Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Review: A Nostalgic Journey Through Sinnoh

If you’re a fan of the original Pokemon Diamond and Pearl games, you’re in for a treat with the release of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

These remakes of the beloved Nintendo DS games have been updated for the Nintendo Switch, providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane for long-time fans and a fresh experience for newcomers.

In this blog post, we will review Pokemon Brilliant Diamond in detail. We will guide you on how to play, it’s comparison with other games, features, price, and much more.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond – Game Overview

If you’re a fan of the classic Pokemon games, you’ll be happy to hear that the Brilliant Diamond version is a faithful remake of the original Diamond version.

The game was developed by ILCA and published by The Pokemon Company and Nintendo, and it was released on November 19, 2021, for the Nintendo Switch.

Plot

The plot of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond follows the same story as the original Diamond version.

You play as a young trainer who sets out to explore the Sinnoh region, catch Pokemon, and battle other trainers.

Along the way, you’ll encounter the evil Team Galactic, who are trying to use the legendary Pokemon Dialga to take over the world.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond is similar to the original Diamond version but with some updated features and mechanics.

You’ll explore the Sinnoh region, catching Pokemon and battling other trainers to level up your team.

The game features the same turn-based battle system as previous Pokemon games, but with updated graphics and animations.

One new feature in the Brilliant Diamond is the ability to use the Nintendo Switch’s touch screen to control your Pokemon during battles.

This can be especially useful for selecting moves and items quickly, without having to navigate through menus.

Graphics

The graphics in this game are updated from the original Diamond version, with 3D models and animations for all the Pokemon.

The game also features updated environments and backgrounds, making the Sinnoh region feel more vibrant and alive than ever before.

New Features of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond

This section will cover some of the most significant new features found in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond.

Improved Mechanics

One of the most significant improvements in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond is the updated mechanics.

The game mechanics have been improved to make the game more enjoyable and easier to play.

For example, the game now features a new player-friendly interface that makes it easier to navigate the game’s menus and options.

Moreover, the game now features a more streamlined battle system that makes battles more engaging and less tedious.

Another new feature is the inclusion of several quality-of-life improvements.

For example, players can now access the PC storage system from anywhere in the game, which makes it easier to manage their collection.

Players can also use the touch screen to quickly access their Pokemon’s moves and stats during battles.

Expanded Content

In addition to the improved mechanics, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond also includes several new features that expand the game’s content.

For example, the game now includes new areas to explore, such as the Grand Underground.

This area is a vast underground cave system that features new characters to catch and items to collect.

Another new feature is the inclusion of the Pokemon Super Contest.

This contest allows players to show off their Pokemon skills in various categories, such as beauty, coolness, and cuteness.

Winning contests earn players valuable items and rewards.

Comparison to Original Diamond

When it comes to remakes, it’s always interesting to see how much has changed from the original.

In the case of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond, the game is a faithful remake of the original Diamond and Pearl games.

However, there are still some key differences worth noting.

Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between Brilliant Diamond and the original Diamond.

Similarities

Firstly, both games follow the same story and have the same characters.

You’ll still be playing as a young trainer who sets out to explore the Sinnoh region, catch Pokemon, and battle gym leaders.

The game’s plot remains the same, and you’ll encounter the same characters, including Professor Rowan, Cynthia, and Team Galactic.

Secondly, the game’s graphics and art style are very similar to the original.

While the graphics have been updated to fit the Nintendo Switch’s capabilities, the game still maintains the same art style as the original game.

This means that the game has a retro feel to it, which will appeal to fans of the original game.

Thirdly, the game’s soundtrack has been updated, but it still retains the same feel as the original.

You’ll hear familiar tunes as you explore the region, and the battle music will still get your heart pumping.

Differences

One of the biggest differences between Brilliant Diamond and the original Diamond is the addition of new features.

For example, the game now includes the ability to customize your character’s outfit.

You can also use the Nintendo Switch’s touchscreen to interact with your Pokemon in new ways.

Another difference is the addition of new Pokemon.

While the game still includes all of the original Pokemon from Diamond, it also includes some new Pokemon that were not available in the original game.

This means that there are more Pokemon to catch and train than ever before.

Finally, the game has been updated with modern features such as online play and trading.

You can battle and trade with players from all over the world, which adds a new level of excitement to the game.

Online Features of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond

In Pokemon Brilliant Diamond, you can access a variety of online features to enhance your gameplay experience.

These features include trading and battling with other players from around the world.

Trading

Trading is a great way to obtain Pokemon that may be difficult to find in your game.

You can trade with other players locally or online using the Nintendo Switch Online service.

To trade with someone, you need to have their friend code, which can be found in the Switch Online app or by exchanging it with them directly.

When trading, you can offer up to three Pokemon to trade and request up to three in return.

You can also trade items like evolution stones and rare candies.

It’s important to note that some Pokemon can only evolve through trading, so trading is a crucial aspect of completing your Pokedex.

Battles

Battling is another exciting online feature in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond.

You can battle with other players online or locally using the Union Room.

You can choose to battle with a team of three or six Pokemon, and you can battle in a variety of formats, including single battles, double battles, and more.

Before battling, it’s important to have a well-rounded team of Pokemon with diverse movesets and abilities.

You can also use the Battle Tower to test your skills against other trainers and earn rewards like Battle Points to exchange for rare items.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Price

You can buy the digital version in $59.99 from Nintendo store. The physical version also costs same as the digital version.

Pros and Cons

Strengths

Here are some of the strengths of the game:

Music: The remade soundtracks in Brilliant Diamond are beautifully orchestrated and give the same/better feels as going into routes in Platinum. The music is one of the most significant strengths of the game.
Graphics: The game features updated graphics that are a big improvement over the original games. The 3D models of the Pokemon are well-designed and detailed, and the game’s environments are vibrant and colorful.
Gameplay: The core gameplay mechanics of the game are still fun and engaging. The game offers a lengthy and enjoyable Pokemon adventure that will keep you entertained for hours.
Multiplayer: The game includes a robust multiplayer component that allows you to battle and trade Pokemon with other players online.

Weaknesses

Here are some of the weaknesses of the game:

Lack of innovation: The game doesn’t introduce any new mechanics or features that weren’t present in the original games. While this may be a strength for those looking for a faithful remake, it may be a weakness for those looking for something new and innovative.
Difficulty: The game is relatively easy, and experienced Pokemon players may find it lacking in challenge. The game’s difficulty level is suitable for younger players or those new to the series.
Repetitive: The game can be repetitive at times, with a lot of backtracking and grinding required to progress through the story. Some players may find this tedious and boring.

Reviews & Ratings

If you’re looking for a Pokemon game that takes you back to the classic era of the series, then Pokemon Brilliant Diamond may be the game for you.

This game is a remake of the 2006 Nintendo DS game, Pokemon Diamond, and it has received mixed reviews from critics and players alike.

According to Metacritic, the game has received a score of 73 out of 100 based on 89 critic reviews.

This score indicates that the game has received mixed or average reviews from critics.

In contrast, the user score is 5.3 out of 10 based on 910 ratings, which is also mixed or average.

IGN gave the game a score of 8 out of 10, stating that the game “is a faithful remake that preserves the best parts of the original while adding a few quality-of-life improvements.”

Polygon gave the game a score of 7.5 out of 10, praising the game’s return to the classic formula but criticizing its lack of innovation.

One of the most common criticisms of the game is that it is too faithful to the original game, with some critics feeling that it doesn’t do enough to improve on the original.

However, others appreciate the game’s adherence to the classic formula and its ability to transport players back to the era of the original game.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of the original Diamond and Pearl games or a newcomer to the Pokemon franchise, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are worth checking out.

While they may not be groundbreaking or innovative, they provide an enjoyable and nostalgic Pokemon experience on the Nintendo Switch.