Pokémon GO Release Date Update: Beta Testing Reveals Real Time Battle Tests

The latest roundup on 'Pokémon Go' beta field test indicates a number of differences between the beta version and the traditional version in handheld 'Pokémon' games. Recent commentary threads on Reddit suggest that the augmented reality game on mobile platforms will now shift from the conventional turn-based battle system to a more sophisticated real-time system.

From the time Pokémon Go was officially announced, there have been furious streams of details and speculations over the game's specs and features. Battle systems are a staple component to Pokémon game series in various gaming platforms. With the beta field tests, details of the games including its specs reveal a couple of things of how the new battle system might work in the future when its launching becomes official.

According to a Neurogadget report, real-time battle system enables users to evade enemy attacks by swiping their fingers left or right on the touchscreen. However, players cannot completely avoid enemy attacks - Area of Effect (AoE) type of attacks can render damage to a target even if the target is way off the line of fire.

So, how do you go about attacking an enemy?

There are two ways do this. You either do a quick attack (performed by a gentle tap on the phone's screen) or a charge attack by long-pressing the screen. There are also messages popping up if your attack is strong or lame.

"A message saying 'It's not very effective!' will pop up when two monsters have a similar element or if the attacking "Pokémon" has an inferior element to the one it is attacking. The message 'It's super effective!' will appear on the screen if the attacking monster has a stronger element," Ecumenical News reported.

In addition to the mobile game's feature discussed above, here is a summary of additional combat pointers according to beta testers as compiled by Nintendo Life:

1. A stamina bar is shown underneath your HP bar divided into two halves. It refills about 20% per second. A long-press charge move takes about half of your stamina.

2. Incoming attacks are displayed via a red crosshair as it approaches your Pokémon, giving you the chance to escape from the attack. To dodge the blow, you simply have to either swipe left or right on the screen.

3. Damage taken during training battles and standard battles as well - may well continue after each fight, so healing is a must.

Beta test was initially introduced in Japan and is reportedly coming to Australia and New Zealand. When the product is ready for official launching, it will be released in Japan, North America, and Europe first.