A truly addictive, innovative game
Download Pokemon Go, and you’ll find yourself dealing with the same premise - gotta catch them all. However, this time, you’ll be doing so by walking the streets of your city.
A changed reality
Pokemon Go is a game for smartphones that enables you to catch Pokemon in an augmented real world using a map and your phone’s GPS.
With your GPS, the camera of your phone, and mapping technology, this game changes the real world as you see it. The premise is simple - catch all the creatures around you. Without a time limit and consequences, if you fail, Pokemon Go relies on its addictiveness to keep you going.
There are 151 distinct Pokemon to catch, and the nearest will pop up on your phone. When you come near one, hurl a Pokeball on it - if you're lucky, you'll catch it.
The idea behind the game is to have children notice the world around them. Since its release, it has sent hundreds outside to play. Although the game graphics aren't ideal, though, with broad, blandly drawn characters, with such exciting gameplay, that hardly matters.
The game uses real-life locations to encourage players to go out in search of Pokemon. You may download it free of charge, but there are also specific in-app purchases to boost your experience with power-ups and extra items.
Note that this game will eat up your data and battery - make sure you have enough of both if you're moving outside the range of WiFi and a charger. Another issue is that Niantic, the company behind the game, gains a massive amount of access to your personal information.
Where can you run this program?
When it comes to Android devices, this game runs on OS versions 5.0 and above. Apple devices 12.1.2 and above also support it.
Is there a better alternative?
No, Pokemon Go is, at the moment, one of a kind. However, if you’re looking for similar games, Geocaching, Ingress, and Mobbles offer similar excitement and get you moving to go through the gameplay.
Our take
Pokemon Go is a game providing definite hours of fun 100% free of charge. However, be careful while playing and mind your actual environment.
Should you download it?
Yes, if you heard about the game and felt drawn to the hype. It provides a unique playing experience that is completely addictive - and healthy!
