Pack up your Poké Balls! Since Pokémon Go had its UK release last week, gamers in Stevenage and North Herts have been out trying to bag a Bulbasaur, catch a Charmander or seize a Squirtle in a bid to become the ultimate Pokémon master.
The craze that took the world by storm more than 15 years ago is back, and even has its own Pokémon Go Stevenage group on Facebook – of which James Creighton is a member.
“The group has got so big in a short space of time,” James said. “People of all ages take part in it. It’s great fun.”
Stevenage-based James, who owns businesses Taste and Venue in the town, was thrilled to learn this fixture of his childhood was enjoying a revival.
“Back in my school days, as all my friends know, I had the cards and the old Game Boy games – it was something that everyone could come together with,” the 27-year-old said.
“It’s nice to see it’s made a massive return.”
The game, which comes as an app on iOS and Android, sees virtual creatures appear in real-life locations, with the help of a smartphone screen.
James explained: “You start off as a basic trainer, and level up once you catch more and more Pokémon. You use Poké Balls to catch Pokémon and you can also battle people in nearby PokéGyms.
“It has the freedom of walking around the town and actually using town as the location like a real-life game. Other games don’t offer GPS and camera modes. I think that’s why it’s taken off like it has – not to mention it’s great exercise too.
“It’s addictive – it makes me want to walk more to find Pokémon.”
There are already two Letchworth-based Pokémon Go groups on Facebook – and the PokéGyms include the Orange Tree in Baldock.
If you’re thinking of going out to pick up a Pikachu, developers Niantic do say in the game to ‘be alert at all times and stay aware of your surroundings’.
Dad-of-one James has this tip for would-be Pokémon masters: “Keep catching Pokémon to level up higher and get your walking gear on, and you’ve got a long journey ahead!”
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