Pokemon GO"s "First Look" is finally here

When Pokemon GO was first revealed, fans went crazy, as the game promises an experience where you can explore the real world in search of Pokemon. Now, new details have been revealed by Niantic, the very company developing the game for smartphones. Here is a Zoomed out view of the Pokémon GO Game Map:

According to Niantic,

Pokémon GO represents the next generation of Niantic’s “Real World Gaming” platform. This platform combines mobile location technology and augmented reality to create a unique game experience that motivates players to go outside and explore the world around them.

Players will explore their surroundings to find and catch wild Pokémon. Certain wild Pokémon only appear in their native environments; for example, Water-type Pokémon may only appear near lakes and oceans.

Players can use the app to find Pokemon using location-based technology, and certain Pokemon can only be found in certain areas, like water Pokemon only being found near bodies of water, and so on. When a Pokemon is nearby, your phone will vibrate, and alert you.

To add more Pokemon to your roster, players must explore, however, there are other ways to get Pokemon, such as hatching them from Pokemon Eggs, which can be found in PokeStops. These eggs will hatch after walking for a certain distance, just like in the games. These PokeStops are located at interesting places, such as public art installations, historical markers, and monuments, where you can collect more Poké Balls and other items. The game also has a syste, where its not just the Pokemon who gain levels, but the trainer as well.

The game will also have some gym battles, Here is how the official Pokemon website describes them:

At a certain point in the game, you’ll be asked to join one of three teams. Once you join a team, you’ll gain the ability to assign Pokémon you’ve caught to empty Gym locations or to a location where a team member has placed one of his or her Pokémon. Like PokéStops, Gyms can be found at real locations in the world. Each player can place only one Pokémon at a particular Gym, so you’re encouraged to work with others on the team to build up a strong defense.

If a Gym is already claimed by another team, you can challenge that Gym using your own Pokémon. Using the Pokémon you’ve caught, engage in battle with the defending Pokémon at the Gym to claim control.

The game is still in development, however, Pokemon GO will be coming with a portable device called the Pokémon GO Plus, which “will enable Pokémon GO players to enjoy the game even while they’re not looking at their smartphones. The device connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and notifies the player about events in the game—such as the appearance of a Pokémon nearby—using an LED and vibration. In addition, players can catch Pokémon or perform other simple actions by pressing the button on the device.” It will be sold separately and will be available soon.

Features, available languages, design and overall appearance are not final.

For more information on Pokemon, check out SGCafe’s previous coverage on the games here.

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Pokemon GO"s "First Look" is finally here