*****
This is a non-regular series I dub as Fool's Errands. Why? Because it will chronicle, or at least, tell about an act or attempt I have or had taken, could be small or big, that was... well, presumably pointless, unnecessary, or even crazy to some. 😅
It would not always be the case, of course. Maybe it was merely a mundane thing I just never really got around to doing before. My goal is to learn something from it. Whether I intend to continue doing it or not is up for grabs. But, hey, maybe such an action will lead to a fun discovery... 😉
*****
To be completely honest, this piece wasn't meant to be more than a single essay. But, somehow, my explanation already felt overly long. It was hard to swallow. Thus, I decided to pain split the opinion halfway through. And then it happened again, turning the piece into a three-parter. 😳🤷🏻♂️
So, before I continue, if you wish to read Part 1, you can do it through this link, while Part 2 is available here.
Oh, but hold your worry seeds and rage fists! This Final Part is merely the conclusion. And enough with the opening chatter! Let's dive into the final gambit right away... 😉👍🏻
When you've played the same game for more than 8 years, the cracks are no longer apparent. No, they have become painstakingly obvious and screeching at times! Especially if the growing pains aren't fixed and instead turn into the game's irritating identity. 😬
That said, my goal with this experiment harkens back to the primary question in Part 1:
"How would a new player feel, and what would the experience be like if they start playing Pokémon GO this year?"
After weighing the pros and cons (true to my star sign, hahaha), I can say that Pokémon GO is playable and can be exciting to try. Wait, really? 😳
But! That statement comes with a Gigantamax level IF, as in, IF you're completely okay with the lingering problems I discussed on the previous Parts. 🤷🏻♂️
Is it a better experience now, though? Let me try to be as objective as possible with the details to that... 😤
Despite the Pokémon brand, Pokémon GO is basically a fitness app that encourages you to walk until rare Pokémon bounce their way around you. Therefore, the mechanics are pretty straightforward. You don't need to consider too many factors you may experience or need to understand in a core Pokémon game. In this game, you walk, catch the Pokémon, walk more, catch another, and continue walking. Rinse and repeat. 🚶♂️🎱😌
Such a simple mechanic remains unchanged despite the addition of battles and more. 😅
That statement comes with a hint of irony, though. Even if you choose to stay at home (due to thunderbolts, blizzards, or a health scare), you'll be able to play anyway. The game now spawns a freebie Pokémon each day, allowing you to catch at least one random species simply by logging in. You can use the free Daily Adventure Incense to attract more Pokémon for several minutes. Just go back and forth around your home to initiate movement. 😀
PokéStop might be your sole issue. But unlike pre-2020, your area should probably have MORE PokéStops now. I can attest to this heartily. When I first went to my aunt's home in a rural neighborhood, the map there was empty, barren as a misty terrain. Cut to late 2022, and there were already several PokéStops in the same area, accessible from my aunt's home. That's an improvement. Would you agree? 😲
And if one isn't enough and you want more? You can try submitting a landmark near your place to become a PokéStop. You might even suddenly live next to a Gym like me. Haha! 😜
Better yet, you no longer need to trespass on someone's grassy terrain or risk stepping on stealth rocks just to spin a PokéStop. Gone are the days of unconsciously doing a drill run into a military facility or digging through dead bodies. There's a reasonable distance allowing you to access PokéStops and Gyms from further away now.
Don't get me wrong, Pokémon GO still has a long way to address accessibility concerns. I think its CEOs need an ongoing crash course on communication, considering how insensitive their statements can be towards certain demographics (Singapore Grandma, anyone?). The fact at hand, though. Pokémon GO HAS shown changes to make it more playable for those with accessibility challenges. Seriously, excluding some obvious roadblocks (hatching or walking tasks, Shadow or Max Raids), you CAN play without leaving home.
Bugs persist, and I'm NOT referring to Bug-type Pokémon. 🐛🖥
As I mentioned in Part 1, the developer of this game doesn't have a good track record concerning quality control. Sometimes, though, it'll be something minor you won't even notice. Such an error may tickle a nuzzled giggle only. But other times, coupled with the developer's signature fake-out responses, it may make you growl, testing your patience to another level of frustration. Time and time again, the community of players has even descended into a united roar of outrage. It's practically a norm now. Please don't be alarmed when that happens. 😐🙏🏻
And, hey, maybe that's a good period to practice a calm mind. 😌🧘♀️
Regardless of whether the features work or not, new players most definitely have PLENTY to do now. As I also pointed out before, players will get busy right away and even get overwhelmed by so many things to do or collect. This is a far cry from the early years of this game, where the gameplay was simpler, for better or worse. 😐😱
I used to feel annoyed by how Niantic limited the species of Pokémon appearing on the overworld map since they adopted the "Season" approach. After all, when the game debuted, they dropped almost the entire species from Kanto (the first region featured in Pokémon Red/Blue). Hence, these Pokémon are still decorating the Welcome Screen for new players. 🙄
Even so, after experiencing the game again from a new player's perspective, I admit I'm GLAD the number of species is reasonably limited. This minimized scope alone already overwhelms me and my continuously stockpiled Storage. Suddenly, having the break to NOT hunt for more Pokémon is a needed necessity. 🙆🏻♂️🙅🏻♂️
Starting this month, or April 1, 2025, to be precise, Pokémon GO stomps out the presumably monthly GO Pass and Reward Road system. Yes, the latter is related to how frequent your helping hand is to support the game financially...
However, GO Pass is a month-long feature available for free (although, as always, there IS a Paid Deluxe version). This gives even more tasks that warrant you to play and make time for the game. 😰
Yesterday, an annual event entitled "Spring into Spring" began, debuting 2 new Pokémon that originated in the Galar region of Pokémon Sword/Shield. See? There WILL be things that keep you LOCKED-ON to this game. 😅🤦🏻♂️🙇🏻♂️
So, whether you want to play nice (completionist goal, filling every hole in the game's Pokédex) or play rough (to take down every GPS spoofer out of Gyms), a lone wolf, or double team, there's one for you. 😌
Unless you're looking for an engaging storyline! If that's your primary purpose, it'll be FAR WISER to play other Pokémon games. 🙄📜
Perhaps you're wondering if you need to pour real money into this game. Well, in Part 2, I detailed the many ways Niantic, the current active developer, has tried to monetize through this and that. But in the end, the value for money of every purchase depends highly on whether it benefits you or not (maybe your favorite Pokémon is locked behind a paywall?). And as I have proven for the past 1.5 months, the answer to mine is a big bulk-up NO. 😁
I haven't spent a cent of actual money in this new playthrough—I probably will not—and I'm progressing just fine. NOT at an extreme speed as those who paid, of course. But playing for free is DEFINITELY feasible, as long as you're willing to pour more focus energy (into conquering Gyms), you don't mind walking kilometers farther (to hatch Eggs), and you can endure some needed patience (amidst the bugs or when you cannot do anything while gathering PokéCoins). 🚶♂️🔮🏃♂️💪🏻😤
Oh! Training yourself in the art of "not giving in to the entrainment of FOMO" will help greatly. That's the main driving force of (sales in) this game, honestly. But the thing is, the developer will always recycle content later on. Sometimes, a debuting Pokémon that seems rare to find will make a swift return in a month or two, maybe sooner. Thus, don't worry if you missed an Aqua Breed Paldean Tauros on its fanfare arrival. It will reappear in another rollout, perhaps even more psyched up than before—with its Shiny also becoming available. 😛📆
But wait a minute. 🤚🏻🙅🏻♂️
What if you're not the one who wants to start playing? It's your kids instead! 😵
That's a little trickier to wring out. Well, the game itself is generally kid-friendly and family-friendly. Nothing big to be concerned about unless you're nitpicking some elements ("Pikachu is the representation of the Devil," for example). Furthermore, one way to prevent any foul play exists. It is through the Niantic Kids system. There's that in terms of gameplay. 👪
Physical safety, on the other hand? That can serve as a valid point of urgent concern, especially if your kid is underage. I'm not in any capacity to bestow parental wisdom. You probably know much better than me. That said, this issue may require proactive supervision efforts. An adult to hold hands as they roam through the street. 🚦🤔
Financially-speaking? The monetizing aspect of the game might or could become an immediate nightmare to you. 💵🗑
If you don't remind your kids to play wisely (surrounding PokéCoins spending)? You may need to be prepared to belch out your wallet in just a week, if not less, for Storage upgrades (even my long-time friend complains about it). Also, those big event tickets will definitely tempt them with their charm. Remember, those tickets ask for real money. 💸😅
Not to mention, the game gradually stops supporting older phones. Your child may need to purchase a newer one to play one day. 📵📲🙄
I don't know. Much like Pokémon Masters EX and Pokémon UNITE, which require extra endeavor to master (due to the necessary skill swaps), I'd argue that Pokémon GO is better suited for at least a teenager who already knows how to manage themselves. Pokémon Café ReMix, Pokémon Sleep, or Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket may be better options to recommend to younger children instead. I know for sure that none of them ever really exhibit a nasty plot to trap me, or other people I know, into giga-draining my wallet. 😌
Or the safest option if you prefer to hold back from spending any money!
Just tell the kids not to play Pokémon GO... 😅
It may prevent any tearful look altogether. After all, there are still other, more educative options (Board Games? Um, to "touch grass," maybe?) that can generate a genuine happy hour. Ahahaha. ✌😉
There's one more thing to consider!
Future Sight: Baton Pass to Sandstorm!
Previously, in Part 2, I mentioned how Niantic has been ramping up its monetization. Perhaps the reason for that is the latest development of the game.
In case you aren't following the news, on March 12, 2025, Niantic sold their game divisions, excluding their own homemade titles, to another company. New home soon! 😱👋🏻🏢
Just like that, the extra-eager pursuit to collect payday makes more sense. I mean, if I'm selling my cash cow to another breeder, I probably would have moo-moo-milked the cow, draining kiss it as much as possible, before it teleported to a different pasture. It's only a personal speculation, of course. But this is Niantic, and I can see them doing so. 😅🐄🥛
Honestly, though, I thought Pokémon GO was close to closing shop much earlier. After all, there was a growing vibe of lethargy from Niantic when it suddenly pushed toward other brands of similar games, withdrawing from Pokémon as if it was an afterthought. Not that they were successful.
I did hear whispers that they were holding down the franchise deal with The Pokémon Company because it got expensive on their end. It turns out a different deal with a different company was, indeed, happening.
Moreover, there has been ongoing speculation (so, not proven), or maybe even accusation, that Niantic has been duping, tricking players into providing global mapping data for them. Has the game been such a facade all this time?
(NOTE: To be fair, the article I linked contains some wrong facts. Therefore, I don't take the claim word by word easily)
It's not out of the probable possibility, though. Niantic started from a company called Keyhole, which was a geospatial data developer first and foremost. When absorbed by Google, John Hanke of Keyhole—who later became Niantic's big boss—went on to lead Google Geo. Can you guess the division's popular applications? Google Maps, Google Earth, and Google StreetView. Moreover, the core of Niantic's work, centering on geospatial AI, will continue under a new company, Niantic Spatial. You get the picture.
Besides, it's not hard to see how this speculation arises due to one feature in Pokémon GO: AR Mapping Tasks. A feature I never actually care about and always delete as soon as I receive it. Why? I've tried it. And it just didn't work on my phone. Never worked. Also, it took up too much time standing in one spot, whereas the game pretty much demands players to keep walking. 🙄🤷🏻♂️
There's a sentiment hyper-voiced by many players around the world: Niantic isn't exactly a reliable handler of the game. 😐
I obviously agree with this, especially considering I know well how other companies behind other Pokémon mobile apps professionally addressed any concern I had about their products. This is despite the fact that Pokémon GO has a massive community of players who will keep playing. No matter the catastrophe happening around them. Surely, these loyal players deserve better.
Will Scopely do any different, though?
Hold on, "who or what is Scopely?" you say? Don't worry, I wasn't too aware of it before, too, until I realized the product they have developed: Monopoly GO! 😯
This isn't the first time they've acquired an existing game. Perhaps you've heard of Marvel Strike Force?
But if you explore deeper, there's a bigger surprise. Scopely Inc. is owned by the Saudi Arabian government, the Public Investment Fund's subsidiary, Savvy Games Group, to be precise. Land of the hard-to-find Sandstorm Pattern Vivillon! ⏳🦋
I guess Pokémon GO won't be an American product anymore, huh? 🤔
That could be a good thing. At the very least, maybe, just maybe, this means the game won't be affected by the mind-boggling, bizarrely unnecessary whirlwind of tariff talks and trade wars. Technically and, perhaps, legally, Pokémon GO will no longer be a US import, right? Here's hoping. 🙏🏻
More importantly, what will this mean for the game's future? That answer remains uncertain. Scopely has already released a well-crafted corporate statement declaring that everything will continue running as usual. However, there are already rumblings pointing out Scopely's toxic or aggressive monetization method. Then again, as I shared before, technically, Pokémon GO has already been doing that. Or, maybe these two facts are connected, after all, as in it was Scopely driving up sales pitches all along! 😱
We shall wait and see...
If it's not obvious already from my writing, my relationship with Pokémon GO is not a smooth one. I always likened my experience to being in an ongoing dark void of confusion, a relationship with a difficult, never-changing, nagging partner who keeps demanding my time and attention while often disregarding proper boundaries (my goodness, the nonstop notifications if I forget to silence them 😫). At the same time, that partner always does what they please. That partner WAS Niantic, naturally, the driver behind the game. I guess, in a way, once again, Niantic still did what they pleased, albeit for good. 😒🤦🏻♂️
8 plus years has been a nice run, despite all the unpleasant emotions. But it's time to move on. Change is not easy, but some changes are necessary. Fare thee well, Niantic—a line I had aimed to say this year and ended up being the case. 😶
A pleasure to meet you soon, Scopely. 😁
Just PLEASE don't be Niantic 2.0. 😨🙏🏻
Last Respects: A Wish-full Wrap
In conclusion, I hope this 3-part writing can be useful to you in some way. Maybe you've been curious about playing Pokémon GO? Or does someone you know want to? These will give you a general idea of what to expect. Who knows, your first impression may even turn out to be better than mine. Right? 😁
And if you're once a player who left the game before? Yes, this game is good enough for an encore with its new features. Hey, the mythical Marshadow is now available for free! GO get one (after some grinding effort, no doubt)! 👻🥋
Of course, I'm aware I have only scratched the surface, not covering the entire aspects and features of Pokémon GO. Therefore, I've actually prepared an Extra Part separately, containing some other technical details I deliberately cut or unintentionally forgot to address in Part 1 and 2. I hope that will help, too. 😏🙏🏻
Pokémon is an ever-growing, massive global franchise. If executed properly, that means Pokémon GO may retain a destiny bond and sing a sparkling aria instead of a perish song. It will stay in the spotlight to celebrate a victory dance for as long as there is a Pokémon trainer in the world. 🕺🏻🙋🏻♂️💃🏻
Nevertheless, we must still take heart as we realize one thing. Its kinesis and future longevity are not set in stone-edges. One wrong move could lead to a breaking swipe and, heavens forbid, end with a wicked blow. Moreover, as you may have sensed, power shifts are happening by and by in the world, often on an unprecedented, clanging scale of ruination. There's no telling how real-life struggle will affect Pokémon GO or even the franchise in general. So, for the time being, let's just enjoy it while we still can. 🙃🤷🏻♂️
This has been an enlightening project. Thank you kindly for tuning in! 👋🏻😀
PS: Considering this is the final Part, I just had to be playful and peppered the names of Pokémon Moves throughout the content. YES, those puns WERE intended! Sometimes, they are on the Nosepass (sub-headings were the obvious ones 🤣), but other times, subtle (as a Shiny Happiny 🤨). Just a fun nod to long-time players or those well-versed in the sprawling Pokémon world.
Did you catch them all? 😉
No comments:
Post a Comment