Pokemon Go Is Officially Taking Maine By Storm…But What Is It?

There's a chance by now that you've heard about one of the latest crazes to hit the smartphone gaming world. A new game recently released called Pokemon Go quickly vaulted to the top of the app stores for both Android and Apple, but what exactly is it?

Well, the developer of the game describes it as a real-life Pokemon adventure game in which users must explore their real world surroundings in order to catch all the Pokemon around them. That's right, gamers are forced to step out of the comfort of their living rooms or bedrooms and explore their towns and cities. And the developers have set up the game to be conscious of your surroundings, lakes, rivers, museums and monuments.

Here's further description from the App Store:

Catching, hatching, evolving, and more. As you level up, you'll be able to catch more powerful Pokemon to complete your Pokedex. You can add to your collection by hatching Pokemon Eggs based on the distance you walk. 

Ok so perhaps you're still confused. If you download the app on your phone (which is free BTW), as your explore your surroundings your phone will vibrate to let you know that there is Pokemon or other goodies nearby. For instance, if you're playing in Portland, you may have luck finding Pokemon around the Portland Art Museum or Monument Square.

Your collections are in the name of whatever "team" your own as the ultimate object of the game isn't just to collect Pokemon, but instead to battle for Gyms to gain prestige. Sounds confusing in writing, but the game isn't as convoluted as it may sound.

So over the weekend, if you're see a group of people with their faces jammed in their phones wandering around mindlessly, maybe their not the walking dead of a new generation but instead looking to collect as many Pokemon as possible. Next generation handheld gaming is here, it's called Pokemon GO! Amazing.

In fact, some Pokemon have been spotted right outside of our One City Center studios...