Pokemon GO took the world by storm when it launched in 2016. The ability to interact with monsters in augmented reality and see them around proved to be a quick recipe to success. In fact, Pokemon GO had one of the biggest mobile game launches of all time. However, fans have been let down at the lack of graphic improvements since the game’s debut.
Mobile games are not often groundbreaking in the graphics department, but Pokemon GO still falls behind the competition. With Professor Willow’s upgraded look, it’s clear that Niantic has the capability to bring fans a higher quality product, but it has yet to bring a cleaner appearance to team leaders, players, and the game’s environment. If it wants to avoid falling out of fans' favor, Niantic should be proactive about making visual upgrades.
Professor Willow’s Visual Update
At the conclusion of 2022’s Pokemon GO Fest, Professor Willow once again returned to phones around the world. During the event’s opening week in June, Willow mysteriously disappeared into an ultra-wormhole and was replaced by Rhi, a member of the GO Ultra Recon Squad from another dimension. Players were given research tasks to help find Professor Willow. Finally, after months of searching for clues to the professor’s location, Willow emerged safe, sound, and with a defined new look.
Some fans have theorized that the original Willow was replaced during his hiatus, but in reality, he just got a makeover from Niantic’s graphics department. It seems that the time away has done wonders for Professor Willow, as his new look has dazzled fans. With better-defined features, a new outfit, and more realistic hair, Willow’s appearance is a sign of what could be in store for Pokemon GO player customization.
Pokemon GO Needs Graphical Improvements
While Pokemon GO is full of custom outfits for players’ characters, the actual visualizations leave a lot to be desired. Each gamer’s character looks essentially the same, regardless of the selected hair, skin color, or other attributes specified. Most notably, facial features are indistinguishable and undefined. Some fans have even noticed that newer, high-end mobile devices have similar graphic quality as old ones.
Since its launch, one of the appeals of Pokemon Go was its augmented reality features. For Pokemon fans, seeing little monsters around your home was a thrill, however, many players choose to leave the AR system switched off and interact with their Pokemon in a more virtual setting. Despite that, Niantic has largely chosen to keep the environment the same since its launch. The cut scenes, taking place in the newly remodeled Professor Willow’s outdoor lab, have remained largely the same. Pokemon GO’s research tasks should be the best part of the game, but their cut scenes are uninspiring.
The map exploration graphics have also remained the same since Pokemon GO’s original debut. Players who live in the middle of a large city are surrounded by green, grassy fields, an unrealistic representation of the environment. While it doesn’t need to look like players are walking through a real city, showing that buildings exist on the map could bring an added layer of realism to the game.
Even for gamers who enjoy the augmented reality, there are certain areas where virtual play is necessary. Gym battles and raids, two of the best features in the game, take place in entirely virtual environments. While both are always entertaining, visual enhancements could bring a new dynamic to Niantic’s signature game. No one is expecting Pokemon GO to look truly authentic, but some visual improvements could go a long way towards maintaining players’ interest as it faces increased competition from the best mobile games.
Pokemon GO is available on Mobile devices.