Pokemon Go!

Ahoy! It has been a few weeks since my last post but it has been a busy summer for me with work. I have a lot to discuss over the time that has passed! On July 5th the country was taken by storm with a flashback to the mid-90's through Niantic's much-anticipated, Pokemon Go. We were able to relive our childhood journey into the world of Pokemon; this time the game is the world around us as we traverse about familiar locations in a whole new fashion.

My trusty canine-pal Bruce and I explore my neighborhood daily looking for those pocket sized monsters as I remember a simpler time, where I was staring at an green 8-bit screen wondering about an unknown land. The melodic melody beating thru my earbuds is reminiscent of the classic tune, further enhancing my experience. World of Pokemon - here I come!

Meet Bruce T. Wayne

As I stroll beside the steep flood wall of the Los Angeles river an eerie feeling creeps over as I recall navigating the treacherous Route 9 becoming battle weary with a low stock of potions. Nostalgia takes over as a smile spreads across my face. The rush was real - it was time to become a Pokemon Master! I look to Bruce who's tongue is bouncing happily as he looks back at me in confirmation. Our journey had just begun and it was not long before I was venturing out of my version of Pallet Town on my very own journey to catch 'em all.

Ash Ketchum and Pikachu, our tour
guides thru the Pokemon world.

Being a SoCal resident, I am at somewhat of an advantage due to the geocaching mechanics of the game imported from Niantic's first entry in the augmented reality gaming world, Ingress. The city of Santa Monic is a gold mine of Poke pals. Every block there is at least a Poke Stop in addition to spawn points everywhere you look. I could only imagine what my collection would be at this point if I were to actually live in the city. 

Although, over the past few weeks the records have shown a steady decline in the player base for the game there is a solid core keeping buzz alive via online communitIes. The rather small company has juggled the app with about the same level of success as Team Rocket would handling a squad of volatile Electrodes. Despite the harsh criticisms of the simple gameplay, etc. I still find the app to be quite enjoyable while I make my way around Los Angeles going about my daily duties. 

When my arm begins to grow weary from tossing so many balls at oh-so many mons, I find the AR mode to be quite entertaining and to be a mini-game in and of itself. Much like our friend, Todd Snap, I'm attempting to capture these elusive creatures on film as well. For now, I will leave you with a sneak pic of the pics to come!

Charma, charma, charma, charma,
charma, Charmeleon!