Pokémon fans rejoice! The first full mobile game has been launched. Players step into a virtual reality Pokémon world in a quest to catch em all!
Probably on of the most anticipated mobile games of all time has gone live in selected countries and is available for download from Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store. After a brief field test in May this year, the full version of Pokémon GO is now available. The game, which was produced in partnership with Ingress-makers Niantic Labs allows users to collect, train, and battle characters in an augmented reality world. Initially, the game appears to be limited to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand (for now)
The game allows users to create a customised avatar that will represent them in the virtual world. You then get the customary tutorials and walk-troughs before heading off on your own. As per tradition, you will get a starter pokémon (either Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle). You play through your smartphone’s camera which provides insight into the virtual world and allows you to identify Pokémon and catch them (e.g. you might find water based characters in the pond at your local park!).
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During gameplay, players will be encouraged to join one of three teams and engage in Gym battles with other teams (only available at level 5). Once they have joined a team, players will have the ability to assign their Pokémon to empty Gyms. Like PokéStops, Gyms can be found at real locations in the world, and because only one character per player can be placed at a given Gym, team members will need to work together to build a strong defence. A Gym claimed by one team can be challenged by the other two teams.
To assist users to catch Pokémon, the app will notify you when walking around that a Pokémon is nearby without the need of having the camera open. The Pokémon Company is also selling a wearable Bluetooth accessory that will notify users when a Pokémon is available for capture, it retails for around $35 USD (not sure about SA availability in the future). The game itself is free to play but, as usual, there are in-game purchases to get more equipment, upgrades etc.
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We have no indication of a South African release just yet. But there are ways to get the US/Other versions on your smartphone (Google is your friend). Remember that you follow these back-routes at your own risk 🙂
Source: 9to5Mac
Follow Jaco van der Walt on Twitter: @Jaco_vdWalt
