BY CRAIG STEWART

Pokémon Go is the newest game that’s all the rage. This location based game has encouraged players all over the world to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon. Going solely off of a virtual map and a vibration from their smartphone, players eagerly have phone in hand, awaiting the next pokémon will spawn.

The game in it’s entirety has brought many new people to many new places since all Pokestops are historical markers such as public art installations and monuments as well as many other local places. These places allow players to collect Pokeballs and other cool items for their trainers.

Pokémon GO is a free and fun to play game that is location based augmented reality game developed by Niantic for iOS and Android devices. By using your location Pokémon GO allows you to find and catch hundreds of different species of Pokémon as you explore your surroundings. Discover cities and towns around where you live and even around the globe to capture as many Pokémon as possible.

When encountered by a Pokémon, take aim on the smartphone’s touch screen and throw a Pokeball to catch it. Be careful when attempting to catch it, or it might run away! When away from home, be sure to stay alert for Pokémon that aren’t normally encountered, because some wild Pokémon will spawn in certain places away from usual spawning ground. The higher the level, the more powerful pokemon become available for catching and with enough candies ordinary Pokémon can be evolved and made more powerful. Eventually players will reach level five which will allow them to join individual teams and be part of a Gym Battle Ground, where players can join together to make teams and work towards earning the control of the Gym.. Each player can only have one Pokémon per Gym.

Pokémon GO, gives each user a Trainer whom can be customized giving them a cool look to show to other players as you travel around the world. With more Pokestops and as higher levels are achieved players will have the ability to upgrade trainers and even change appearance.

If being a part of you phone isn’t kosher, plans for a portable device called Pokemon Go Plus  will enable players to play the game even when not looking at a phone. It would connect to the user’s smartphone and  send out notifications about events, appearances of pokemons and many other cool features. The product will launch this September.