'Pokémon GO' is an augmented reality game for mobile phones developed by Niantic, released in 2016 for iOS and Android devices. (Photo : YouTube/TheJWittz)
Nine minutes of "Pokémon Go" footage has found its way online, revealing more about the mechanics of the upcoming augmented reality game. It has also disclosed how players can catch legendary "Pokémon" besides hinting some of the tricks they will use.
"Pokémon Go," which is currently in the works in Niantic Labs, will let "Pokémon" fans catch monsters in the wild using their smartphones, fulfilling their destinies as "Pokémon" masters. The leaked footage, which is in the English language and from the Australian beta, shows gamers how the game is going to work, starting with how it will start.
It shows the entire process of setting up an avatar, where a gamer chooses their facial features, gender, hairstyle, clothing, and more. Contrary to traditional "Pokémon" games, a player will not be offered a starter monster.
Instead, they will have to head out and catch their first monster. Their app will use their location with specific "Pokémon" types geo-locked to precise locations.
According to Tech Radar, catching "Pokémons" seems relatively easy as the player is only required to throw virtual Poke Balls at the "Pokémon" by the aid of augmented reality technology, which exploits the rear camera of a smartphone. The footage also shows "Pokémon Go" players how it will look like when they move around.
Additionally, it demonstrates how players will evolve "Pokémon" and how "Pokedex" will work. After viewing the leaked footage, many players feel that watching a Polygon getting augmented over a sidewalk looks a bit awkward. However, the clip only highlights the beta version of the game, which is currently running in New Zealand, Japan, and Australia.
According to IGN, "Pokémon Go" is an attempt by Nintendo to bring "Pokémon" into the real world by the help of augmented reality technology. Currently, the developer has not yet revealed much information about the forthcoming game.
The original ground plan was to have more specifics revealed at the Games Developers Conference (GDC) in March, but the idea was preserved to pave the way for the Beta. Rumors, now, have it that "Pokemon Go" could be unveiled during this year's E3.
Here is the leaked "Pokemon Go" gameplay:
