Ah, yes... Pokémon Go. It's all the cool kids are talking about these days (or the past week). Millennials are supposedly revisiting their childhoods by getting out of the house and into a fandom of Pokémon lovers (and catchers) around the world, and it's left a few of us a little confused.
If you've never played the game, you may be thinking, Why? Why is this a thing? And, when will this go away? I don't know what a widget... pidget... whatever it is... is, but I don't want it in my newsfeed.
Good. Then this article is for you. Sit back, relax and read... while your phone is charging. You'll need all the battery you have when you finish reading this article and download the game.
Wait... what? Hey... You never know. After reading this, you may want to give Pokémon Go a try!
Here's What You Need To About Pokémon Go:
1. You don't need to know anything about Pokémon to play.
Sure, I collected the cards when I was younger. I was mainly involved because my older siblings were. Even then, I had no idea what any of the information on the card meant. I just thought the creatures were cool. When I downloaded this game a few days ago, any previous knowledge I had about Pokémon had long since vanished. That's right. I knew, like, four Pokémon character names. Guess what. That really doesn't matter. You don't need to be a Pokémon expert to understand how to play the game and have fun doing it.
2. Pokémon Go really is as cool as everyone says.
Remember how you felt hunting for easter eggs as a kid? This app is like that... for adults. The difference? No one has to physically put Pokémon anywhere, and there are always Pokémon to catch. It's brilliant, really, and the it's not very hard. There is a certain (but useless) pride you get in catching Pokémon you never had or Pokémon you need. It's exciting! And, I should also mention that catching Pokémon is not all you do (although it's my favorite part). You also evolve and power up your Pokémon and then fight them at different Pokémon "gyms" located throughout your city.
3. It's also not as complicated as you think it is.
I'm aware that reading the last paragraph probably sounded scary if you know nothing about Pokémon or how to play the game. I'm here to assure you, however, that you are not alone. The app walks you through everything, and you learn as you go. I promise. If I can do it, you can, too! I've been playing the game for only a few days, and I'm confident enough to write an article about it. Sure, you may want to read up on the game a bit more if you want to be the best player in your neighborhood. But, you don't have to be any good at all to have fun playing it. It can be as simple or as complex as you want to make it. Regardless, anyone can play, whether your 8 or 48 years old.
4. If you need more motivation to get off the couch, this will help you.
This is nothing like Candy Crush. You cannot sit on your behind all day or night and play this game. You literally have to get off the couch and out of the house to play. To battle at a gym, you have to DRIVE to it, and sometimes, even, get out and walk to it. To catch Pokémon, you'll have to get out and walk around your neighborhood or drive to the gas station or a park. This is why this game works. For starters, it's getting people to be a lot more active; it's getting more people outside again. Also, it keeps people from binge-playing. There may be a Pokémon in your house, yes. But, you most likely aren't going to be able to catch any more of them just sitting there. So, if you are actually doing something productive, like work or school, you'll have to wait to play when you can go walking again.
5. The game is better when you're with a friend.
I'll admit... I've enjoyed playing the game alone. I'm not afraid to tell you that I've gone out of my way to catch Pokémon on the way home. (My fiancé has, too!) That being said, the game is much more fun when you are with a friend. You get to share the excitement and the experience together, and you get to get in some exercise together! It's awesome! Now, I'm not advocating that you forgo all your responsibilities. I'm simply saying, if you are going to unwind for the night and watch TV with your significant other, you may want to consider catching Pokémon instead.
6. Once you start, it's hard to stop.
I NEED THEM ALL. We all do. Even though I've caught hundreds already, I still don't even have half of the Pokémon that exist. This game is VERY addicting. Once you start, it's really hard to stop. And, again, because you cannot do very much in the game sitting in an office or laying in your bed, it keeps you from binge-playing. Some say this is a fad that will roll over, but I'm not quite sure...
7. It has the potential to be very dangerous.
People exaggerate, yes. But, I have to be realistic here and say that, in this day and age, it has the potential to be dangerous. Thankfully, you don't have to stare at your phone while you are walking to be able to see a Pokémon. The app makes your phone vibrate when one is near to catch; however, you may end up looking at your phone anyways if you're busy evolving and powering up Pokémon or if you are trying to see what other Pokémon are nearby to find. You just have to be smart:
- Watch where you are walking.
- If you need to look down for more than a second, stop.
- Don't go walking late at night or in areas that are known to be unsafe, unless you have a buddy or a concealed carry.
- Assess the area of the gym (or Poké Stop) before you get out of your vehicle and approach it.
- Don't play the game while you drive! (Play with a buddy. Have them hold both phones and catch Pokémon for you while you drive!)
- Simply use common sense.
8. You will make a few new friends every time you go out and play.
You may think I'm kidding, but I'm serious. I've met tons of people, already, who are playing Pokémon, too. People give you smiles and head nods, and you just have to know it's because of Pokémon. People may roll down their windows or approach you, and you will just have to know that they see you are playing Pokémon and want to share the joy with you. It's pretty much the best thing ever to know that so many people are enjoying this with you. You feel like you are part of something really cool. I'd compare it to the feeling you get at a concert where the whole crowd is scream-singing together. It's awesome!
9. Pokémon Go drains your phone battery.
Do not play this game if you don't have an emergency battery pack or a car charger for your phone. The game uses internet and GPS and has decent graphics, so it will suck the life out of your phone. Don't be silly and let it drain your battery. Phones help keep us safe, and you'll want yours alive if you need it.
10. The app is still glitchy, and the servers still go down.
You have to understand that this is still a really new app. It'll have bugs. It'll freeze. You may lose a Pokémon you just caught. Technology always has the opportunity to disappoint us in this way. As long as you stay level-headed and remember that it's only a game, it's not a big deal. It's all about attitude. If you're having a blast and the app freezes once, you'll be fine. Kill the app, restart it and move on.
11. You can't knock it until you've tried it.
You can say it's dumb all you want, but until you've downloaded and tried playing the game, you really shouldn't say anything. Pokémon Go may not be for everyone, but do realize, that there are TONS of people playing it right now, so the game is obviously worth looking at. You can have fun and be safe playing it. You can take it as seriously or as light-hearted as you like. It gets you moving, and it gets you outside. So, charge your phone, download the game, grab a buddy, and give it a shot! You may be surprised just how much you love it.
