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Gotta catch ﾑem all, huh? Nintendo understands this, and that's why they've unleashed two more pocket monster packages into stores. The first thing you need to know is that "Diamond" and "Pearl" are the same game, they just offer different Pokemon to collect and train. Want to catch them all? Buy both. But both games aren't required unless you want to play with other people. All told there are over 150 brand new beasties to seek, train, and engage in combat. For those who somehow missed the phenomenon the idea is that Pokemon are small monsters who can be kept in a red and white ball. When attacked, the "Pokemaster" throws the ball to bring forth a creature to defend him or her. The trick is training your creatures well (you don't control them directly in combat, so you have to improve their attack power, defenses, etc., and then hope for the best). The trick is countering with the ideal Pokemon (attacked by a fire-spewing Poke-monster? Counter with a something water based).
The plot is simple enough. An absent-minded professor uncovers a new land brimming with never before seen Pokemon. Then you're off to capture them, train them, and use them in battle to continue the storyline or take them with you into battle against others. The game uses the DS' "Friend Code" system, so your kids will have to find and then manually input the code in order to play using the wireless connection between two DS handhelds or even over the Internet. You can fight or just trade Pokemon to create the ultimate team. Pokemon is a sensation for a very good reason. The game is compelling, there's always something to do or look forward to, and a new challenge to face before bedtime. The only problem is that it's pretty much the same game as the original Pokemon Red/Blue from close to a decade ago. Anyone who has played these games, however, know that isn't a real problem. When a game is this well crafted, it doesn't need an update or redesign.  
Pokemon is violent, but it teaches empowerment, the value of training and practice, patience, and, well, there's something about it that makes kids pore over books of Poke-knowledge and mythology seeking to not only catch them all, but to see all the TV shows, watch the movies, and play all the games. Parents should know that the game isn't technically addictive, but your kids will probably need some limits on play. Pokemon can lead to obsessive behavior. Lastly, Pearl and Diamond are fundamentally the same game, so your kid really only needs one of them. But both are a lot of fun for siblings or friends (you'll need a second DS handheld, of course).
This review edited by Michael Anderson Comments? Chat about it in our forums! Format For Printing | Tell A Friend | Digg | Slashdot | del.icio.us | Buy This Game Home > Review Archive > Video Games > Results: Pokemon Diamond |
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