Monday, July 11, 2016

Relive Your Childhood and Get Fit With Pokémon Go



I don't know about you, but I couldn't help but geek out when Pokémon Go went live. If you are shocked by the fact that 1) I know what Pokémon are or 2) that I am not serious about this game, then you clearly don't know me. 

Although Niantic probably did not predict how popular this would be, it's become a game that nerds and fitness enthusiasts alike have started to utilize to compete against each other, as walking more helps you find more Pokémon in your area.

The app is definitely a blast from the past for those who grew up playing Pokémon on a Gameboy.

Now, I will admit that I am more obsessed with the idea of catching the Pokémon than battling or leveling up. My understanding of the game itself is very basic, but enough that I have fun and don't take anything too seriously.

Please please please be careful while playing this game. This game utilizes your geolocation (definition) in order to function, and even alerts you when opening the app to be aware of your surroundings. I don't care how much you want that Pokémon in the dark woods at 11PM at night, but I don't think it's worth it.

I was on campus studying last Thursday night and on my way back to my car, I was probably more entertained with the people running around campus catching Pokémon than I was with my own game. You could tell who was playing it by the way they had their phone in their hands and traveled in groups of 2 or more. And my campus had plenty of Pokémon and Pokéstops to keep them entertained.

Pokéstops are great because they give you items that you would have to otherwise pay for. Finding them is easy, they are marked with a blue pin on the map. When you walk by them, they change shape, allowing you to "spin the disk" and collect your items.

I never purchase anything through apps. Does that hinder my game, not really. I'm still able to catch Pokémon, battle, and level up, just like any other player. Purchasing coins, eggs, or whatever else they have in the store will really only help you if you are a super addict.

There is one downside so far. If you don't have a data plan, then you can really only play when you are connected to wifi, which defeats the purpose of using Pokémon Go as a fun fitness tool. They do have an option called "Battery Saver" though. What this does is keeps the GPS running on your phone (using data), but when placed upside-down in a pocket, will turn off the screen. This helps if you are trying to rack up your kilometers to hatch an egg with the incubator.

So, if you want a fun way of getting your steps in, Pokémon Go is definitely a way to do that. I cannot wait to see how this app develops. I would love to be able to battle my friends because I'm pretty sure my wimpy 10CP Eevee can't take on the high-level Pokémon at the local gyms.

My questions for you, the reader: Have you gotten addicted to Pokémon Go yet? What are some things you hope they add in the future? I'd love to know, leave me a comment!

7 comments :

  1. I have heard so much about this, but I don't think I'll ever take the plunge because I'm not an app/game type person. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. I never thought of using the game as a fitness tool! I have only played the game for like 5 minutes but I can see how funny it would be to be on a campus when this game came out!

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  3. I have heard about this, we live out in the country so getting outside isn't a problem

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  4. I am so addicted I work at a digital marketing company and the age range is about 23-35 so we are all geeking out. I am a lazy pokemoner but because I started working out the same week it came out. I have caught several at my gym when leaving haha.

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  6. i'm so obsessed with pokemon go. i feel like i'm not as much about battling or anything but i am collecting pokemon for my pokemon zoo hahahaha. <3

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