Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #75 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Nintendo
• Released on: 2007-07-25
• ESRB Rating: Everyone
• Platform: Nintendo DS
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 3.00" w x 3.00" l, 2.00 pounds

Amazon.co.uk Review

You might not see the supporting merchandise so much nowadays but Pokemon is still the most successful games franchise in history. Diamond and Pearl sold 5 million copies in Japan in under three months and 1 million in America in just one month, breaking all records for the year and the series. At first sight though this looks disappointingly similar to the existing games, with only a subtle 3D effect for the game world and largely static 2D battles. However the gameplay has undergone a complete overhaul, adding numerous new features and reintroducing others from Gold/Silver/Crystal, that had previously been removed.

The basics are still the same though, as you venture out into the world (called Sinnoh this time) in an attempt to catalogue each and every pokemon and battle the evil Team Galactic. Catching and training a pokemon for combat also works the same as before, although beauty and talent contests have been greatly expanded for those that prefer as little violence as possible. The game includes a day and night cycle, which severely impacts the appearance of pokemon, and you are given a new gadget called a poketch which starts as a simple watch but can be upgraded to everything from a scanner to a map. Secret bases are back and considerably more sophisticated than before but the most important new feature by far is the online mode. You can now trade, chat and battle with fans from around the world - proving that progress is not always just a case of better graphics.
Harrison Dent

Manufacturer's Description
Pokémon Pearl is a traditional Pokémon RPG that takes place in a region called Sinnoh.

In the Sinnoh region, there are two Pokémon that symbolize the region. They appear in the Sinnoh reigon's myths and old folklore. One is called Dialga, and is said to have the power to control time. The other is called Palkia, who is said to have the ability to distort space. The sinister organization called Team Galaxy is trying to rule the region by utilising these two Pokémon's power. During your adventure to complete your Pokedex and become the Champion, these two Pokémon, and Team Galaxy, intertwine into the story and lead you on a fantastic journey across the Sinnoh region.

When you set off on your travels, you play as either a boy or girl Trainer. You can utilise the DS's dual slots to transfer Pokémon from the GBA Pokémon games and you can link up with Pokémon Ranger to access more special content. Pokémon fans have caught glimpses of Mime Jr., Lucario, Munchlax and Weavile in Pokémon movies, and these Pokémon feature in this game.

Customer Reviews

Great game!
Pearl was recommended by a friend, and it being my first pokèmon game, I didn't know what to expect. It's great!
Despite lack of stylus usage, the bottom screen is used regularly for the pokètech, a pokèmon watch. This provides more information as the game goes on.
The Wi-Fi is brilliant. In the first city you come to, you find a place called the GTS (Global Trade Station) which you can use to trade pokèmon with any other GTS user in the world. The only problem with this is that many people put in pointless trades eg. they are offering a level one common and they want a level 100 legendary!
Suitable for first time pokèmon players.
Graphics are average.

POKEMON PEARL!!!
Pokemon Pearl- the game is slow and boring to start but onoce you start your travels as a trainer it becomes great! I traded in Animal Crossing for this game and im realy glad i did because i find this way more fun!
thank you!

Gotta Catch 'Em All?!
If I'm honest, I was a bit skeptical of the latest Pokémon game. Surely it would just be the same AGAIN - young trainer leaves home, is faced with Team *insert something space-related here*, defeats said team and rescues Legendary, defeats Gyms blah blah blah... Well, it is sort of like that. But this time, the talented Pokemon games designers have added so many new things, the old formula is highly forgivable.

Like in Gold and Silver, day/night has returned, there's weather again like in Ruby/Sapphire. The wild Pokémon are a healthy mix of each region (which unfortunately means that you won't see every new Pokémon until you defeat the Elite Four) and this time, you get the National Dex by completing the Sinnoh Dex - and all you have to do is SEE every Pokémon on the dex.

There are two new forms of Eevee, some new baby Pokés and a few new evolutions (wait until you see Rhyperior!). So it will take a VERY LONG TIME to Catch Em All! Or will it?

Pokémon D/P are WiFi enabled, and use a system called the GTS (Global Trade System), so you can trade any Pokémon (assuming you've seen it) for any other Pokémon!

Pal Park (after defeating the Elite Four) is also a great addition, and a perfect way to get all of your favourites from your other games into your DS game. Also, the Poké Radar is a wonderful addition which allows you to find all your favourite Pokémon you haven't caught yet, provided you have the other series' game cartridges.

The downside of so many new legendaries though is that some of the special events never went ahead. Darkrai isn't available to the public; you CAN'T Catch 'Em All legitimately.

However, if your goal is just to have fun and beat the Gym Leaders and Elite Four to be the Greatest Trainer of them all, this game is definitely for you. Team Galactic are oddly fun to battle (though not a patch on the original Team Rocket) and the many different rivals you gain along the way make the storyline twist and turn - who will your Champion be?! (of course, if you use the net or have the guide, you probably already know.)

Long story short, if you love Pokémon, no matter who you are, and still adore the old formula but were begging for something different, this is your game. New beginners welcome too!