• Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: Mar 22, 2009
User Score
8.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 88 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 88
  2. Negative: 8 out of 88

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  1. JackM.
    Jan 29, 2010
    9
    My personal theory is that the third release in any generation of the Pokémon series (Yellow, Crystal, Emerald) is always FAR superior to the first and second. Platinum is the red herring, as only slight improvements have been made. In my opinion, except with the addition of the battle frontier and the Distortion World (which was over-hyped, annoying, and hard to navigate), it is a carbon copy of the Diamond and Pearl with a slightly altered battle screen look and an incredibly small change to the main story-line. Once you've got the National Dex, and all the legendaries associated, the 5 battle zones really have no longevity to them, which is a real pity. Thankfully, the Wi-Fi plaza and the online play DO manage to keep any general gamer hooked, as well as those pesky competitive battlers. BUT, and this is a big but, it is still the 2nd best game out there on the DS behind the Phantom Hourglass. If Game Freak had made the Distortion World just that little bit easier to navigate, it would get a 10. 9.8/10 Expand
  2. KaiK
    Jul 24, 2009
    9
    Platinum version is sure to satisfy any Pokemon fan who missed either diamond or pearl. If your looking for a expansion to the online area, or a expanded quest in a dark delusional world with 3-D game play, its sure to satisfy fans who purchased the previous 2 titles. although platinum is generally the same game as diamond or pearl , The new additions to the games include a more polished interface, a expanded quest, a improved battle tower, better online and more legendary Pokemon, which both diamond or pearl doesn't have. If your a more of a casual player who has purchased either diamond or pearl , platinum maybe more of a rehash to you. Over all its a excellent title for the Nintendo DS , and I highly recommend this game over Diamond or Pearl. Note: For those of you who are fans of series or new comers who haven't played the 4 generation games, platinum will tide you over until Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver is released in the U.S. (Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver is a fourth generation iteration of Pokemon Gold and Silver released in 2000 and considered by fans and critics as the best game in the series and classic game on Game Boy Color.) Expand
  3. IvanG
    Mar 29, 2009
    10
    Where do we start? A quest thats even meatier and action packed than last time? A Fresh challenge for those that have played the previous installments or not? The addition of new minigames, pokemon forms, side quests and more? No? Then how about the improved wi-fi battling and the ability to record your battles thanks to a new tool? Platinum isn't just an improvement- it's a total revamp. One for fans and newbies alike. If you have a DS, you need this in your collection. Expand
  4. ChrisT
    Apr 25, 2009
    10
    An absolutely fantastic RPG. If critics rated this as a game and ignored all previous Pokémon games they would surely rate this 94%+. There is so much depth and the similar stuff we've seen is so magical why not? Platinum is sensationally magnificant in every way and will have you playing for even years! This is pure Pokémon magic and a warmly welcomed RPG for all gaming fans. Simply put, THE essential DS title. Expand
  5. ShawnP
    Jul 31, 2009
    9
    If you liked Pokemon Pearl and Diamond you will like Platinum better with more fourms to Pokemon, a battle zone, a battle frontier, and a new world to travel to.
  6. [anonymous]
    Aug 13, 2009
    10
    Best DS game ever! But heavily recycled meterial from Diamond and Pearl. So if you already have the Platinum game, don't get Diamond/Pearl. Great gameplay. Takes nearly one-three weeks to finish. Longest- lasting game I've ever played.
  7. Aug 25, 2010
    9
    Completely useless if you arn't a Pokemon lunatic and have Diamond/ Pearl, but since when did non-Pokemon fans buy D/P. Though while it's a small update, it's a crackingly good update, with the new Battle Frontier and the rather clever Distortion World. Pokemon die-hards are used to only subtle remakes, and this, unfortunately, is yet another subtle one, but lets you enjoy that adventure again,but slightly different from last time. Expand
  8. Jul 10, 2011
    9
    Pokémon Platinum has a lot to show. Many improvements were made compared to the previous generation, and the heavily modified storyline compared to Diamond and Perl make this game a very good addition if you are into the series. The best part of it is the virtually infinite replay value, with many options such as online play and Battle Frontier. Sadly though, europeans must suffer from an empty Game Corner, issue that was thankfully addressed in the Generation II remakes. Expand
  9. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    It was far beyond what I expected. Traveling through the entire Sinnoh region is a long challenge. The additions like the Distortion World and the Battle Frontier make it even better. It is an unforgetable game.
  10. Dec 29, 2012
    9
    It's everything a Pokemon fan can ask for, and its the ideal starting point for newcomers to the series. The difficulty level is perfect, the replay value is endless, and its welcomingly formulaic.
  11. Jan 20, 2012
    10
    I would say it isn't boring. Iike the raining snows kind of thing and the newer and badder bad guys. The story is insane and it's much better than black and white. I must say no one can surpass its greatness. No one!!!
  12. May 7, 2012
    10
    Although it doesn't add much to the sequel, Pokemon Platinum is an upgrade version of Diamond and Pearl. The Gym leaders are beefed up. A couple a new bonus's are added and a new dark world is unfolded when you go after Giratina. Also the Elite Four is beefed up and stands as the hardest Elite Four in the Pokemon series. This is the last best game of the series so I highly recommend you buy this game. After all, Black and White were disasters and had the worst Elite Four in the franchise. Expand
  13. Jan 12, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pokemon Platinum has lived up to my expectations as an excellent Pokemon experience. The game consists of all the features that have appeared in Diamond and Pearl, (such as Nintendo Wi-Fi connection battles and trades, new Pokemon species, and the battle tower) and expands and improves on them. In Diamond and Pearl, you were limited to battling and trading by yourself in the single player storyline, or battling and trading against other players across the world. However in Platinum, you now have the choice of also battling alongside friends throughout the new battle frontier facility, or if you don't feel like fighting, you can take a break with your friends, and cook different flavored Pokemon treats (called poffins) over the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection.

    Aside from these online features, there is also another newly added feature called the Wi-Fi plaza, which allows you to meet up with people online, without exchanging those bothersome friend codes. Of course, since there are no friend codes required for this activity, there is unfortunately no battling or trading, so this mode gets a little boring after a while.

    However, the reason why I bought Platinum was mainly because I believe that Platinum is the only Pokemon game that gives you the "complete package." In Platinum, EVERY SINGLE POKEMON is available for you to catch, train, or trade with. The reason for this is because Platinum features a variety of Pokemon from ALL four of the Pokemon generations, and features them in the wild for you to capture. This means that you are able to construct the "Pokemon team of your dreams" very easily, since a lot of the Pokemon are available without having to trade. Of course, Platinum does not have all the Pokemon available in the wild, so there is reason to trade with other people, and that adds to the total experience in the long run.

    In conclusion, Platinum is truthfully the game that everyone interested in Pokemon needs to get. It features all the features of Diamond and Pearl, plus more. If you could only buy 1 Pokemon game, then I would highly suggest buying Platinum above the rest. It is a game that will please old and new gamers alike.
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  14. Apr 21, 2013
    10
    Generation 4 is the best gen to me, and this is why. The Pokemon all have awesome design, no ice creams or garbage bags. The competition is intense. The legendaries are too weak, but I don't use legendaries anyways. This game is everything I love about Pokemon
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 46
  2. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. 88
    Even though it's not a huge advancement over Diamond and Pearl, it does have a larger list of features. The single player adventure has a bit more to explore, and more importantly the online component is fleshed out a bit more compared to the 2007 releases.
  2. If you haven't played Diamond/Pearl and are looking for a good RPG, Platinum is absolutely the way to go. [Apr 2009, p.90]
  3. Sure Pokémon Platinum may not exactly seem like the manliest game, but with a sound battle system, a lengthy main quest, and a variety of multiplayer options, it may just be the best hand held RPG available right now.