The field tests for "Pokemon Go," the first mobile entry in the popular video game franchise, has expanded out of Japan to Australia and New Zealand. Along with the expansion of the field test outside of Japan, the official website of Niantic Labs has also released a few new details regarding the game's mechanics and features.
According to the official post, players will be encouraged to join one of three teams. Each team will be competing against each other in every locale to take control of the city's gyms. Players can keep their Pokemon in a friendly gym or head to a rival gym to battle and potentially take control of the rival's gym.
It is also explained that the gyms will be located in real-world locations. Gyms are expected to be in places such as bakeries, video game stores and other real-world establishments that will offer their support to the "Pokemon Go" franchise. Other in-game locations such as PokeMarts and PokeCenters will also be located in the real world.
Gamespot reports that the game does give a similar experience to what Niantic Labs first offered in their 2012 game "Ingress," albeit with the visuals dressed up as a "Pokemon" game.
A report from GottaBeMobile also reveals some leaked footage of the field test in action, revealing 12 minutes of gameplay. As shown in the video clip, players will be able to see on their phone a map of their local area, with their avatar centered where they are similar to how GPRS maps work. Nearby Pokemon and other places of import are visible in the map.
Unfortunately, the only gameplay features showcased in the video leaks include exploring the world, looking at their Pokemon's stats, and walking around to hatch their Pokemon egg. Gameplay footage of Pokemon battles, evolution or trading has not yet surfaced online.
"Pokemon Go" is expected to be released before the end of the year.
