THE HISTORY OF POKÉMON
Pokémon Go may feel like an overnight sensation to many mobile gamers, but the series has been honing its winning formula and character designs for two decades. In fact, Pokémon form has been a sensation may times over on a variety of game playing devices, led by Nintendo’s handhelds like the Game p Boy Bo and DS. It’s quite a legacy that had led to over 280 million sales sale prior to the release of Pokémon Go, which is simply the next evolution in one of gaming’s greatest series.
Humble Beginnings The origins of the Pokémon series are wonderfully simple. Developer Satoshi Tajiri used to have an odd hobby as a child – he used to roam the streets of Tokyo looking for insects and tadpoles to catch. It gave him great joy, and it would be this memory that would give him the desire to bring that joy to other children around the world. As a young adult, Tajiri formed his development studio Game Freak. Soon after he got his hands on the original Game Boy and the Game Boy Game Link Cable, where the idea of trying to catch insects travelling along that cable began to form in his mind. Around the same time he fell in love with a Japanese TV show called Ultra Seven, in which the hero was able to capture huge monsters in small balls, which could be
unleashed when required in fights. With these three ideas combined, Tajiri began work on a game called Capsule Monsters. Colleague and friend Shigeru Miyamoto – the legendary creator of Mario, Zelda and many of gaming’s most popular franchises – helped pitch the game to Nintendo, who began to fund the project. During the trademarking process, the name was changed to Pocket Monsters and what we know today as Pokémon would begin to emerge with the creation of the first creature, Mew. It would take six years for Tajiri to take his initial concepts through to a full release, during which time Game Freak came within a whisker of bankruptcy. However when it did finally land, the world was ready.
Japanese ese e Sensation
Right from the get-go, many of g tthe features that have become ssynonymous with the series w were in place. w Releasing on the Game Boy in February G 1996, Pocket Monsters Red and Green were released a as two separately coloured a ttitles with minor differences between them. You could ccatch, train and battle Pokémon, and there were 150 in total. At least, that is what players first thought, w until a 151st Legendary u Pokémon emerged in the fform of Mew. The fanfare tthat arose from a desire to ccapture this final Pokémon iis what tipped the scales, tturning middling sales into a blockbuster success as gamers clamoured for a g ccopy.
Huge sales led to instant diversification of the Pokémon brand. A second game, Pocket Monsters Blue, quickly emerged with better visuals and audio. A trading card game, magazine and various manga series weren’t far behind. The most popular branching product was the anime, which saw the introduction of main hero character, trainer Ash Ketchum. By 1998, even a Pokémon Store had opened in Tokyo to meet the demand for merchandise. Pokémon was officially a sensation.
And Then,
The World There’s plenty of massively successful phenomena in Japan that never get an ounce of interest from Western audiences, but it turns out the addictive nature of hunting down and “catching them all” speaks any language. In 1998, the rebranded Pokémon Red and Blue (Green never came out in the West) released in the USA and began to filter into the rest of the world, including Australia. Hot on its heels came the trading card game, and the anime. The success of the anime would have large
repercussions on the series, erie es, with the first genuine sequel – Pokémon Yellow low ow – releasing in 1999. It wass effectively a remake,, but used the power of the he e just released Game e Boy Color to bring in elements lem e ents s popularised by the anime. e ani nime me. Trainer Ash was the game’s gam ga me’s main hero, exploring ori ring ng the land of Kanto, and nd the Pokémon took on the appearance and animations of their counterparts in the anime. Plus he had a sidekick; Pikachu. The tactic worked and Pokémon Yellow was a massive success. The first of countless spin-off games, Pokémon Stadium – which
showed show owed the he critters cri r ttters in 3D 3D for - soon fo or the th first rs st time ti soo oon emerged e erge em ged d on o Nintendo’s Nin inte tend n o’s console consolle of the era, era ra, the N64. N64 N6 4. By the turn off the the century, cen entu tury, Pokémon was flying – there was even a musical touring the world. It’s hard to believe that Nintendo America tried to have all the Pokémon redesigned ahead of the series’ Western release, fearing that the
cutesy cu ute tesy appearance app ppea earanc ce wouldn’t wouldn wo n’t connect with the the grittier grittie er audience. Thankfully y the the idea was rejected, and the original designs are retained right up to Pokémon Go today.
Know Your Generations With such a long history, crossing across many different formats with large changes in technology and power, the Pokémon series has evolved in generations. First generation (1996– 99): Created for the Game Boy, this is where we see the roots of the Japanese RPG experience, with its addictive mix of strategy via tactical turn-based combat. Catching, training, trading and battling were all staples of the game. It began with Pocket Monsters Red and Green, and soon after the enhanced Pocket Monsters Blue and remake Pokémon Yellow for the Game Boy Color. This generation included 151 Pokémon, and unfolded in a region of the land called Kanto. Second generation (1999–02): This began with the launch of Game Boy Color titles Pokémon Gold and Silver, which were followed by an enhanced remake called Pokémon Crystal. 100 new species of Pokémon were added – bringing the total to 251. This generation saw the
implementation of a day/ night system, upgraded inventory, items and two new Pokémon types (Dark and Steel). The action unfolded in a new region, Johto. Third generation (2002–06): Launching with a new handheld, the more powerful Game Boy Advance, was Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, which – of course – was later enhanced and re-released as Pokémon Emerald. We also saw remakes of the original game in the form of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. 135 new Pokémon were added (bringing the total to 386) in the new region of Hoenn, and other new features included a far more detailed environment, “natures” that impacted Pokémon stats, two-on-two battles and abilities. Fourth generation (2006–10): The new Nintendo DS handheld
received Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, which would later receive a director’s cut called Pokémon Platinum. Pokémon Gold and Silver were also remade for the format as HeartGold and SoulSilver. Another 107 species were added (totalling 493) as was a new region, Sinnoh, which included underground areas. This generation added 3D models, online trading and battling, Super Contests, Pokeathelon (sporting events) and a new move classification system. Fifth generation (2010–13): This marked the first time we saw a generation jump on the same format, as Pokémon Black and White also released on the DS. It brought in triple and rotation battles, customisable gear, Battle Tests, seasons and Pokémon Musicals (a dancing minigame). There were 156 new Pokémon, too (totalling 649) – including species with no relationship to
previous types - and a new region, Unova. The game would get a direct sequel, Pokémon Black and White 2, which would add in new trainers and the Pokémon World Tournament, where you could battle for gyms from all regions. Sixth generation (2013– 16): Appearing on the new 3DS handheld, came Pokémon X and Y, which brought 3D visuals, the introduction of player characters and the new Fairy type of Pokémon. It had 69 new Pokémon (bringing the total to 718) and unfolded in the Kalos region. Remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire also emerged in this generation. Seventh generation (2016–present): It begins in November 2016 with the release of Pokémon Sun and Moon on the 3DS.
GETTING STARTED WITH By the time you read this, over 100 million people around g the world will be playing Pokémon Go; it’s the biggest thing to happen in mobile gaming since Angry Birds. We’ve gott tips galore for you throughout this magazine, but for those e just getting started, here are some essential basics. By now we assume you know what Pokémon Go is about. Building on the history of the series, the game takes the catch, train, trade and battle gameplay of the main RPG series and puts it in the real world using augmented reality. Instead of roaming mythical lands like Hoenn and Unova, it’s in your local parks and streets that you will catch Pokémon to train and evolve. And it will be in popular locations you will send them into battle for control of gyms. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:
Battery Performance B f Before you go out ffor your first walk lk looking for Pokémon, make sure you’ve gone into Settings and turned on the Battery Saver option. The game is quite power intensive and will drain your battery quickly – as such, even with the saver option on – you should always head out fully charged. If your battery is about to die, don’t try and capture a Pokémon as you’ll kick yourself if you can’t capture it before your phone goes dead.
Start with
Never miss a
Pikachu
Pokéstop
When the game first begins, you will see three starter Pokémon appear in your immediate vicinity and you are encouraged to choose one to capture. However, there is a secret fourth option. Instead of capturing the three you see, walk away until they disappear. The will pop up a second and third time, but keep walking away. The fourth time they pop up, you will see Pikachu as an option.
Areas of interest all over the world will show up on the game map as little blue icons - these are PokéStops. When you get near them, you can access these icons and spin the coin with a flick of your finger, which will reward you with free items. These are very useful for other parts of the game. The more popular the Pokéstop, the more free items you will get, so it’s best to seek these out. Heading to high traffic locations in your area and looking for blue icons that are dressed with purple leaves are your best bets for the most freebies.
Name Your Captures
When you catch a Pokémon, you can head into the Options, select it and rename it to whatever you like. You’d be surprised how fulfilling it is to name your captured Pokémon; you will have a closer connection to them, and over the rest of the game it will feel like you are going on a journey together.
Check Before You
Trade
You will need to earn Candy as you play to spend on evolutions that raise the rank of your captured Pokémon. One way to do this is to trade Pokémon you have doubles (or more) of with Professor Willow. However, note that even the same kind of Pokémon can have different stats; so make sure you check before you trade to make sure you are not sacrificing the more powerful of your two critters.
CAPTURING THE BEST POKÉMON
Before you can do much of anything in Pokémon é Go, you need to capture the titular creatures. They can turn up randomly as you roam about your environment, or can be attracted to certain areas using in-game items called lures. One the game’s most addictive qualities is “catching them all” and the deeper you go into the game, the more you will seek those rarer and more powerful Pokémon. Here are the 20 most sought after Pokémon in the game, and tips on how to capture them.
A Guide to Catching Pokémon 1. The more users in an area, the more Pokémon tend to appear in the game. Try and head to high traffic areas, or even assemble with a group of friends, to maximise the amount of captures possible. 2. A Pokéball is required to capture a Pokémon, and these can often be in short supply. The best way to increase your stock is to visit PokéStops and hope to score them as freebies. 3. For maximum results, head with a group to a popular Pokéstop, then use a lure. The combination of players, location and lure often yields good numbers of Pokémon.
4. If you find yourself urself using a lure, but no Pokémon show up, try closing the app quickly and then reopening the game. This might save your lure from being wasted. 5. Rustling grass on the map offers the promise of a Wild Pokémon, but you might be disappointed when one does not appear in that location. However, keep looking: rustling grass does indicate there is a Pokémon somewhere in the area, it’s just not that precise. 6. Also note that locating a Wild Pokémon is a timesensitive event. If you see one, go for it straight away and always try to keep at least one Pokéball up your sleeve for just such an occasion.
7. Once you’re in th 7 the he capture minigame, don’t waste your throws by being flippant with your swipe as the Pokéball is a valuable and limited resource. Take your time; there is a rhythm to flicking the balls and once you get it, you can get close to a 100% success rate.
9. Consider the distance 9 of your Pokémon target when capturing; they are e not all the same distance e away and you will need to compensate for that when en throwing the ball. You will need to increase yourr flicking motion to make the extra distance. 10. Never waste a bus trip; there are plenty of Pokémon you may pass by as your bus slows down in traffic or at stops and if you are quick, you can capture re them as you go.
8. You can spin a Pokéball on your trainer’s finger before you throw it, which adds curve. You will have to compensate for that curve with your aiming, but this method adds extra XP to the captured Pokémon so is a worthwhile gamble.
11. After you’ve been playing for a while, you may begin to notice a decline in the number of Pokémon that are appearing. Try turning the game on and off and this should see them increase again.
20
19
18
17
Vileplume
Clefable
Golem em
Nidoking Ni idoking
Number 45
Number 36
Number b 76
Number N b 34
Type Grass/Poison
Type Fairy
Type Rock/Ground
Type Poison/Ground
Effective Against Fairy Pokémon Why we like
Effective Against Fighting, Dragon and Dark Pokémon
Effective Against Fire, Poison, Rock, Electric and Ice Pokémon
Effective Against Fire, Electric and Fairy Pokémon
THIS HAPPY LITTLE CRITTER EVOLVES FROM EVO OM M THE FARR FR FROMFAR-FROMHAPPY Y LOO OOKING G LOO OOM, AND ND LOOKING GLOOM, LOVES S REL E EASING G PA PARALYSING N NG RELEASING TOX XINS IN . TOXINS.
Why we like
Why we like
Why we like
AG GREAT RE COMBATANT AND THE S STR ON STRONGEST OF THE FAIRY TYPE POKÉ ÉMON, PLUS IT T HA H AS PLAY POKÉMON, HAS ROU O G GH AS A S PE IAL MO PEC M V VE VE. ROUGH SPECIAL MOVE.
FIRE POKÉMON ARE REGULARS IN GYMS, AND THIS GUY IS VERY STRO ST STRONG AGAINST THIS TYPE, WHIICH C MAKES HIM A HANDY WHICH A ATTACKING FORCE.
USING HIS DINOSAUR-LIKE SIZE AND LARGE TAIL, HE CAN USE HIS HIGH ATTACK POWER TO SMASH OPPONENTS.
Top 10
Attacking A Normal Pokémon
1: Dragonite 250 Attack
2: Flareon 238 Attack
3: Exeggutor
16
15
14
Nidoqueen N idoq quee en
Machamp M ach hamp
Poliwrath P
Number 31
Number 68
Number 62
5: Victreebel
Type Poison/Ground
Type Fighting
Type Water/Fighting
6: Charizard
Why we like
Effective Against Fire, Ground, Rock, Normal, Ice, Dark and Steel Pokémon
7: Magmar
FOR PURE APPEARANCE, THIS IS ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE POKÉMON AND AS HE EVOLVES, HE JUST GETS BIGGER AND MEANER. NEAR UNSTOPPABLE WHEN MATCHED AGAINST THE RIGHT OPPONENTS.
Why we like
9: Nidoking
BEGINNING LIFE AS THE PRETTY SIMPLE POLIWAGS, IT EVOLVES INTO THIS THE POLIWRATH FORM, WHICH IS A VERSATILE ADDITION TO YOUR ROSTER THAT FREQUENTLY COMES IN HANDY.
204 Attack
Effective Against Fire and Fairy Pokémon Why we like SIMILAR TO NIDOKING, BUT SACRIFICES A BIT OF POWER TO HAVE HIGHER DEFENCE AND STAMINA STATS, WHICH IS GREAT FOR PROTECTING GYMS.
Effective Against Normal, Ice, Rock, Dark and Steel Pokémon
232 Attack
4: Arcanine 230 Attack
222 Attack
212 Attack
214 Attack
8: Gengar 204 Attack
10: Vileplume 202 Attack
BEING THE ULTIMATE TRAINER Pokémon Go is a ludicrously addictive experience because it goes a lot deeper than just the collecting and battling of cute little critters. Staying on top of their wellbeing, evolving them into stronger forms and playing well for the team are also part of the fun, and we’ve collated some handy tips to help you maximise this side of the game, too.
Healing Pokémon The first thing you need to know is that damage is permanent. So anything inflicted on the health of your Pokémon during a gym battle will not regenerate and must be addressed with potions. There are three ways of healing an injured Pokémon. The first and most obvious is to use a purple potion from your items. However, you will also restore one hit point when you powerup a Pokémon. The third method is to evolve your Pokémon, which restores it to full health. If a Pokémon has been defeated and you wish to revive it, there are two options available to you. The first is to use a yellow potion, which will bring it back to life, but only to half-health. The
other is to evolve it, which will see the Pokémon return at full health. It’s not always worth reviving a fallen Pokémon. Especially if they are not that strong and you already have a few of them available in your roster. In these instances, you’re better off transferring the dead Pokémon to Professor Willow and earning yourself a Candy. To do this, you click on the Pokéball, select the Pokémon and tap transfer – just remember, once transferred your cannot get the Pokémon back. The higher your level, the more likely it is that potions will be dropped in the game for you to collect, or for them to appear at Pokéstops. You can also receive them as rewards when you level-up.
E E
Hatching Eggs Th The e inst instant tan ant you o ge gett a an n eg egg, gg place it in an incubator as you don’t want to waste any steps from then on. When you tap on the Pokéball, and then the Pokémon, you will see a list of eggs appear in the top right. You can then match an egg with an incubator. The longer the distance you need to walk to hatch an egg, the rarer the Pokémon that appears from inside it. As such, it’s worth prioritising the 10km eggs over the 5km and 2km variants. However, if you have more than one incubating, your steps will count to all of them equally. While it’s not such a great tactic for other people in your neighbourhood, if you drive your car at a speed of 20km/h or
Choosing the right
less it can count as steps. This is more effective for people who frequently get stuck in rush hour traffic, where that very well may be the speed you are travelling anyway – so make sure in these instances you leave your app open so you can accumulate steps. Some gamers have also tried tying their phone to their pet dog and letting it increase the step count on their behalf. You’d want to secure your phone tightly, though. Keep an eye out for extra incubators, which can be collected at Pokéstops. If you have multiple eggs incubating
Team
at once, each step counts towards both. Be very carefully cracking eggs: you only get three attempts before it breaks. While you are at work or sleeping, plug in your phone and leave the app open. Every now and again your phone’s GPS will reset and this will count as steps.
How to Level-Up
The magic number in Pokémon Go is the CP – this refers to the Combat Power of a Pokémon. The higher that number is, the stronger the Pokémon is in respect to other critters in the game. The maximum CP that a Pokémon can reach is defined by the white half circle above its head, so your goal is to fill that up to maximise its power. The three ways of increasing the CP of a Pokémon are to power it up using stardust (collected by holding gyms), candies (collected by trading Pokémon) and training. Obviously as soon as the white half circle is full, it’s not worth wasting any more of these resources on that Pokémon as its CP is maxed out. When you evolve a Pokémon
It’s not just Pokémon that can be levelled-up in the game, but also the gyms. Levelling-up a gym increases the Prestige, as well as the amount of defending Pokémon that can be stationed at that location, so it is very important. Training a Pokémon at a gym your team already owns not only improves the critter, but also adds Prestige to the gym. And every time that Prestige reaches 2000, the gym levelsup. Levelling-up a gym is a into a new form, it becomes great way to get one of your more powerful and the white Pokémon into the defensive half circle will become longer, giving you more room to grow roster of a full gym. If you team owns a gym, but cannot its CP. To train a Pokémon, you send fit anymore Pokémon in, then it into battle against a gym you levelling it up will open up a space for you. already own. In these battles, damage is not permanent.
When you reach level 5, Professor Willow will you give you the choice of signing up for one of three available teams. It’s an important choice as you cannot reverse it later – make sure that you are on the same team as your friends so that when you join up to play together, you can compete for the same side. Outside of that, there appears to be no other ingame benefit from siding with one team over the other – at least not yet. Here are your options:
Blue: This is Team Mystic, led by the trainer Blanche and represented by the legendary Pokémon Articuno. This team believes in evolution and the tactic of calm analysis when approaching battle.
Yellow: This is Team Instinct, led by the trainer Spark and represented by the legendary Pokémon Zapdos. This team believes you will never lose if you trust your instincts.
Red: This is Team Valor, led by the trainer Candela and represented by the legendary Pokémon Moltres. This team focuses on training and achieving true strength.