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…Why I DISLIKE PokemonGO and why you should do the same…

pokemon-go-warning-screen

What is Pokemon Go?

It is a FREE game that you can download on your mobile device. You navigate through your neighborhood, city streets, parks, and pretty much any public place to capture virtual creatures. The goal is to catch as many of these virtual creaturesd you can. You can then at some point battle your high-ranking creatures against opposing players creatures.

So yes, let me start by saying that I can honestly say that I DO NOT LIKE PokemonGo… I LOVE IT! And there are various reasons for my strong emotions towards this virtual pocket zoo: 

  • It forces people of all ages to get up and get outside! I now see kids in parks until the street lights come one (something that I have not seen in a LONG time).
  • It forces people to get up and get active! You have to walk around… YES PHYSICALLY WALK around to find your virtual creatures.  You can also incubate your eggs (something I will discuss in a bit) and hatch them.  BUT this can only be done via walking (or running) around.  And no worries… the games GPS does not allow you to fully “cheat”.  You can not sit cruising on the high way and collect miles on your game.  It calculates your speed, overall movement, and GPS location to determine how fast you are going. That will determine if the game will register that movement. And of course, I am sure there are ways to still cheat the system but what fun is it if you have to cheat to get ahead in the game!?
  • People are utilizing local landmarks, local monuments, and local parks more than they were previously being used. The game creates “PokeStops” where you can collect PokeItems to use in the game. These PokeStops are typically located at local monuments/landmarks/parks.
  • This game is giving families something to do TOGETHER! Each person in the family can download the app. The family can set aside days/times to walk around their neighborhood and play the game. It also allows for a great thing to play when you want to walk your pets. Overall this game is getting people to get up and be more active!

Now with anything there is a downside. People are not using the game like they should.  People are driving slowly to try to collect their creatures and causing car accidents.  People are not paying attention and are wondering into protected areas (or busy streets) to catch Pokemon or collect items from a PokeStop. PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN USING THE GAME!

Now for those who are newbies to the game (do not worry… I am still a newbie! I live vicariously thought my friends who get to play this game more than I do) here are some tips to help you out:

  • Turn off your “AR”. This will actually make it easier to catch your Pokemon.  If you like to search around your house or car through the lens of your camera phone that is fine. But if you are in a public place that will limit that turn it on and the Pokemon will pop up on your screen right in front of you.

AR-OFF_1

  • Want to get some extra XP (Experience Points). Use this quick move to add a SPIN to your pokeball. It does take some practice but makes it more fun to catch Pokemon!

 

  • See those leaves tossing around in the “grass” on your screen? That indicates that there is Pokemon near by. That does not mean that they Pokemon will come out so you can catch them.  It just means that there are indeed Pokemon near you.
  • Keep an eye on your “Nearby” guide. it helps to let you know what is around you!

nearby

*If you see a Pokemon that is shaded Grey (like above) That means you have not caught that kind of Pokemon yet! So you want to try to go after those to add them to your Pokedex (Your Pokemon Index/library)

  • Have you collected “berries”? Feed them to the Pokemon BEFORE you try to catch them.  This makes them “less hostile” and less willing to break through your PokeBall or run away.
  • Take advantage of PokeStops! This is where you can score some great items to save in your bag and use for later

PokeStops look like this:

PokeStop

  • DO catch as many Pokemon as you can. You can trade the weaker Pokemon and evolve your Pokemon to be bigger/stronger.
  • Did you get some eggs? Incubate them! As you walk you will gain “KM” (which means Kilometers) that will help to hatch those eggs. You are awarded Pokemon from those eggs that are hatched.

egg incubate

  • Run out of PokeBalls? The App does offer a “in-app” store that will allow you to pay money to purchase coins. These coins can be used to purchase items that you can use in the game (such as PokeBalls).
  • BE WARNED! This game will drain your batter and use a lot of your data! So use with caution if you are on a limited data plan. Or try to find areas that offer free wi-fi and chase Pokemon in those areas.

These are just a few things that I was able to pick up in the short time that I have been playing the game. The goal is to get Pokemon, evolve and grow them, battle them against other Pokemon and win over ‘gyms”. This is where you get more coins and XP (experience points) to help to progress you further and further in the game.

I fell in LOVE with this game when I realized that so many people were actually getting up and going outdoors! I have had several client say that their kids look forward to the long walks they take to play the game.  I get excited to drive past local parks and see swarms of people walking/running/roaming around. I am sad that people do not have this natural excitement to get up and get active. BUT, at least people are finding something to be excited about and something that is giving them a workout (even if they do not realize that they are actually exercising!). This game is a HUGE win because it is getting people to get outside, get active, and have fun at the same time! 

So grab a mobile device, grab some comfy shoes (and water), pick a team (Team Blue, Yellow, or Red), and go catch you some POKEMON!