Pokemon GO Update makes Team Leaders useful, promises exciting features

Niantic Labs has just announced what seems to be a very minor update to Pokemon GO, which could still pique people's curiosities. For one, it finally gives a bit of character to the otherwise practically useless Team Leaders. It also very briefly mentions one of the most debated aspects of the game: bots (and cheating). But most importantly, it tells players to hold on to their seats because new and exciting features are coming. Which isn't really that surprising, but is now actually more critical than ever before.

First, the Team Leaders. Unlike the original mythos of the game and anime series, Pokemon GO's top characters aren't Gym Leaders, a role taken up by players themselves, but three Team Leaders. They are the practical and anthropomorphic equivalent of "clans" in most online games, dividing the population (unequally, of course) between three colors (red, blue, yellow), which also happen to be the three elements for first three legendary Pokemon.

While the colors and teams themselves are in use for Gym takeovers, the Leaders have been, so far, merely decorations. Now, however, they have something more to say to players.

Implemented Pokémon Appraisal: Trainers will now be able to learn about a Pokémon's attack and defense capabilities from their Team Leader (Candela, Blanche or Spark) to determine which of their Pokémon have the most potential for battle.

As promised, Team Leaders will supposedly offer advice to players on how best to progress in-game. Sadly, that seems to be the extent of their use for now.

The update also tells players that they are working hard on "several new and exciting features" to be rolled out in the future. However, those are simply just promises and empty words without proof. And Niantic better get its act together fast.

As quickly as Pokemon GO rose to fame, analysts are now claiming that interest is quickly waning as well. Without new things to do, or new Pokemon to catch, the game does become repetitive rather quickly. A more solid teaser would, perhaps, do better than a blanket statement of "coming soon".

SOURCE: Niantic Labs