2021 will be a Pokemon-rich year! To mark the 25th anniversary of the franchise, The Pokemon Company made several announcements about future game releases this year, at a Pokemon Presents conference held on Friday February 26. And among these announcements, a remake of the Diamond and Pearl versions scheduled for November 19, 2021 on Nintendo Switch.
Entitled Pokemon Sparkling Diamond and Sparkling Pearl, this new 3D version plunges you once again into the heart of Sinnoh, with its equally curious cities, and lets you challenge the greatest Pokemon masters before trying your luck at the League, while thwarting the Machiavellian plans of Team Galaxy.
A remake which, according to the trailer, appears to be particularly faithful to the original games, as the publisher has already shown with Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Evoli, reproducing the Kanto region just as faithfully. Under the aegis of the two sacred monsters of the franchise, namely Yuichi Ueda and composer Junichi Masuda (of Game Freak fame), the game developed for the very first time by the ILCA, Inc studio promises gamers hours of Pokemon stalking, capturing and battling... and plenty of nostalgia too.
Note that a new trailer was also presented on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, on the occasion of a new Pokemon Presents. This trailer shows us all the features available in the game, from the Diamond and Pearl version: arena, seals, Union Room, Coin Mode, Super Show Contest, large underground tunnels... and, of course, Team Galaxy, who should put some obstacles in your way! In short, we can't wait!
So here we are, back in the Sinnoh region. After an unexpected battle, your character is given a Pokémon and an important task by Professor Sorbier: to explore the region and identify all possible Pokémons with your Pokédex. Your choice of starter is between Tortipouss, Ouisticram and Tiplouf.
Now you're on the road to becoming the world's greatest Pokémon trainer. The first thing you'll notice is that you'll quickly develop a strong hatred for sturmies, so numerous are they to attack you in the tall grass. Nevertheless, take the opportunity to observe the landscape around you: the backgrounds of the battles are quite beautiful, especially those of the caves. The graphic style is quite childlike, but will appeal to players of all ages. The transition to 3D is seamless.
Game mechanics remain unchanged. We do, however, appreciate the exploration aspect, which forces us to take our time: talking to NPCs unlocks features and earns items. Returning to towns at different times of the day gives us the opportunity to meet different Pokémons...
The towns are all distinguished by their unique environments and atmospheres. The large underground tunnels are a nice surprise: they offer a vast world to explore, for players who already have some experience and are tired of battling low-level Pokémon in the forest.
The plot surrounding Team Galaxy is intriguing enough to make us want to continue, and the rumors surrounding a "legendary" Pokémon make us eager to finally meet this legendary animal.
Pokémon Diamond Sparkling is therefore a very enjoyable game, which continues the tradition of the games in the main series while adding a few new elements that give this game a special interest, such as the international battle and exchange system.
Are you ready to become the best trainer in Sinnoh?
Trailer 1:
Trailer 2:
Trailer 3:
Dates and Opening Time
Starts November 19, 2021
