Pokémon Go Review: Capture Pokemon, play a game and combine a fantasy world with the real one

Introduction

Pokemon Go is the original augmented reality game, one which immerses players in the Pokemon universe and gets them moving almost anywhere in the world.

Concept

The basic plot of the game is thin: Players play as a Pokemon trainer. Using their phone, players move from location to location, using their camera and GPS signal to explore new aspects of the game. Different Pokemon's are generated by players moving from location to location. Pokeballs, which are required to capture Pokemon, can be found at set locations. Players can use the Pokemon they have captured to battle against others and become gym champions. It's the setting of the game, which is perhaps its best feature: You can play wherever you are, and if the augmented reality feature is turned on, it will appear as if you are capturing Pokemon that are sitting on your living room couch or dancing on your boss' head. As such, this game blurs the lines between technology, entertainment, and reality.

RATING: 4

Graphics & Audio

The greatest hook of Pokemon Go is unquestionably its use of the augmented reality. Indeed, that's the only way that the game can be played, as a variety of features are linked to players getting up and moving. The graphics of the game are nothing particularly special, and the music and sound effects can become incredibly repetitive. However, this is always the case for new genre games: They concentrate their efforts on the new technology (in this case, augmented reality), rather than existing ones. Still, after playing the game for ten minutes, you will get tired of the soundtrack.

RATING: 4

Gameplay

Players have a variety of goals, all tied to gaining experience points and leveling up. However, the game centers around a few mechanics: Capturing other Pokemon (done by flicking your finger to signify throwing a Pokeball) and battling. As the game has evolved, it has refined its various social components, a facet of the game which was originally deeply wanting. This has included: Adding your real-world friends as in-game friends, and leveraging your relationships to give gifts and trade with each other. Battling other players and participating in Pokemon leagues as well as dynamic weather systems that boost or hinder your ability to capture Pokemon. Daily "research" goals that reward you with special Pokemon. These social aspects have added a degree of evolving play to the game, which was previously missing.

RATING: 5

Conclusion

The game's launch was haunted with technical glitches, caused in no small part by the massive and somewhat unexpected popularity it achieved in a relatively short period of time. Thankfully, Niantic was able to upgrade its servers. Crashes and downtime are now few and far between. One technical limitation remains a problem, the game will drain your phone battery at record speed, and this issue cannot be mitigated without limiting your gameplay. The game's replay value creates an odd dynamic. On the one hand, there are always new gyms to visit, battles to be had, and Pokemon to capture. The game's relatively new social options enhance the experience and ensure that you can play with friends, and Niantic (the game's developer) has released updates and new features on a steady basis. However, the core gameplay never changes: You capture Pokemon, visit gyms, and battle others. This concept can get stale.

REPLAY VALUE: 4

TL/DR

Pokemon Go is a trendsetter that combines relatively current technology with an established franchise to provide players with an immersive experience.