Fans of the long-running franchise will find that "Pokemon GO," which results from a collaboration between The Pokemon Company and Niantic labs, departs extensively from the original RPG. As players will learn geolocation is a key feature in "Pokemon Go."
Polygon cites The Pokémon Company's senior director of consumer marketing, J.C. Smith in explaining the shift in focus from video game recreation to "Pokemon GO" as a social experience. "What we wanted to do with the mobile game from both sides - from Niantic as well as Pokémon - was, we wanted to make a new experience that was native to mobile," J.C. Smith said.
Partner Pokemon, matches between monsters, wresting gyms from other leaders are among the familiar elements that will not be in "Pokemon GO." Instead, "Pokemon GO" highlights the use of a player's physical, geographical location as one of the main features of the game.
The aim of this is a sense of accessibility with "Polemon GO," which is designed to lure both newcomers and old timers to the franchise. This lure, however, is the same element that poses a marked limitation in "Pokemon GO."
Whereas RPG players have become used to the motto "Collect Em All," "Pokemon GO" will not require this for gym competitions. Considering geographical limitations, especially for non-travellers, "Pokemon GO" players would tend to see the same monsters if they remain in a single location.
This is not to say that "Pokemon GO" will not challenge its players. As Nintendo Insider highlights, J.C. Smith promised that "Pokemon GO" will be a surprise to players.
"There's an emergent complexity that doesn't hit you over the head at first blush, [from] trying to power up your Pokémon and evolve and ultimately start competing for gyms." J.C. Smith said.
Come July, monsters will invade real streets of the real world when Niantic Labs and The Pokemon Company take "Pokemon GO" to iOS and Android. As pioneers go, July will be sink or swim for "Pokemon GO."
