Pokémon Diamond Version / Pearl Version Nintendo DS Review #1 at Nintendo Cubed3

By Ben Southam (dojo)

9146 Posted on 29.07.2007

Review for Pokémon Diamond Version / Pearl Version on Nintendo DS - on Nintendo Wii U, 3DS games review

Pok

Nintendo knows that it has a massive fanbase; it hasn't radically changed the mechanic behind the handheld Pok

Screenshot for Pokémon Diamond Version / Pearl Version on Nintendo DS - on Nintendo Wii U, 3DS games review

An aspect that has changed quite a bit over time is the battle system, whether it be the introduction of new types in Gold and Silver or double battles in Ruby and Sapphire, and now there is a bit more strategy thrown into the mix. Moves used to be based solely upon their type, power and accuracy. Now they are also referred to as "Physical", "Special" or "Other". This means that a Pok

There is more still to entertain within Diamond and Pearl, and the new 'gimmick' this time is the Pok

As with a whole host of other DS games, Diamond and Pearl don't have astoundingly impressive graphics, but the consistent style and moderate use of 3D keeps the presentation of the game familiar to older users whilst still showing a kind of artistic progression. Neat little environmental effects display, however, that the development team wasn't just being lax with this aspect. You'd be forgiven for expecting them to have moved onto full 3D, but in all honesty, it isn't needed. Some of the town tunes are also a little forgettable, but the new Pok

Gameplay

A definite strength of Diamond and Pearl; the gameplay is so simple yet rewarding (seeing your monsters evolve, obtaining gym badges, etc.) that it is hard to go wrong. The rock-paper-scissors mechanic hasn't changed, and is unlikely to ever do so, which might irritate people who are looking for a radical change in pace sometimes (see here), but rest assured, you'll be hooked like a tree addict in a rainforest.

Graphics

As mentioned before, they aren't super-fantastic, but the amount of times you'll think a silent "wow" as you walk past a seemingly 2D building only for it to realistically distort hopefully explains how modestly the use of graphical effects has been implemented.

Sound

This is a bit of a letdown, as the fidelity of the music doesn't seem to have improved much over that of its GBA predecessors. Still, the tunes themselves are aptly plinky-plonky, and that certainly isn't a terrible thing.

Value

Loads of little extra things to do (and I mean loads), as well as the good ol' "Catch 'em all" element will keep you at this game for ages. The main bulk of beating the Elite Four could take upwards of 30 hours, and then the game opens up tenfold still. You're unlikely to regret this purchase.

Cubed3 Rating

9/10

Exceptional - Gold Award

About this score

Pok

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Pokémon Diamond Version / Pearl Version (Nintendo DS)

Developer
Game Freak

Publisher
Nintendo

Genre
Turn Based RPG

Players
8
Online enabled

C3 Score
9/10

Reader Score
7/10 (310 Votes)

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Comments on this Review

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TruLink on 29.07.2007 at 02:20#1

Great review!! I've had Pearl version since it came out on April 22, and I still haven't done everything in the game. The replay value of these games is astounding.

I don't post much, but I will appreciate any feedback on the posts I do make. Feel free to PM

Mason on 29.07.2007 at 05:32#2

Nice review Ben, well-deserving of the 9. I've had the game since American launch and am still not sure if it bests Gold/Silver...but it comes damn close if it doesn't.

mOojc on 29.07.2007 at 09:12#3

Nice review, though personally I love the music. :D

Firefly on 29.07.2007 at 13:13#4

WOOHOO! This game rocks!
(BTW, I named my Infernape Monkeyman, In great respect to the Legion Of King's Monkeyman!)

Onwards, TO NOWHERE! Proud owner of Farming Simulator 2013.

Mason on 29.07.2007 at 13:31#5

Good point actually mOojc - I think the music is the best of the series!

dojo on 29.07.2007 at 16:45#6

Oooh I much prefered the Ruby and Sapphire music.

Ah well, that's opinion for ya.

twitter: @bensoutham

L on 29.07.2007 at 17:33#7

Awesome, I just bought this game.

Satoshi on 30.07.2007 at 01:07#8

Lol I thought superlink had changeed his name to Trulink...anyway thats a great review - Though it feels like its not changed at all since it started, theres been loads of suttle new improvements - like wider IV range, seperate attack types and i never thought i would be but i'm hooked on this game again.

Avoid Games Like the Plague, productivity++

tiamat1990 on 30.07.2007 at 09:52#9

A 9?? Wow...

yoshi14 on 30.07.2007 at 13:24#10

great review

thenexus6 on 30.07.2007 at 17:02#11

Nice video i'm getting this game in a few hours. See you in Wifi =D

Welcome to the NHK

-previous known as saunderscowie!-

danta01 on 16.08.2007 at 10:04#12

very nice review. i have pokemon pearl so i know if anythnig's a lie or not. no lies full truth. that is what i like! : Smilie

The Wandering Sword on 26.10.2007 at 17:50#13

im going to buy it as soon as i buy a ds!

Show Spoiler

Scorponok on 26.01.2008 at 18:00#14

The game is awsome but it needs more tasks like in emerald.
My rating
A solid 9

TORQUE

general D on 05.06.2008 at 08:31#15

All of the pokemon games have been great but this one is by far the most expansive and possibly the best (though gold silver and crystal give it a run for it's money)