Google has launched Ingress, a location-based game that melds aspects of puzzle, strategy, and MMO games. It’s really hard to describe, but hopefully the launch videos below will give you a better idea of what the game has to offer. On paper, it sounds ambitious and intriguing…but many location-based and alternate-reality games sounded ambitious and intriguing, and most of those games weren’t any fun. Before I go on, here’s an excerpt from the game’s description:
The World is the Game
Move through the real world using your Android device and the Ingress app to discover and tap sources of this mysterious energy. Acquire objects to aid in your quest, deploy tech to capture territory, and ally with other players to advance the cause of the Enlightened or the Resistance.
Strategy
The struggle is being played out globally. Track the progress of players around the world, plan your next steps, and communicate with others using an Intelligence map.
What is the Niantic Project?
Is this just a game? An Investigation Board (http://www.nianticproject.com) filled with cryptic clues and secret codes awaits. The story evolves everyday. Powerful secrets and game tech are there to be unlocked.
Form Alliances
The struggle to save the planet spans the entire world. Groups of people acting together can be more effective than individuals acting alone. Cooperation across neighborhoods, cities, and countries will be needed to achieve the ultimate victory.
The biggest advantage Ingress has over its predecessors is that it’s backed by Google. The company has the money, manpower, and flexibility to help this game succeed like no other location-based or alternate-reality game. Naturally, the most important question is this: Will any of you guys and gals play Ingress?
The premise doesn’t entice me. Maybe if it had some kind of theme…like Pokemon
Looking through the retroscope always provides clarity. :p