Pokémon's Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are some of the most anticipated releases for Nintendo Switch fans, as they reimagine a classic game from the fourth generation of the franchise. The titles of course bring back plenty of elements that audiences will be largely familiar with.
They are also making a few changes though so that it is worthy of the remake moniker. Whether it's based on how the battles now function, updates in the graphics, or perhaps even features that are sure to become entrenched in other Pokémon games, ILCA, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company definitely have a winner on their hands.
Legendary Encounters
There were numerous mythical and legendary Pokémon present throughout the original Diamond And Pearl, including the famous Dialga and Palkia. The originals are all going to be part of the storyline for the remake, but there are now new opportunities to capture incredibly powerful Pokémon from other titles.
Ramanas Park is an area that will be designed to allow gamers to play through new experiences, each of which will encourage an encounter with a legendary or mythical creature. Trios like Raikou, Entei, and Suicune, or Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno will be exclusive to each individual title; Diamond or Pearl will offer up alternative groups.
Enhanced Graphics And 3D Modelling
A key feature of any remake is the opportunity to update the graphics for a modern audience. Using the impressive power of the Nintendo Switch, the 8-bit stylized game has been transformed with brand new 3D modeling on both the characters and the Pokémon themselves.
Visually the titles have essentially been transformed, with the environments coming to life in ways they never had before. Even battling has been updated to take advantage of the new software and hardware, with larger arenas returning, similar to recent games from the franchise.
Traditionally Diamond and Pearl saw wild Pokémon appear from long grass or suddenly emerge from beneath the dirt. The latest remakes of the games though will actually see the little creatures free-roaming instead, meaning an encounter with one is a little more predictable.
Although some of the tall grass variations are still in effect, this additional factor allows the world to feel a little more alive. Some can be avoided if the player is in a rush, while others can be excitedly targeted if fans are trying to fill up their Pokédex.
Newer Animations
One of the most exciting things about the remake is that everything is getting a fresh coat of paint. That includes many of the classic animations that audiences got used to on the original iterations. These changes range from simple elements such as how a character interacts with the environment to more complex choices.
Pokémon moves in particular will be represented with a variety of new animations in the middle of battle, some of which have been taken from modern incarnations of the game series, while others pay homage to the Diamond and Pearl actions that became so effective.
Hidden Machines Are Gone
Fans will be hugely familiar with the concept of finding Hidden Machines throughout the world, which will give Pokémon unique moves, many of which are required in order to gain access to new areas on the map. These moves would be taught to a Pokémon and consequently takes up a move slot.
Shining Diamond and Brilliant Pearl do away with that system, replacing it with something far easier. The HM's are essentially picked up from Gym Leaders after beating them and they are entered into a drop-down menu that a player can use at any time. No more move slots will be taken for something like fly or cut!
Even Pokémon Go players will be familiar with a buddy system that sees the Pokémon actually follow the player around a map, sometimes contributing to their adventure. It's something that could be achieved in Amity Square but is getting an update for next-gen consoles.
Now a Pokémon can follow a player around anywhere on the map, allowing for closer relationships to be built between a trainer and their Pokémon. Amity Square can see a player have up to six Pokémon out and about in the overworld, which will certainly take advantage of the diversity of a player's Pokédex!
The Grand Underground
The Grand Underground will be replacing the Underground from Diamond and Pearl. The area was previously used for mining for fossils and gems, but it now has a much larger purpose. All of the original uses for the Underground are still viable.
But it now acts as a larger area where players may encounter stronger Sinnoh Region Pokémon and can even build customized dens where they may store statues. These statues of Pokémon will in turn create other battle and catching opportunities that are influenced by the objects on display.
Customization
In regards to customization, there are a variety of options available to players in Shining Diamond and Brilliant Pearl that will allow the gameplay experience to feel personalized. For starters, Pokéball stickers are making a comeback, with a huge range of options available, each linked to a unique animation.
What's more, players are able to customize their look far more, with different clothing items allowing them to show off stunning outfits in battle. With the 3D graphics and updated combat situations, players will even be able to watch their avatars in action alongside their Pokémon, wearing their favorite items from the store.
Docking
Some of the best RPGs on Nintendo Switch have been enhanced by the docking options on the console. The original Diamond and Pearl was played on the much smaller Nintendo DS. Although the Switch has a bigger screen to start with, docking means the title can be played on TV.
It's a huge leap forward and one that results in audiences having the opportunity to appreciate the detail that has gone into the game, as well as the updated graphics that really bring the piece to life. Of course for some, playing Pokémon on a TV might actually feel wrong.
Emphasis On The Trainer
As previously mentioned, players can now see their trainers get involved in the battles, with the 3D modeling inserting them into the arena. In general, there's a much larger emphasis on the player's avatar throughout these games, much like some of the newer titles in the series.
Interestingly, Shining Diamond and Brilliant pearl still utilize the overhead camera that fans may be familiar with from Diamond And Pearl. Updated trainer models ensure that any clothing choices are clearer to see and the player's avatar is present in further moments of the game where they might have been absent in the past.