Pokémon Go

Game Description:
When it first came out, Pokémon Go was a sensation. People of all ages downloaded the augmented reality game to explore for Pokémon in their communities, finding digital creatures with other people and having tons of fun.

Pokémon Go’s heyday has long past. But people still love and enjoy the game. Since our site doesn’t have a review for Pokémon Go yet, I decided, as the resident Reviewer of Pokémon Games (on Switch, anyway) to check this one out.  Let’s dive right into Pokémon Go.

What Parents Need to Know

Violence:
Like all Pokémon games, Pokémon Go is all about catching cool creatures, and using them to battle other trainers, both real and virtual. This is presented with cartoon violence, nothing realistic.

Language:
None.

Sexual Content:
None.

Spirituality:
Some Pokémon are classified as ghosts.

Miscellaneous:
Not much in ways of in-game accessibility options. Like Pokémon, Let’s Go Eevee, you are required to hold and swipe the phone in order to catch Pokémon, which can get tiring after a while. This is the main way to interact with the game, and I’m torn on it. On one hand, it’s simple and fun, and the main focus of the controls. On the other hand, my finger hurts.

Be aware that the game has A LOT of micro-transactions…and since it’s easy to run out of Pokéballs (the way you catch Pokémon), your kids will likely be tempted to buy some. Talk to them about in-game purchases before you download this game.

Positive Elements:
I like the way this game gets you to exercise. You’re encouraged to walk with a Pokémon that you make your ”buddy” to get extra stuff in the game, and I won’t lie, this got me walking more than I usually do.

I also love the way this game gets you to explore your community—but I’ll talk about that more in the review portion.

A Child’s Perspective:
Got a kid who likes Pokémon, virtual pets, or games that add an extra layer to their real world? They’ll surely love Pokémon Go.

Reviewers Thoughts:
Though it’s not in the heyday it once was in, I still had a lot of fun with Pokémon Go. The game encourages you to explore your community by placing PokéStops, Gyms, and more at local landmarks, which is a great way to find new things around you. The augmented reality elements, which place your digital Pokémon over your real world, I found engaging, and extremely adorable.

This game screams cute in all the right ways—from the creatures to the bright, cheerful aesthetic of the menus, it’s a loveable addition to my phone. And maybe yours too, if you want to check it out.