Ever since the trailer for "Pokemon GO" debuted last year, Pokemon fans have been clamoring for any details about the upcoming augmented reality game. Created in collaboration with Niantic Labs and The Pokemon Company, "Pokemon GO" is being advertised as a game that will allow players to capture, catch and battle Pokemon in real life.
Following a leaked video that allegedly showed "Pokemon GO's" actual gameplay, Niantic and The Pokemon Company finally decided to unveil a number of pertinent details about the upcoming game's mechanics. From what the developers have officially announced, it seems like "Pokemon GO" will be one awesome game.
For one, just like Niantic's other game, "Ingress," "Pokemon GO" will involve players going out into the real world, using geo-markers in their smartphone's camera to locate Pokemon in the "wild." Players in the game would navigate through the game using a map that looks a lot like Google Maps with a Pokemon theme.
Once a player is within the vicinity of a Pokemon, the smartphone would vibrate, alerting the player. The player then uses the Camera app to specifically pinpoint the Pokemon's location. Pokemon are captured by Pokeballs, which are thrown by swiping at the smartphone's touchscreen.
Interestingly, the Bluetooth bracelet that has been featured in numerous "Pokemon GO" ads was not included in the announcement.
What's particularly interesting is the fact that the game would incentivise players for exploring real-world locations. Pokeballs, for example, could only be acquired by physically going to places that are designated as "PokeStops." Specific types of Pokemon could only be captured by going to a location that corresponds to their specific type.
For example, if a player would like to capture a Squirtle, the player would be better off traveling to places near bodies of water. Capturing multiple Pokemon of the same kind would also possibly trigger a Pokemon to evolve.
The game's creators have not released any information about locations that would correspond to more unorthodox Pokemon types, such as psychic, dragon and fairy-type Pokemon. From what has been revealed thus far, it would be very likely that the locations for these types would be pretty appropriate.
Lastly, the developers also announced the game's multiplayer element, as the game would allow players o team up and participate in Gym Battles against other players. Of course, gyms would also correspond to real-world locations.
Just like every other Pokemon RPG, players of "Pokemon GO" will also be able to level up after completing in-game tasks. After reaching a certain level, players will be able to access better items and hunt for more powerful Pokemon.
"Pokemon GO" is set for widespread release for both iOS and Android devices.
