Whether you enjoy walking through parks or hiking up mountains, you are bound to see someone trekking along with their nose in a phone since Pokemon Go hit the app market. This new game is such an elusive phenomenon that most people are still in shock of its popularity. Is this due to the nostalgia of childhood years passed? Or is this game simply the greatest excuse for convincing your mom to let you play video games without her incessant harping about how you never go outside? Either way, this virtual reality game has people on the move all over the world, aiming to find the next critter to catch.

Here at Xavier, many students have caught onto the trend. When asked what draws her to this relatively new game, junior Bailey Bland says, “I grew up on the cards, so to see my favorite Pokemon actually moving around on a screen in a virtual reality creates a sense of nostalgia for me.” Users also feel a sense of adrenaline while playing the game, whether you’re battling for control over a Poke Stop or being chased off of private property right before you catch Pikachu. Junior Savana Olivas states that, “my friends once got yelled at and chased away for trying to defeat a gym on a church property.” Wow, what daredevils! (Pun intended).

You may be wondering what other unsuspecting places are home to marvelous Pokemon. Senior Grace Kolbe says, “I caught a Pikachu in Dubai over the summer.” Pokemon are everywhere, so if you want to be a Pokemon master, then you better hop on your bike or put on your running shoes and get out there. “On average, when I go Pokemon hunting, I walk about 5 km. Never before have I found myself walking so far in one day or spending so much time with my friends,” says Bland. She then adds, “walking is my favorite way to get around while playing, and, as a word of caution, never play this game while driving.” Unless you want to know what it feels like to get rammed at full speed by a Rhydon, don’t ‘Go and drive.’

Pokemon Go is based on memories, socialization, and exercise. It’s a new sport based in augmented reality that millions can’t wait to find the excuse to play. Will the momentum continue? That question remains uncertain. All that is known is that the game is hot on the app market and, hopefully, that fire does not extinguish like the passing heat of this gruesome Phoenix summer.