I got a bit of a hankering for some Pokémon Diamond & Pearl Versions for some reason and, on a whim, just started this up without much thought beyond “I wonder what this feels like after playing ‘Shining Pearl’.” These games are most definitely better, though, besides the original Pokémon Red & Blue Versions, these are definitely some of the most flawed the start of a new generation has been in this series. It is interesting to see how this game uses its ability to create a 3D space within this top-down angle to create more interesting areas (mainly the gyms are very interesting). These games do some interesting stuff with the Nintendo DS’ signature blend of 2D and 3D sprites, and I think these games’ overall look are probably the most interesting thing about them.

I didn’t finish this playthrough. The itch was scratched pretty fast, to be honest, and it was mainly due to the fact that I found it really hard to craft an intetesting team. We all know the memes about the classic Infernape-Staraptor-Luxray-Lucario-Garchomp-Bibarel joint, but I think those memes are the effect of one of the most boring regional Pokédexes fucking ever.

Look, I’m an advocate for smaller regional ‘dexes, I am. It’s one of my biggest complaints about newer titles that they jam pack regions with 400 Pokémon and it’s to the point where someone could have a full team of six that can cover all type advantages by the first gym. I admire this team’s attempt to stick to a nice, tight 151, but it is kind of hilarious the choices they make, especially considering all the ‘mons who got new evolutions that didn’t make the base game. Like, are we really cutting Ralts, but then leaving in Abra again? No Rhyhorn, but Geodude and Onix have just got to be there. It makes sense that you can’t have everyone there, and some of the cuts make sense if you think they crafted the regional dex around the actual region, but even then some of the choices are silly to me (and BORING!). Basically, I was having trouble using Pokémon that made me excited, and when I found out you can’t get Rotom in this game until after you get the National Dex, my interest shot through the floor, lol.

Because of that, I didn’t get much into the game’s scenario, but it still is just so crazy how much Platinum Version improves on this region. I mentioned earlier in regards to the upcoming Pokémon DLC that I miss third versions so much. It is such a cool thing they had going on to do a pair of games that introduce people to new Pokémon and new places, and then, a year or two later, refine the edges of that first pair and add a bunch more content. I remember, back during the sixth generation, I skipped ‘X & Y’ in order to wait for the next games in Kalos, since I knew the second games in each region are better, but it was to no avail, as we know. New Pokémon games still make me excited to see the direction of this series, but I don’t think we’ll ever get something like we did during the ‘00s with the third and fourth generations.