7 Features & Mechanics Pokemon Go Needs to Revolutionize the Game
Pokémon Go's recent troubles have not stopped its players from making the most of what they have with the game, but Niantic could do more.
Pokemon Go has been a great way for Pokemon fans to simulate being a trainer in real life since its release in 2016. With its AR-based gameplay loop and a great roster of Pokemon to collect and train, players have been hooked on Niantic’s take on the popular IP for many years now.
However, the game is not without its faults and Niantic’s recent inability to keep its player base happy with the experience it has on offer has been the topic of many discussions online. While the studio has made efforts to improve events like its Adventure Week and make them more appealing to its player base, it seems that dissatisfaction with some aspects of Pokemon Go continues to be a thorn in Niantic’s side.
Yet all is not lost as the game’s fans continue to find ways to enjoy it and even have creative ways to address a few issues that have stemmed from bad decisions on Niantic’s part. The studio could stand to gain from making a few changes to the game in order to reward the loyalty that its players have shown while simultaneously improving the overall experience it offers. Here are a few ideas for features and mechanics that Niantic could implement in future updates of Pokemon Go.
7. Story-Based Missions
While the basic premise of Pokemon forms the crux of Niantic’s take on the popular IP, including missions that allow players to relive the adventures of Ash, Brock, and Misty in some form would make Pokemon Go the definitive experience for fans.
These missions could be in the form of specific objectives that reward popular Pokemon from the anime or other media or even feature a solo campaign mode that players can enjoy at home even as they battle it out at Gyms in the real world.
6. A Challenge System
While Niantic has been under fire from the community for poor drop rates on rare and legendary Pokemon, which are a part of Adventure Week events, the studio could consider giving players a chance to earn them through challenges that they would have to fulfill during a limited time frame in order to unlock a chance at gaining a Legendary Pokemon to add to their collection.
It would be a great way to bring more players into the fold while also giving them a fair chance at catching any Legendaries they may have missed due to being unable to participate in events.
5. NPC Missions
Adding popular characters from Pokemon as NPCs and having players complete specific tasks for them could help increase player engagement and could be a great way for Niantic to introduce new rewards or Pokemon into the fold over time.
These missions could include multiple objectives that give players rewards and perhaps eggs with a guaranteed drop for rare Pokemon. It could even include tiers of increasing difficulties, the highest of which rewards legendary Pokemon.
4. Including Useful Items at Pokestops
Items like Remote Raid Passes that Niantic has essentially locked behind a paywall could be included at Pokestops with varying chances of finding one, allowing players who eschew microtransactions a fair shot at finding what they need.
It would help Niantic address the problems that it currently faces to a large extent while also making the game feel more welcoming to new players and old alike. Moreover, Remote Raid Passes are not the only items that could make the cut, as other useful items like Golden Razz Berries can also be included, incentivizing players to visit Pokestops more often.
3. Healing Stations
A location for players to visit and heal their Pokemon for free after a tough battle at a nearby Gym would go a long way in improving the experience that Niantic currently has on offer while also building on the simulation of being a Pokemon trainer in the real world.
SUGGESTED: Pokemon Go Player Enacts the Best Revenge After ‘Karen’ Tries to Ruin the Fun
It would also be a great way for players who are low on crucial resources to continue playing the game, making it a win for both sides of the equation if Niantic could implement it correctly.
2. Requesting Pokestops and Gyms
Allowing players to place requests for Pokestops and Gyms when they reach specific levels in the game would help make the game more accessible to players while allowing Niantic to control the number of requests and probable spam that could occur from implementing such a mechanic.
The level requirement would mean that players continue to be a part of Pokemon Go’s unique gameplay loop while requiring them to be careful about placing a request considering the effort they had to put in to earn it.
1. Turn-Based Battles
Turn-based battles at Gyms or during raids would be a great addition to Pokemon Go, adding a layer of strategy into the mix and allowing players to coordinate their attacks on tough bosses better.
It would be a lot of fun if Niantic were able to make it happen and help players conserve resources and perhaps even ensure that their Pokemon make it through a fight if they were to work with other players to create strategies that are effective against bosses that are perhaps resistant to specific types of damage.
Niantic clearly has a lot of options in its mission to improve Pokemon Go and make it a game that caters to its players, ensuring that it continues to keep them happy while they have fun playing it. Fans of the game would certainly hope that the company is able to fix the experience and make it live up to its vast potential in the near future.
