Ive talkedcountless timesabout how rubbishPokemon Gois for rural players.

Theyre simply impossible if you live in arural community.

I dont live in a rural setting, I justempathise with the players.

Snorlax yawning over Pokemon TCG Pocket

Im somewhere between rural and urban, in the outskirts of a city.

Its not a bad place to play Pokemon Go, but theres no community.

Im far more casual now.

Gigantamax Machamp next to a Premier Ball from Pokemon Go.

Playing Pokemon Go In Japan Is Like Playing A Different Game

Then I arrived in Japan.

A city where I know no-one, and no-one knows me.

There are language barriers and physical barriers alike.

Kingambit next to Shiny Nidoking’s catch screen from Pokemon Go.

But still, Pokemon Go is on another level here.

Note: Its been hella snowing here in Sapporo, making routes away from the beaten paths treacherous.

But needs must, so I ventured through snowdrifts and across icy roads to get my regional exclusives.

Photo by Another Pokemon Go fight in Japan. Stock image credit Eugene Capon from Pexels

Yet another fight over Pokemon Go took place in Japan, making this the second this month.

But Pokemon Go is massive here.

If I put a Pokemon in a Gym, it is knocked out within the hour.

If I tentatively hit a Raid, theres invariably a party already waiting to take it down.

Image of Fidough from Pokemon standing in grass.

via Niantic

Pokemon Go feels like a different game in Japan.

The streets are more densely packed with Pokemon and players alike.

Theres always something going down, always players engaging with the games core mechanics, and it feels exciting.

Image of Incarnate Forme Enamorus flying in a sunset-colored sky.

It makes you want to play.

Finally my horde of Mr.

It feels like that first summer when it was released.

pokemon go players walking towards gyms

via Niantic

It feels better than playing at home, and not just because of the excitement of foreign exclusives.

Theres a proper community here.

There are always players nearby to help out with whatever challenge youre tackling, and that co-operation feels great.

Live-Service Games

Id grown accustomed to the slow going of suburban play, but now Ive tasted the other extreme.

I want to Raid again, I want to play with other people again.

Thats what this game is about, after all.

Pokemon Go

I know exactly what will happen.

Itll last a week, maybe two, maybe even until the next major global event.

But my enthusiasm will dwindle.

Niantic

Ill jump in once a week.

Then once a month.

Before I know it, I will only turn the game on for something major.

You know, Shadow Rayquaza or a foreign holiday or something.