Pokémon GO’s redesigned overworld map and the revamped avatar system has been live for a couple of weeks now, garnering mixed reception. While players praised the new Pokémon GO Biomes, as a feature that adds more diversity and enjoyment to the core catch loop, the new Avatar system didn’t fare that well.
However, Niantic is not stopping to catch a breath, with a new blog post and trailer going live today, and celebrating the refreshed visuals, avatars, and graphical updates made to the game:
It’s time to GO outside and rediscover #UnitedKingdom like never before with the largest #PokemonGO visual update yet! 🚶 🇬🇧
Login now and take on the free regional exclusive Timed Research: “Old friends, new beginnings” full of #Spring energy! pic.twitter.com/M4gYjVwEW9— Pokémon GO United Kingdom (@pokemongoappuk) May 6, 2024
Blog post:
Trainers,
It’s time to shake off those winter chills and step into exciting spring adventures! Pokémon GO is back and better than ever with a bag full of fresh features and epic updates to add even more thrills to your gameplay. Get ready to reconnect with your community and see what we’ve got lined up!
Time to level-up
Rediscover old connections and fire-up new friendships in exclusive regional Timed Research activities from May 6th – June 12th, 2024. It’s the perfect time to take on new challenges, earn exclusive rewards, and power-up your Pokémon!
More immersive maps
Map visuals just got a stunning overhaul that reflect your real-world environment as you explore! Watch the scenery change around you as you scout bustling cityscapes and lush greenlands for new Pokémon — then team up with other Trainers to discover new biomes.
Judging by comments to the tweet, the Timed Research Niantic is referring to is the “Old Friends, New Beginnings” Special Research, which is available only for new players, or players who haven’t played the game in a while.
We kinda hoped that it could be related to the upcoming release of “Rediscover your Reality” part of Rediscover Pokémon GO, which is set to launch on May 7, 2024. Unfortunately no, this feature is still veiled in mystery.
While we respect Niantic’s marketing efforts, we really think the game needs some fresh content, and strong events right now. Updated visuals are great, but the game’s event quality seems very weak at the moment, with both Rivals Week and Flock Together Research Day garnering lukewarm reception.
Maybe a strong, 4-5 days long campaign featuring a global calamity, or something a bit more story driven, could be a lifesaver for the lazy spring gameplay lull we are currently in.
