bit-tech Shopping: Nintendo Pokemon Diamond (DS)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Classic Pokemon gameplay, updated graphics

Weaknesses: Not much different from the GBA Pokemon games - but that's what we wanted, right

Summary: Pokemon Diamond is the first traditional Pokemon game for the DS unlike Blue Rescue Team or Ranger.You start off with a choice of 1 of 3 started Pokemon. Then you venture into the world to capture wild pokemon and battle other trainers.The graphics are much nicer on the DS than one the GBA. Also, the view seems more isometric (less top down, more of at an angle) than on the GBA. Also, you can use your stylus to make selections on the touch screen instead of having to use the buttons. And there's lot's of new Pokemon to capture. You can still only travel with six pokemom at a time though. Your pokemon gain experience and learn new skills and eventually can evolve twice into a more powerful versions of the pokemon. There's various items, potions that you find or can buy that aid you in your battles and adventuring. Each pokemon can only know 4 skills at any given time, so when you learn a new skill you have to make a decision on what other skill to drop.Pokemon Diamond also allow you to trade and fight with other DS players although I haven't used that yet.If you liked Pokemon the the GBA, you will like Pokemon Diamond on the DS.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2

Strengths: As fun and addictive as ever.

Weaknesses: Pokemon from GBA games cannot be imported until after you beat the Elite 4.

Summary: Pokemon Diamond represents the best that Pokemon has to offer. Lots of new Pokemon, nifty retro-graphics, plenty of post-game activities, and more make this a great value. The implementation of trading and battling over the Internet is superb, and there are so many things to do (that have nothing to do with the main quest) that there's something for everyone here. The main gameplay is still as fun and rewarding as ever.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2

Strengths: Every bit as addictive as previous gamesOnline battling & tradingUpload Pokemon from the GBA games

Weaknesses: Can't trade online until you've seen the Pokemon (don't expect to find Manaphy).Feels like more of the same: not enough new pokemon.Item-based evolutions are a pain (unless you buy the Wii game)

Summary: Pokemon: turn-based battles, near-endless customization, and no matter how much time you play....there's always something else to do.Once you've beaten the main storyline (through the Elite 4), you can start bridging over any Pokemon you've acquired from the GBA games. While this is welcome, not having to re-catch all your legendaries certainly does stop the game from feeling longer. (Don't think you can just trade for them; unless you're trading with a friend....you can only use the Wi-Fi connection to trade for Pokemon already in your Pokedex.)Which leads to my one real complaint: When I pick up a new Pokemon game, I usually try to build a team of brand new Pokemon. This keeps the game feeling fresh. With Pokemon Diamond, however, that was near-impossible to pull off. Adjust your expectations accordingly.At the end of the day though, the game's still fun. There's plenty to do, and near endless gameplay. Leveling up a group of 6 Pokemon to 100 could take months. You owe it to yourself to at least try the franchise.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 39 Days

Strengths: Online trading and multiplayer battles

Weaknesses: I have not found any.

Summary: Pokemon Diamond for the Nintendo DS is about finally being able to fight and trade Pokemon with your friends in the next city, state, or even country. If you are a Pokemon fan, that reason alone is enough to pick up Diamond. I would also recommend Diamond if you have never played a Pokemon game before.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Trading Pokemon is much easier, technical depth is increased with the physical/special split

Weaknesses: Disappointing graphics, lack of touch controls, saving takes a long time

Summary: Another Nintendo platform, another Pokemon game. Just like previous iterations, this game adds hundreds of new Pokemon to the already expansive roster. The premise remains the same; defeat an evil organization with your Pokemon partners while striving to be the best trainer in the region. Gameplay-wise, the game was given a much needed technical-depth boost by seperating physical and special attacks from their types. For newcomers this won't mean much, but for veterans this may mean reassembling teams and movesets. Sadly, the game doesn't really feature a graphical upgrade. Just like the previous games, battle sequences feature little animation, which is disappointing given the Ds's hardware capabilities. The game also fails at making much use of the touch controls. However, graphics were never really a main point of the game, and adding touch controls to the main core of the game would probably seem gimicky. All in all, it's a solid addition to the Pokemon franchise.