'Pokemon Go' release date news: Gameplay and Pokemon Go details explained

Pokemon Go The Pokemon Company/Niantic

"Pokemon Go" has begun its beta field test in the United States, allowing a limited number of players to give the game a try before it officially launches worldwide. As the game gains more traction, the Pokemon Company has released new gameplay details and information regarding the Pokemon Go Plus accessory on the company's official blog.

According to the post, combat is played out a little differently in Pokemon Go than in the mainstream video games. Each Pokemon will have two attacks available and the player can choose between these two when in combat. In order to avoid incoming attacks, the player will need to swipe the phone left or right, indicating that combat is played in real time.

The post further reveals that each player will choose a specific team. At any given time, at least one team will have control over a Pokemon Gym. With each defeat the current Gym team suffers, their Gym Prestige is reduced. Once it goes down to zero, the victorious team can add their Pokemon to claim and defend the Gym for their team. 

When traveling through the real world, a player's mobile phone will vibrate or give a notification when there is a Pokemon nearby. Once encountered, a player will use their phone to toss Poke Balls. In order to catch the Pokemon they must make sure that the Poke Ball is accurately aimed so that it lands and knocks on the Pokemon. 

According to the report, the optional accessory called the Pokemon Go Plus is designed so that players can still interact and catch Pokemon without having to grab their phones. The accessory will light up its LED notification light and will also vibrate when a Pokemon is nearby. Players simply need to press the button to attempt to capture the Pokemon.

No offiical release date has been announced, but "Pokemon Go" is scheduled to release before the end of this year.

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