Heroin.
But today we're going to be focusing on the biggest game on Earth right now, Pokémon Go!
What Is It?
Pokémon Go is a game for the Xbox or PC where players are encouraged to walk around the streets catching wild animals, birds and ghosts. Using a map, and of course a bag for life to carry your console around with you, players can find where the animals are located, and can then throw Pokémon Balls to catch the animals. Pokémon Balls are sold in Sony's only shop in Melbourne, Australia, for just $3 a pop.
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| But where do they go? |
After you've put the disc into your device, an error message will pop up saying that the servers are too busy, and to come back later. This is easy to overcome, however. All you have to do is switch it off and return a week or so later and you'll be able to create your very own Pokémon account! Your Pokémon account can be used for in-game purchases, but it also serves as an email service and an online bank. (Example@pokemonaccount.com - though be wary, this one is already taken. Sorry!)
When you finally load into the game, you can create your own little Pokémon Trainer Avatar. However, there is currently a glitch that means you can only choose between a male and a female trainer. Sony have said at the San Diego Comic Con that they are working their little socks off to resolve the issue. Once you have created your Avatar, you can go to the Pokémon Store and purchase the same clothes that you chose for your Avatar, which will give you extra benefits throughout the game, including higher catch rates and Friend Points (which I'll come to later).
The game requires a lot of walking, and so to prevent accidents where people may wander into a road to catch a rare caterpillar, Sony have introduced a driving ban in most countries every Tuesday and Thursday, meaning these are the ultimate times to play Pokémon Go.
What Level Does My Avatar Start At?
Your Avatar starts at Level 1. The more animals you catch, the more levels you'll earn, it's really that simple!
What Happens If I Catch More Than One Of The Same Animal?
This is a frequently asked question, and can be simply answered with: You won't! Sony originally intended to allow players to keep running into the same animal over and over, providing a feature where you could grind up the animals into meat to feed to your original animal to make him stronger. After much deliberation, Sony decided this was a cruel concept and that's why you thankfully won't keep running into the same bird every five minutes, hurray!
I've Reached The Highest Level, What Now?
Once you've captured them all and are at the highest level, don't worry, it doesn't end here! New Pokémon Animals will be available to you, and you can begin catching them immediately. Your level will then start going from 50 back down to 1. Once you hit 1 again? That's right! You can start catching the original 7 Pokémon Animals again!
Items
I hear this all the time: "Will there be items in the game for our animals to hold so they can battle other animals, or am I just wasting my time?" Of course there are items in the game! Introduced at Level 10, players can use the Pokémon Store to purchase items for their favourite animals that give extra XP, attack power, and even style. Items do however waste battery life on your Xbox or PC, so don't go mad in the Store!
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| Items can add style to your animal. Make yours unique! |
Does Sean Paul Exist?
Rumours have been going around that Sean Paul will feature in the game, ever since his famous tweet. Sony haven't confirmed this rumour though, so don't hold your breath!
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| The tweet of a generation. |
So there you have it. Your very own Pokémon Go guide! If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments below.
Adam Walton.
