Let’s set the mood:
Remember when Pokémon first came out in 1998? Twenty-somethings of the world, rejoice! Pokémon has finally made the move to mobile app form—which means soon you’ll be able to search for and catch Pokémon in the real world.
“The Pokémon video game series has always valued open and social experiences, such as connecting with other players to enjoy trading and battling Pokémon,” wrote The Pokémon Company in a press release. “Pokémon GO’s gameplay experience goes beyond what appears on screen, as players explore their neighborhoods, communities, and the world they live in to discover Pokémon alongside friends and other players.”
That’s right: You’ll be able to run through tall grass or surf in real life to catch Pokémon! (Or you could stick to the streets and whatnot. That works too.)
The Pokémon Company president Tsunekazu Ishihara announced that Pokémon Go will be made for Android and iOS smartphones. Developed as a collaboration between Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, and game developer Niantic, it is set for release in 2016.
Carry a real-life “pokeball”
According to The Pokémon Company, the game will be free to download, but a Bluetooth device called Pokémon GO Plus can be bought—so you don’t have to constantly watch your phone—and there are optional in-app purchases, too. (Does this mean we can we finally buy Master Balls?).
The Poké Ball-shaped Plus device can be worn like a bracelet or a brooch, and will alert players that something important is happening in their game via an LED light and vibrations—like if a wild Pokémon is nearby. Players will also be able to catch Pokémon and perform other simple actions by pressing a button on the device.
Like other Pokémon games, GO is intended to be for people of all ages—for children, families, and young adults who might need a little reminder of a simpler time as they face impending adulthood.
“Our challenge was to develop a great game for smart phone devices that expressed the core values of Pokémon,” said Ishihara in a press release. “Pokémon GO is the answer to that challenge.”
“Pokémon GO is a wonderful combination of Niantic’s real world gaming platform and one of the most beloved franchises in popular culture,” added John Hanke, founder and CEO of Niantic, Inc. “Our partnership with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo is an exciting step forward in real-world gaming and using technology to help players discover the world and people around them.”
“Help players discover the world” seems like a noble idea. Of course… we could just conquer it by forming a real-life Team Rocket.
Watch the trailer for Pokémon GO below:
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Image credit: YouTube/The Official Pokémon Channel
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