Summer sixteen has been an active one for teens as the newest chart topping app, Pokemon Go, requires them to get out and be active in order to progress in the game.

“It’s a lot of fun and gets people out of the house more than that have in the past” rising sophomore Kyle Dalsimer said. “It combines gaming with physical activity.”

Niantic released Pokemon Go, a free video game available for all iPhone and Android devices in early July. The game dominated

the charts, with 75 million downloads almost instantly after its release and is letting teens and young adults relive their favorite childhood trading card game.

“I think that the game really gives an authentic feel which is why a lot of people like it” rising sophomore Alex Bellem said. “The game [also] forces you to be active and get fit without realizing it.”

The game itself is fairly simple, after downloading the game and creating Poke Trainer all you have to do is walk around and try to capture various creatures. When you open the app it will present a map of your exact location. When you approach a creature you must throw a PokeBall at it to capture it and once it is captured it will come under your avatars ownership.

The map also shows a variety of PokeStops and gyms. At a PokeStop players can stock up on potions, eggs and PokeBalls. Whereas the gyms serve as a battleground for team-based battles.

As you become more adept at the game you can move up levels and choose your team. The higher levels you achieve the stronger the Pokemon become.

The app does however have some differences from the original card game. It requires less critical thinking and tactics and more activity. All you have to do is walk around and swipe up when you see a creature you wish to capture.

“The card game is more about strategy and knowledge, whereas Pokemon Go lets you enjoy [the game] without having to know anything about it” Dalsimer said.
Kids have been seen all over northern Virginia hunting for Pokemon and have gone to great lengths chasing and capturing creatures. The game has caused distracted driving, walking and biking as well as illegal trespassing but continues to be downloaded on thousands of phones everyday.