In this new game from Nintendo, you are placed in the role of a... wait, who am I kidding-this is Pokémon. You know what this is about.

Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl are not a great departure from the original games in most ways, so rather than profile the game as a whole, it's more important to point out what's new and different.

The DS installment of this series brings with it the obligatory touch screen controls, though, at least in battle, it makes the game easier and more fun. Each attack can be simply tapped instead of chosen through a menu, and this is much more intuitive. D-Pad controls are still available, but most of the time players will use the stylus.

Out of battle it becomes slightly less necessary. The second screen is inhabited by a device called a Pokétch, a simplistic monochromatic watch with small program functions. Some functions, such as one to monitor the creatures in the daycare and another to count your steps for egg hatching, can be useful, but others, such as an analog clock and a calculator, seem quite unnecessary. Also, controls have been placed on the second screen for menus, but the way they were implemented causes them to be highly inefficient and superfluous.

The art style for Diamond and Pearl is an attempt to keep the look of the previous games while adding three-dimensional elements, and for the most part, this is done well. You quickly forget this addition in most parts, and most gyms are used to showcase some more complicated 3-D puzzles and areas.

Graphics for this game are not impressive, but then again, this series has never been about them. The battle animations are still simplistic, but a large jump in visuals might have caused sales of the console adaptations to decrease, so it's not a surprise.

The new creatures in this edition bring the total number up to 493, and at some point there is a shortage of ideas. Nintendo and Game Freak scraped the bottom of the barrel this time around, creating the few remaining type combinations and adding more weak, boring rodents and birds. However, it's not all disappointing. The starter choices, while still formulaic, are endearing and fun.

The world of Sinnoh is the setting for these new editions. The main feature of the continent is a large mountain range in the middle, comprising all the caves and peaks players traverse throughout the game. This shows some real thought by the game's designers, and it feels much more like a real place this time around.

The major upgrade for this edition is in multiplayer. Players can battle and trade over Wi-Fi, with both friends and strangers. For those ethical gamers out there, the Global Trade Server might pose some problems. There is no way of knowing whether others' Pokémon were legitimately acquired and raised. However, for those looking to just fill a Pokédex, this feature is a godsend, and it is implemented well.

As for trading and battling friends, the Wi-Fi feature is amazing. As long as you have someone's friend code, you can battle or trade them from anywhere, and voice chat along the way. The multiplayer alone is reason enough to pick up this game.

With each game released, there have been more and more separate activities that have little relation to the actual game. The beauty contests are back, and this time Nintendo has added costumes and accessories for this. Also added is the new Underground mode, with a fossil excavation game. Those unfortunate enough to have played Disney's Spectrobes should recognize this, though this time it's completely optional.

Also included is the ability to decorate Poké Balls with seals to change their entrance animations, and while interesting, this is not productive at all. These activities will keep some amused, and the rest don't have to worry about them.

Which game is better: Diamond or Pearl? It's really a matter of preference, as the gameplay doesn't really change between editions. Only a handful of the new Pokémon are version-exclusive, and the only ones that really matter are the legendary creatures: Diamond's Dialga and Pearl's Palkia. The two are featured on the games' covers, so pick the one that looks coolest.

An additional note: Diamond is selling significantly better than Pearl, so if trading matters to you, pick up Pearl. You'd be more likely to find more Diamond owners that want to trade.

Simply put, if you liked the previous Pokémon games, pick up Diamond or Pearl. The new story and significantly expanded multiplayer will leave you happy. If you weren't a fan, this isn't going to change your mind. Nintendo didn't mess with the formula that makes them millions, and there's not a company out there that would. And for the Pokémon fanatics out there, I'm sure you're already playing.

Apr 23, 2007 | 4 comments
Graham Russell