Pok�mon: Platinum Version Review for Nintendo DS

System: DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Game Freak	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Nintendo	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: March 22, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-8	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

There are a multitude of other tweaks that have been made in Platinum. For example, a Spin Trade game is available that lets you trade unhatched Pokémon eggs with up to four other players. Because of its random quality, you won't know what kind of Pokémon you have until it hatches some time later. As nice as this feature is, it doesn't substantially impact the gameplay or the draw of the title. The other additions to the title are simply too insignificant and numerous to even mention. Suffice it to say, Pokémon: Platinum is jam-packed with content, some of which is exclusive to this version.

Pokémon: Platinum Version screenshot

On the presentation and controls front, Pokémon: Platinum is no more visually impressive than the versions found on the GBA. While the various sprites are very endearing, the environments are decidedly sparse and unimaginative. On the other hand, the musical themes and Pokémon sounds are wide-ranging and great, but nothing new from that found on Diamond and Pearl. Controls are also solid, utilizing the D-pad for movement and the face-buttons for running, interacting with the environment, using special items, and accessing the menu. Touch Screen controls are also implemented during battles for selecting Trainer commands. Where the Touch Screen controls seem to really shine is during multiplayer interactions while cooking, making Poffins, and playing the mini-games.

Due to the outstanding sales numbers of the Pokémon series, chances are you're already intimately familiar with the ins and outs of gameplay and the addictive nature of the title. What you really want to know is whether or not you should pick up Platinum. The answer is either yes or no, depending on what you expect from the latest version. If you've already picked up Diamond or Pearl (or both), there really aren't very many compelling additions to Platinum that would warrant its purchase. Of course, if you've got cash to spare or just simply are ready for another Pokémon fix, Platinum is a lovely title that shouldn't disappoint you.

For newbies or players that haven't Pok-ed around since the GBA, you'll be happy to know that this is the definitive game of Pokémon, and it deserves a hallowed place in your portable gaming library. The vast amount of content in the single-player campaign to the multi-faceted multiplayer Wi-Fi options, make this a title with literally hundreds of hours of gameplay. If you've got the time and are looking for some seriously addictive, strategy fun, Pokémon: Platinum is the way to go!

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.3

Graphics
The cute sprites are great, but the environments are meager - virtually untouched from the days of the GBA.

3.5

Control
The basic D-pad and face-button combination works great for getting around and interacting in the single-player campaign. Touch Screen controls make issuing commands easy and shine whilst playing the multiplayer mini-games.

3.6

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The tunes are varied and delightful, and I love the clicks and squeals the Pokémon make. However, there's nothing groundbreaking or new this time around.

5.0

Play Value
The turn-based battle mechanic is steeped with strategy; collecting and trading Pokémon is highly addictive; the single-player campaign lasts for tens of hours; and the layered multiplayer goodies will have you playing for conceivably years to come.

4.2

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Another world has emerged in the Sinnoh Region... a world where time and space are altered! Catch, train, and battle your favorite Pokémon, and discover ancient, mythical, Pokémon in this exciting new adventure!

New discoveries and new challenges.

Expanded online options and new experiences in the Wi-Fi Plaza and the Battle Frontier.

This Platinum version of Pokémon, an extension of the Diamond and Pearl versions, contains new story elements and expanded play features, including different types of Pokémon.

This game can communicate with the Diamond and Pearl versions and Pokémon Battle Revolution using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and DS Wireless Communications.

This game can also be connected to the Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen versions of Pokémon using the Dual Slot feature of Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite.