Pokemon Platinum: The Definitive Title

Before I begin this review, I would like to mention that I have played almost every main series pokemon game since Red and Blue. The main series is the only part of the franchise that I like; I ignore all TV shows, merchandise, or spin-off titles. With that said, let's get rolling. Pokemon Platinum is the 14th game in the main Pokemon series (15th in Japan). Like the other 13 games that came before it, you play as a young child from a small town. A professor gives you one of 3 starting pokemon. For those of you who do not know what a pokemon is, it is simply a creature that can be summoned from balls that fit in one's pocket. There hundreds of these things, and each has specific abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Pokemon is a turn-based role playing game. You wander around, randomly encountering pokemon as you walk through tall grass, caves, etc. You catch new pokemon, have them fight by taking turns smacking each other with a variety of attacks, raise them by using them in battle, and so on and so forth. Once you find some pokemon and raise them, you then proceed to travel across the land, fighting fellow trainers and finding new pokemon and items. Your goal: fight 8 elite gym leaders to get 8 gym badges, allowing you to fight 4 elite trainers in a row to earn the title of Greatest Pokemon Trainer Ever. You will also help random people, fight an evil gang, and save the world from some vague, slow-moving disaster. The story is probably the weakest aspect of the game, as it only serves to give the player a goal other than catching and raising pokemon. The reason I don't rate this game perfectly is that it is virtually identical to the other 13 titles. The story? Names have changed, but it is still the same idea. Battle system? There are new attacks and a variety of tweaks, but it is nearly unchanged from the series' game boy days. On the plus side, the gameplay remains as addictive and fun as ever. Children can learn the basics very quickly, yet there is a lot of depth in customizing and raising a powerful team of pokemon. If you are new to the series, I would actually start with Pokemon Platinum. It has the largest variety of pokemon to catch, and the initial difficulty curve is forgiving without being too easy. This game has been refined to its peak, and the ability to trade and battle other people across wi-fi only sweetens the deal. If you have played other pokemon games recently, be warned: it is the same ole song and dance.Read full review