Review: Get Out with Pokémon Go | ExpatWoman.com
 

Review: Get Out with Pokémon Go

Encourage your kids to get out and about to explore with the new Pokémon GO... Here's why.

Posted on

12 July 2016

Last updated on 31 March 2019
Review: Get Out with Pokémon Go

Already gaining a reputation of being fantastic, Pokémon GO is taking the world by storm. The classic game has finally made it on to smartphones, much to the joy of millions of fans worldwide. 

Since the arrival of Pokémon in our lives two decades ago, children, teenagers and young adults have been captivated by the glorious and recognisable creatures. 

SEE ALSO: How to download Pokémon GO in the UAE

Now with advancing technologies and the help of AR, GPS and a Google Maps-esque layout, fans and avid trainers can now hunt their favourite Pokémon in real life... Sort of.

And I have to be honest, it's enormously fun! And it's FREE!

Review: Get Out with Pokémon Go

 

Released in the USA, Australia and New Zealand on July 6th, the application allows users to travel between the real world and the virtual world of Pokémon for iPhone and Anroid devices. It uses real locations to encourage players to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon to catch. 

I managed to download the app, after meticulous steps to bypass Apple's Appstore location settings, and had at playing the game for EW readers. 

Once installed, I was welcomed with a stern warning of paying attention to my surroundings while playing it... I was sat at my desk in work, however, so this wasn't an issue. But of course, while the app encourages everyone to get out on their feet to explore their surroundings while hunting their favourite creatures, users must still be aware of where they are at all times. 


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So much so, that when you visit the main Pokémon GO website, a warning reads "for safety's sake, never play Pokémon GO when you're on your bike, driving a car, riding a hoverboard, or anything else where you should be paying attention, and of course never wander away from your parents or your group to catch a Pokémon." 

After being introduced to Professor Willow, I quickly set up my trainer profile and username, and then I was ready to explore! 


Pokemon Go

My first catch was a choice of the three original start Pokémon, from the first generation; Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmandar. I've always been a fan of the fire Pokémon, ever since I was a child, and so Charmandar was the natural choice.

Now here's the frustrating thing; you don't get the opportunity to battle with the wild creatures you come across. Instead, Pokémon GO is a test of your ability to accurately flick a Pokéball at the nearest Pokémon. The result is often a trantrum by users, as they attempt to keep their accuracy straight while on the move.

Pokemon Go
 

Despite that however, the game appears to have most of the features that originally appeared in the 1999 video game. Evolving Pokémon, the Pokédex, gyms and trainers to battle, your trusty backpack that holds all of your Pokéballs and potions, and you're able to level up as a trainer. The only thing that would have made this game superb, would have been the reintroduction of the original Professor Oak.

Not only that, but for any die-hard fans like myself, Pokémon GO is frustrating because of the desire to advance quickly, level up faster and explore the made-up regions in the Pokémon world. Instead, you must physically explore in order to level up quicker and complete your Pokédex. 

SEE ALSO: Chat with other expats on our bustling forum

But that's the point, is it not? Far from the original format, by which users would lock themselves away in their bedrooms or laze on the sofa to complete their gym battles and collect their badges, Pokémon GO means you have to physically get up and go. So much so that it's already been dubbed a health-enthusiast and fitness-freak's dream. 

So why should you install the game, or introduce your children to it? If you're not convinced, maybe this video by a Youtube user will help to persuade you...

 

Quite simply, as it says in the name, you're being forced to get up off the sofa, get out of the house and explore your surroundings. If you've been searching for the perfect motivational device to encourage your children to remove themselves from their video games inside their rooms, introduce them to Pokémon GO. Families in the UAE have already been commenting on just how great it is to have this simple motivation to walk and exercise, as news reports have shared. 

For any original Pokémon fans who now have families of their own, it's also a fantastic opportunity to share something you once loved with your offspring, and it's a game that you can enjoy together. 

Soon you'll be The Very Best That No One Ever Was, I'm sure. 

For big fans who want to embrace the game fully, they also have the option of purchasing Pokémon GO Plus that comes with a fancy wristband, which vibrates to let you know there's a Pokémon nearby...


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Have you played it yet? What's your verdict? We'd love to hear! Simply comment below to share your views.


Written by Rebecca, Editor at ExpatWoman.com
 
 

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