Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl Versions

Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl Versions
Developer	Game Freak
Publisher	Nintendo
System	Nintendo DS
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 different versions of a handheld monster-collecting RPG that make up the fourth generation of games in the Pokémon series. These games bring the series to the Nintendo DS.

Story

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

The game journeys across a new region known as Sinnoh, following a similar formula as the previous games The trainer must battle other trainers while traveling across Sinnoh and earn badges from the eight Pokémon Gyms in order to earn a chance to take on the Elite Four and win the Pokémon League Championship. Along the way, there are many Pokémon to collect and a mysterious organization known as Team Galactic to face.

Gameplay

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl reprises the basic gameplay of the Pokémon series. This generation introduces 107 new species of Pokémon, bringing the total up to 493.

The moves of the Pokémon have been overhauled for this generation. 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. A third group was also added, known as Status or Other.

This generation also brings back the realtime day/night system from the second generation games and the methods of evolution that came from it. 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.

This generation also contains a new 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 trigger the events to capture Spiritomb.

Connectivity

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl can connect to other copies of the game as well as Platinum through the DS's wireless connection as well as through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Along with trading and battling, the games can also connect to play minigames in the underground. They can also connect to HeartGold and SoulSilver for trades and battles.

Using the dongle method, Pokémon from Ruby, Sapphire, FireRed, LeafGreen, and Emerald Versions can be uploaded to Diamond and Pearl. Once the Pokémon is in Diamond or Pearl, it cannot be transferred back. The Diamond/Pearl player then 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". Diamond and Pearl was also compatible with My Pokémon Ranch, where the player could upload Pokémon to store on the titular ranch, and it was also possible to participate in trades that could lead to the acquisition of a Mew.

Additionally, the last three Pokémon are only available through Nintendo events and otherwise cannot be legitimately obtained in the game, these Pokémon being Darkrai, Shaymin and Arceus.

Version Differences

In all regions, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl released simultaneously. In order to increase player interactivity, each version had Pokémon that were exclusive to each version. In particular, they each have an exclusive legendary that is featured on the boxart: Palkia for Pearl and Dialga for Diamond.

Legacy

Many of the gameplay changes carried on into further games, and this generation is also notable as the first one to feature online capability.

Diamond and Pearl inspired a number of spin-off games such as Pokémon Rumble and PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure. Many of the Pokémon introduced in this generation also made appearances in the Super Smash Bros. series starting with Super Smash Bros. Brawl, with Lucario being featured as a playable fighter.

Sequels

It was followed by Pokémon: HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions, remakes of Pokémon: Gold and Silver Versions. Afterwards, Pokémon: Black and White Versions were revealed as the next generation's games.

Ports and Remakes

• A third version, Pokémon: Platinum Version, was released in 2009.
• In 2021, the games were remade for the Nintendo Switch as Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.