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Pokemon Platinum

EMAIL PRINT ds

8.7 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 46 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 33 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Game Freak

Genre(s): Role-Playing Game

Players: 20

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: March 22, 2009

Summary

As the story unfolds, players encounter the mysterious new Distortion World, an area unlike any seen in a Pokemon video game before. The Battle Frontier area (first introduced in Pokemon Emerald) has been added to Sinnoh, containing five new Battle Facilities for Trainers to challenge, each with its own special rules. Players can explore the new Wi-Fi Plaza a virtual Pokemon amusement park filled with activities, including three new mini-games where up to 4 players can compete at once.

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Official Nintendo Magazine UK

The ultimate Pokemon game, but only because it's a niftier update of Diamond and Pearl. [June 2009, p.72]

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N-Europe

As with all the third versions made after the main two, this offers something a little different for you. And this seems to offer the most extras to gamers than previous versions.

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D+PAD Magazine

Until then it’s very much a case of damned if they do/damned if they don’t – to those whose obsessive desire for collection and completion has been hard-wired over the last thirteen years, the thrill of the search will likely never fade.

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Hardcore Gamer Magazine

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.

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GamePro

While Pokemon Platinum may not be a completely fresh RPG experience, the rock-paper-scissors gameplay remains every bit as engaging as it's been for the last 10 years.

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NintendoWorldReport

If you were burned out on Pearl/Diamond two years ago, I can tell you that these features aren't really reason enough to go back quite yet. But for the rest of you, Pokémon Platinum is the best Pokemon game ever made, and everyone should try it out, especially Pokénewbs.

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Nintendo Power

It is everything a Pokemon experience should be, and more. [May 2009, p.91]

Gameplayer Sweden

For a newcomer to the Pokémon world, this is a fantastic introduction. Despite its vast amount of gameplay and depth Pokémon Platinum is never overwhelming, but a wonderful and accessible gaming experience with much content.

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Eurogamer Portugal

Without doing anything really new and unique apart form the Distortion World, Platinum fulfills its mission, even making it the more complete and distinct Pokémon "third version” has seen to date.

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NGamer UK

One of the finest strategy games ever made. [June 2009, p.50]

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Games Master UK

One of the most rewarding and substantial RPGs around. [June 2009, p.68]

IGN

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.

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RPG Fan

This is what it all comes down to: if you've already played Pearl or Diamond, the only reason to plunk down another $35 or so for Platinum is if you are dying to have the new expanded online presence.

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SpazioGames

Pokemon Platinum Version is the best title in the series, but doesn't actually evolve to much from Pearl and Diamond version.

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Multiplayer.it

Pokémon Platinum is just a full-price upgrade to the latest version of the franchise, however it is also a very good stand-alone title for whoever missed Diamond and Pearl versions, which are outclassed by the new features of this version.

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3DJuegos

It's not a huge advancement over Diamond and Pearl, but it's one of the finest RPG around.

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Game Informer

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]

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Worth Playing

It's not necessary to have knowledge of the prior games in the series to enjoy Platinum, and it's easily the best version that's currently available.

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Gamer 2.0

Pokemon Platinum is a great experience that anybody with a remote interest in RPG’s should try out.

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Cheat Code Central

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.

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1UP

But beyond the 40-50 hour main story, Platinum offers plenty to keep the game going long after you've collected all the badges.

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GameFocus

Platinum is a fun game to play but I seriously doubt it will win back those who left the series a long time ago. There have been additions with each portable generation, but the improvements have typically been small steps rather than huge leaps and risks. The series is in desperate need a face lift and while the game is a blast to play, those who had a marginal interest in the series will be hard pressed to find a real reason to return.

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My Gamer

Fans of the Pokemon series know what they are getting with this title - some small tweaks on an otherwise familiar game.

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GameTrailers

If you’ve never experienced a Pokémon game it’s as good a place to start as any, but if your interest has waned on the series over the years games like Platinum is the reason why.

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GamingXP

For fans of the Pokemon series, this title is perfect, but if you aren’t so fond of the small creatures, it isn´t necessary to buy this title, because you won´t find much innovation.

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LEVEL (Czech Republic)

Almost five hundred Pokémons are waiting to be caught in this new platinum edition. Online support is the only remarkable improvement to its predecessors - if you own any of the previous games think wisely whether or not you need another “same” game. [Aug 2009]

Pelit (Finland)

Old idea still has it charm.

Gamer.nl

Pokémon Platinum is in fact one of many variants on the first few parts, with the marginal note that the game lacks any form of renewal. Nevertheless Pokémon Platinum still offers a very decent roleplaying game that makes good use of the online capabilities of the Nintendo DS. If your not familiar with any of the preliminary titles that this one will be a perfect opportunity to get accustomed to the series.

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Modojo

Pokemon Platinum is probably the most elaborate entry of the series, thanks to its involving storyline with the Distortion World, its Wi-Fi-supported features and its addictive gameplay. Sure, it feels familiar, but thanks to its new additions, Nintendo earns the game's Platinum status.

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GameSpot

Although not exactly fresh, Pokemon Platinum's substantial fine-tuning and new features make it the best special edition yet.

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RPGamer

While not significantly different from Diamond/Pearl, the expanded initial Pokédex alone makes the nearly sixty-hour game far more enjoyable.

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GameDaily

Even with those minor complaints, Platinum will score with hardcore fanatic and newbies alike.

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Games Radar (in-house)

In a vacuum void of Pokemon franchise history, Pokemon Platinum would easily score a 10 – its depth and replayability are completely unrivaled among any other game series. However, after more than 10 years, we really expect more from the series at this point.

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Meristation

Like Emerald or Crystal, Pokémon Platinum is more an expansion for Diamond and Pearl than a whole new game. Because of that, the graphics one of the best Nintendo DS RPG are still totally outdated and the gameplay is extremely similar to the first versions of Pokémon. The history mode hasn't changed significantly, although the Distortion World appears as a very different dungeon. The online experience is even richer with the inclusion of Wi-Fi Plaza and the Vs. Recorder system. It's not recommended for the people who bought any of the previous Nintendo DS Pokémon, but if you are not one of them, then this must be your choice.

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Teletext GameCentral

Yet another entirely inessential special edition of one of the best video games ever made.

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Everyeye.it

A semi-new version of Diamond and Pearl, amended and finally free from the minor issues. Still, Platinum presents the same formula that the game drags since 1999; so, if you want something new, you have to wait for the next chapters.

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PALGN

Though by no means a large step away from Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon Platinum is on its own merits a deep, engrossing and virtually endless game, and a crown jewel for the Nintendo DS.

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games(TM)

The hidden depths of the franchise remain mind-boggling, battles taking the form of a super-complex, multi-layered version of Rock Paper Scissors driven by more hidden and adjustable values than even the most hardcore MMO can boast. [June 2009, p.110]

Vandal Online

Although Pokemon Platinum doesn't offer any relevant new feature in the series, it is still a fun and solid game, with plenty of options and a replayability factor which will keep us many hours engaged.

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Da Gameboyz

Despite some notable additions (e.g. the Wi-Fi mode comes to mind), some minor gameplay adjustments, and monsters that you can now capture directly, Pokemon Platinum has not changed substantially enough from Diamond or Pearl for most to justify its purchase.

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GameZone

A great game...two years ago in the form of Pearl and Diamond. Today, Platinum is a good game. A must-own if you've yet to play Pokémon on the DS, but not a good buy for anyone else.

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ImpulseGamer

In conclusion Pokémon: Platinum doesn't add anything new to the single-player gameplay which is a shame, however the multiplayer options are quite interesting and really centers on trading, battles and the like.

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Level7.nu

When playing Pokémon Platinum it's almost embarrassing to see how minuscule the changes or additions are when compared to the previous entries Diamond and Pearl. But despite the lackluster list of new features we can't protest that this is still a very deep and engaging adventure with tons of hours for those who simply got to catch em' all. The story is somewhat pointless and the roster of missions often turn into a trudge, but for those that didn't experience Pokémon Diamond/Pearl this is still a very worthwhile purchase.

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Eurogamer

It is a solid, and incredibly polished, RPG. It feels like a first-party Nintendo release, with all of the pleasing quirks and satisfying balance which that often entails.

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Thunderbolt

If you missed Diamond and Pearl or you just find yourself shaking in anticipation every time word of a new Pokémon release reaches your ears, then don’t miss out on Platinum, as it acts as a small step up from the package that the 2007 titles delivered.

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Game Revolution

It's the same game as either Pokemon Diamond or Pearl, but now with a few carnival games, a nice big cooperative adventure area, a battle record option, and cooperative cooking.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.7 (out of 10) based on 33 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Shawn P gave it a9:
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.

Kai K gave it a9:
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.)

Chris T gave it a10:
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.

Ivan G gave it a10:
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.

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What The Critics Said

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