'Pokémon Go' release date: New update from field testers preview battle mechanics for augmented reality game arriving later this year

(The Pokemon Company)"Pokemon Go" in testing phase

As The Pokémon Company and Niantic have been working tirelessly on the upcoming augmented reality game "Pokémon Go," updates and teasers have been quite scant. Thankfully, with the game currently in the testing phase in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, participating field testers have been given a glimpse of the highly anticipated game.

Reddit community The Silph Road has been faithfully updating its thread with the latest "Pokémon Go" gameplay features and updates. It provides die-hard "Pokémon" fans with a general understanding of how the game works. Unlike the previous "Pokémon" games, "Pokémon Go" will be much more interactive and realistic.

In an earlier report, field testers revealed that while "Pokémon Go" will be a very fun and exciting game, it will also be quite challenging. Players will need to employ strategies that will help them master the skills needed to be a Pokémon Trainer. Popular creatures like Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, Eevee, and Bulbasaur will also be quite rare and difficult to capture.

The Silph Road has also recently released an infographic that consolidates all the released information for "Pokémon Go."

Based on what has been revealed so far, battles will be short at just 120 seconds but will be eventful, nonetheless. Battles and trainings won will help increase Prestige Points of a certain Gym. Conversely, defeats will result in loss of points. During battles, an incoming attack is previewed by a red warning wave. To determine the effect of an attack, an orange bar will show damage. Players will also keep track of their Pokémon's well-being by looking at the Hit Points status bar that will turn green, yellow, then red.

"Pokémon Go" will be released later this year, though a specific release date has yet to be announced. It will be available to play for the iOS and Android devices.

Be sure to check back for all the latest news and updates for "Pokémon Go."

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