Pokemon Platinum Version

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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]

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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]

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.

Old idea still has it charm.

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.

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]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.