AUGMENTED reality smartphone smartphone Pokemon Go appears to have taken over the world in just a few days.

The game launches officially in the UK today, but you’ve probably already seen people wandering around in a trance glued to their smartphones as they try to catch virtual creatures found in real-life locations.

What’s it all about?

Pokemon Go players are tasked with physically exploring neighbourhoods and towns to find all the collectible critters such as Bulbasaur, Charmeleon and Pikachu.

An on-screen map shows roughly where they are situated, but they can also show up randomly as people move around.

Players get an alert when a Pokemon is near and then use their phone camera to hunt and capture it. Augmented reality software is used to overlay the creatures on to the real-world surroundings.

There are also Pokéstops found at meeting places, tourist attractions or landmarks where items can be picked up for using in the game and there are gyms too where Pokémon can be trained up to fight.

Daily Echo:

What are all these headlines?

Pokémon Go was released in the USA on July 7 but has already garnered some adverse publicity.

There have been reports of armed robbers using the game to lure players into isolated locations, as well as a warning that paedophiles could potentially summon children to quiet places.

And there have been stories of people absent-mindedly wandering into traffic while fixated on their phone screens, while a teenager in America found a dead body as she played.

At the same time, Pokemon Go has won praise already for encouraging people to go outside and get exercise. Adults and children alike have all been joining in.

How do I play it?

Fans had been hacking their smartphones to get the game ahead of its official UK release, but it is now available on the iPhone and Android app stores.

How do I catch 'em all?

Use the Daily Echo gallery of the best locations in Southampton!