New Review Gaming - Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Pokémon Copyright Owned by Game Freak

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl

Developed by Game Freak

Exclusive on the Nintendo Switch

Concept: The latest in Pokémon remakes, Diamond and Pearl get the upgrade treatment. How does it stack up?

Disclaimer: I haven't finished the game yet, and I'm only looking at Brilliant Diamond. But... as with all Pokémon generations, both games are similar in function.

Execution

LET'S GO!

Presentation: This is a Remake. A remake of a older game with newer tech. Of course it is going to look great. The updated fight effect visuals are a welcome sight. Colors are crisp, and the original digital tracks from the DS era are remixed and present here. As expected... it is yet another solid remake. Not of the level of a new title though, I.E. Sword/Shield. Score: 23/25

Gameplay: So, Diamond/Pearl... remake. That is the foundation of the game, but some quality of life improvements have improved upon it! Retains the EXP Share concept from Sword/Shield. And the new HM system is SO much better. Instead of wasting move slots for the HM moves or wasting a roster spot on a mule, you call wild Pokémon to perform the moves. With it, the TM system has changed. Unlike Sword/Shield, the TMs break upon usage, but how you obtain them determines how many you get. If you buy or find a TM, you get 1. If a stranger gives you a TM, you get 3 of that TM. And if a Gym Leader gives you a TM, you get 5! The cost of them are lower. And they are more readily available. Battles have gained the Effective system, so you can see what moves are best for the fight you are in. Which is great... but even though I haven't finished Brilliant Diamond yet, I know how the original was. And watching a few YouTube videos, this one aspect has been changed...... HARSH level gap between the 8th Gym and the Elite Four. Expect to grind after getting that 8th badge. Score: 24/25

Chronicle: With the introduction of this new type of review post, we need to throw a new predecent in. I have never played Pokémon for the story. Not once. I love the gameplay. So, I will highlight the story...... um...... it's Pokémon. Kid go out with a animal, kicking the asses of other animals, all while an evil organization is taking on more than they can muster...... and that is it. But since I don't play it for story... Score: N/20

Legacy: Again, it is a remake. Diamond/Pearl was the first Pokemon game on DS, and that is a pretty solid achievement. So how do the remakes make an impact? Yes and no. So personally, Alpha Sapphire/Omega Ruby have been the best remakes... and Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl improve on the formula, incorporate some from Sword/Shield, but I wish they would've used the full sprites instead of the chibis. Now... it is the first remake to hit the Switch. Just makes me think they could make a game with all the areas. Keep the chibi sprites... give me all the areas. Still fun... but a health reminder what could be possible. Score: 16/20

Extra Oomph: For the first time, I don't have anything here. That isn't a single aspect that jumps out at me aside from the HM system. It is cute that Bidoof is usually the Pokémon that helps you when you call for an HM helper. Bidoof was the perfect HM Mule. So... tongue-in-cheek humor from Game Freak. So...... Score: 5/10

Final Score: 68/80 (85%)

Final Grade: B

Conclusion: It's a remake. A remake of a wonderful game. A wonderful remake of a wonderful game. And... it aspires to be more.

It's all a matter of opinion: I cannot stress enough that THIS is MY opinion, you can either agree with me or not. I don't have to justify my opinion, because *clears throat" that's what this blog is about. Whether I like it or not doesn't mean you have to or not...... I'ts just my justification behind MY recommendation... Which leads me to my FINAL JUDGMENT...

FINAL JUDGMENT: If you have never played it, buy it. If you played the original, I leave it up to you if you want to. I bought it because I LOVE the Pokémon gameplay.

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There you go! Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl has gotten a B!!!!

Does that shock you?

What you think about the gaming review format? I will have better ones in the near future, consider this the test run.

Until next time...