8 Things We Love About Pokemon Go

It has taken the world by storm, seemingly overnight. Pokemon Go has become an instant success amongst fans, new and old, alike. The online community has been anxiously awaiting the release of the game and it has grown into an unbelievable new cultural phenomenon that has already been in the news with widespread internet coverage. For those who aren't exactly crazy about their loved ones devoting so much time to a video game, there are several positives to consider; in fact, we've been so impressed with the game that we've put together a list of the 8 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT POKEMON GO the most.

1. You can't beat the price: Free is almost always a bargain when it comes to video games. For a game that is not incredibly riddled with advertisements, Pokemon Go is a fascinating specimen. It actually seems to be contributing to the economy in a matter of sorts, rather than draining it; more on that later, but the fact of the matter is that fiscally, this game just makes sense to players. A while back when I tried out “Star Wars: Battlefront”, I had to pay for the original game which was $49.99, plus the first expansion which was $59.99, plus my first month's subscription, etc. All told, it cost about $110 and I needed to get a new SSD to install the game on, for good measure because I simply can't stand uninstalling games once I've played them. For having such an extremely organized file system in my computer, I'm quite the hoarder. I've already spent more time with Pokemon Go than I have with Star Wars, so I'd say, value-wise, Pokemon Go is the way to… go.

2. Pokemon fans have not been known for their suave social interactions: It's true that stereotyping is unfair, but let's be honest with ourselves. Nobody thinks of a huge Pokemon fan and imagines James Bond smooth-talking an ultra-hot British girl he's just met. The truth of the matter is, many of us video-gamers are introverts at heart, and our video games have kept us entertained in our “safe places” for quite some time. Now that we have an app like this, we are encouraged to go outside, explore, and even mingle with others. I often see friends on Facebook organizing group get-togethers to go exploring for Pokemon together just as if they were strangers on Craigslist organizing… something else. This is something that gets them outside talking to people, making friends and frienemies, but meeting people none the less and it is a beautiful thing to see. There are factions to which members can join and swear allegiance to. It encourages healthy competition and a truly fun sense of belonging for many introverted fans who would otherwise go it alone. To be a stepfather that can't stand to see his little girl be so reclusive to being able to say “Yes, you can go out and play with the neighbors” at 10:00 in the morning because she's absolutely come out of her shell, yes. It's a blessing. I'm grateful for this, foremost.

3. Promotes health and fitness: Honestly, did anybody ever see this coming? Wii Fit was such a 'big hit' (chokes on laughter), that the 'fitness' video game market seemed doomed to extinction. This new game is one that can't be played lying around like Jabba the Hutt. In order to do well in this game, one will need to get out in the world and do some exploring, carefully, mind you. But it is fascinating to note that being able to devote as much time to a video game as people have been to Pokemon Go has never resulted in anything beneficial, health-wise. I played World of Warcraft on and off for a great many years; on and off since late 2005, and the only thing it got me was a bad back, some mild carpel tunnel, and about 40 pounds, twice. Gained it, lost it, gained it… trying to lose it. This game is certainly a step in the right direction (not to mention the fact that I gladly paid $15 monthly for World of Warcraft, plus the cost of endless Hot Pockets – the official diet plan of World of Warcraft. Let me once again remind you once again that Pokemon Go is free.)

4. Utilizes smartphone technology in ways it has not been, previously : Your smartphone, no matter how old, is truly a marvel to behold. There's a compass, a camera, a Bluetooth device, Wi-Fi internet capable, a capacitive high definition touchscreen, the list goes on and on. The fact of the matter is there have not been any fun and engaging games that have taken advantage of anything but the touch screen and processor. Conventional video gaming is much more fun on a television or computer than it is on a phone. Obviously we don't love just staring at tiny screens all day because it's the best gaming experience. So the fact that this app has made it so that a unique feature with unique gameplay allows the game to utilize the technology in a way that no other game has done so. It takes the emphasis from staring at the screen and better serves to act as a tool in your live action hunt. It really is revolutionary. Game developers all over have slapped their heads in unison proclaiming that it should have been they to think of it.

5. It will allow other game developers to follow suit with similar gameplay : So it's the logical progression in our list and is one that greatly deserves to be mentioned. The new technology introduced by Pokemon Go will lend itself to a variety of genre of video games. Imagine a first person shooter where people can snipe each other from across a field using their camera and zoom feature. Imagine a survival horror game that works in your own house with the lights off, using the flashlight app on your phone. Anybody else ready and waiting for “Resident Evil: Go” and “Silent Hill: and Chill” to become a thing? All kidding aside, this technology will add dimension to so many different varieties of games. I can't wait to see how the next Grand Theft Auto game will incorporate the technology. Just as the smartphone app for training “Chop” did in Grand Theft Auto: V, I'm certain that we can expect spectacular things from this technology for the accompanying smartphone app to launch alongside Grand Theft Auto: VI, which is already in the works, according to Rockstar Games. Cue the angry letters from parents!

6. Potential to boost local business marketing: So aside from inspiring other game developers and smartphone/tablet apps, Pokemon Go is already serving to encourage local businesses to attempt to capitalize on its popularity to boost business. I've already seen several articles online posted about the benefits of utilizing Pokemon Go in their marketing strategy in order to attract new customers. Many restaurants, landmarks, and billboards serve as “Poke Stops” where players can come collect items to use within the game and within battles. The “Poke Stops” are seemingly endless as people are able to find items at hospitals, gardens, large painted murals, or buildings. This has the potential for businesses to say “… come on by; bring the kids for exciting Pokemon Go exclusives…” This will also serve to allow companies to get super creative with their packaging. Imagine going to a Chuck E. Cheese and getting a different package based on whether or not you are Team Valor, Team Mystic, or Team Instinct. This helps drive “faction loyalty” (a concept I became very familiar with as a proud member of The Horde during my World of Warcraft days), and promotes a sense of belonging for those among the same factions. There are no downsides to people banding together and relating over common mutual interest.

7. The developers are continuously updating and improving: Pokemon Go is by no means, a finished product. It has been polished enough so that it may be released to the general public and those who choose to play will understand that it is a highly functional work in progress. There have already been various updates and patches, but that is the beauty and magic of an internet based app or game when compared to a console game that comes on a disc which needs to be absolutely perfect before a single dime is spent on mass production and distribution. Users are able to experience all the game has to offer and more with each and every patch. More Poke Stops are being added all the time to allow for expansion and more collecting of items and Pokemon. With most games, the bugs are worked out for the most part; there are a few patches and updates from time to time. Then, some time later, an expansion is added to the game, which of course, increases file size drastically. With an ongoing project like this, most users will not be feeling any such expansion bulge, nor will they have to endure that “there's nothing to do, when will the expansion arrive?” anxious feeling when one runs out of content to experience. Blizzard Entertainment has been notorious for pushing back release dates for World of Warcraft expansions. I remember that before the original expansion, “The Burning Crusade”, our guild had defeated all of Naxxramus which was the last new dungeon release before the expansion. Once it was released, we all quickly found out that the gear and items that we'd worked so hard for, for hours and hours on end, would be quickly replaced by commonly found items in the new content with better stats and such. This was quite disheartening for those who dedicated much of their time and energies into achieving the highest levels of armor and weapons. Those who play a continuously developing game such as this should have no such issue as there typically may not be an incredibly large leap in content at any one point.

8. The game has proven suitable for many skill levels: One of the main appeals of this game, and the reason it has been so successful, is not only the innovative play style, but the fact that anybody, seasoned Pokemon veteran and new fans alike, are able to install the app for free, and start playing and having fun. You don't have to have an absolutely substantial knowledge or prior games or some intense backstory/lore. While those types of games are certainly rewarding to those who follow the storylines, timelines, and plot structure, such as the Elder Scrolls games, it can prove to be a bit more difficult for newer players to pick up and dive right in. The Pokemon Go game, however, offers no such obstacle. Anyone can pick up the game and start playing. Now, with that being said; there is a strategy involved. It isn't just mindless wandering around waiting for something to pop up on the screen of your camera phone. There is a learning curve. It's like driving or playing checkers; almost anyone can do it, but to be excellent requires skill and dedication. For example, diversifying your stable of Pokemon can prove advantageous for when fighting Pokemon of other types. If you have electricity type Pokemon, you may worry if going up against water type Pokemon and might elect to swap them out, for example. Now in order to diversify your collection, you need to know where to look. Large bodies of water and aquariums are the best places to find water type Pokemon. Electric yards and consumer electronics stores are absolutely fantastic for finding lightning type Pokemon. Just like anything else, it's about the amount of work and thought put in to your strategy that will make or break the gameplay.

All in all, the game has proven to be quite addicting for most people. I'm sure many of you will have additional reasons to love the game and we encourage your feedback! In the mean-time, stay safe out there! Look both ways first and always exercise concentration when making use of any game or app that requires you to not look where you are going. I would be inclined to say that the safety concerns are the only drawback I can find with it, but truthfully, that is inherent of the design, itself and not necessarily something that can be easily alleviated. This overnight sensation looks to be the next major cultural phenomenon, and with good reason. As far as we are concerned, the positives greatly outweigh the negatives as this game provides a little something for everybody!