More content was announced for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl during the August Pokémon Presents livestream. Updates for the Sinnoh remakes, releasing November 19, 2021, include character customization, expansions to the Underground feature from the original Diamond and Pearl, and some revamped Pokémon for the Sinnoh region. However, it has also been confirmed Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl will include Poké Ball customization using a decorative sticker system called Capsule Decoration.
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl will reimagine the Sinnoh region by including a number of improvements from other Pokémon games. For example, The Grand Underground, an expansion of the original Underground under Sinnoh, includes Pokémon Hideaways similar to Sword and Shield's Wild Areas. Pokémon will also have the ability to follow their trainers after reaching a specific point in the game, a popular feature included in recent games like Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! and Sword and Shield.
However, mechanics unique to the original Diamond and Pearl might be the defining factor of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. For example, Super Contest Show evaluations will again include visual, dance, and attack stages. However, the dance stage has been expanded and includes a completely revamped and modernized rhythm minigame. Pokémon's Secret Bases will also make a reappearance in the Grand Underground, but decoration choices affect the species of Pokémon that appear in Pokémon Hideaways. Additionally, Poké Ball release animations will again be customizable with the use of the Capsule Decoration system, which replaces Diamond and Pearl's Poké Ball Seals.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond And Shining Pearl Add More Customization
Capsule Decoration in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl will include 90 different stickers, which are obtained from shops, defeating Gym Leaders, or winning contests. Each Poké Ball can hold up to 20 stickers, which can be placed in a 2D or 3D editing mode, allowing players full control over where the stickers appear on their capsules. The combination of stickers decides what effect animations will play when a Pokémon is released during an encounter or contest. These effects can give players a boost in a contest, or simply add a personal flair when engaging in Pokémon battles.
Customization has become a popular mechanic in Pokémon games, as it allows for a more immersive and personalized experience. While new generations in the Pokémon series still use official 'mascot' playable characters as a preset, these BDSP models will have character customization options for a variety of hairstyles, eye colors, and clothing. The reintroduction of Poké Ball customization in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl will offer another level of personal immersion for players, allowing further creative freedom in gameplay.