(Stole tpchikki's layout because it looked cool. )



Console:
Nintendo DS
Developed By:
Game Freak
Published By:
Nintendo

Graphics: B
Storyline: B
Characters: A
Controls: A
Music: C
Overall Grade: B (?)

The newest Pokemon game released so far, Pokemon Platinum is an update to Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. It boasts several new features such as the WiFi Plaza, an expanded Global Terminal Station and mini-games. The story itself has also been tweaked slightly, adding in a new legendary Pokemon known as Giratina who rules over the Distortion World where time and space don't exist.
The game is generally the same as Diamond and Pearl - you catch your own Pokemon, train them and defeat the gym leaders across the Sinnoh region and aim to become the Pokemon Champion, along with getting involved in events that a normal person wouldn't get involved in... This time round, however, you're able to catch not one, but all three legendary Pokemon (Dialga, Palkia and Giratina) and the emotion Pokemon of Sinnoh's lakes.
The Distortion World has also been added, boosting the game's playtime and enjoyment overall. The graphics during that particular part of the game are rather interesting (and confusing) so that also adds to the experience.

The WiFi Plaza
Although it's pretty limited, the WiFi Plaza is actually quite fun. Basically, you connect to WiFi Connection and meet up with several (random) people from around the world. Once there, you can 'talk' with them, play mini-games and even join a parade together. The talking option is very limited, though, due to the protection of young, innocent people. Someone chooses a question out of the random assortment, and you choose an answer from a list of 4 or 5 replies. Sound lame? It is pretty much, but at least it's genuine and none of that dirty stuff that most of the people would prefer to get into...

Mini-games
Another addition, the mini-games offer entertainment in the WiFi Plaza or with friends online or offline. There are three mini-games - Mr. Junior Top, Swalot Plop and Wobaffet Pop. Each game has its own set of rules and twists which you should enjoy with your friends or random people. It's also quite amazing how sad people are because they complete each game perfectly. x_x
They don't compare to Mario Party's mini-games, unfortunately...

The Global Terminal Station
The GTS has also been expanded slightly, allowing you to offer Pokemon for trades and ask for Pokemon from other people. Pretty convenient if someone will actually make a fair trade with you... Sadly, a lot of people are asking for legendary Pokemon and giving something poor in return.
You can also register your Wii code on your DS and be notified by Wii message when one of your trades has been completed.

Other minor changes throughout the game are also noticable - the gym leaders have been mixed around and different Pokemon appear in different locations at different times.

Overall, the changes are enjoyable if you haven't played either Diamond or Pearl. If you're a true Pokemon fan you're most likely going to buy this 'directors cut' of the previous games. If you haven't played either Diamond or Pearl then I seriously recommend this, it's great fun and strangely addictive.