As many of us millennials reminisce on our childhoods, we remember the countless hours spent playing Pokemon on the poor graphics of the first Gameboy, trading Pokemon cards at recess, and watching various TV show episodes. Wishing we could return to the glory days of Pikachu, our blessings have been heard.
The new Pokemon Go app was released Thursday and is already taken the media by storm. The app has drawn such popularity that the gaming system is unable to create enough new accounts to meet the demand. Trending on Twitter, millennials and Pokemon newbies are downloading this new interactive gaming app on smartphones and tablets.
The new, addictive game allows your virtual world become a reality-- literally. Pokemon Go utilizes the world around you and places Pokemon in your physical surroundings. As a Pokemon trainer, you must walk outdoors and around your neighborhood in search of Pokemon. Certain Pokemon will appear near their native environments. At oceans, lakes and rivers, you will discover water-type Pokémon. Once you find one of the little creatures, you must throw a PokeBall to capture it. You can visit PokeStops, found at interesting places and locations around you, to stock up on PokeBalls and Pokemon galore. 
Growing up in a family where the phrase “go play” indicated to go outside with a ball rather than sit indoors and play video games, I am a little behind on all the Pokemon lingo. While I am not a gamer, I was a little curious about the stigma and hype that was paired with the release of the game. I joined the Pokemon community and became a trainer in search of Pokemon.
I first signed up and created an account. While designing my profile, I was able to dress and fashion my avatar to look like myself. Downloading the mobile app to my iPhone, I was looking forward to putting my feet up relaxing on my coach, yet this was not the case. Unlike most games, you cannot stay indoors to play. You must physically get up and walk around to make your avatar walk around as well. I found this to be a little inconvenient as I was attempting to play in the early hours of the next day. My family and neighbors certainly would not have been happy to be woken up to my Pokemon adventures.
As I was roaming the playing field, I stumbled upon my first Pokemon. I was so excited! I was about to catch my first Pokemon! I quickly tapped on his icon and he appeared in my front yard, ready for me to catch him. Though, I had some directional difficulties in securing my find. (Poke)c’mon! As any other trainer would do, I continued tapping on my screen, hoping something positive would happen. I was not letting him get away! This game was created for the simplistic minds of kids ages 9+, yet I was struggling with what I had to do due to lack of instructions. Eventually, through continued efforts, I was able to toss a PokeBall at the monster and caught my first Pokemon, Bulbasaur!
Although this game is in a virtual world, it is creating health concerns. As many crazed gamers are glued to their smartphones in search of nearby Pokemon, this game is becoming a hazard. Kids are burying their heads into the app and are unaware of their surroundings. Game makers placed warnings to stay attentive to your surroundings on the first screen to appear when opening the app. Unfortunately, these warnings were no match for the bruising and broken bones that have amounted from the addictive app. On a positive note, the gaming system requires slower human movements to work. That means that Pokemon-ing and driving will not be an issue. Though this game is created to get people outdoors and active, it might be doing more harm than good. Many are wandering down streets unaware of their environments, causing armed robbers to lure victims to isolated locations.
As a Pokemon newbie and amateur trainer, I did enjoy playing Pokemon Go (when I eventually was able to figure out how to play). This augmented reality is truly interesting and entertaining. I love that this app is promoting the great outdoors, though I find it unsettling that kids are roaming the streets in search of their next Pokemon. Gamers, Pokemon addicts and trainers, please practice your craft carefully! Which one will you discover next? Pokemon Go!
