Free-to-play augmented reality mobile game, Pokémon Go will be available in July. Nintendo confirmed the release window during its second day E3 live stream.
While it’s now confirmed the Niantic’s game will be released in July, Nintendo did not say the exact date. As for the price, the game is free to download from the App Store or Google Play Store for Android. However, there will be priced content available within the game.
We still don’t know whether the paid-for content will be necessary to progress within the game, though. Nonetheless, certain features and items will be available via in-app purchases for those gamers who want to enhance their Pokémon experience further. They can spend real cash on the in-game currency, Poke Coins,-which can be exchanged for power-ups, extra items, and other enhancements.
Pokémon Go Plus
Besides Pokémon Go release date, Nintendo also announced a self-developed and manufactured companion device that is expected to enhance the enjoyment of the augmented reality game, a wrist-worn smartwatch-like wearable that will allow you play the game without using your smartphone. The accessory called Pokémon Go Plus will be sold at 35 dollars. Pokémon Go Plus allows you to play Pokémon Go without looking at your phone by conveying haptic feedback and flashing LEDs in a sequence of colors. Go Plus connects to the gamer’s phone over Bluetooth and alerts them about happenings within the game, like a near Pikachu. The accessory has a button on the front that lets you complete simple actions such as grasping Pokémon and throwing a Poké Ball. Regrettably, the accessory will not be ready at launch. It will be available shortly after Pokémon Go has been released.
Pokémon Go gameplay
Leaked game trailers from the game testers showed Pokémon Go gameplay. The AR title will feature similar real world explorations elements as Android game, Ingress, also developed by Niantic. Obviously, the real-explorations will come with Pokémon twist. The gameplay involves looking through your smartphone camera while the software integrates the virtual creatures in the nearby environment.
Moreover, the players will be able to catch the legendary creatures and become a trainer. As a trainer, you will travel to places of interest next to where you live or places you are visiting in order to catch Pokémon and battle at the gyms. The gyms are located at certain landmarks in the real world. At any given instant, the gyms will be controlled by one of three groups; Yellow team, Blue or Red team. You will have to pledge to one of these groups to control the gyms by battling your own Pokémon. Good team work with others in the real world will allow you to build up a strong defense and take gyms from other teams thus raise your chances of victory. Players can also rise to the levels of their trainers to capture stronger Pokémon.
The company also said that there will be candy prizes that trainers can use to evolve their Pokémon. Nintendo, however, did not mention anything regarding the legendary Pokémon like Zapdos and Mewtwom. Seemingly, the company is still undecided whether it will organize local events in different cities where players can join forces and capture them. Pokémon Go will also feature Pokémon trading between players, but this is still in works and will not be available at launch.
Nintendo also mentioned that Pokémon Go will have some kind of link with the franchise’s main handheld titles, but the integration functionality is not yet clear. The latest Pokémon games, Pokémon Sun and Moon, will be launched this November.
Pokémon Go is a mobile AR game for Android and iOS devices that is being developed by The Pokémon Company and Niantic.