Pokemon Go was released for iOS and Android smartphones earlier this month, but only in some countries. Here in India, the avid gamer has had to scour the internet to download an APK to play the game on Android smartphones. There are several APK versions of Pokemon GO that are infected with Malware, so one has to be careful when downloading it from unknown sources. For iOS users, a new Apple ID has to be created and the gamer will have to choose the US or New Zealand as his/her Country. As of today, the game is available in several more countries, but still not available in India. 
Once you’ve download the APK on your Android device, or created an US Apple ID, you can install the game.
Pokemon GO in India
When you first launch the game, you’ll be greeted by Professor Willow, who will give tell you the basics of the game and then ask you to choose between four starters: Pokemon,Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander. There’s a trick where you can make Pikachu as your starter Pokemon. To do that, just walk away from the trio till you spot Pikachu among them.
To catch a Pokemon, you’ll have to throw the Pokeball at them. To be successful at all times, make sure you throw the ball when the green circle around the Pokemon is the smallest. You can choose to enable or disable AR mode. When enabled, your smartphone camera will turn on and show the Pokemonin thereal world.
Over 250 Pokemons including the original 150 and the new ones are available on the game. The main aim of this game is to make the player step outside the house and walk. You will have to be alert though, and beware of your surroundings. You can play the game in India and it is quite a lot of fun, but you will have to be careful when you’re walking the streets to catch the pocket monsters.
There are more things you can do than just catch Pokemon in the game, obviously. You can train, evolve, and fight other trainers and their Pokemon to gain XP and increase your level. Yes, you’ll find plenty of GYMS and PokeStopsaround your location. PokeStops are places of interest that will give you free stuff such as Pokeballs, Eggs, Potions, etc. GYMS are where you can train your Pokemon to increase its CP (Combat Power) and also increase your level. You can join a team and access GYMS once you’re level 5.
The game relies on GPS and cellular data, so make sure you have enough charge or carry a portable charger when you go Pokemon hunting.
Pokemon GO for iOS and Android is free to download, but there are in-app purchases which range from Rs. 60 – Rs. 6200.
(This article was published in the recent issue of Karnataka Today Magazine)
