In case you haven’t heard, the Pokémon franchise announced last week the launch of “Pokémon GO“, Nintendo’s overdue foray into the mobile app market. Arriving in 2016, the new release brings the familiar gameplay of the Pokémon series to the boundary lines of augmented reality.
/collective sobbing from an entire generation of 90’s kids/ So basically, the mobile app notifies you of Pokémon “hiding” (sorry, those inverted commas were offensive) around your area, which prompts you to get closer in order to battle or capture the wild Pokémon. It’s reminiscent of questionable dating app Tinder, but without the… you know. The aim of the game stays true to the “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” motto, but with the refreshingly new element of “connecting” with other players (who are real people!!!).
Additionally, the Pokémon GO Plus is a companion add-on product that “enhances the enjoyment of the game”. Worn like a wristwatch, the Pokémon GO Plus provides feedback through vibration and uses LEDs to indicate various in-game events. It also makes you look like a legit Pokémon trainer so why not.
Co-producing the game is former Google startup Niantic, which specialises in the augmented reality experience. It seems Nintendo has finally decided that the schtick of timing new gaming devices with new Pokémon releases is getting old. The move to the mobile platform also means greater accessibility to casual players and potential players, which can only be a good thing.
Not surprisingly, reactions from the online public have been incredibly positive:
*Gets Pokemon Go* *Breaks into Area 51* “Sir this is government property!” “WHERE THE FUCK IS MEWTWO”
— Lucas (@skinsisanerd) September 11, 2015
Can you imagine breaking into the Istana Gardens for a Tropius?
Pokemon Go “Stop the bus, there’s a wild Pidgey on the– Forget it, keep driving.” — David (@GodlySenpai) September 16, 2015
Um… Sand-Attack?
Pokemon go will be worth it if the only way to catch a charizard or magmar is to travel to the top of an active volcano — Weyland-Konami (@thatsnotkosher) September 12, 2015
If heat is a factor then I guess you’ll see them everywhere in Singapore.
Pokemon Go 2016 pic.twitter.com/w5gRMu755s — Meli (@MelibeaSandra) September 14, 2015
Annoying little rats.
Soon, at @Roosterteeth: “GUYS THERE’S A MEW IN THE PARKING LOT!” -Half the office stampedes out, work halts for an hour. #PokemonGO
— César (@KaiserGeiser) September 13, 2015
Office goals.
Leaked gameplay of Pokemon Go https://t.co/3PhT4cSEvz — Catscratch™ (@Rusbuck) September 12, 2015
That’s actually terrifying.
Pokemon GO tips: Lunatone is on the moon. Solrock will be significantly harder to get.
— Zerglinator (@Zerglinator) September 12, 2015
NTS: Bring sunblock.
I’m loving the Pokemon go concept pic.twitter.com/lMyn9MwJH0 — whats good updates (@Chripotle) September 12, 2015
Never thought Drake was a Flying-type trainer, huh?
Pokemon GO will lead to many broken cellphones as people get overexcited and throw them like Pokeballs at invisible Charmanders.
— Jim Sterling (@JimSterling) September 11, 2015
Yikes. Remember to save often!
:::
More details on the official Pokémon website here.
