Pokémon GO is an augmented reality (AR) game based on the popular Pokémon video games, which took the world by storm when it launched in late 2016. It makes use of internet connection with GPS tracking and movement in the real world and integrate it into the mobile game. Pokémon Go is tremendously fun just to capture and train actual, real-life Pokémon up close. It's one of the most addictive mobile games ever.
In total, 15,002,411 reviews are found in Google play store with 4.0 stars rating. There has been 100,000,000+ installs and the most recent update is December 15, 2021. While in Apple app store Pokémon Go is ranked No. 6 in Strategy category with 4.0 stars rating by 393.9K users. The app is rated as 9+ on Apple iOS App store and “7+” in Google Play store.
Pokémon Go has its cross-generational appeal. It manages to strike a balance between being fun for newcomers and capturing the sense of nostalgia for the old hands.
Players have to create a Pokémon Trainer Club account which resides on the Pokémon company's server for better privacy protection.
When you start, there are handful of customization options for gender, hair, skin colour, and clothing to create the in-game character. You can still make changes anytime you want later on. Once completed, your character will be placed on a map of the real-world neighbourhood, you can start “catching them all”.
Capturing can be an easy task, whenever the Pokémon appear on the map, you simply approach them and tap it to capture. This action will launch the smartphone's camera and show the Pokémon in AR against surroundings as the backdrop.
If you want to become a true Pokémon Master, capturing Pokémon alone isn't enough. You'll have them to fight in order to level up. The rule of thumb is that the Pokémon with the higher CP will win despite their obvious weaknesses and strengths. A true Pokémon fan will know that fire is strong against grass and weak against water. Just remember those kinds of strengths and weaknesses during the battle.
Regrettably Pokémon Go lacks direct trainer versus trainer battles, and it seems not to be added in any near future.
In summary, Pokémon Go offers a mix of fun, openness, and social interaction experience. Although the interest in the game has diminished from its peak but the game is still going strong. New Pokémons, team battles, buddy feature and raid battles have been added. It's still fun, addictive, and worthwhile to play.
Pros
- Fun AR implementation
- Competitive, team-based gym battles and raids
- Keep kids (and adults!) to get up and moving
- Encourages social interaction
- New features/characters are regularly added
Cons
- No trainer versus trainer battles.
- The game causes massive battery drainage on the phone
- Privacy concerns during gym battles or after placing lure modules
- Risk of physical injury due to distraction or being directed to unsafe places or onto private property