Pokémate

Infobox VG
title=Pokémate


developer=Square Enix
publisher=Nintendo
designer=
engine=
released=vgrelease|JP=December 31, 2006 [ [http://wireless.gamespy.com/wireless/pokemate/ Release Date (Japan)] ]
genre=Virtual Pet/Messaging
modes=Single-player, Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
ratings=
platforms=Mobile phone
media=Phone application
requirements=TBD phones: 90 xi Series phone [ [http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/04/24/103,1145851704,52168,0,0.html Phone Requirements (Japan)] ]
input=

Pokémate(ポケメ～ト) is an application for mobile phones, the application allows the player to send messages to people on the user's friend list, or chat with them. The player will select and capture Pokémon to keep in the Storage feature of the application. The application is initially free with the TBD 90 xi series cellular phone but to receive more Pokemon, PokéBalls, and other media, the monthly subscription price of 210 yen is required known as the "formal service edition" [ [http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/04/24/103,1145851704,52168,0,0.html Formal service edition info)] ] The game was only released in Japan.

Gameplay

When the game is accessed for the first time the player are given one random Pokémon and 10 PokéBalls to catch other Pokémon with, however without the monthly subscription the player only has the ability to catch three Pokémon, all chosen at random. [ [http://www.serebii.net/pokemate/ Basic Gameplay information.] ] However, unlike other Pokémon games the Pokémon do not level up or fight like a Role Playing Game instead they are meant to be taken care of. Much more like a virtual pet simulation. The Pokémon caught in the game can be displayed as the player's avatar when chatting with other users. [ [http://www.serebii.net/pokemate/#chat Info. on Pokémon avatars] ] The game also features a storage application where Pokémon that have been captured are kept, the system works very similarly to the application's Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS counterparts. When the Pokémon is caught is is automatically sent to the users "room". Captured Pokémon can be viewed in a Pokédex entry, the storage area is also where the player designates their avatar. [ [http://www.serebii.net/pokemate/#storage Storage Application info] ]

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. [ [http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/04/24/103,1145851704,52168,0,0.html Information on the chat room and messaging feature.] ]

Development

Pokémate was showcased at Tokyo Game Show 2006 along with a playable demo at the Square Enix lineup. [ [http://wii-news.dcemu.co.uk/tgs-2006-square-enix-lineup-34315.html Pokémate at Tokyo Game Show 2006] ]

References