Pokemon Go craze has thousands out in the streets in Macarthur region

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

Paula Jones, of St Helens Park, with son Joshua (13), daughter Isabella (12) and niece Jasmine McFadden (8), who love playing Pokemon Go. Picture: Robert Pozo

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

The Pokemon Go iTunes and Android app was launched this month 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 Pokestops close to each other.

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

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 hooked.

“My son hatched an evolved Pikachu (Raichu) which made us all really jealous,” Ms Jones 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 2km, 5km or 10km 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.

Picture: Robert Pozo

Players congregate at Park Central. Picture: Robert Pozo

Pokemon became popular with the launch of the anime series in 1998.

The series was quickly followed by more video games through Nintendo consoles and countless collectibles, including cards.

Over the weekend, hundreds of residents gathered at several meeting places across the region to play the game. The gatherings were organised through Facebook events.

Businesses are also taking advantage of the craze.

The Virgin Mobile store at Macarthur Square is ­offering free mobile phone charging due to the ­popularity of the battery-draining app, regardless of the user’s network.

Campbelltown City Bowl held 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 handed out.

Picture: Robert Pozo

City Bowl manager Daniel Webb said the event was a huge success.

“A lot of my staff and myself were young in the ’90s and collected cards and all the rest of it. We were really excited when the game was released,” Mr Webb said.

“I found out our centre was a Pokestop and watched the camera footage to see our staff head over there every few minutes to pick up some goodies.

“We like to do themed nights and so we thought it would be a good idea to help bring Pokemon back.”

Park Central Pokemon buzz

Manisha Prasad. Picture: Robert Pozo

INGLEBURN resident Manisha Prasad, 19, has headed out to Park Central three times since downloading the Pokemon Go app because she believes it is the area’s best hotspot for picking up rare monsters.

“Some of my friends go out to Park Central every day and it’s a really popular place at night,” she said.

“I’ve seen close to 100 people there at one time before.”

The appeal of Park Central is that there are three ‘Pokestops’ a few metres from each other at the John Marsden Fountain, the Park Central Waterfalls and the Wildlife of the Wetlands sign.

About every five minutes, users can get valuable Pokeballs and other items from the Pokestops.

If a user puts a ‘lure’ into the Pokestop, rare Pokemon will be attracted to it.

Miss Prasad said it was nostalgia which had made the game so popular.

“Koshigaya Park and Mawson Park are pretty big too. I’ve seen large crowds there,” Miss Prasad said.

“When you grow up with it, playing the game brings back a lot of memories.

“It’s a fun way to socialise. People are playing it with their friends, their families or just people that they run into are also playing it.”

Game app a step towards healthier generation

CAMPBELLTOWN pediatrician Andrew McDonald has welcomed Pokemon Go as a tool to help combat childhood obesity.

The former opposition health spokesman has previously told the Chronicle childhood obesity was a bigger epidemic today than ever before in human history. The rise of Pokemon Go could help combat the issue, Dr McDonald said.

Game users are forced to walk to catch Pokemon along the way, to reach Pokestops to replenish their stocks and also to hatch their eggs.

The game doesn’t allow for cheating and picks up when the user is driving — not allowing the kilometres gained to be added to the total required to hatch eggs.

“I think it’s great. It’s getting kids and adults out there and moving which can’t be said for most video games,” Dr McDonald said.

Pikachu — the most iconic Pokemon character.

The former Macquarie Fields Labor MP said while players needed to play the game with caution and be aware of their surroundings, people should not be nervous about the app for fear of danger.

“I have not seen one injury yet as a result of the game so it appears to be safe and fun,” he said.

“It’s making people realise what a nice time of year this is for a walk.”

Like all crazes, Pokemon Go will likely have an expiration date when users will slowly stop playing the game. Dr McDonald said the challenge for parents would be to encourage their children to continue to get some exercise.

“Kids are not the problem. The fact is we have created a society which makes it difficult for them to get exercise,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tim’s Garden Centre’s Pig turned into a Pokemon for a day last week. Owner Tim Pickles said he loved the idea of the game so much, he wanted to get the word out there.

“I love that it’s getting people outside. Hopefully along the way they wander into their garden,” he said.

Gotta catch ’em both, say police

Luisa Cogno

Camden police are appealing for information after two people went to a Tahmoor skate park at night while using the Pokemon Go app and were the victims of an armed robbery.

About 7pm on Wednesday, the man and woman, both 29, drove to the skate park on Thirlmere Way while using the phone app.

Police were told that after they entered the carpark, a white Toyota Hilux reversed across the driveway, blocking their car.

Two men with their faces covered, including one armed with a rifle, got out of the Hilux.

Police said the man with the rifle threatened the pair before the men fled in the Hilux empty-handed.

The couple drove to the town centre and notified police.

Camden police crime manager detective Inspector Jayne Doherty said there was nothing to suggest the men used the Pokemon Go app to lure the couple to the park or that the men were known to the pair.

“As well as appealing for information, we are reminding people to be aware of their surroundings especially when travelling to unfamiliar locations,” Insp Doherty said.

“Be aware of the circumstances you are putting yourself in and don’t create a situation where you may be in danger.”

Both men are described as caucasian in appearance.

One is 190cm tall with a medium build.

The second man is ­described as 180cm tall with a solid build and a fair complexion.

Officers are urging anyone who knows the whereabouts of the men not to approach them and to contact 000 immediately.

In a Facebook post, Macquarie Fields police warned residents to remain alert.