Pokémon GO remains popular, but if you're over the hype or just never saw the allure of Pokémon to begin with, all the attention it's getting can activate your gag reflex. Before you declare your disdain for augmented reality (AR) games altogether though, check out the following Pokémon GO alternatives.
Ingress
Pokémon GO is built upon data from Ingress so it may be too close to home to be considered an alternative. However, Niantic's first baby follows a different story than the popular franchise's latest offering. In Ingress, players join one of two factions battling for the fate of the world. It's undoubtedly more "grownup" than Pokémon GO so it's great for those who don't like cute monsters. Ingress is available for free on both Android and iOS devices.
SpecTrek
In SpecTrek, players hunt ghosts instead of monsters. It operates a lot like Pokémon GO in that you'll have to move around in the real world to catch your target. Hold your phone parallel to the ground and you'll see a map to guide you to the next ghost. Raise it up and your camera is activated for some ghost-busting action. SpecTrek is available only for Android devices though, retailing for $2.49.
Warp Runner
Warp Runner is an AR puzzle game that turns any flat surface like a desk into a playing deck. It has a relatively simple premise: players are to collect objects and guide a robot to the exit. It doesn't require stepping outside so the game is great for those who are not keen on getting physical activity. Warp Runner is also available only for Android devices but it's free to download and play.
The Walk
The Walk is actually more of a fitness app rather than a mobile game. It gamifies taking a walk so it makes the activity more fun and, consequently, motivating. Several challenge levels are available depending on a player's current fitness level. To get more clues and information and unlock achievements, players will have to walk more. The Walk is available for download on Android and iOS devices for $2.99.
BallStrike
In BallStrike, players have to kick or punch a series of balls with the aim of making each ball explode. If you quit Pokémon GO because you're no good at throwing Poké balls, this game may offer good practice. BallStrike is free to play for iOS devices but the full version costs $0.99. Tip: The bigger screen of the iPad makes it easier to see the balls, making it easier to hit them as they appear.
AR may be getting a lot of attention now but the technology has actually been around for a while now. And as you've seen, while Pokémon GO is today's AR poster child, there are other games that use the technology quite well.
Want to avoid Pokémon GO at all costs? You can also install Google Chrome extensions to block all traces of Pokémon as you use the internet.
Photo: Shikiru Famu | Flickr
