Pokémon Go is one of the hottest apps on the market, keeping a frankly huge userbase even after it hit its height as a major fad. A game that leverages both the Pokémon franchise as well as some clever GPS technology, the app is a hit both among those who love the games and who long for a chance to get outside and explore.

At its core, the Pokémon Go app is a game of collecting. Players are given a small supply of Pokeballs and are sent out to collect as many of the titular monsters as possible, interacting with various landmarks and even with other players in their quest to catch 'em all. The game incorporates a number of Augmented Reality (AR) features in order to put players right in the middle of the Pokémon world, giving fans of all ages a unique point of entry into the the action of the games.

Features

The Pokemon Go app, developed by Niantic, is in many ways built on the foundations of the company's previous game Ingress. The action, such that it is, takes place on a real-world GPS map, with the various Pokemon creatures scattered across the map and real-world locations used as in-game Pokestops and Gyms.

The game's primary feature is the AR component, which utilizes a smart device's camera to display Pokemon on real-world backgrounds. Players can walk around any area they like and encounter various Pokemon, with the ability to catch them only limited by the supply of Pokeballs that the player happens to have on them.

The Pokémon Go game also features a number of community events and features, allowing players to group up with other local players to fight in raids or even to test out their Pokémon against one another. Players can collect various badges and special creatures when they interact with one another, with some content actually locked behind group activities.

This game also features a step-tracking program which encourages players to keep moving. Players are rewarded with candies for their Pokémon buddies after walking for certain distances and are given eggs that can only hatch if they are carried for a pre-determined number of steps.

Benefits

The intended benefit of Pokémon Go is definitely the ability of the game to allow players to interact with the world of Pokémon on their own smart devices. This is the first Pokémon game to be featured on a non-Nintendo platform and it's the first to really allow players to take on the role of Pokémon Trainer on their own. It's a unique way to allow fans to see some of their favorite creatures while allowing them a chance to get out and test their skills against others.

The other major benefit of Pokémon Go is health-related. The game encourages players to get out and walk, with creatures spread out across the landscape and the ability to get more of the items necessary for catching the creatures locked behind Pokestops that are generally located at local landmarks. The game is absolutely meant to recreate the experience of wandering the world and catching Pokémon, and by doing so it gives players a real reason to get out and see the world around them.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• An immersive Pokemon experience
• Encourages players to get outside and exercise
• Plenty of community events and new content
• Constant updates
• Huge user community

Cons

• Many microtransactions
• Very battery-heavy
• Can be taxing on older hardware

Conclusion

The Pokemon Go app is a great game for those who love Pokemon and who love the idea of getting out and exploring their own neighborhoods. Though playing the game offers players plenty of chances to spend money, it's also a game that can be played almost endless without spending a dime. If you're looking for a game that's going to give you hours of enjoyment and that can even get you out of your house, this might be the perfect app for you.