Apart from Legend of Zelda's warm reception at Nintendo's E3 presentation, the highly anticipated gameplay preview for the augmented reality game Pokémon Go was also released in the gaming industry event which ran from June 14 through June 16. While latest details on the AR game does not mention specific release date on iOS and Android platforms, the scheduled release window falls sometime in July.
As per Daily Star, Niantic's AR game will involve walking around to search and catch Pokémon in the real world with the use of a smartphone. However, each Pokémon is time and location-sensitive. For example, water-type Pokemons can only be found in places near the water. Also, ghostly type Pokemons only reside in creepy places like graveyards and can only be captured during night time.
So far, no word coming from either Nintendo or Niantic suggests the possibility of launching local events enabling players to capture hard-to-find Pokemons like Zapdos and Mewtwo. But Nintendo did clarify that it players are allowed to trade their Pokemons with other gamers after the July launch.
In addition, the AR game will also offer "candy" rewards to help Pokemons level up and evolve. For instance, capturing 25 Squirtles correspond to 25 Squirtle candy rewards to make the Pokemon evolve into Wartortle, Always Nintendo reported.
The ambitious AR game is free to download from Apple's App store for iPhones and Google Play Store for Android mobile phones. While the game is free-of-charge, there will be a number of available paid-for in-game content.
"For players who want to enhance their Pokémon GO experience even more, certain items and features can be accessed via in-app purchases. Players can spend real money on PokéCoins, the in-game currency of Pokémon GO. PokéCoins can then be exchanged for power-ups, extra items, and other enhancements," said The Pokémon Company as quoted by PC Advisor.
Meanwhile, Nintendo also announced a wrist-worn accessory for the game called Pokemon Go Plus that allows gamers to play the game without the use of their devices for $34.99, The Verge reported.
This optional wearable device use Bluetooth technology to capture a Pokemon through a series of blinking lights as mentioned in an Engadget reported. When a Pokemon is nearby, the accessory lights up and vibrates. To attempt a catch, players would have to push the button. If Pokemon Go Plus responded with a blue light, it signals success. Red light signifies failure.
