Unless you've been living inside a Pokeball by now you've heard about Pokemon GO. It's the latest craze for your smart phone and it has had side effects people weren't expecting...it's actually getting people off the couch, outside and socializing....remember? Like we used to back in the day?

Now before I go any further I decided for the sake of research to download the game. I will say that while it is fun and I get the appeal of it....I do NOT get the obsession. But, I guess that's either my age talking or I just don't want to walk all over town searching for imaginary animals.

So the premise is simple. You are a Pokemon trainer and it's your job to find and capture Pokemon to train to do battle with other trainers. The app uses Augmented Reality technology utilizing your phone's camera making it seem like you're catching a sneaky Pokemon sitting on your couch, or on a sidewalk...basically wherever your camera is pointing at the time. I caught a Metapod hanging out on my dashboard of my car. It's pretty neat in that aspect. The game also uses GPS making it seem like the animals are hiding out in your home town and uses a detailed map to show you where. So for instance, you go to Riverside Park and near the river you might be able to catch a water Pokemon....you get the idea.

Although I'm not 100% into the game it does have a huge following in a short amount of time. I've seen people walking around town and even in my own neighborhood, phone in hand, hunting Pokemon. I will give the creators credit...it's gotten people out of the house and walking around, being more active, and probably most important...SOCIALIZING!! Remember when we used to do that?

Some helpful tips to beginner Pokemon GO players:

1. Do NOT play this game while driving...you become a danger to yourself and others. IT'S NOT WORTH IT!
2. Be respectful. Don't trespass or walk through someone's yard to catch a Squirtle. Use your head.
3. PAY ATTENTION! It's easy to get lost in the game while walking and you could easily walk off a sidewalk or into traffic and I'm sure VPD has better things to do than come scrape you off the road because you weren't paying attention.

So there you have it. I'll post more in depth gameplay as I play more. I don't plan on playing any longer than a couple of weeks because let's face it...I lose interest pretty quick so next week I'll post an update as to how my stash is doing.

Check back!

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