Pokemon Diamond Version

Pokémon Diamond Version^[a] and Pokémon Pearl Version^[b] are 2006 role-playing video games developed by Game Freak, published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. They are the first installments in the fourth generation of the Pokémon video game series. They were first released in Japan on 28 September 2006, and released in North America, Australia, and Europe in 2007. Pokémon Platinum, a third version, was released two years later in each region. Remakes titled Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl were released for the Nintendo Switch on 19 November 2021. A prequel, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, was released for the Switch on 28 January 2022.

Like previous Pokémon games, Diamond and Pearl chronicle the adventures of a young Pokémon trainer as they train and battle Pokémon while also thwarting the schemes of a criminal organization called Team Galactic. The games added many new features, such as Internet play over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, changes to battle mechanics and Pokémon Contests, along with the addition of 107 new Pokémon. The games are independent of each other but feature largely the same plot, and while both can be played separately, it is necessary to trade between them in order to complete the games’ Pokédex.

Development of Diamond and Pearl was announced at a Nintendo press conference in the fourth calendar quarter of 2004. The games were designed with features of the Nintendo DS in mind. It was forecasted to be released in Japan in 2005, but ultimately shipped in 2006, the 10th anniversary year of the franchise. In promotion of the games, Nintendo sold a limited-edition Nintendo DS Lite in Japan, and held a release party celebrating their North American release.

Gameplay – Pokemon Diamond Version

See also: Gameplay of Pokémon

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl are role-playing video games with adventure elements. The basic mechanics of the games are largely the same as their predecessors.^[2] As with all Pokémon games for handheld consoles, the gameplay is in a third-person overhead perspective,^[3] and consists of three basic screens: a field map, in which the player navigates the main character; a battle screen; and the menu, in which the player configures their party, items, or gameplay settings. Players begin the game with no Pokémon or Poké Balls, but are given the choice of three Pokémon as a part of the storyline.

Once Poké Balls are obtained, the player can capture more Pokémon. Players can use their Pokémon to deal damage to other Pokémon in battle. Whenever the player encounters a wild Pokémon or is challenged by a trainer to a battle, the screen switches to a turn-based battle screen where the Pokémon fight.^[3] During battle, the player may use a move, use an item, switch the active Pokémon, or flee. Fleeing is not an option during battles against trainers.

All Pokémon have hit points (HP); whenever a Pokémon’s HP is reduced to zero, it faints and cannot battle unless revived at a Pokémon Center or with an item. If the player’s Pokémon defeats the opposing Pokémon by causing it to faint, it receives experience points. After accumulating enough experience points, it will level up; most Pokémon evolve into a new species of Pokémon whenever they reach a certain level. Pokémon’s stats also increase every time it levels up, and they will also learn new moves at certain levels as well. If a Pokémon is prevented from evolving it will learn new moves faster.

Plot – Pokemon Diamond Version

Setting – Pokemon Diamond Version

Diamond and Pearl are set in the fictional region of Sinnoh, an island based on the Japanese island of Hokkaidō.^[21] Sinnoh is not directly connected to any other Pokémon region.^[21] It is characterized by large, snow-covered mountains; Mt. Coronet, a part of a mountain range, divides Sinnoh in half.^[22] Unlike previous regions, Sinnoh has a “northern” feel to it because it is the first region with snow-covered routes.^[21] Sinnoh is also characterized by its waterways with three main lakes, Verity, Acuity, and Valor, that form a triangle. Unlike the Hoenn region, however, which is mostly water routes, only 30 percent of Sinnoh’s landscape comprises waterways.^[21]

Underneath Sinnoh’s surface is the Sinnoh Underground, which is a large maze of caves and tunnels.

Reception – Pokemon Diamond Version

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl garnered slightly higher ratings than FireRed and LeafGreen and Ruby and Sapphire. The highest score given was a 92 by UK Official Nintendo Magazine, while the lowest was a 67 by Game Revolution.^[66] Official Nintendo Magazine would later go on to rank the game 20th in a list of the greatest Nintendo games.^[67] Ryan Davis of GameSpot gave the games an 8.5/10, “Great”, and called the games “the most well-rounded Pokémon games to date.”^[29] IGN and GameZone also gave the games an 8.5/10.^[30][64] Pokemon Diamond Version.