Metareview: Pokemon Diamond & Pearl
by David Hinkle 
{ Apr 23rd 2007 at 7:15PM }
They may have been going nuts for the game in Japan when it released, but how is it being received in the United States? Well, the critics had some wonderful things to say about the game. We would provide our two cents, but we have yet to receive ours from Nintendo, so until then we'll just sit in our desk chair, spinning wildly and screaming obscenities until our overlords come into our cubicle and give us a shot of sleep juice.
Without further ado, let's check what the critics said:
- Nintendo World Report (90/100) is of the mind that even though it resembles previous games, it's still quite good: "An extremely well conceived game. While some may complain that it is too much like past titles, it's hard not to get drawn into the charm and depth of the universe."
- IGN (85/100) says the game has plenty of depth: "Tons of strategic depth and gameplay that's incredibly rewarding; it's one of those games that offers an enormous sense of accomplishment for even the littlest things performed. And the touch screen functions of the Nintendo DS help move things faster and easier with simple navigation menus."
- 1UP (85/100) thinks the most important thing is refinement: "The differences between Diamond and Pearl and their predecessors are small, but they add up. Refinement is paramount here -- refined balance of battle skills, refined relationships between monster types -- as is expansion."
- GameDaily (80/100) finds the game's worth is in the online battling: "Although the single-player quests might invoke a sense of deja vu, Pokemon enthusiasts will love the brand new story and other small tweaks added to the game. The new online battles, however, make this a Pokemon essential for anyone's -- fanboy or not -- DS collection."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Brandon @ Apr 24th 2007 12:54PM
I received my copy of Pokemon Diamond off of a Pre-order yesterday morning as soon as it came out - I've been playing it non-stop and already about 20 hours in I can tell you its a great sequel - updated graphics, updated battle systems and some beautiful wi-fi connectivity!!
Nushio @ Apr 23rd 2007 8:17PM
For this game, ratings dont matter.
Its awesome.
Fatass of Kickassness @ Apr 23rd 2007 8:40PM
IGN's review docked a few points for things that 'were not included' in the game.
Thing is, they WERE ~ IGN just didn't get far enough into the game yet.
Bluebreaker @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:29PM
To add my two cents on something intresting about D/P: This is one of the FIRST games on the DS that I'm aware of that REALLY, REALLY takes full advantage of having two screens. The stylus support is workable but the Dual Screen factor for menus, battles, mini games, pokemon management is absolutely fantastic. Most games just give you an empty map or status screen (or even just a screen saver) but this, I felt was built for the DS from the ground up.
Silver R. Wolfe @ Apr 24th 2007 12:11AM
@ Bluebreaker
I feel the opposite. I feel like this was originally meant to be a GBA game that they slapped touchscreen support on. The graphics don't really help it feel like a DS game either.
Personally, I'd give this game a 7.5/10. It's addicting and fun, but is just more of the same Pokemon fare + Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection which just doesn't score high with me.
I'm still playing and enjoying.
Salchemist @ Apr 24th 2007 2:06AM
People like to dock points because sometimes games are "more of the same," and I don't think that's really fair. In the case of a lot (read: most) Nintendo games, it's more of the same because it's really, really good. They take a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach to gaming. If it's both addicting and fun, why score it lower than an 8?
To be fair though, the last Pokemon game I played was Blue version, when I was in 7th grade, like 10 years ago. So this game doesn't at all feel stale or old.
Food for thought: when you "fix" a game that doesn't need fixing because you're afraid of more of the same, you get Prince of Persia: Warrior Within.
Silver R. Wolfe @ Apr 24th 2007 2:34AM
Salchemist, when a game is stale to begin with (like Pokemon is to me), keeping it "more of the same" is a negative thing.
It's my personal score for it, not intended to count for anyone else.
deburner @ Apr 24th 2007 6:08AM
9.5/10- If you like pokemon you will like the game. It expands and goes back to all of the pokemon games. This game gets the new pokemon formula right however and surpasses Ruby/Sapphire 100%. It goes back and gets time from Gold/Silver. It also goes back to the original 150 and adds the new pokemon so you see new and originals which is a real treat. The story has also been lengethened. I'm 4 hours in and I have 2 gym badges. There are a lot more encounters with bad guys. Unfortunatley the game's menus due feel a tad slow if you know what your doing. The game also wants to help you and if you the rpg strategy you can easily whip through parts of the game. The game is also a little easier than most of the older ones, but maybe thats because I'm just finally getting the hang of rpg games. So if you want a rpg and wanna check out Pokemon again this would be a great place to restart. Just stay away from tne anime its so screwed up and will ruin any good memories of itself.