Pokémon took a grand step into the real world this morning as the Pokémon Press Conference announced Pokémon Go. Pokémon designer Junichi Masuda commented on the release saying, “The day has finally come when Pokémon appear in the real world”. As much as that seems “Farfetch’d”, Pokémon Go might bring us a step closer to real, live Pokémon.
Along with the release of the title, a trailer was played to the audience. It depicted people walking through streets and fields in search of virtual Pokémon. Using a stylish watch-like bracelet in the shape of a Pokéball called “Pokemon Go Plus”, it will connect to your iPhone or Android to aid you in capturing Pokémon. The bracelet is also said to vibrate when there is an action, such as a battle or a wild Pokémon in your area.
Niantic, known for its smartphone game Ingress, is partnering with Nintendo to help develop Pokémon Go. Niantic said that the company wanted to focus on, “players going outside, getting some fresh air, and capturing Pokémon at the same time”. Shigeru Miyamoto noted that Pokémon Go reminds him of Pokémon Snap, as the game shares similar game mechanics with the future application.
Of course, Pokémon Go will not be a stand alone title. Masuda told the audience that it, “will connect with titles in the main series of Pokémon games”. As the conglomeration of theories of the new Pokémon title to be released on it’s 10th anniversary, Pokémon Go won’t be excluded from being thrown into the mix. The application will be released in 2016 for both iPhone and Android devices.
Hannah Makholm/Graphics Dept.
