Review

The first mainline Pokémon games on Nintendo DS, Diamond and Pearl brought the series into a new era: two screens, online play and an overhaul of battle rules that still shapes the series today. Platinum, two years later, fixed their flaws. Our verdict, with hindsight.

Diamond and Pearl were released in France in July 2007, Platinum in May 2009. Together, they are among the best-selling Pokémon games of all time, and Sinnoh remains one of fans’ favorite regions, to the point of getting a remake and an entire game devoted to its past.

This review covers all three versions, distinguishing what Platinum changes.

👍The strengths

• A mythic region: Sinnoh, with its Mt. Coronet, its lakes, its contrasting cities and its mythology about the creation of the world, is one of the most memorable regions in the series.
• The physical/special split: the biggest revolution in battles since the series began.
• A rich generation: 107 new Pokémon, including Garchomp, Lucario, Luxray, and many evolutions that revived older families.
• A generous postgame: National Pokédex, Pal Park, Battle Frontier, legendaries galore.
• Multiplayer: the GTS, online battles, the Underground and the Union Room changed the way people play together.
• Cynthia, a League Champion finally worthy of her reputation.

👎The weaknesses

• Sluggishness: in Diamond and Pearl, battles, menus and Surf are slow. Platinum clearly improves the speed.
• Lack of variety in Diamond and Pearl: few Fire Pokémon, and a limited regional Pokédex. Platinum fixes both.
• HM overload: you constantly need a Pokémon for Rock Smash, Strength, Defog or Rock Climb.
• The pacing of the mid-game, with long back-and-forth trips around Mt. Coronet.

⚖️Our verdict

Ready to set off? Our complete walkthrough takes you from Twinleaf Town to the League in thirty-five steps.