'Pokemon Go' app causing some players real-life pain

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Pokemon Go app

Pokemon Go, a new smartphone game based on cute Nintendo characters like Squirtle and Pikachu, could be harmful to your health.

The "augmented reality" game, which layers gameplay onto the physical world, has become the top grossing app in the iPhone app store just days after its release in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. The game sends players to locations to collect various Pokemon creatures.

And players have already reported wiping out in a variety of ways as they wander the real world — eyes glued to their smartphone screens — in search of digital monsters. Twisted ankles, mishaps with revolving doors and walking into trees have been among the painful results.

The game has also induced people to post pictures of themselves on social media chasing creatures in all sorts of dangerous situations, like while driving. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office recently put out a warning to drivers not to use the app while driving. 

Meanwhile, police in Missouri say four teens robbed victims after luring them to a specific location using Pokemon Go. Police said Sunday that the suspects put a "beacon" at a spot in O'Fallon, just outside of St. Louis, and then robbed the victims who showed up.

The Associated Press contributed to this report