Peridot, an original IP from Niantic, will launch on iOS and Android on May 9th worldwide. Niantic’s success with Pokémon Go has clearly inspired this creature collector, which is probably for the best, considering the studio’sslate of recent failures. While it’s reasonable not to expect much from this latest game, the fact that Niantic is not relying on partnerships with existing IPs makes this creature collection game an intriguing concept. It’s available to register now.
Thanks to a soft launch in Malaysia last year, we havesome idea of what the gameplay will look like. The Play Store listing indicates that nothing much has changed since this gameplay reveals. Peridot seems to offer a Tamagotchi-like experience, where you’ll have a deep relationship with your pet. You’ll pet, play, feed, and breed your Peridots and take them for walks around your neighborhood. It looks to be the most involved Niantic game yet, unlike Pokémon Go which treats your Pokémon more as tools than friends.
Peridot starts you off with one of the titular creatures, but you can work with other players to breed new Peridots that inherit genes from their parents to make them completely unique. As for the AR side of things, you’ll draw and tap on your screen to interact with your Peridot, and you’ll need to walk outside to find Habitats, where you can breed new pets. You’ll also find new items to keep your creature happy and take photos as you go.
Overall, Peridot looks like a familiar but fresh experience. While it likely won’t blow us away, its undeniably adorable graphics will undoubtedly attract some dedicated fans. However, despite a return to its roots, it’s unclear whether the creation of Niantic’s first original IP since Ingress will wind up a success. Thankfully we don’t have much longer to wait with the gamecoming May 9th, and of course, preregistration is open right now, so you may receive a reminder the day it launches.
