So far this week we have had a lot of new things in Pokemon Go. My thoughts follow.
Today I got a new kind of incense that Professor Willow found (at least that is the storyline). It looks like now every day I will be getting one home spawn no matter what. This is a great new addition to the game so that we can continue to get the every day catch a Pokemon bonus. I like this since I don’t get home spawns without the increased incenses. This will also be great for the more rural players as well since many may have a longer commute (walk or drive) than I do to a Pokestop and/or Gym. Anything that makes catching at least the daily Pokemon is a good thing. Two caveats though, at least so far from what I can tell having it for one day only.
- I sure hope that the Pokemon does not run away on you. I believe that this is supposed to be a player’s catch of the day. I caught mine first try today…
- I sure hope that this is not in lieu of the strong incense we have now. The way this new feature is worded has me worried – calling it an incense. Hopefully this is just a wording issue and is just me overthinking things. I have said it before, but it bears repeating that before this situation, the incenses did not attract Pokemon to me at home. I am glad that I can do a home game to get a day’s worth of Pokemon with the improved incense. I truly hope Niantic keeps the strong incense as part of the quality-of-life updates. This was not spelled out in the recent news update one way or the other. Until this is spelled out, I will campaign for it. This helps all players, especially those in more rural and rural suburban areas.
Speaking of the quality-of-life updates (I discussed what I wanted kept here), Niantic announced that most of the updates will be maintained. Hooray for increased distance to spin Photo Discs and get into gyms for raids and fighting to take over gyms. This will allow for more people to get into to a raid without having to use a Remote Raid Pass (unless they want to) and will also allow for larger raid parties. Gifts storage and opening will remain increased which is good. Hopefully buddies will continue to go to local Pokestops and Gyms to collect Gifts. The walking requirement will “eventually” come back as well. I have discussed this in the past, I was hoping that the walking requirement would be eliminated… or at least reduced. We shall see what happens.
What was left unsaid is also telling. I will repeat my disappointment that nothing was stated about the increased incense effectiveness. I also know that the 1/2 distance eggs and the double length incense probably will not last forever. However, it would be nice if there was a definitive announced end date for the 1/2 distance eggs and double length incenses.
I also got a daily free box today as a part of the testing. I like this as a nice little bonus of some in-game staples. This, along with the daily bonus gift from Great Buddies are very helpful to making game play a little easier and more fun overall. This will be great for newer players as well. Good job.
Very nice seeing Galarian Farfetch’d added, even if for a couple of days. I caught a few. Serious question though for anyone who knows the Pokemon Universe better than I do: Why do only some show up in the Pokedex (eg. Obstagoon and Perrserker) from Galar and not all of them? Makes no sense to me, but I come in to this game more from a Role Playing angle and not a Pokemon fan angle.
I also got my ticket for July 25 & 26. I am looking forward to this two day event. I hope to get some new Pokemon out of this and maybe some more of my favorites… and some shinies!
Hopefully more good news soon!
Moose's Pokemon Go Blog 