Pokemon fever sweeps the Macarthur region

IN WHAT 90s babies are calling a flashback to the ‘good old days’, Pokemon-mania has returned with residents exploring the Macarthur region’s streets and landmarks to catch little monsters with their mobile devices.

Residents head out to Park Central yesterday to catch Pokemon. Picture: Robert Pozo

IN WHAT 90s babies are calling a flashback to the ‘good old days’, Pokemon-mania has returned with residents exploring the Macarthur region’s streets and landmarks to catch little monsters with their mobile devices.

The Pokemon Go iTunes and Android app launched last week and has quickly become the latest popular gaming sensation.

Users act as a virtual Pokemon trainer, throwing ‘Pokeballs’ at wild monsters which appear to catch them before upgrading and evolving them to become the strongest they can be.

‘Pokestops’ at locations across the region give users Pokeballs, eggs to hatch more Pokemon and potions to heal injured monsters.

Popular areas for aspiring Pokemon trainers to congregate include Park Central, Mawson Park, Koshigaya Park and Fairfax Reserve due to a number of Pokestops within close proximity of each other.

Users can add ‘lures’ to the Pokestops to attract rare Pokemon and to the benefit of other players.

Ingleburn resident Manisha Prasad catches a Zubat at Park Central. Picture: Robert Pozo

Pikachu - probably the most famous Pokemon character.

St Helens Park mother-of-three Paula Jones has been heading out with her children, their cousins and friends to catch Pokemon and admits she is also hooked.

“My son hatched an evolved Pikachu (Raichu) which made us all really jealous,” she said.

“We go to Park Central and the local uni a fair bit; they are good spots.”

An aspect of the game which has been praised is the requirement of players to walk either two, five or 10 kilometres to hatch Pokemon eggs.

“My kids were so housebound so it’s great they’re now getting out and getting some exercise,” Ms Jones said.

The phenomenon has seen businesses take advantage of the craze.

Campbelltown City Bowl is holding a Pokemon Go Theme Night on Saturday with lures running all night from its Pokestop as well as Pokemon-themed cocktails and Pokemon plush toys to be won.

Community members have also created a number of gatherings and walks as Facebook events which have seen hundreds hit ‘attending’.

In a Facebook post, Macquarie Fields police warned residents to remain alert of their surroundings when playing the game.

“We recommend trainers be vigilant when attending secluded locations to catch Pokemon,” the post read.

“If you can organise to attend locations in groups with adults present it will reduce your chances of becoming a victim.”