Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl: Nostalgic Sentiment and Nintendo Switch 2 Speculation

Hello everyone, I'm your old friend, a seasoned Switch player and game reviewer. Today, let's talk about the "Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl" (hereinafter referred to as BDSP), a game that evokes countless memories and is also highly controversial. As a remake of the classic GBA game "Pokémon Diamond/Pearl," can it satisfy the nostalgia of old players and bring a good experience to new players? At the same time, with the Nintendo Switch 2 coming soon, let's look forward to what changes the future Pokémon games will bring.

1. Classic Reimagined: The Nostalgic Remake Journey of "Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl"

As a loyal fan of the "Pokémon" series, my expectations for BDSP are naturally high. The game focuses on faithfully restoring the original plot. Players will once again embark on an adventure in the Sinnoh region, encounter the three adorable Pokémon - Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup, challenge Gyms, collect badges, and finally engage in fierce battles with Team Galactic.

1.1. Gameplay: Inheritance and Evolution of Classic Gameplay

BDSP basically continues the original settings in terms of core gameplay, including catching Pokémon, training Pokémon, challenging Gyms, and battling NPCs. It is worth mentioning that the game adds a "Pokémon Following" system, allowing players to explore the world with their favorite Pokémon, adding more interactive fun. In addition, the return of the Grand Underground also allows players to dig up fossils, build secret bases, and enjoy more freedom of exploration.

• Pros:

  • Classic Gameplay: Faithfully restores the original, preserving the core fun.
  • Pokémon Following: Increases the interaction between players and Pokémon.
  • Grand Underground: Provides rich exploration content and social gameplay.

• Cons:

  • Lack of Innovation: Insufficient innovation in gameplay, with low novelty for players who have played the original.
  • Battle System: The battle system is slightly conservative, lacking innovative elements such as Dynamax from "Pokémon Sword/Shield."

1.2. Graphics and Sound Effects: A Controversial Visual Upgrade

BDSP's graphics adopt a chibi-style cartoon style, and the character models are relatively cute. However, this style has also sparked a lot of controversy. Some players believe that this picture is too simplified and lacks the exquisiteness of the original. Especially in outdoor scenes, the picture details are slightly rough, and there is still room for improvement compared with the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch. But some players think this style is more accessible and suitable for casual players.

In terms of sound effects, BDSP basically uses the classic soundtrack of the original and re-arranges it. These familiar melodies sound again, instantly bringing players back to their childhood. However, the quality of the sound effects is not perfect. Some sound effects sound a bit rough and lack detail.

• Pros:

  • Classic Reimagined: The Q version style evokes memories and is full of nostalgia.
  • Classic Soundtrack: Familiar melodies are touching.

• Cons:

  • Rough Graphics: Insufficient picture details, failing to take full advantage of the Switch's capabilities.
  • Sound Quality: The quality of some sound effects is not high, affecting the listening experience.

1.3. Plot and Characters: Reliving the Classic Story

The plot of BDSP is basically the same as the original. Players will play a young Pokémon trainer, embarking on an adventure, challenging Gyms, and stopping Team Galactic's evil plan. The plot itself is relatively classic, but lacks surprises. In terms of characters, BDSP also basically continues the original settings, such as rivals, Gym Leaders, and Elite Four. These characters have distinct images and different personalities, leaving a deep impression on players.

• Pros:

  • Classic Plot: The plot is complete and the story is strong.
  • Distinct Characters: The characters are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

• Cons:

  • Lack of Novelty: The plot lacks innovation, and is not attractive enough for players who have played the original.

1.4. Handling: Fluency Needs to Be Improved

The overall handling of BDSP is smooth, but some operations are slightly cumbersome. For example, switching items in the menu requires multiple operations to complete. In addition, there are also some problems with the game's perspective control, which sometimes causes players to get lost or miss important information.

• Pros:

  • Smooth Operation: The overall operation is relatively smooth.

• Cons:

  • Cumbersome Operation: Some operation steps are cumbersome.
  • Perspective Issues: There are problems with perspective control, which affects the game experience.

2. Score and Evaluation: The Game of Retro Sentiment and Lack of Innovation

Overall, BDSP is a remake game with both advantages and disadvantages. It faithfully restores the plot, gameplay, and characters of the original, allowing old players to relive classic memories. However, in terms of graphics, innovation, and handling, BDSP's performance is unsatisfactory.

IGN Score: 7/10 (Reference Link: Need to search IGN for the BDSP score page)

Metacritic Score: 73/100 (Reference Link: Need to search Metacritic for the BDSP score page)

My Score: 7.5/10

Reason for Score: As a remake game, BDSP does a very good job in restoring the original, and is full of nostalgia. However, in terms of graphics, innovation, and handling, BDSP's performance has failed to meet expectations. If you are a loyal fan of the "Pokémon" series, or want to relive classic memories, then BDSP is worth playing. But if you have high requirements for graphics and innovation, then BDSP may not meet your needs.

3. Comparison with Similar Games: The Road to Remakes is Long and Difficult

Compared with other remake games such as "Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen" and "Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver," the improvement in graphics of BDSP is not obvious. Compared with mainline sequels such as "Pokémon Sword/Shield," there is also a clear gap in gameplay innovation in BDSP.

• "Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen": Also a remake on the GBA platform, the graphics have been significantly improved, and the gameplay has been improved more successfully.
• "Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver": Known as the remake benchmark, it has been greatly improved in terms of plot, graphics, and gameplay.
• "Pokémon Sword/Shield": As a mainline sequel, the graphics are exquisite and the gameplay is innovative, bringing a new Pokémon experience.

It can be seen that the remake road of BDSP is not smooth. In future remake games, developers need to pay more attention to improving graphics and innovating gameplay in order to truly meet the needs of players.

4. Nintendo Switch 2 Outlook: The Future Road of Pokémon

With the release date of the Nintendo Switch 2 approaching, players' expectations for the next generation of Pokémon games are also getting higher and higher. We can expect the Nintendo Switch 2 to bring more powerful performance, allowing Pokémon games to have more exquisite graphics and more detailed scenes. At the same time, the Nintendo Switch 2 is also expected to bring richer gameplays, such as open world exploration and multiplayer online battles.

4.1. Performance Improvement: A Higher Definition Pokémon World

If the performance of the Nintendo Switch 2 is greatly improved, then future Pokémon games are expected to achieve higher-definition graphics, smoother animations, and richer scene details. Players will be able to freely explore in a more realistic Pokémon world and interact with Pokémon in a more vivid way. It is conceivable that playing Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch 2 will be a brand new visual enjoyment. View more about nintendo switch2 first look.

4.2. Gameplay Innovation: More Diverse Pokémon Experience

The Nintendo Switch 2 is also expected to bring richer gameplays. For example, open world exploration allows players to freely explore the Pokémon world, discover hidden secrets, and interact more deeply with NPCs. Multiplayer online battles allow players to battle in real time with players around the world and experience the fun of competition. In addition, the Nintendo Switch 2 can also use VR/AR and other technologies to bring a more immersive Pokémon experience.

4.3. Compatibility Considerations: Good News for Old Players

For old players, the most concerning issue is the compatibility of the Nintendo Switch 2. If the Nintendo Switch 2 can be backward compatible with Switch games, then old players can continue to play their favorite Pokémon games on the new console. In addition, if the Nintendo Switch 2 can support cloud save function, then players can synchronize their game progress to the new console without having to restart the game. View more about nintendo switch2 compatibility.

4.4. Price Prediction: Player's Economic Pressure

Of course, the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 is also the focus of players' attention. If the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 is too high, it may reduce players' willingness to buy. Therefore, Nintendo needs to find a balance between performance improvement and price control in order to attract more players. It is speculated that the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 may be slightly higher than that of the Nintendo Switch. To learn more about nintendo switch2 price, please click.

5. Beginner's Guide: Sinnoh Region Adventure Begins

For new players who are new to the "Pokémon" series, BDSP is a good introductory work. Below, I will provide you with some beginner's guides to help you get started quickly.

5.1. Pokémon Selection: Grass, Fire, Water, Which One Do You Choose?

At the beginning of the game, players need to choose a Pokémon as their partner. Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup, each of the three Pokémon has its own characteristics.

• Turtwig: Grass-type Pokémon, good at defense, suitable for novice players.
• Chimchar: Fire-type Pokémon, high attack power, suitable for players who like to attack.
• Piplup: Water-type Pokémon, balanced abilities, suitable for all types of players.

It is recommended that novice players choose Turtwig, because it has a higher defense power, which can better resist enemy attacks.

5.2. Catching Pokémon: The First Step to Becoming a Pokémon Master

Catching Pokémon is one of the core gameplays of the "Pokémon" series. After encountering Pokémon in the wild, players can use Poké Balls to capture them. There are many types of Poké Balls, such as regular Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls. The higher the level of the Poké Ball, the greater the chance of successful capture.

5.3. Training Pokémon: Build Your Strongest Team

After catching a Pokémon, players need to train it. There are many ways to train Pokémon, such as battling, using items, and learning skills. Through training, Pokémon can increase their level, learn new skills, and eventually evolve into more powerful Pokémon.

5.4. Challenge Gyms: Prove Your Strength

In the Sinnoh region, there are eight Gyms, each with a powerful Gym Leader. Players need to challenge these Gyms and collect badges to prove their strength. Challenging Gyms requires formulating reasonable tactics and choosing the right Pokémon to achieve victory.

6. Conclusion: Nostalgic Work, Promising Future

All in all, "Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl" is a remake game full of nostalgia. It faithfully restores the plot, gameplay, and characters of the original, allowing old players to relive classic memories. However, in terms of graphics, innovation, and handling, BDSP's performance is unsatisfactory.

Looking to the future, with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, we have reason to believe that the future of Pokémon games will usher in greater changes. Higher-definition graphics, richer gameplay, and more immersive experiences will allow players to immerse themselves in the world of Pokémon. Let us wait and see and welcome the future road of Pokémon!

Dear players, what do you think of "Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl"? What are your expectations for Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch 2? Welcome to leave a comment in the comment area to share your views!