What Is Pokémon Go?
If you feel like you’re in the dark about this whole Pokémon Go thing, fear not: allow me to enlighten you! I, too, once was blind, but now I see! You probably remember Pokémon as being a card game that little boys played in groups back in the late 90’s, that accompanied a Saturday morning cartoon of the same name. In doing my research, I learned that it was actually created for Nintendo Game Boy back in 1995. So why are people of all ages now obsessing over this mobile version? More importantly, what exactly is it?
Pokémon Go is a free mobile app. While you have the option to use real money to buy in-game currency, you certainly don’t have to, and the game is actually more fun if you have to use your time and energy to get further in the game (because it means you physically have to go out into the world and interact with other people to advance).
The game uses your phone’s GPS for your real-world location, drops an avatar of yourself onto a map of your area, and then shows you where to go to catch Pokémon. Unlike with most games, you have to physically go to the location in order to “catch” the Pokémon (Which, by the way, simply means “pocket monster.”). Your collection of little monsters is stored away in a Pokédex, where you can break them out later at your local “gym” to battle them against other, real-live people’s collections. The players are referred to as trainers…like a dog trainer, but a little, virtual, monster trainer instead.
OK, now, what the heck is this “gym?” Once you get to level five in the game, you’ll have access to these gyms where you can battle another trainer one-on-one, using your collection of Pokémon. (Each Pokémon has a “CP” designation, or combat power designation. The higher the CP, the stronger it will be in battle.)
A blue diamond marker on your map will indicate a Pokéstop. These are places where you can interact with other trainers or pick up other items important to your game.
To get started, download the app, open it and sign up with either your Google account or a Pokémon Trainer Club account. You’ll get a brief how-to tutorial before three Pokémon pop up on your map. Swipe your finger across the screen to throw a Pokéball at it (which captures the creature). Practice makes perfect! After this, you’ll be able to explore the app. Look for blowing leaves, which indicates a hidden Pokémon. Highly populated areas tend to have more Pokémon and Pokéstops.
A word of caution: There have been news reports of people getting into trouble all for the sake of Pokémon. A couple in Toledo, Ohio were arrested for breaking and entering into the zoo, after jumping the fence to play the game inside. There have also been several reports of people being lured into unsafe areas and robbed, all with the lure that Pokémon would be at the scene of the crime. The best way to avoid criminal activity is to use common sense when playing. Don’t go to unfamiliar, isolated places at 2:00 a.m. for example… On the whole, the game is harmless fun, so don’t be scared.
Pokémon Go combines gaming, physical activity and meeting new people, so you can see why it’s catching on. It’s OK to geek out; it’s for a good cause! As the game says, “Gotta catch ‘em all!”
Thanks for this great explanation. If only I had time to play a game like this all day, but no. Just don’t! But it sure has caught on fast.
We are so in love with Pokemon Go! My kids and I take rides around town regularly. Going out for ice cream has become our routine LOL
Pokemon Go is an amazing game. My son, my husband and I love it haha.
I downloaded it to see what the fuss was about and played a little bit for about a week. I deleted it though because I tend to get too wrapped up in these games, and certainly don’t want to find myself breaking into zoos. lol
This really is an amazing app!! so entertaining. Thanks for the post
I love how this game is getting kids off the couch. Now if some would just practice common sense.
I can’t believe just how many people I see playing this when I walk down my local High Street. Kids and adults alike seem to love it.
Haha, fantastic write up of what is probably the world’s most famous game! I downloaded it for my youngest and we’ve had quite a bit of fun with it.
I am not sure if this is already available in our country. Sounds fun but I am not going to try this, maybe hubby will do.
I have heard a lot about this game and most of them
Say this is pretty addicting.
I have no downloaded pokemon go and I have no plans on downloading it. That being said I love that is is getting people moving and out and about. No more couch surfing!
The PokemonGo craze hasn’t died down one bit and it’s not even surprising anymore. I think it’s a great game so long as people are safe while using it. It definitely brings back memories from the 90’s!
I love to play this game! It is so much fun and my kids love to play it with me. It makes me wants to dust off my gameboy and play Pokemon on there.
My son loves Pokemon Go so I have to love it also. Tho it’s quite a good game. Kinda addicting too!
I can’t believe how popular this game has become. I really had no idea what it was all about but your review is right to the point. Still not sure I can jump on board with the game.
Everyone I know plays it. I never was into pokemon so this doesn’t make me excited lol
The game is fun! I did mock it a bit when it first came out but mostly because it wasn’t available to download (in Canada). Soon as it was, I did download it and find it very fun!
I don’t play, but 3 of my kids do. I have read so many funny things about what some people do while playing this game lol!
It seems like the whole world knows what Pokemon Go is now and I can see why. It looks fun!
I’ve been having so much fun playing this game. My kids laugh at me. I’m only at level 4 so close to 5!
I let my grand kids play Pokemon Go on my cell phone, and only when I drive them around to play. We don’t get out of the car because I’ve heard of some things that are troubling connected to this game (such as people being lured into unsafe areas and robbed). We also keep our doors locked when we stop at stops. I’m a bit over cautious sometimes. It’s a fun way for us to spend time together doing something they enjoy, while I get to enjoy the AC lol.
Great post! The PokemonGo has become extremely popular all around the world. Have have my children crazy over it and today my friend told me her husband is obsessed with it too.
I have yet to download this game. Not sure if I’m ready yet lol
Pokemon Go has certainly taken the world by storm it seems. I have not really played it but my boys love it.
I have not given in to the craze of it all but I think I may have to. Maybe it will help me keep my sanity? Maybe?
Looks like a great app, many people would loves to play this game.
My son loves Pokemon go! He actually asks me to drive him to places to catch new things! Thank you for the explanation, I had no idea what it was!!
The hype of this game! Everyone is almost hooked to this