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    Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

    Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (Nintendo DS)

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    Developer

    The Pok

    Publisher

    Nintendo

    Genre

    Adventure

    Players

    1

    C3 Score
    9
    Reader Score (307 Votes)
    7

    Posted on 29.07.2007 User Icon Posted by Ben Southam (dojo)
    Tag Tags: Pokémon, Diamond, and, Pearl, 3, The Pok, Nintendo, Adventure
    Pok
    Nintendo knows that it has a massive fanbase; it hasn't radically changed the mechanic behind the handheld Pok

     

    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

    10

    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

    7

    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

    6

    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

    10

    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.
    9

    /10

    C3 Score Pok
    Please post your comments below.
    Buy Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

    Reader Comments

    1
    Number of comments 84

     L9 Peahat

    Offline

    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 Smilie
    on 28.07.2007 at 21:20
    My User Card | Games | Blog | Reviews | Friend Codes | PM Me 
    get reading about my trip to London to see EA, Nintendo and Eurogamer Expo!
    Number of comments 9266

     Reviews Editor

    Online!

    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.


    Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor

    Xbox Live/Twitter :: C3Mike
    on 29.07.2007 at 00:32
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    Number of comments 5047

     L100 C3 Master

    Offline

    Nice review, though personally I love the music. :D
    on 29.07.2007 at 04:12
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    Yarr, there be ass kickery ahead!
    Number of comments 863

     L48 Marle

    Offline

    WOOHOO! This game rocks!
    (BTW, I named my Infernape Monkeyman, In great respect to the Legion Of King's Monkeyman!)
    Hate the horde? Kill them! Firefly
    Chuck Norris vs Mr T vs Mcgyver. THE CLASH OF THE MIGHTY TITANS! Smilie


    In soviet russia, car drives you! Smilie
    on 29.07.2007 at 08:13
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    get reading about my trip to London to see EA, Nintendo and Eurogamer Expo!
    Number of comments 9266

     Reviews Editor

    Online!

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


    Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor

    Xbox Live/Twitter :: C3Mike
    on 29.07.2007 at 08:31
    My User Card | Games | Blog | Reviews | Friend Codes | PM Me 
    Oh, hello C3!
    Number of comments 4696

     L96 Marth

    Offline

    Oooh I much prefered the Ruby and Sapphire music.

    Ah well, that's opinion for ya.

    twitter: @bensoutham
    on 29.07.2007 at 11:45
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    L

    0

    Reply Quote  #7

    User No: 3320
    Number of comments 1298

     L57 Resetti

    Offline

    Awesome, I just bought this game.

    on 29.07.2007 at 12:33
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    is
    Number of comments 3815

     L88 Super Sonic

    Offline

    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++
    on 29.07.2007 at 20:07
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    About to board my plane. Merry Christmas everyone!
    Number of comments 3129

     L81 Chun-Li

    Offline

    A 9?? Wow...
    on 30.07.2007 at 04:52
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    Number of comments 23

     L3 Gooba

    Offline

    great review
    on 30.07.2007 at 08:24
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    I dream for a living.
    Number of comments 1159

     L55 Snake

    Offline

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


    Welcome to the NHK
    on 30.07.2007 at 12:02
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    Number of comments 1

     L1 New Born

    Offline

    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
    on 16.08.2007 at 05:04
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    Live in your world, Die in mine!
    Number of comments 538

     L37 R.O.B.

    Offline

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

    people i owe stars to...
    No one yet!!!Smilie

    I Bought a ds!!! FINNALLY
    on 26.10.2007 at 12:50
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    Ninjask aka Scorponok
    Number of comments 5

     L1 New Born

    Offline

    The game is awsome but it needs more tasks like in emerald.
    My rating
    A solid 9
    TORQUE
    on 26.01.2008 at 12:00
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    Number of comments 1

     L1 New Born

    Offline

    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)
    on 05.06.2008 at 03:31
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