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Play Overview
Pokemon Go! (2016) is a game you play by walking around in the real world. You play on a smartphone and it can use the GPS to locate, capture, battle, and train virtual creatures, called Pokémon, which appear as if they are in the player's real-world location.
Although this technology and gameplay had existed previously in the developer's games (like Ingress) Pokémon Go had huge success with families and people of all ages. By early 2019, the game had over a billion global downloads, grossing over $3 billion in revenue. The game also had over 147 million monthly active users as of May 2018.
Its unique collecting game-play combined with needing to explore your local area to find creatures was a big hit. The game converted local sites of interest, like Churches, Castles and rivers into elements in the game.
Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked Pokemon Go! 5 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 8 months ago.
Although this technology and gameplay had existed previously in the developer's games (like Ingress) Pokémon Go had huge success with families and people of all ages. By early 2019, the game had over a billion global downloads, grossing over $3 billion in revenue. The game also had over 147 million monthly active users as of May 2018.
Its unique collecting game-play combined with needing to explore your local area to find creatures was a big hit. The game converted local sites of interest, like Churches, Castles and rivers into elements in the game.
Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked Pokemon Go! 5 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 8 months ago.
There are lots of games similar to Pokemon Go!. Here are some we picked for you:
Play Style
This is a Collecting and Fighting game with Action, Adventure and Physically Active elements. You can play with 1 to 2 players in the same room or as a 20-player online game. You can battle one on one when in the same place as other people. You can also compete in “raid” battles with up to 19 other people in the same battle.
Cross-Platform: Play with people across iOS and Android.
Cross-Platform: Play with people across iOS and Android.
You can play this game in the following styles:
Duration
Play Time: This game will take between 70 hours and 140 hours to complete. Because of the game's collect them all nature, it will take a very long time to complete. However, you can play as little or as often as you like in relatively short sessions.
Benefits
Age Ratings
Content Rating
Users Interact: The game enables players to interact and communicate with each other, so may expose players to language usually associated with older rated games.
Rated for younger players in the US. Rated ESRB EVERYONE for mild fantasy violence.
The game contains in-app purchases and users can add friends and send gifts. You also need to take care when playing outside for dangers like traffic.
Skill Level
8+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it’s important for parents and guardians to ensure they understand in-game purchases and have spending limits set-up. The simpler nature of the game makes it simple to play for youngsters. Provided they have an adult to go out and explore with it's a great fit for a first Pokemon game.
Account Rating
Account required for online play that has 13 years old as minimum age. You need to be 13, to have an account to play the game. Parents can set up a Niantic Kids account and connect it with Pokémon Go. This also enables them to manage what personal information their child can share, friend requests and screen time.You don’t need a platform subscription to play this game online.
Costs
Pokemon Go!
This game is free to play, but there are other costs associated with this game:
- In-Game Loot Boxes: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience. These include in-game purchases of random items (known as 'loot boxes') that offer a chance of getting rare/higher-value items although common/lower-value items are more frequent.
You can purchase Pokecoins in the game to speed up progress.
You can earn Pokémon eggs by walking around and playing the game. The eggs contain random Pokémon including the much coveted shiny versions. Once earned you need to incubate the eggs to gain the reward. While you get a few incubators for free you run out of space quite quickly and need to buy more with real money to hatch your randomised reward.
There are similar games available from the developer:
- Ingres (2013)
- Pokemon Go (2016) on iOS and Android
- Ingres Prime (2017) on iOS and Android, updated with a superhero aesthetic and story.
- Harry Potter: Wizards Unite (2019) on iOS and Android, with a Harry Potter theme.
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Game Details
Release Date: 06/07/2016
Out Now: Android and iOS
Skill Rating: 8+ year-olds
Players: 1-2 (20 online)
Genres: Collecting, Fighting (Action, Adventure and Physically Active)
Accessibility: 16 features
Components: 2D Side-On, Open World and Persistant World
Developer: Niantic Labs (@NianticLabs)
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Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships. |
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