From Engadget
http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/15/google-launches-ingress/
Does anyone have an invite code?
http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/15/google-launches-ingress/
Does anyone have an invite code?
All the viral ads courtesy of Niantic Labs told us something was coming, and now its here -- an alternate reality game from Google called Ingress. The theme is one of worldwide mind control, and it'll be played out in real life, where you'll be a part of one of two teams which either embrace or fight "the power" -- The Enlightened or The Resistance, respectively. With a companion mobile app installed, you'll venture out into the world collecting energy known as "Exotic Matter" (XM), found at real locations. This can then be spent claiming, stealing or reinforcing "portals," which are positioned at key public places. Teamwork will be essential, as the goal is to create zones controlled by your faction, and attacking those occupied by the enemy. One team will eventually win, although this end point is expected to be a year to 18 months down the line.
John Hanke of Niantic Labs said some of the inspiration for Ingress came from JJ Abrams, and hardcore Lost fans may remember a similarly cryptic internet 'game' focused around the show. The Ingress app is available on Google Play today, with an iOS version in the pipe, and if you want you play, sign up at the source below to request access. Your mobile device will provide you with an overview of your local battlefield when you're out and about, but a web client can keep you up to date on the global war while you're sat at a computer. Check out the video and app screenshots below, and if you're still confused as to what it's all about -- well, that's how they want you to feel.
Well I got my invite a day or two after I posted. I've been playing but it's really sluggish and kind of buggy. They won't give me any invites to give out or else I would. Anyone else playing?
That's an interesting way to put it. I guess that's not entirely inaccurate but I don't really know what that comparison gains you.
What I see happening, or what I assume is happening, is people just own the portals near their house. Then, they just watch it and if someone tries to hack it or alter it, they go back and reclaim it. I don't know if anyone is actually driving around the city to claim portals.
Yeah there are definitely people in the same area that team up to mess with other people or take over their portals. Last weekend, in chat, I saw someone say something like "Man, I think he's inside the pizza parlor". I assume they mean they were looking for someone hacking their portals.
I'll explain the game briefly to you because it's really confusing, even for someone playing it.
There are "portals" throughout the world. Basically they are publicly accessible landmarks so think statues, fountains, monuments, and some buildings such as city halls and post offices.
There are two teams - Enlightened and Resistance. You can choose to join either team. Right now, there are about 10% more of the former.
When you run the game, your screen displays your location plus a sort of map. It's based on Google Map but they don't show you street names or any place names. You can tell that it's where you are but say you saw a portal to the north, you can't tell if it's five blocks away or if it's on Main Street or Henderson Ave. You just have to walk there.
The idea is to control as many portals as possible. If you walk up to an unclaimed portal (pretty much impossible), you need to put down resonators. You need eight, I believe, to control a portal. If you come to a portal that someone else already owns, you can try to attack it and steal it. Also, resonators can have levels 1-8 with the stronger ones being more powerful and I assume harder to hack. Also, there are rules about how many resonators of a specific strength a single player can put down. For example, one player can only put down a max of 1 Level 8 resonator. That means I can't put down 8 of them myself to make a very strong portal.
You can also link portals together with a max linkage of three to make sort of like a triangle.
What I see happening, or what I assume is happening, is people just own the portals near their house. Then, they just watch it and if someone tries to hack it or alter it, they go back and reclaim it. I don't know if anyone is actually driving around the city to claim portals.
I would LOVE one!I got in a few days ago. Anyone still need an invite code?
meI got in a few days ago. Anyone still need an invite code?
I can definitely see, if this gets popular enough, reports of people physically trying to stop someone... Or threats or even attempts to destroy the person's phone.And if it turns out he's in the parlor? What can they do about it?