Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl are both out tomorrow. If the reviews are anything to go off, it sounds like it’ll be an enjoyable return for trainers who’ve already played it and a great way to experience the games for the first time for new players.
If you’re new to the Pokémon franchise, and maybe Pokémon Sword & Shield was your first entry into the series, the style and structure of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shinning Pearl probably look a little different. Thankfully Nintendo has released an Overview Trailer that sets up the story, starter Pokémon, and Team Galactic.
Here’s a round-up of reviews being posted this morning from around Australia.
Checkpoint Gaming (8/10) – Edie W-K
“I didn’t expect any crazy changes, but I was surprised that the game didn’t even include any Pokémon from newer generations. The updates and small additions that do exist are good, but most of the joy I experienced from BDSP came from playing such a faithful recreation of my favourite Pokémon generation. This alongside a slight lack of polish prevents Pokémon Brilliant Diamond from holding a candle to the legendary remakes that were SoulSilver and HeartGold.”
Digitally Downloaded (4/5) – Matt Sainsbury
“Pokémon Pearl remains an excellent game, and the remake is of a very high quality. I’ve been able to reunite with Piplup, relive a very fondly-remembered adventure, and while there have been some tweaks that I’ve been less than amused by, on balance the developers have retained the qualities that made that game such a fondly remembered one.”
Press Start (8.5/10) – Harry Kalogirou
“The real standout for me, was actually the battle arenas. When outdoor and exploring routes, it really feels like you’re battling it out in the wild as Mount Coronet hangs overhead. Team Galactic battles take place in a suitably space-like arena filled with hazy purples and blacks that lend their encounters an otherworldly feel. The best that Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have to offer in this regard are undoubtedly the gym battles, but I won’t spoil anything here, because they’re best experienced blind.”
Vooks (4/5) – Oliver Brandt
“Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are bordering on a masterclass of how to do faithful remakes of a classic and beloved series. They’re nostalgic, charming, lovely experiences, that perfectly mix the old with the new to present a journey that will appeal to fans of the originals while still keeping things fresh and up-to-date.”
WellPlayed (8/10) – Jordan Garcia
“Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl serve as reminders of what Pokémon once was and allows players to go back to a simpler time in the series, where the core gimmicks weren’t as divisive and intrusive. People that go in expecting more than just Gen 4 but prettier will be sorely disappointed, but I for one appreciate it for what it is.”
Are you planning on picking up either Pokémon Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl tomorrow when they release? Let me know in the comment section below.
