While the very first version of the game was released in 1996, a re-vamped version of Pokémon has taken the world by storm.
Pokémon Go is a game that brings the world of the cartoon creatures to life. Through an app on your smartphone and by using GPS location services, the creators at Nintendo are able to place different Pokémon near you depending on where you are.
For example, you’ll be able to find more water-type Pokémon near bodies of water, and more electric-type Pokémon come out during thunderstorms.
Kyle Chamaillard is an employee at London’s Game Cycle, and a Pokémon enthusiast. He says he has been waiting for an interactive Pokémon game for a long time.
“For the future of Pokémon, it definitely opens a lot of doors. Now it’s like planet Earth is my Pokémon playground. If I’m ever traveling to Paris or something I can catch Pokémon there, or anywhere else in the world!”
Since it made its initial release last week in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, the game has added over $7.5 billion to Nintendo’s market value. The game itself has so far earned over $14 million since its release due to in-app purchases.
Other countries have now been added to the list, including the UK, and Germany. Unfortunately for us, Canada has yet to officially join in on the fun.
However, that hasn’t stopped some tech savvy wannabe trainers from downloading the game anyway. For android users, they are able to download online APK files of the game. iPhone users need to create iTunes accounts from countries where the game is available.
Currently, the Forest City is crawling with people from all ages who just want to be the very best – like no one ever was.
Joe Pulitano is an active Pokémon Goer and says he couldn’t wait until the Canadian release to start catching Pokémon.
“Pokémon is so nostalgic and it’s like, all my childhood coming into one game. Everyone is playing it and I thought it’d be a good idea to check it out!”
Pulitano says his favourite part about the game is the real-life experiences and adventures he has because of it.
“We’ve met a whole bunch of people who’ve been playing it, and they show us different way to play it. It’s just amazing how we can all come together for a game”.
He promptly turned towards his friend and joked that the best part of the game is how it forces him to get out of the house, and that he gets more exercise playing the game for one day than he normally does in a week.
Game Cycle’s Kyle Chamaillard thinks it great that everyone is actually going outside to play the app, since gamers are getting a lot more exercise. He adds that while out on adventures, Goers still need to keep safety in mind.
“Look both ways before you cross the street, and don’t go looking for Psyducks in the middle of the road”.
Whether you’re Poké-maniac who’s been waiting for an opportunity like this for ages, or just a curious mind looking to find out what the hype is about, the reviews for Pokémon Go have been extremely positive.
The most important thing to remember about the game is to remain careful while on your walks. Don’t go anywhere that looks unsafe (especially at night), use the buddy system, and don’t Pokémon Go and drive.
