Pokémon GO might involve player levelling for the first time in the Pokémon series of games, if new gameplay footage of the game is to be believed. It also goes on to reveal how Pokémon might be caught, as well as what the overworld map looks like. There might also be some kind of microtransaction system involved.
The video in question was uploaded by YouTube user Eric F and is supposedly from the SXSW Gaming Panel in which Niantic CEO John Hanke showed off the gameplay demo for the game.
The demo begins with a view of the overworld, which is based on real-life geography depending on the player’s location. It shows off the player’s level as well as a nearby Pokémon. The player attempts to catch the Pokémon and is successful after throwing a Master Ball (great use of a Master Ball, genius). We then see a bunch of information about the captured Pokémon, an Ivysaur, and get something called “Crystals” on screen.
It’s unclear how Crystals factor in to the Pokémon world, but there’s a strong chance that this is a kind of microtransaction currency. We’ll just have to wait for more information from Niantic and/or The Pokémon Company.
Pokémon GO will be released sometime later this year, and will be available on the iOS and Android platforms. The game will be free-to-play. Have a look at the footage below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHgCmnVvfTI