The official launch of Pokemon GO is scheduled within the next few weeks, and beta testers of the game have weighed in on the pros and cons of the first augmented reality Pokemon game ever developed. From the initial impressions of the game's first players, it seems like the highly-anticipated title could be a flawed masterpiece.

Pokemon GO is arguably one of the most prominent titles that are set to release this year, especially considering the fact that the mammoth franchise is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Thus, in a lot of ways, Pokemon GO could be considered a love letter to avid fans of the franchise, who quite literally grew up with the iconic pocket monsters.

This is one of the reasons why the findings of some beta testers are quite surprising. According to a number of prominent gamers who tested the title, Pokemon GO seems like it was designed for people who are not very familiar with the franchise's traditional gameplay.

In fact, those who have grown up playing Pokemon games in ancient Nintendo handhelds would find a system that is completely alien to Pokemon GO. Common aspects of Pokemon games, such a battling, evolving and capturing Pokemon utilize systems that are completely different from the norm. Even gym battles were reported to be very different, with a gym simply manned by a Pokemon that must be bested.

Thus, while the game should be great for Pokemon first-timers, it risks alienating the millions of avid Pokemon fans, especially among those who are used to playing the franchise's classic games.

However, there is still a lot in Pokemon GO that is very endearing to new and old fans alike. For one, beta testers stated that the concept of Pokemon and AR is something that is indeed very novel, with Pokemon in the wild really appearing as if they are part of the landscape. Plus, the exploration part of the game, which is required to catch Pokemon and hatch eggs, is something that has also been lauded.

Though Pokemon GO might not be a perfect title, it is nonetheless a game that deserves to be checked out once it launches sometime in July. 

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