PTD: What's next? First Gym, Level Cap, about me, feedback, 11,000 downloads!

UPDATE: Level 5 is coming in less than 2 hours!

Hey everyone! I must say that it has been a crazy last couple of days for me, I did not expect the game to grow as much as it did so quickly but I welcome the growth with open arms. My goal for this game was to reach 10,000 downloads. That was my goal, I didn't know when it would happen maybe months, or a year, but here we are 3 days later and we are at over 11,000 downloads. That is all because of you guys! I can't say how much I appreciate it.

Your feedback has been amazing, a lot of changes in the game have been made due to this feedback, I read every post and reply to every email sent to me. I value what you guys think, even if you just say this game is awesome, especially if you say things like that it really help drive me even more.

The number one thing that people want is more levels, higher level cap, just more more more. I want to give you what you want! I'm trying really hard to deliver, and I'm not trying to make excuses but I do want you guys to know my situation so that we can understand each other better. First, I'm the only person working on this game. I have a full time job, I go to college at night, I like to hang out with my girlfriend, friends and family. Making games full time is a dream that I hope to accomplish, but I'm not there yet. That said I want to get this game done for you guys! Like I said before I just want to let you guys know my situation and why stuff is not done already :D

Another thing I wanted to talk about was the level cap, the level cap will raise to 20 when level 6 comes out. The reason there is a level cap is that I haven't made all the attack animations, and assets for all the pokemon and attacks. I spend a good amount of time on each attack making sure that it's just right. Some attacks don't even fit the tower defense model, for example sand attack, and these take a little bit longer to figure out a good alternative for them.

Finally, the next update will include: Releasing your pokemon, the first gym match, and an improved party select screen. I want to make the first gym match feel epic, but I have been thinking that it would be a little too easy if you have squirtle or bulbasaur. I'm going to have to do something about that :)

The new update should be out less than a week from today!

That's all I have for now. Thank for reading, and let me know what you think!

Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing. I can respect that you need time and I don't want to impede your life. I would like to say that this game is really awesome and very impressive. Its also inspiring how receptive you are to feedback. I am sure everyone would be willing to donate or allow advertisements on the main screen. But truly this game is beautiful and I just wanted to say thanks for such a fun game

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  2. It saddens me so much that I can't get this game I hear so much about on the market ...
    I am running cm7 having a ZTE blade.
    I don't know what the issue might be as much as I try market wont let me download it, dose this game require flash?

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  3. @Reb - It requires Adobe Air to run. :(

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  4. Thank you for your update sam, I hear you with full time job and girlfriend, I myself am employed and getting married in 13 weeks, plus 5 kids between us, so I know how precious time Is :)

    Take your time and make each update the best you can :) Trust me, your game is well worth the wait :) I'm so amazed at how integrated you have made the world of pokemon with the classic gamplay of tower defence... truly amazing :)

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  5. Everything looks great I understand and am excited for all the new updates will other pokemon be introduced since the cap will be raised,and more evolutions?awesome job by the way looks great so far very well done for it just being you.you are very talented I must say.

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  6. Sam,
    This game is fantastic! I happened to come by it purely by luck and I honestly couldn't put it down. I can't wait for more levels to come out! Keep up the good work!

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  7. @Rich - Thanks, 5 kids must be rough!

    @Christopher - When the cap is raised you will be able to evolve your pokemon, if it evolves between the cap, also new levels will introduce new pokemon just like the real game.

    @Anthony - Thanks! How did you find it btw?

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  8. This game is awesome excellent work man. I,know what you mean by the school and full time job I was there not to long ago, and I was not trying to make an awesome game at the same time. I wqs lucky to find this game to but I'm so addicted already. I just keep replaying the levels I have like 5k. O yeah is there ever gonna be a poke store or sumthing, game doesn't need it. But just curious

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  9. Fun game. :) hard but fun. can't wait to continue. Keep up the good work.

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  11. Just to let you know, Droid Gamers did an article on your game yesterday. It's the only reason I even heard about it.

    http://www.droidgamers.com/index.php/game-news/android-game-news/1371-pokemon-tower-defense-now-available-much-more-then-a-tower-defense-game-though

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  12. Yeah. I would like this game also. But I can't download it. I can't get my hands on an apk file. I can't install it off the internet either. :(.

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  13. cant wait for the update man! take your time! this game is so well thought and all the animations are prefect and the storyline is hilarious, so i know why you want to make it perfect. Keep up the incredible work! Pokemon tower defense fan forever! woo!~ :D

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  14. Amazing job I found this in my app market place under new top downloads and thought this was incredible I sent this to all my friends so now 8 of us play it lol. Just one question about trading pokemon, I have the HTC evo and most of my friends have the Droid x will i be able to trade with them or how does that work? Other than that amazing game thank you and can't wait for updates. =D

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  15. @Justin G. - I saw that article, it has a brought a lot of people into the game/blog.

    @Blake - What type of phone you guys have won't matter since trading will be done thru the internet. So yes you will be able to trade with eachother :D

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  16. The game is great and a shock that it is free you could make some good money think a dollor times 11000 and counting

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  17. When is the next update due sam and when is the gym going to come into it im eager to see the structure and way you play the gyms will therr be the weaker trainers pokemon in the gym before the leader then the leaders 3-4 pokemon will come on as joys pidgey on route one and a pokemart sound great asset too ;)

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  18. I just want to say your game is truly amazing!
    When I first saw the pikachu I was interested in catching it but then I somehow remembered that it needs a thunder rock to evolve so I wanted to share the idea of maybe having a store where you buy rocks and stuff to evolve pokemon.
    Please do keep on working on this game. I'm a big fan of pokemon, the last generation seems little weird. That's pretty much it but once again truly amazing!

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  19. i really really love the game, id like it if we could give the Pokemon names. and i that your doing are good job so far, keep up the good work!

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  20. When is the next update supposed to come out

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  21. @Matt - Less that a week from today, working on the level right now actually :)

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  22. I think I might be playing to much I have 5 pikachus 6 butterfrees 6 beedrills and 13000 dollors

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  23. @Divel - First time I hear about naming, will keep it in mind.

    @SouthernSon - Nice, just remember electric attacks won't work against the rock pokemon of the first gym ;)

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  24. Good thing you told me that about the electric gym, i'll have to use pikachu as support. Yea nicknaming pokemon would be a nice touch that I thought about a while back, and would be especially nice in multiplayer. I want a shiny form of my charmander so bad XD I think maybe in the future when there is a greater number of levels you should condense the level select screen

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  25. Sorry keep sending this post but I just want to make sure u get it.....what if the pokemon could use items that a killed pokemon drops like an x attack.....or maybe the pokemon can drop a random pokemon egg.......and to hatch it maybe bring it into battles or pay

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  26. Oh and to add onto what I just said how anonymous said about thunder stones maybe pokemon can drop them

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  27. @Matt - I did see your post before, sorry for not replying sooner. I do like the idea that pokemon that you beat will drop items that you can grab, bringing the egg into battle to hatch it. I can see those two ideas making it into the game. Thanks!

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  28. Hi there, from France, your game is a great tower defense and you have done a fantastic work. I wish you the best for the future!

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  29. Oh sorry for for sending it that much but thanks for considering my ideas

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  30. @Sam, no its not rough, its amazing, I only have 1 girl of my own, the other four are my partners, I wouldn't change it for the world :)

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  31. Hey sam like the game really good...plz dont make the game short make a lot of levels like that i can never stop playing..awesome only one thing though u should make some challenging levels and chances to win strong pokemon like lugia, garidos,etc. That will be awesome cant wait for update...

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  32. @ luigi well this is a gen 1 based game solely so lugia is out of the question. But the three legendary birds might be possible and mayyybe mewtwo but he's almost too strong. Mew would be awesome too he's my favorite too cute.

    Item drop idea sounds complicated.. how might one use one in-game without scrolling through a list of items? This would be even stranger in multiplayer. If items are dropped im thinking the least complicated to integrate would be evolution stones. However the egg idea might be pretty cool, evolving it by bringing it with you into battle. How would you sort anf organize eggs in your box though? Would what is in the egg be a random surprise? Im thinking money should be possible to use for things other than evolution, because I have like eight thousand yen or whatever.. Unless money from killed pokemon starts going up to normalize it I'm going to have an insane amount of spare cash.

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  33. Thanks for your answer Sam.
    Seems like yet again i am screwed by adobe.. :/
    Oh well i can live and love on.

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  34. Just adding, if legendary pokemon are considered then they should be toward the very end and maybe have a one legendary only rule put on your team. Also, I wanted to add that if the amount of cash earned for kills doesn't increase as the game goes on then there will be no incentive to kill pokemon in higher levels to earn cash as opposed to "farming" viridian forrest. This being said evolution cost increase increments would have to be raised as well to accommodate the higher income.

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  35. You should consider in-app items :) I heard its coming next week to be able to purchase in-app stuff in a Android

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  36. I love your game it was mentioned in an article on pocketgamer.co.uk

    Please dont have in app purchases id rather just pay for the game and then it will be a level playing field when you bring things like multiplayer.

    Also maybe we could have to buy pokeballs in future in order to catch pokemon so that we have to start to choose between levelling up our team but also catching new pokemon. Especially when you get to more powerful pokemon.

    Keep up the great work definitely one of the best games ive played recently

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  37. @Vincent - Thanks! How's France?

    @Richard - I'm happy to hear that what others might see as a nightmare, is something that you treasure :)

    @Luigi - Challenging levels, sounds good, Legendary pokemon will be in the game definitely.

    @Joshua - the way I'm visualizing items right now, is that you use them outside the level but not during the levels. Also yes higher level pokemon will give out more money then lower level ones, also the amount of exp giving will increase also.

    @Anonymous - Sadly I won't be able to use that feature in any of my games since I develop in Flash, and not Java.

    @Sam - If, and I mean IF, I were to have in-app purchases or micro transactions, they would be purely cosmetic, or something that would save you time. For example, something purely cosmetic would be shiny pokemon, they aren't any better they just have a different color scheme. Also something that would save you time, lets say it takes a long time to level from 99 to 100, well you might be able to buy a rare candy to speed that up. Again I'm not saying this is going to happen, but if it did I would not put anything that would give anybody an edge in multiplayer.

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  38. Great game love it! Not only do l play every day but I also check out your posts and all the comments daily. Cant wait for more!

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  39. Will we be able to catch the other starters at so point that is one thing that sucked about the other game

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  40. @SouthernSon - You will be able to trade other people for starters, since people can have more than one save file it should be a lot easier to get the starters.

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  41. @Sam yes it is something I treasure, being in a loving relationship is one the best things a man can dream of :)

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  42. I don't understand your question mister otero =D

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  43. @Vincent - What I mean to say is how are things in France.

    @Agraceful23 - The last 3 pikachu are "bosses" so you can't catch them, be on the look out for other pikachu that might show up in the level.

    As for a way to gain the candies back, there might be a pokemon move that will allow that.

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  44. I love this game! I posted it on my Facebook too just to promote it and my friend's really loved it. My question is, will you get in trouble for copyright laws? I honestly would hate to lose this game. I would even pay for a paid version!

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  45. were wud. A pikachus apper other then the forest cuz Icnt catch them

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  46. @Ben - The game could close down if they decide to, but I'm trying my best not to give them a reason.

    @Ricardo - Keep trying, cause he won't show up until the power plant level and that is a looooong ways away.

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  47. Things are staying the same in France you know, except that our president stills a fuckin wealthy dwarf, the country isn't changing man :)

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  48. First off, this is a fun and unique TD, keep it up.
    Are TM/HM items, or a move learner, going to be implemented?
    It would be nice to have something to spend all of my money on. A shop area, etc.
    Can't wait for the next update!

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  49. @Dillon - A lot of people have mentioned having a shop and doing TM/HM so I will be implementing such things in the future.

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  50. Which game has juto and the first region it has been so long and this game makes me want to play it agin

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  51. @ southernson you are thinking of gold and silver, and more recently heart gold and soul silver

    I think it would be really cool to add a small chance that a pokemon is shiny and maybe make it catchable at half health or something so we don't kill it off lowering its health.

    I was also saying that if you try to profit from the game you might be accused of copyright infringement, so maybe just try not to profit? Idk.

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  52. @Joshua - Shiny pokemon will be in the game, the percentage will be realllllllly low. Even if I do or don't profit from it they can cut the cord. There might be ways contest/buying to turn your pokemon into a shiny.

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  53. Yush, I do want shiny Magikarp plz. ;D

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  54. Also, noticed a bug where you can place a Pokemon off the grid. I can usually place one in the center of the map after a few tries.

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  55. @Dillon - You are the second person to mention that bug I need to check that out for the next update. Thanks.

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  56. Just curious. Im sure u hear this alot. But giving a ball park answer. When do you think the updates will be complete? So I stop checking every ten minutes. Lol.

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  57. @Brandon - I would recommend maybe registering to "Follow" the blog, or sign up to get updates on your email. I'm working on it right now, but it's getting late (I live on the East Coast) so I don't think it will be done tonight. I'm thinking the latest will be Monday. Hope that helps :)

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  58. Was just wondering, considering how I have three profiles will I be able to trade myself the other starters or will I have to have a middle man and trade it to them and then back to my other profile?

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  59. @Joshua - You won't be able to trade yourself, so yes you will need a second person.

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  60. Sam u should make a mode like hoard mode where u can train pokemon our just c want wave u can get 2

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  61. And another thing r u going to a computer college Im just wondering y u don't charge money for the game .........well I'm glad u don't because I love this game

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  62. Ok I've got quite a lot of inquiries..
    1. Since level cap is determined by beating gyms I think there should be something on the game to prevent people from receiving too highly leveled pokemon through trade.
    2. I think shiny pokemon randomly encountered should be made detachable as soon as they appear to prevent killing them trying to lower their health.
    3. Will growl only have an effect in multiplayer as well? Because in game pokemon don't "attack" the candy
    4. How will we be able to obtain pokemon like porygon, eevee, mr. mime, etc. will there be a side game to earn coins for them?
    5. Will there be any multiplayer type gameplay where our own pokemon must reclaim rare candies from team rocket or something?

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  63. Sorry "catchable" not detachable

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  64. I think number two should be considered seeing as how the chance of encountering a wild shiny is 1 in 8196... So maybe its whole life bar should be red

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  65. Great game! But I think for the first gym you should not put something in to make it hard for squirtle/bulbasaur because in the actual game it starts out easy for them but gets harder towards the end while it starts out hard for charmander and gets easier and usually you start the game with that understanding. Also, maybe after a certain level pokemon can't gain xp from a pokemon of a lower level. Maybe a five level difference. For example a level 10 can't gain xp from a level 5 to help prevent farming

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  66. @Matt - I'm changing quick play into challenge mode, it will have levels like something that you mentioned. Also I don't charge for the games because I want as many people as possible to play and enjoy it.

    @Joshua - 1. Good thinking, it might be like the game where if you don't have a gym badge the pokemon won't listen to you.
    2. Good suggestion I will take it into consideration, the chances might be even lower than 1/81996 in this game, maybe. I want shinnies to be something you can earn or buy rather than be lucky at.
    3. Growl has an effect right now, which is like a 10% chance to turn the enemy around, that is what I decided the attack stat is going to mean when you are defending.
    4. There will be a way to obtain those, haven't decided exactly how.
    5. There will be multiplayer that you get to attack, haven't done all the details.

    @Anonymous - The first gym will end up being of equal challenge regardless of who you started with, in black/white but they give you the piece you need, I'm taking away the piece hehe.

    Your second suggestion is really good, it reminds me a lot of World of Warcraft and how they have grey mobs that don't give exp. That might be something that I will do.

    Thanks for the feedback everyone!

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  67. Hey Sam can you tell me what are the exact in detailed features of the next update in point form?thanks

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  68. Hey after you finish the whole version for this game,will you be making a pokemon tower defence off a different version?like crystal version?

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  69. @Anonymous - As of right now:
    - Able to release your pokemon.
    - Level 5, The first Gym
    - New party select screen (it uses dragging now, instead of tapping)

    -Bug fixes for:
    Pokemon learning moves twice.
    Pokemon being put into random spots on the screen.
    Moving the level select back button.

    What it doesn't have is:

    No new level cap, no new pokemon to catch :(

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  70. @Hamdaan - My plan is to do a version for each generation. Which as crazy as it might sound, I think each game will take less to make then the one before it, since I will have most of not all the moves completed on this game.

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  71. *most if not all the move completed

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  72. I just want to say I love this game and you have my support as well as all my friends

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  73. When we finally get more pokemon and higher levels, I'm really hoping for some variety in moves.
    Some could have an 'area of effect' damage (earthquake, blizzard, surf, etc.), while others could have a longer range (rock throw, swift, water gun, etc.)
    Just out of curiosity, how do you plan on handling moves like hi jump kick, double-edge, and explosion (since defenders currently don't take damage)?

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  74. By FAR the best Android game I have ever played. 5 stars. (: I speak for all of us when I say I appreciate the time and effort you've put into this masterpiece.
    Obviously the level cap would need to go up eventually (Since I got all 6 Pokemon at level 10 in under an hour :b), but except for that, this game is amazing.

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  75. @Dillon - Thanks for the feedback, I will def make moves like earthquake and blizzard, have a different feel, and cover more ground ect, while still keeping them balanced so that you aren't just spamming those.

    For moves like explosion, that harm you, those either will have a longer cooldown, or will disable you for a bit, this upcoming gym match will feature something that will disable your pokemon for a bit, don't want to give too much away. But once you see it, you might be able to imagine what using explosion might do to your pokemon.

    @Mikey - I really appreciate it, you and everybody coming to the site and posting. The level cap will go up, I might make leveling take a little longer so that people don't reach it so fast, but honestly I don't mind people reaching it as fast.

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  76. Will we be allowed to catch legendary pokemon later on?

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  77. I love your game for starters, but i was wondering if in the multiplayer there would be any co-op levels or 2v2 modes. Also how are we going to get trade pokemon like golem?

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  78. ah ok. What I meant by question five on my list that I think was misconstrued was will there be a multi player type scenario like the one I mentioned perhaps in single player mode?

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  79. Will you ever post the game offline? I installed Adobe Air on my phone, but it still won't let me install the game from the market. Wanted to try and install it offline, but there's no apk to try and do that.
    Would be great to be able to try and play the game, because it sounds awesome

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  80. Level 5 update is great, cant wait for future updates. Keep up the great work.

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  81. Excuse me mr Sam. I was wondering if we could evolve our starting Pokemon like charmander into charmelion in the next update?

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  82. I can't capture new pokemon on my htc desire. When I try to drop the pokeball on one, nothing happens. Am I doing it wrong?

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  83. Let me frist tell you that you are an allround badass for doing this game.
    Hey I was wondering why I can't capture a pickachu, is it cuz its the 3 brothers thing?

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  84. i have a bug -
    i got to the gym leader( starting with charmendar and RED), i have three other pokemons - pikachu pidgey and ratata, and when i put charmendar in my list and start the level, he disappears.
    even if he is the only one there, he is not an option for me to put on the screen once the level start.
    and i can't beat the level like that=[[[[[[[[[[
    please fix it!

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