As a millennial who grew up with the original handheld Pokemon games, Pokemon GO initially felt like a nostalgic dream come true. Somehow I managed to miss the wave when this came out in 2016. Nonetheless, all these 7 years later, the sheer excitement of capturing Pokemon in the real world brought forth an exhilarating wave of childhood memories.
However, after countless hours of exploration, battling, and trading, it is time to assess the strengths and weaknesses of this Pokemon Go phenomenon. I’m late to the party but I still have things to say! While Pokemon GO undeniably showcases brilliance in its unique gameplay, it falls short in certain aspects when compared to the original handheld titles of previous generations.
Capturing the Nostalgia:
Pokemon GO flawlessly captures the essence of nostalgia by integrating the beloved Pokemon franchise into the real world. The thrill of discovering a Pikachu lurking in the nearby park or encountering a Charizard at a famous landmark is a pure rush of excitement. It transports players back to the days of owing a Game Boy color, walking in the tall grass, and raising your Pokemon to level 99!
Revolutionizing Augmented Reality:
One cannot deny the innovation that Pokemon GO brought to the gaming world. By utilizing AR technology, it successfully merged the digital realm of Pokemon with the physical world, providing a fresh and unique experience. The concept of physically exploring one’s surroundings to locate and capture Pokemon added a new layer of immersion, encouraging players to get up, get moving, and interact with fellow trainers. The social aspect of Pokemon GO, whether through organized raids or impromptu encounters with other players, created a sense of camaraderie that the handheld games couldn’t replicate. I would even dare say it created a sense of camaraderie that rivaled the trading card games back in the early 90s when I was a kid.
The Shortcomings of Shallow Gameplay:
While Pokemon GO shines in terms of its innovative gameplay mechanics, it falls short in depth when compared to the original handheld titles. The depth of strategy and complexity found in games like Pokemon Red, Pokemon Yellow, and Pokemon Blue is somewhat lacking in Pokemon GO. I remember spending hours training in the grass to level up my Pokemon to get the right strength to take on the elite 4. I remember having to catch the right types of Pokemon such that I can have the elemental advantage over a certain gym leader. I remember the dungeon crawling and the puzzle solving and the capturing of rare Pokemon. The absence of traditional turn-based battles, evolutions tied to experience points, and the limited move sets available for each Pokemon undermine the strategic elements that made the original games so captivating. Instead, battles in Pokemon GO are reduced to simplistic tapping and swiping, leaving much to be desired for seasoned trainers.
Sacrificing Narrative and Character Development:
One of the most significant departures from the original games is the lack of a compelling narrative and character development in Pokemon GO. The handheld titles provided engrossing storylines and engaging characters that captivated players and pushed them forward in their quest to become Pokemon Masters. In contrast, Pokemon GO places little emphasis on storytelling, leaving players craving a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience. The absence of memorable characters and a cohesive narrative arc hinders the game’s ability to connect with players on a deeper level. So many good storylines were crystalized from the shows to the handheld games and vice versa. In essence, immersion and novelty of the experience was sacrificed for story and rich narrative development.
Dependency on Microtransactions:
A prominent criticism that cannot be ignored is Pokemon GO’s reliance on microtransactions. While the game is free to play, it heavily incentivizes players to spend real money on in-game items and enhancements. This can create an imbalance in gameplay, as those who are willing to spend more can gain a significant advantage over casual players. Moreover, the constant bombardment of in-game offers can be overwhelming and detract from the overall enjoyment of the experience. The balance between monetization and fair gameplay needs to be carefully recalibrated to ensure a more level playing field for all trainers. Pokemon went the way of many great game franchises. That is to say they prioritized monetization over gameplay. In the case of Pokemon Go this tradeoff is not as obvious as with other franchises.
Conclusion:
Pokemon GO undeniably brings the magic of Pokemon to the real world, captivating players with its innovative augmented reality gameplay. The ability to explore the physical environment while capturing and battling Pokemon is an undeniably exhilarating experience. However, it is essential to acknowledge that Pokemon GO falls short in certain aspects when compared to the original handheld games. The depth of strategy, character development, and engrossing narratives found in titles like Pokemon Red, Pokemon Yellow, and Pokemon Blue are lacking in Pokemon GO. Furthermore, the reliance on microtransactions and the potential for gameplay imbalance dampen the overall experience.
As a millennial who cherishes the memories of Pokemon’s early handheld days, I appreciate the unique and nostalgic appeal of Pokemon GO. While it may not fully replace the original games in terms of complexity and depth, it undoubtedly succeeds in introducing a new generation of trainers to the enchanting world of Pokemon. With ongoing updates and improvements, there is hope that Pokemon GO will continue to evolve and bridge the gap between the virtual and physical realms, delivering an even more immersive and rewarding experience for trainers of all ages.
This makes me want to scour eBay for an old Gameboy Advanced so I can play some of the old games. Hmm, nostalgia.
Happy Gaming Out There, Folks,
John