Opticale is a game based on exploration and combat with unique gameplay mechanics. It uses augmented reality to add sci-fi and fantasy elements to your surroundings. Your smartphone is turned into a scanning device called the Opticale that helps reveal hidden lifeforms that live in the Astral World. It's an alternate layer of reality that can't be seen through eyesight and needs special technology.
Your mission in Opticale is to scan the world, looking for creatures placed randomly around the world. In this way, you can gather information about them and add them to your collection of discoveries. The game has a beautiful and futuristic design for its interface and detailed, beautifully drawn illustrations of the creatures. It's not a title based on combat, but rather one that uses your curiosity and rewards you with upgrades so you can find rarer species.
As an AR game, Opticale encourages active gameplay where you need to walk around and scan your surroundings instead of sitting statically in front of your computer. It's a good option for players of all ages, doesn't include aggressive themes, and you can get it for free on iOS and Android, but the game has been released to limited locations and regions so far.
Why should I download Opticale?
Opticale is a great choice for those players who want to combine exploration with movement, because the game uses your phone as a scanning device that can detect invisible creatures, but to do that, you need to walk around and point your camera at different spots. Once you detect a trace of a beast, keep following it, and the signal will get stronger until you can reveal and scan it.
As it usually is with AR-based games, Opticale motivates you to go outside and explore the outdoors. You can play it in a variety of locations, and depending on where you are, you can get different types of creatures. Some can be found in parks, others near city landmarks, or specific neighborhoods. There are also creatures that can only appear during particular times of day or that need special equipment in order to trace them.
When you start playing Opticale, you become an explorer of the Astral World, which is said to be the source of fairy tales and fables, but has remained unknown until now. The developing technology now allows people to map this fantasy universe's zones and areas that live alongside our regular reality. Different environments have different beasts and conditions, so if you play the game in various places, you can discover new, fantastic lands and mythical beings.
The more creatures you discover in Opticale, the more points you get and the larger your collection becomes. As you level up, you can increase your explorer rank, get new scanning tools, and gain access to rare species, apart from scanning. You can also get experience points by discovering locations, completing creature packs, or sharing them with friends. The game masterfully uses augmented reality mechanics to turn a simple walk into an exploration and adventure. You can download Opticale for free on iOS and Android, though its availability varies by region.
Is Opticale free?
Yes, Opticale is a game you can download on iOS and Android and play for free. It includes in-app purchases, but you don't need to pay to unlock all the game features and mechanics. You can scan creatures, unlock new lands, and upgrade your device at no cost.
What operating systems are compatible with Opticale?
Since the game needs to use the camera and location actively, it's only available on mobile devices. You can currently download Opticale on Android 5.0 or higher, as well as on iOS 10.0 or newer.
Please note that the game may not work correctly on tablets, so playing it on smartphones is recommended, as Opticale is optimized for GPS sensors found in phones. You also need an internet connection to play and allow access to GPS. There's no alternative version of the game for other operating systems.
What are the alternatives to Opticale?
Ingress Prime is a location-based augmented reality game where you need to join one of two competing factions and explore the world using your phone to discover portals. These are placed on real-world locations, and you need to link portals together to create control fields and take over as much territory as you can. Ingress Prime offers a unique concept when players work together on a massive scale and collaborate on tactics to be in the lead in their region or faction. While you can download Ingress Prime for iOS and Android for free, there's also a monthly subscription that gives you extra items and features.
Pokémon GO is one of the most popular and widespread AR games, where you need to find, battle, and catch Pokémon in the wild. You walk around your surroundings with your phone, which allows you to detect any Pokémon nearby. There are also special PokeStops that give you items, and gyms where you can battle Pokémon of other players or leave yours to increase the gym's defense. Your Pokémon can be upgraded, and as a player, you can be a part of one of two factions. You can download and play Pokémon GO for free on iOS and Android, but there are also a lot of options for in-app purchases to get more Poké Balls or upgrades that allow you to level up faster.
Pikmin Bloom is another game that uses your location as you walk, and the game plants virtual flowers along your route. Other players can see your flower trail, and the more you plant, the bigger your Pikmin become. Once fully grown, you can send it on expectations so it brings back special items. The game is more of a walking companion than a competition-based title or one based on leveling up. You can download Pikmin Bloom on iOS and Android for free.
