Pokémate
| Pokémate | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Square Enix |
| Publisher(s) | Nintendo |
| Platform(s) | Mobile phone |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Virtual pet/messaging |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer, online multiplayer |
| Distribution | Phone application |
Pokémate (ポケメ～ト) is a Pokémon-themed application for NTT DoCoMo FOMA 900i series mobile phones developed by Square Enix. The application allows players to care for Pokémon and communicate with friends. The application is initially free, but to receive more Pokémate, Poké Balls, and other media, a monthly subscription price of 210 yen is required for the "formal service edition".[2] The game was only released in Japan, and the service was discontinued a little over a year after release in January 2008.[3]
Gameplay
Unlike in other Pokémon games, the Pokémon in Pokémate are meant to be taken care of, similar to a virtual pet simulation; they do not level up or fight like a role-playing game. When the game is accessed for the first time, the player is given one random Pokémon and 10 Poké Balls with which to catch other Pokémon. Without a monthly subscription, the player can only catch three, randomly chosen Pokémon.[2] The subscription grants the player five more Poké Balls, more available Pokémon to capture, and the option to purchase more Poké Balls for additional fees.
The Pokémon caught in the game Pokémon are stored in an application system similar to the storage boxes in Game Boy Advance Pokémon games. From the storage area, information about captured Pokémon is available in Pokédex entries.
Chat and messaging application
The chat room application allows the user to chat with up to 16 friends respectively or send "Poketoku" voice mail to any other users. The "Hiroba" mail feature allows the player to send e-mails or messages to other users of the application.[2][4][5] Captured Pokémon can be displayed as the player's avatar when chatting with other users. The avatar's expression changes in reaction to messages.[5] The messaging feature was the primary point of Pokémate, which was marketed as a Pokémon-branded voice and text communication service between users rather than as a video game.[2]
Development
Pokémate was showcased at Tokyo Game Show 2006 along with a playable demo at the Square Enix lineup.[6][7] The interface was designed for easy use and was aimed towards elementary-school aged children.[8]
References
- ↑ "Release Date (Japan)". Wireless.gamespy.com. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "スクウェア･エニックスとポケモンがケータイ分野で提携！ - ファミ通.com". Famitsu.com. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
- ↑ "サイト終了のお知らせ". Square Enix. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
- ↑ "スクエニとポケモン、コミュニケーションiアプリ「ポケメ〜ト」". K-tai.impress.co.jp. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "ポケモンを使ってメールやチャットができる『ポケメ〜ト』！ 無料お試し期間も!! - ファミ通.com". Famitsu.com. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
- ↑ "Games of TGS: The Official List - Games News at IGN". September 14, 2006. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
- ↑ "東京ゲームショウ2006". Square Enix. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
- ↑ "スクウェア・エニックスとポケモン、携帯コンテンツで提携。コミュニケーションツール「ポケメ〜ト」を今夏配信". Game.watch.impress.co.jp. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
External links
- Pokémate at Square Enix (Japanese)
- Press release
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