Pokémon GO Released!!

The new Pokémon GO game has released to the public as of July 6th in select countries!

Pokémon has been around since the late 90s and Nintendo has been making games almost yearly on their handhelds to keep the franchise going.

Recently, Nintendo released an app based on the Pokémon world which is available on iPhone and Android devices.

This game is not like any other and takes the loved genre of augmented reality.

In a matter of a day, the game has hit the top of the charts in app stores and is being written about constantly on its updates.

Basics

In a basic sense, no, you do not need to have played Pokémon in order to play Pokémon GO.

This is a new app that is best for anyone to play, old and new.

At the start of the game, you get to customize your trainer (yourself) and pick your starter Pokémon. (First catch, basically like a tutorial at this point.)

The way the game works, is by GPS, also known as the Global Positioning System.

Wherever you are, the Pokémon GO app shows as if you are on a map, and Pokémon that are surrounding you or locations that you can go to such as Gyms or PokeStops, which will be explained in a bit.

Depending on your location and time of day, you can catch different types of Pokémon, and when something is nearby, you can see rustling grass just like in the real games and when you're close, your smartphone should vibrate and the Pokémon would be nearby to catch.

While actually catching a Pokémon, you make an actual motion of throwing a Pokéball on the screen at the Pokémon that you are nearby. (As shown)

Later after catching different Pokémon, there's opportunities to level-up Pokémon or to evolve them.

There are PokeStops at different locations and landmarks, and a common one being churches, where you can get various items upon arrival.

Later Gameplay

After playing for awhile and leveling up, by catching Pokémon, you gain more abilities, like joining teams and being able to attend Gyms.

Gyms are in set locations in the World. Gyms are taken over by teams, and whatever color team you join upon being on level 5, you can take over gyms with other players on the same team as yourself.

Gyms, as of now, are the only places that people are able to battle other Pokémon, and attending gyms with a group of friends that are on your team is the best way to take the places on.

In Conclusion

The game has taken a huge pounce at the concept of augmented reality.

In other cases, it is extremely crucial to take caution of your surroundings and location to stay safe.

Also, do not catch and drive! It can be extremely tempting but it is of course, unsafe to do things while behind the wheel.

So, have you played Pokémon GO or do you plan to play it? What do you think of the game! Write your response in the reactions!!