Mobile App Critique : Pokémon GO!

 

The mobile app that I will be reviewing for this discussion is Pokémon Go. I will be covering the apps usability, design, and functoriality. I will also propose a way for the developers to improve the apps usability, design, and functoriality.

 Created by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Go was released July 6^th, 2016 as a continuation of the popular Pokémon gaming franchise. The purpose of Pokémon Go was to bring the world of Pokémon to life in new and innovative ways. Using GPS location and augmented reality, developers sought to create an immersive and interactive experience that allowed users to explore, socialize, and catch Pokémon in a real/virtual world through our smartphones.  Upon release, Pokémon Go became a worldwide sensation with approximately 232 million users at its peak.  

Usability

As an occasional player of Pokémon Go myself, I can say that the app is easy to use and has a naturally intuitive user interface and gameplay. In addition, the app also offers tutorials for new users regarding in app experiences like using poke balls for catching Pokémon, using the store, leveling up your Pokémon, and participating in gym battles.

Since Pokémon go is a location-based game, you must move great distances to truly maximize your gaming experience. But sometimes I would like to be able to play without having to move from home. One recommendation I would propose for improvements in game usability would be to incorporate game modes that do not require having to move around so much physically. Instead, developers could incorporate elements of past Pokémon games on handheld devices like Gameboy with new innovative augmented mapping technology to create truly virtual worlds that mimic that of our own.  We would be able to move anywhere in the world freely; catching Pokémon, battling, and forging new relationships with other players on a global scale.

            Design

The apps design, both aesthetically and logistically make Pokémon Go a well-balanced game. Graphically, Pokémon Go uses simple yet colorful and well refined animations and art that make the game aesthetically appealing to users. Logistically, the Pokémon go interface is easy to navigate. There are several animations around the perimeter of device that allow the user to visualize user progress. By clicking the avatar animation on the bottom left of the screen, users can see their level, experience, friendships, gym, and badge progress. By clicking the Pokeball on the bottom center of the screen a pop-up menu displays, your Pokedex, item bag, battle mode, shop, and Pokémon inventory. There is also another icon on the bottom right of your screen that allows users to see mission progress and nearby Pokémon.

If I were to recommend a design modification to developers, I would want the in-game map to be even more interactive. Outside of the gyms and pokestops, which are more plentiful in urban areas with many landmarks, there is nothing besides empty patches of grass and streets which makes the game rather boring and limited to those living in rural areas. To introduce some type of balance to that issue, developers should update the code to attract either more Pokémon, team rocket battles, or unique in game missions that allow the rural users to stay entertained.  

Functionality

Functionally speaking, Pokémon go is well designed app with a spectrum of features that allow users to stay entertained, explore, and have fun. Users have the ability to catch common, uncommon, and even legendary Pokémon in special/seasonal events. Users also have the option to engage in missions and gym battles which upon completion grants players rewards including, Pokémon, experience, coins, and items like potions, super potions, and pokeballs.

If I were to recommend to the developers a way to make the functionality of this game better, I would want the team to enhance the battle dynamics. I personally enjoyed the dynamics of the older Gameboy games more. In the old games each Pokémon was able to use 4 attack moves where now it is only 2 in Pokémon go. In the old games you were also able to improve a Pokémon’s individual skills like attack, defense, speed, special attack, and special defense. Whereas in this game you cannot. I would recommend developers to go a step further by giving each Pokémon a set of 6-8 attack moves and also a list of defense moves to broaden the scope and depth of each battle. Otherwise, it gets boring and played out.

Overall, I think Pokemon is a decent mobile app which has tremendous potential. In terms of usability, design, and functionality, it is a well-balanced game. However, I personally think that there needs to be many improvements made to enhance gameplay and the users experience. Since its peak in 2016 of 232 million users, it is now down to about 5-6 million users worldwide. There has clearly been a loss in momentum and interest. If the company wants to reach those numbers again, they will have to make drastic updates to attract people to come back.