The developer behind Pokémon GONiantic, today revealed its latest game, Peridot. This is another AR-based title, true, but it seems to be a marked step from the ‘mon’-based gameplay we all know the studio about (thanks, eurogamer).
Instead of catching fantastical creatures and using them in battle (which actually sounds weird when we phrase it that way), Peridot is all about raising a fictional pet and watching it flourish into the world around you. The game uses AR technology that Niantic has been working on for many years to accurately record the objects and textures that his phone is pointing at, before determining how his virtual pet should interact with him.
This means you can watch your partner splash around in a nearby pond, frolic in a flower garden, or just relax on your sofa. According to Eurogamer, this even extends to the fact that the app can read the boundaries of your room, so when you throw a ball for your Periot, it naturally bounces off the walls! Yes it’s him nintendogs update we never knew we wanted…
These creatures can resemble real-world animals or be something completely fantastic, and the hatching aspect of the game allows you to pass on certain traits and characteristics as you diversify the number of Peridot species available.
For a little more information on what the game has to offer, check out the following from the official site peridot website:
NOURISH
Fall in love with your unique AR pets
Adopt your very own Peridot, a truly special companion, and help her grow as you feed, pet and explore with her. You can also bond with your Dot as they play fun mini-games together; like playing fetch, teaching them tricks and dressing them up in fancy clothes.
ADVENTURE
Explore the world together during daily walks
Get some fresh air with your Peridot! Spots are curious creatures and will recognize a wide variety of environments and objects while you’re on your daily walks. Don’t forget to keep track of your adventures together and the interesting places you visit by taking photos and videos that you can share with friends.
HATCH
Collaborate with others to incubate new generations of Peridots
Diversify Peridot species by strategizing with friends and other players around the world to hatch new generations of 100% genetically unique Dots. Discover and pass on rare traits as you encounter peridot archetypes that resemble some of your favorite real and mythical creatures – the possibilities are endless!
Will Peridot spawn a console-based franchise after exploding on mobile? Right now we doubt it. But if you’re looking for some Tamagotchi-meets-Pokémon GO action, then you can download the latest from Niantic from all the app stores right now.
In more Niantic-related news, the studio is also working on a Monster hunter AR game for mobile. You can find out all the details in our coverage below: