Pokémon: Platinum Version

Pokémon: Platinum Version
Developer	Game Freak
Publisher	Nintendo
System	Nintendo DS
Release Date	JP September 13, 2008 US March 22, 2009 AU May 14, 2009 EU May 22, 2009
Rating	ESRB: E

Pokémon: Platinum Version is a monster-collecting handheld RPG that was released as the third and final game of the Pokémon series' fourth generation, following the releases of Diamond and Pearl. Like most of the extra versions released for a generation of Pokémon games, Platinum features alterations to the game's storyline and new features.

Version Differences

Pokémon: Platinum version features newly designed clothing for the player characters as well as new graphics for all of the characters and Pokémon. Like with most alternate versions, Platinum excludes several Pokémon that can only be obtained by trading with other versions. However, Platinum also offers more Pokémon from previous generations that could be caught, such as the first generation's legendary birds (Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres) or the third generation's legendary Regi- Pokémon (Regirock, Regice and Registeel).

The most notable new feature would be the addition of a Battle Frontier, like the one in Emerald, that can be accessed upon completion of the Elite Four challenge. The game is also refocused to focus on Giratina, who will appear instead of Dialga and Palkia at Spear Pillar during the Team Galactic event, and a new area called the Distortion World must be explored to reach it. Additionally, both Dialga and Palkia can be caught afterwards at the Spear Pillar (where only one of the two could be found in the other versions). The storyline also features new characters, such as Charon and Looker.

Connectivity

Platinum can connect to other copies of the game as well as Diamond and Pearl through both the DS wireless connection and the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Along with trading and battling, the games can also connect to play minigames in the underground. It can also trade and battle with copies of HeartGold and SoulSilver.

Like Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon could be transferred from the Game Boy Advance games to Platinum through the dual-slot method, at which point the Pokémon could be recaptured in the PAL Park and could not be transferred back to the original games. Platinum could also connect through Pokémon Ranger to receive a Manaphy egg through a mission that was available at the time.

Pokémon Battle Revolution also connects to Platinum. Pokémon from the DS game can be transferred to Battle Revolution to battle (although the game does not have graphics for Platinum's new alternate forms). Upon completing the Story Mode of the game, a Special Mystery gift is obtainable. Mystery Gift must be already activated on Platinum. Platinum also compatible with My Pokémon Ranch, but only in Japan, as it was made possible through an update that was never made available internationally.

The three final Pokemon, which can only be obtained through Nintendo Events, are Darkrai, Shaymin, and Arceus. Additionally the Secret Key, which is used to access Rotom's new formes, can only be obtained through a Nintendo events.

Legacy

Ports/Remakes

• In 2021, the fourth generation was remade as Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. These remakes were based almost entirely on Diamond/Pearl and only included a few elements from Platinum. The Platinum outfit for the player character was available as a bonus for early purchases of the game, the Pokémon found in the Underground were based on the Pokémon added for the Platinum version of the Pokédex, and Elite Four members used their Platinum rosters for rematches. Major elements of Platinum (such as Charon, Looker, the Distortion World and the Battle Frontier) were not included, however.

Sequels

It was followed by Pokémon: HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions, remakes of Pokémon: Gold and Silver Versions, and then by the fifth generation's Pokémon: Black and White Versions.