So many Pokemon, so little time…
The idea of throwing multi-colored spheres at bizarre creatures with clever names: boiled down to the basics, that’s what Pokemon is, has been, and always will be. I say this in jest.
Pokemon Platinum, the latest release in the series and the Pokemon Yellow/Crystal/Emerald equivalent to the Diamond and Pearl versions, was released to hordes of awaiting fans (in America, at least) on March 22nd. With over 400 Pokemon, as opposed to the good old days with 150 (plus Mew), among other additions, the Pokemon games have certainly changed over the years. Platinum is evidence that these changes have, for the most part, been improvements.
Platinum, like the other third game in each trio of Pokemon games (such as Emerald), focuses on a specific legendary: Giratina. Instead of the Palkia-centric Pearl and the Dialga-centric Diamond, players will have to face Giratina, the Ghost/Dragon legendary Pokemon, atop Spear Pillar. However, this story modification isn’t done lazily. Instead of getting to Spear Pillar and Nintendo pulling an M. Night Shyamalan (yes, I did have to Google search his name) twist. Team Galactic is more strongly woven into the overall story, making Giratina’s appearance on Spear Pillar, among other things, work a lot better. The major focus on Giratina’s Origin Forme and the bizarre and confusing Distortion World brings something new and, dare I say it, exciting to the table.
In addition to Giratina-related tomfoolery, the Ghost/Electric-type Pokemon, Rotom, has been hyped up a fair amount with its appliance-possessing powers. Rotom has several forms, and the type of each form is tied to what appliece it possesses. Spiffy enough.
Speaking of legendaries, it would seem that knocking out Giratina during the inital encounter is all right. I didn’t feel like risking it, but it would seem that Giratina shows up once again at the end of Turnback cave
The bonus of being able to catch a certain trio of Legendary Birds after earning the National Pokedex certainly didn’t hurt my opinion of this game, either.
In terms of other changes, there is now a means to record battles and share those recordings, etc., but I honestly don’t feel that’s nearly as big a deal as other changes; I imagine I’m somewhat alone in this opinion, but I have never felt the urge to watch myself duke it out with a trainer’s Bidoof (or to relive my epic victory against my friends). It just seems like a bit of a trivial addition.
This is one series I will stand behind: Pokemon games provide hours of gameplay fun with the main story, followed by additional hours for those who wish to either create the ultimate team, or complete the Pokedex, or whatever. Regardless the motivation, Pokemon is a game with plenty of play and replay value. With the DS’s Wifi capabilities it becomes even more fun, with chances to battle or trade with people all around the world. Assuming the next Pokemon games, which I’m almost certain will happen sooner or later, aren’t a total deviation from the current formula, there’s nothing to worry about. As for Platinum, I feel it has been one of the best installments in the series. I’ll always play favorites with Pokemon Yellow, but that’s because each replay provided me a chance to choose between coddling Pikachu or tormenting the little electric rodent.
Pokemon Platinum is certainly worth purchasing. That’s all there is to it.
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