Great Ball
General Info
Item Name | Great Ball |
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Overview
Creation and Development
The development team, inspired by traditional RPG assets, recognized the need for different frame rates and incorporated this feature into the design of the mobile game. Keeping with the classic spherical design, they added a blue band to the Great Ball to differentiate it from the regular Poké Ball.
In the early stages of development, the team ensured that the catch rate was high but not too strong, thus striking a delicate balance. This increased the strategic aspect of the game, forcing players to consider whether to spend their Great Balls or save them for rarer Pokémon encounters.
After implementation, the Big Ball was not immediately available to early players. In a smart move to guide novice trainers and keep them interested, the team decided to make Great Balls available as rewards for leveling up as the trainer progresses through the game. This solution improved the gameplay experience for players, giving them a sense of satisfaction upon reaching level 12 and unlocking the Great Ball.
The introduction of Big Ball added another interesting layer of strategic gameplay to Pokémon GO. Its creation reflects the effort and attention the design team puts into improving the Pokémon GO universe to continually create a challenging and engaging experience for Trainers around the world.
Cultural Impact
Since the inception of Pokémon GO, Big Ball has been featured in a wide variety of user-generated content, from fan art to handcrafted merchandise. The recognizable design, similar to the Poké Ball but marked with a red "S", is a staple of cosplay costumes and has become a symbol of the game.
Notably, Great Ball has also found its way into education as an example of game mechanics, player progression, and incentive systems to promote better understanding of digital game design and player motivation in academia and industry. In addition, the Big Ball has fueled conversations about physical activity and outdoor exploration given its key role in capturing more powerful and elusive Pokémon. This has enhanced its cultural impact by promoting health and wellness, a rare feat for any digital gaming element.
Taken together, the Great Sphere's influence reaches far beyond the realms of Pokémon GO, shaping perspectives and fueling creativity while bridging the gap between the virtual and the real.