finally here and the hype has already reached critical mass. Millions of people are flocking to the app store to be part of the movement, and for good reason.
Hardcore and casual fans alike have discovered the euphoria of exploring the environment for their favorite monsters. If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon here are a few consideration points for you to join the action.
Augmented Reality Done Right
The concept of augmented reality isn’t new, but Pokémon Go utilizes the technology masterfully. The Pokémon all have 3D models that mesh seamlessly into your surroundings. Adjusting to fit into the world of whatever your camera is facing. A Pidgey on your friend’s head, a Caterpie on your dashboard, or a Dratini in the neighborhood park pond are all possibilities. Combined with the ability to screenshot Pokémon when you find them the photo ops are endless.
Traveling Across the Land
Arguably the best attribute of Pokémon Go is the fact you have to literally search far and wide. This is not a game you can play sitting in your house, or even as you’re riding in a car. You have to get out and explore your neighborhood and city to find different species hiding in various locations near and distant. What is probably a video game first people have to leave their homes and gleeful walking around to accomplish their goal. Not for fitness or health, but to be the very best like no one ever was.
Gyms Aren’t Just Random Locations
One of your main goals is to seek out and defeat gyms, and ultimately run and defend your own. Instead of gyms just being random points on interest on your map they are popular places in your area. Not limited to locations like a university or a mall, but popular places for people of all ages. From bars and clubs to stadiums and play areas Pokémon Go gyms are places people interact in for various reasons. Meaning no matter what your scene maybe there will be a gym at locations that are significant to you.
Causally, Hardcore, and Non-Gamer
Most Pokémon games are for casual and hardcore gamers alike, yet Pokémon Go is even for people who may never pick up a controller. Since that vast majority of the population has a phone, and some level of love for Pokémon, they can indulge in everything the app has to offer. A four year old may or your grandparents may not know how to IV breed and EV train Pokémon, but they can catch them in Go.
We ALL Live in a Pokémon World
Pokémon has always been a social experience, but Pokémon Go makes it noticeably apparent. All shades of people from all walks of life love Pokémon. From the people I’ve crossed on the streets playing to the tsunami of Pokémon Go posts on social media it’s clear Pokémon is a universal human experience. It’s an unexplainable sensation to see the diversity that comes from living in a Pokémon world.
