Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl dropped for Nintendo Switch on November 19th

What is new?

The game remains faithful to the original Diamond and Pearl: the camera is overhead and the characters remain presented in their chibi models.

However, everything else has been remade. There are new 3D models, new textures and Pokémon features. The new textures make the game feel more alive - especially when your Pokémon is always strolling behind you, which they had previously implemented in Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee and the Sword and Shield downloadable content (DLC).

The Pokémon Super Contest Show is also returning with different categories. The developers could have made the mini-game more complex since this release is on the Switch, but it remains a simple rhythm game. During the competition win, you can use a pre-chosen move to “wow” the judges.

I was very happy with the Pokémon battles being 3D, and also glad that my trainer was full-sized and not the chibi model during the battle sequence. EXP Share still applies to all Pokémon in your party once the battle is over. I know some people wanted a more faithful game but I’m happy with these changes. They make traversing the region easier and I can enjoy the ride instead of grinding and having to battle every single NPC I find.

The Bidoof effect

Another change that I’m happy with has been the use of a Bidoof as an overall HM move instead of equipping that move in each different Pokémon. Honestly, it makes no sense whatsoever, but I will take the convenience over wasting move slots that could surely come in handy.

Character customization is in the game, which is more than welcome. It’s a great feature especially when you play online and everyone is not looking the same. Customization shakes things up a bit. However, it’s not perfect. You have pre-determined looks to choose from, but I will take that over no customization at all.

The Grand Underground

The Underground becoming the Grand Underground has been a great addition to the game. Players can still excavate items, but now you can find Pokémon statues to decorate your secret base. These affect which Pokémon you will see in the wild Underground rooms that are now called Hideaways. If you’re lucky enough, you might find a rare shiny statue! You can also capture Pokémon you couldn’t in the earlier games. The level of the Pokémon scales to your current badge total as well, which helps if you want to add a new team member.

If you just got the game, you have until February 21 to get your Manaphy in the mystery box, and if you have a save file from Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee or Pikachu you can get gifted a Mew. Also if you have a save file from Sword and Shield, you can get gifted a Jirachi

Overall, the game is great! I definitely would struggle to play the original versions. Trainers that are supposed to be a challenge do feel tougher; they use heals and have a sense of strategy this time around, which makes the combat feel fresh. However, enemies can spam the same move, and it gets annoying very quickly. The game feels like it definitely worked overall and it’s a definite catch, so what’re you waiting for? Start shiny hunting.

J.V

João Victor most commonly known as JV, is a Brazilian writer and musician who currently lives in Ottawa. He loves basketball, good vibes and sleeps way too much. Twitter: @blognotfortnite