Who hasn’t downloaded the new Pokémon Go? This game has been highly anticipated (at least by my friends) for many months, and now that it’s finally out, half of the people I know are wandering around their neighborhoods, getting lost and having the time of their lives as they search for rare Pokémon outside. Pros and cons come in many different shapes and sizes with Pokémon Go, and I hope to catch ‘em all.
Crash course for the less Pokémon-inclined. Pokémon Go is an augmented reality game, made for phones that are smarter than we are, that you can download and play. It’s hooked up to your phone’s GPS. Once you’ve customized your trainer (your avatar), you’re given a choice of 3 starter Pokémon, which are all nearby. On your screen, once you’re close enough to see the Pokémon, tap it. The game will engage in a sort of battle mode. Here’s my favorite part: when you enter this mode, you see the world around you like you normally would through your phone’s camera, with one exception: there’s a Pokémon standing right there. From that point, the player’s job is to swipe a Pokéball across your screen, which “throws” the Pokéball and, if you aim well, captures your Pokémon.
There’s a great side to Pokémon Go: it’s engaging and interactive. Not only have I been inclined to leave my couch and grab some fresh air, I’ve also been inclined to speak with other neighbors who happen to be playing. Let me guess what you’re thinking: “STRANGER DANGER!” Yes, by all means, be careful. But it’s hard to mistake the game’s theme music coming from another player’s phone as they stand in front of the same Pokéstop you want to use, or as they’re catching the same Pokémon that you’ve just spotted. As long as you’re with a buddy, you should be alright. I’m fortunate enough to have a Pokéstop right next to my house, and already I’ve met kind and friendly neighbors I never would have known before, had I not started playing this game. I’ve spent hours having fun with friends, and laughing over the silliness/awesomeness of being able to catch my own Pokémon after all these year.
Of course, there are downsides to this game, too. One unfortunate side effect is the servers. I’m fairly certain that the creators of this game were unaware of the amount of fans who would immediately download the app and play. Half the time I open it, I get the “please try again later” screen. Hopefully this flaw will be removed in due time. Another side effect is the ability to abuse the game. Already, some nasty people have used this game to rob kids of their lunch money, which you can read about here: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1272368709470229&id=180316078675503&substory_index=0. Incidents like that can be avoided by being aware of your surroundings, going out to catch Pokémon at reasonable hours, and by going in groups. I can gladly say that the game’s loading screen is a warning to be aware of your surroundings, since you might see a Pokémon in the middle of oncoming traffic. Rest assured, you don’t have to stand in the street to catch the Pokémon.
The capitalistic potential for this game is also incredible. Since the game’s Gyms and Pokéstops are linked to popular GPS locations, those places may set up lures (an in-game feature that attracts Pokémon) to draw in crowds, as well as possible discounts for Pokémon Go players. I’m sure some team is already scribbling down ideas to monopolize on the game’s popularity. My hope is that the game itself will grow and expand to include the ability to battle other players as you encounter them outside, rather than just at Pokémon Gyms. But hey. That’s just me.
All in all, a great game.
