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Better Late Than Never Review: Pokemon GO


I cannot think of no other mobile game which generated more hype or was more anticipated than Pokemon GO. This game swept the nation upon its release. For a time you couldn't go out without seeing someone glued to their phone, making the tell-tale swipes to throw poke balls.  Now a year since the release, and with far less trainers on the street, how is the game?

Pokemon GO is a mobile game that simulates the experience of being a trainer in the Pokemon series. Popularized by successful games and TV shows Pokemon has the distinction of being one of the few properties in the world with truly global recognition.

In the age of personal, pocket, advanced computers a game that takes advantage of this recognition seems only natural. In a big way, Pokemon GO does this and more. Using the app on your phone you can capture Pokemon, train them, and fight other Pokemon in gyms.

From the start, Pokemon GO is a game about getting outside and walking around. The items used to catch the wild Pokemon and heal your own are available for purchase, but are free at spots throughout the real world. One need only visit one to collect these items. Gyms work the same way with you needing to be at least a certain distance to a gym to interact with it.

Other features include a MMO style  team system, raid battles for higher level or rare Pokemon and special events.  The game does have micro-transactions but they're not needed to play and you can earn the in-game currency through the gyms.

Like many mobile games, Pokemon GO is a substantial grind. The game requires you to often catch several of a kind of Pokemon before you can evolve it and powering up your Pokemon takes a great deal of time.

The Good:
-the game rewards cooperation
-new features and Pokemon are still being added.

The Bad:
-drains phone battery fast
-the grind is intense, especially at the higher levels.

Overall there is a lot to be said for and against Pokemon GO. It suffers from many of the pitfalls and shortcomings of any mobile game, but at the end of the day you can use it to walk the earth capturing Pokemon, make new friends, and in a way becoming a Pokemon trainer like you always wanted to.

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