There has been a lot of buzz lately about the newest Pokemon installment, Pokemon GO. Yet, the world is still in the dark with this ground-breaking idea. I have been awaiting a game like this for years, and actually suggested a similar idea to Game Freak back in 2005. Believe it, folks. However, like Howard Stark, I was hindered by the technology of my time … and the overall brilliance of executing such an elaborate idea.

For those who do not know what Pokemon GO is, well, you are in for a ride. Pokemon GO is the next generation in gaming. A company called Niantic Inc, which is a company owned by the same fellow that co-created Google Earth, is in collaboration with Nintendo, Game Freak, and The Pokemon Company to produce this potential cash-cow of a game.

Available in app form for iPhones and Android phones, Pokemon GO will turn your real world into a Pokemon video game by using reality mapping and a wrist band called a Pokemon GO Plus. Essentially, with the press of a button, you can begin your journey in becoming a Pokemon master.

What can you do in this game? Well, it seems there are no limits. Players can ‘catch them all,’ battle against other trainers, trade Pokemon, and even participate in a Unite mode and go against the strongest Pokemon out there to help defeat and capture them.

Going by the game trailer, Pokemon will appear in the wild and notify gamers via the Pokemon GO Plus wrist band that a Pokemon is so many meters/feet away for potential capture, or any other mode players can participate in. The Pokemon GO Plus will connect to gamer’s phone using bluetooth allowing the game to progress even when the phone is in pocket. If you are still not tracking with me, envision a Squirtle, or Gastly running around in a random place in your hometown. Your Pokemon GO Plus will notify you when you are close enough to catch it. You will then check your phone (which I am sure will ignite a wave of Pokedex-style cases) to see where the Pokemon is to battle and catch! And then you’ll go to battle! Sounds pretty awesome, right? 

Now, as sweet as this game sounds, it has to have a pretty hefty price tag, am I right? Well, I couldn’t be more WRONG! The app is said to be free and the Pokemon GO Plus is not required to play this game, but it will definitely help along the way. Also, there will be in-app purchases to “enhance” the experience (of course).

So, when is this amazing Pokemon installment going to grace the world with its presence? Unfortunately, there is no release date at this time. However, there was an official announcement that the game will be field-tested in Japan (lucky), so that means they are getting closer. Rumor has it, the game could be out in 2016 in time for the Christmas sales to pour in. However, this pessimistic writer believes it will be a Spring 2017 release. I hope I am wrong, but this is a massive project that will have many bugs to work out. It will need to be right the first time, or it will be considered a flop.

A takeaway from this is; Pokemon GO is going to be worth looking into, even if the Game Boy games of the past did not entice. It looks like Pokemon GO will be targeting more of the teenage to young adult markets, which coincidentally are the people that can actually go on Pokemon hunts and parents will not worry about their little one’s safety. Also, the original Pokemon Yellow, Red, and Blue games came out in the nineties, and that market is around 20+ years old. However, I can only imagine it will be fun for all ages. Also, the trailer suggests the original 151 Pokemon will be used, but we will have to wait and see if any newer Pokemon from other installments are used… I hope not right away.

Pokemon GO has the potential to be HUGE, and why wouldn’t it be? The Pokemon franchise has sold over 277 million units worldwide. That is the second best selling video game franchise of ALL TIME, only being topped by the colossal Mario franchise! With revenue in the 56 billion dollar range, you can bet Pokemon GO will be designed well as it rekindles the Pokemon brand name for the original Pokemon gamers of 1996, all while appealing to the gamers of today’s present Pokemon world. With an investment this big and to include multiple powerhouse companies, Pokemon GO needs to be flawless on the first try. Like many gamers, I am patiently awaiting the arrival on shelves, or in this case the app store. Game on!

Written by Nerd Bacon