Niantic/The Pokemon Company

First look at "Pokemon GO"

Niantic/The Pokemon Company

First look at "Pokemon GO"

Niantic/The Pokemon Company

First look at "Pokemon GO"

Niantic recently treated fans to a first look at "Pokemon GO." The developer of the highly anticipated augmented reality game shared a set of in-game screenshots to give fans an idea of what the ambitious game will look like.

The images show an overview of the animated "Pokemon GO" game map and what it looks like when a Pokemon, in this case Squirtle, shows up. Apart from these screenshots, Niantic also offered a dose of information about the gameplay.

"Pokemon GO" players will be pinged by the game when a Pokemon is nearby. To capture the creature, players will simply need to tap the screen to throw a Poke Ball, which can be obtained from "PokeStops," along with other items like Pokemon Eggs, which will hatch as players walk a certain distance.

PokeStops are usually found in "interesting" real-world locations such as public art installations, historical landmarks, museums and monuments. This should encourage "Pokemon GO" players to further explore and walk around.

In "Pokemon GO," the type of Pokemon that will show up depends on the type of environment the players are in. Water-type Pokemon are likely to pop up near rivers or lakes. Expect a Pokemon to turn up in their natural habitat while looking for one.

Of course, players will come across rare Pokemon when they progress in "Pokemon GO" by boosting their trainer level. A higher level also gives them access to more special items.

To engage in battles in "Pokemon GO," gamers can either put their newly captured Pokemon in a "friendly" Gym or battle another player's Pokemon in a Gym owned by another team. To note, Pokemon Gyms will also be located in real-world spots.

"Pokemon GO" also gives players the authority over an unoccupied Gym by joining a team and competing and winning over the other teams. Whichever teams triumph, and players must make sure it's theirs, will get the ownership.

"Pokemon GO" is expected to be released for free to Android and iOS devices later this year. More details about the augmented reality game should emerge in the following weeks, particularly after the field test scheduled in Japan next week.

Watch the recently leaked "Pokemon GO" gameplay video from SXSW Gaming below.