Pokemon Gois a free-to-play mobile game available on both iOS and Android devices. Like other games in the Pokemon franchise, you are placed in a world with the goal of catching and collecting numerous Pokemon. The catch with this game is that it’s not just any world that you are placed in; it’s your world.

Related:Pokemon Go: Raid Guide

Possessing several AR, or Augmented Reality, features, Pokemon Go changes the world around you into a Pokemon-filled environment, placing you at the center stage as a Pokemon Trainer. This game has grown and evolved over the six years since its initial release, but is it still worth playing?

Review

When it comes to Augmented Reality mobile games,Pokemon Go proves to be the “gold standard,”outlasting and outperforming those that fall into the same category. Virtually transforming the world around you into one that belongs to the Pokemon universe, this game is any aspiring Pokemon Master’s “dream come true.”

From a health perspective, Pokemon Go is abreath of fresh air regarding physical fitness,requiring you to walk around and explore the world to fully make the most of what this game has to offer. That being said, this rarely feels like a proper workout, taking players’ minds off their efforts with the sight of new Pokemon and features while also rewarding them for their physical actions.

Squirtle, Pikachu, Charmander, and Bulbasaur jumping in the air with the Pokemon Go logo above

Additionally, Pokemon Go presents you withseveral ways to engage yourself with the game,providing you with countless options when it comes to what you wish to do with the Pokemon that you catch along your journey.Jade King, Lead Features Editor at TheGamer, discusses this in an article regarding other mobile games that try to capture the same magic that Pokemon Go has.

Open your phone, catch a thing, take over a Gym, and build up a collection that represents your dedication to a franchise you grew up with.

Someone helping another person climb a cliff, with Charmander and Charizard next to them

Time Expenditure

Pokemon Goisn’t a game that you can necessarily beat;it’scentered around catching and collecting the limitless Pokemon that you come across while playing. Players can spend countless hours engaging with this game however they see fit, whether it be collecting Pokemon, battling other players, or taking on challenging Pokemon Raids.

Additionally, Pokemon Go continues toconstantly roll out updates and new content,primarily through a variety of in-game events and celebrations. This incentivizes long-time players looking for fresh experiences and features, as well as new players who are seeking the motivation to begin their Pokemon Go journey.

Several phones on Pokemon Go, the middle one showing the “A Rocky Road” ticket purchase screen

Related:Should Pokemon Go Get Rid Of Skill-Based Throws?

Cost

As mentioned previously, Pokemon Go can bedownloaded and played for free on both iOS and Android devices.This removes any barrier of entry for first-time players, providing them with tons of content and features at the palm of their hand, free of charge.

That being said, there areseveral microtransactions available to players,primarily used to purchase in-game items, avatar cosmetics, and inventory upgrades. These purchases can be made at their in-game shop, obtained by spendingPokeCoins,a currency primarily acquired by spending actual money. Below you’re able to find the different PokeCoin bundles currently available to purchase with each of their specific real-world cost.

100

$0.99

550

$4.99

1,200

$9.99

2,500

$19.99

5,200

$39.99

14,500

$99.99

Although spending money is the most efficient way to obtain PokeCoins, there is a way to circumvent these purchases.

All players can earnup to 50 PokeCoins a day from having their Pokemon defend Pokemon Gyms. The longer a Pokemon stays in a Gym, the more PokeCoins are earned.

Additionally, severalticketed in-game eventsare available to take part in annually. Those who purchase these tickets are granted access to various in-game bonuses and rewards, often being attractive to more devoted, long-time players. The price of these tickets varies depending on the specific event, but they typicallyrange in price from $1 to $10 USD.

What Players Are Saying

Something For Everyone To Enjoy - Christian Pellegrino

All types of gamers can find a home in Pokemon Go, whether they are looking to “Catch ‘Em All” or wreak havoc on the competitive PvP battlefield. This game lends itself to both casual and hardcore players, allowing you to truly get as much out of it as you put in. Not to mention, it does an excellent job of “gamifying” physical activity.

A Good Excuse To Explore - Andrew Scariati

Pokemon Go is more nuanced and alive than ever before, finally catching up to what it was expected to be from its inception. While the PvP mode caters to more hardcore fans who carefully hunt for particular IV spreads, the core game still offers a satisfying casual experience.

Whether you are looking to spice up your daily walks or need a reason to venture outside of your comfort zone, Pokemon Go offers plenty of live-themed events to keep you busy. While Community Days are limited to three hours on one weekend each month, they can be a blast to participate in with friends - provided your schedule aligns with the event window.

A Novelty For A Time - Amanda Hurych

Pokemon Go is one of those things that will intensely amuse you for a few months and encourage you to go out and about and participate in community events. But it has the potential to run out its welcome. It’s worth playing, but a coin toss if it’s a game you’ll stay invested in.