Pokemon Diamond/Pearl feels like it's been recycled a bit too much, but still remains delightfully addicting.
It has a very typical Pokemon-styled story where you're basically out to stop Team Galactic and the other baddies. But this time they have intentions to steal the legendary Pokemon Dialga to alter the world and control the complicated concepts of time. When they gain control of time, they will undoubtedly control the actions that are intertwined with it. You play an important role working for Dr. Rowen and with your competitive frienemy-ish ally. And of course, you're out to catch as many of the rare Pokemon species as possible to defeat all of the baddies and their own stash of em'.
The turn-based RPG concept is not new at all to the Pokemon line, and seasoned gamers will feel nostalgia as you control your Pokemon's actions and allow them to learn the most pwnage of abilities. The combat system brings nothing new to the table except for a slightly altered menu layout. You'll have options to drink a cure to restore HP/MP (among other options), attack, and ultimately, flee. You'll be able to teach your stash of Pokemon various skills necessary to fully explore certain areas and caves, and you'll find yourself talking to lots of NPC's around towns and fighting trainers to level up your Pokemon. Seasoned Pokemon gamers will find nothing drastically changed, and it's up to you if that it a good or bad thing.
The visuals are like basic Pokemon games and have the classic feeling that seems to fit right at home with the game. The towns, caves, bridges, and general environment are valid enough to be said diverse and their is a nice balance between lighter and darker terrain, both having their share of detail. But there is a slight improvement in the graphics, and the split screen is distributed nicely.
The audio really fuses in the classic old Pokemon music and adds some music effects and small touches that make it a pleasure to ears. It ties in well with both the environment that you find in the game, and the RPG combat system that we've come to know so well. You'll even find yourself humming along at times with the tunes.
There is also a nice feature that has been added to the game. Nintendo Wi-Fi connection. It allows you to meet up with friends and go around the world to trade Pokemon. This allows both of applicant and reciever to get what they want, in terms of Pokemon. You'll be able to communicate with each other, however slightly limited, and battle each other in an epic showdown to truly see whose Pokemon reigns supreme. It's quite fun to battle and trade Pokemon with each other and is something that this game needed to keep its appeal.
You don't have to have experience from the past Pokemon games in order to delve into this one. It's very accomodating (for the most part) for newcomer Pokemon players and experienced ones. It might even be better for a newcomer, as the experience will be fresh and new.
You'll have many side-activities to keep you occupied apart from the constant Pokemon battling and exploration of caves and other areas. You can do mini-games that are evident in certain areas, you'll be able to find new items and skills for your Pokemon, you can participate in the Pokemon contests, and you can also go underground. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock and discover new secrets and towns to explore. You'll meet new and old NPC's (like your relentless rival) and you'll be able to obtain rare items for both you and your Pokemon. The Pokemon contest takes place in Hearthome city and you can train and test your Pokemon to see if they can master Beauty, Tough, Smart, Cute, among others. You'll be rewarded with ribbons, balloons, and other accessories that are nice objectives for those perfectionists. As for underground, you'll be able to create your own private place free to roam and decorate as you please. You'll excavate through the many layers of earth and uncover jewels, gems, fossils, and Pokemon eggs. You can exchange these for an array of items: furniture for your underground place, money, and ultimate Pokemon. You can also play via Wi-Fi with your friends and visit each other's private vicinity and steal their flags.
Although it really doesn't inspire innovation of any sort, it still contains elements that made the Pokemon franchise a masterpiece. It mostly contains recycled parts of the old, but really doesn't have too much of the new that many fans are looking for.
GAMEPLAY: 8
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl still develops around the core RPG combat system and doesn't bring anything distinctly different. Although I did crave for a little more variation in terms of gameplay, Nintendo has truly grasped the essence of this game.
VISUALS: 7.5
Prior to this game's release, I didn't really know what to expect in Pokemon Diamond in terms of visuals. But what I got, wasn't the greatest neither the worst. It stuck to it's primitive roots and slightly outdid its predecessors with more detail and general color scheme.
AUDIO: 8
It sports the classic Pokemon tunes in addition to some new remixes and sound effects. They built nicely around basic Pokemon soundtracks and added nice little touches, that tie in well with the combat system and extensive landscape.
REPLAYABILITY: 8
It will last you a while, especially for those ambitious gamers looking to both penetrate all of these game's secrets along with catching em' all. You'll soon become enveloped by the ever-changing Pokemon world and it's many things to do and accomplish. With Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, it furthers the replayability value.
SUMMARY:
If you are a true Pokemon gamer and don't mind having recycled elements and slightly updated visuals, then this is the game for you. But many who look for something truely innovative and fresh out-of-the-blue game, then this will be a little disappointing. Nintendo has mastered the many concepts that make Pokemon games great, but it could use a little extra something to make a lasting impression on seasoned and inexperienced gamers. Go pick it up though and see for yourself.
TOTAL RATING: 8