Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl Versions

Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl Versions
Developer	Game Freak
Publisher	Nintendo
System	Gameboy Advance
Release Date	JP: September 28, 2006 US: April 22, 2007 AU: June 21, 2007 EU: July 27, 2007
Rating	ESRB: E

Pokémon: Diamond Version and Pokémon: Pearl Version are the fourth set of games in the Pokémon series. The different versions were made to increase interactivity between gamers (as gamers would have to trade Pokémon with each other in order to collect all of the game's monsters).

Story

Pokémon: Diamond and Pokémon: Pearl follow the adventures of a young Pokémon trainer. In this game, the player has the option of playing a boy or a girl, with the other character becoming your rival.

The game journeys across a new area, Sinnoh. The main game is the same as others have been. The trainer battles other trainers across Sinnoh, and wins eight badges. Now, the player must ward off Team Galactic, the new evil team of the game.

Gameplay

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl retains much of the gameplay of the original set of games. However, they have added some things. The most notable addition is 107 new species of Pokémon the game introduced.

The Pokémon's moves have been redone in this game. Rather than being classified as either special or physical based on the type, they are put in a group based on how they are executed. For example, Fire Punch is now physical and Gust is now special. They also added a third group called Status or Other.

Pokémon contests have also been redone as Super Contests. The traditional contest is retained in the final round, but is preceded by a round where the player must place accessories on their Pokémon to enhance their appeal and help them dance.

Also new is a multiplayer area. Located underground, the player can set up a secret base and participate in minigames, including fossil hunting. This area is also the only place the player can capture Spiritomb.

Connectivity

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl can connect to other copies of the game. Along with trading, the games can also connect to play minigames in the underground and battle on another.

Using the dongle method, Pokémon from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions, and Pokémon Emerald Version can be uploaded to Diamond and Pearl. Once the Pokémon is in Diamond or Pearl, it can't be transferred back. The player has to recapture it in the PAL Park.

Diamond and Pearl are also able to connect with Pokémon Ranger. By completing a special mission in Pokémon Ranger, players can transfer a Manaphy egg to Diamond and Pearl.

Pokémon Battle Revolution also connects to Diamond and Pearl. Pokémon from the DS game can be transferred to Battle Revolution to battle. Upon completing the Story Mode of the game, a Special Mystery gift is obtainable. Mystery Gift must be already activated on "Diamond" and "Pearl".

The three final Pokemon, currently un-obtainable in the US, are Darkrai, Shaymin, and Arceus. It is quite possible that these three will be given to players at a Nintendo Event, via Mystery Gift. Currently, Darkrai is being given to players in Japan with the 10th Movie.

Version Differences

In all regions, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl released simultaneously. In order to increase player interactivity, each version had certain Pokémon the other didn't. In particular, they each have an exclusive legendary that is featured on the boxart - Palkia for Pearl and Dialga for Diamond.