Where Pokémon Legends: Arceus promises a big, open world for players to explore, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer a welcome escape to the Pokémon that many of us grew up playing. The introduction of Pokémon’s fourth generation was an exciting time, and the opportunity to re-explore it is just as enticing as the promises that future Pokémon games offer. “Diamond and Pearl were the first Pokémon games that I played entirely through, and with friends,” Talyah Regusters, a fan of the series, told Lifewire via email. “Not only is the nostalgia super real, but I’m excited to see some of the things that made this my favorite Pokémon game be integrated into the new technology of the Nintendo Switch.”
Revisiting Innovation
Many of us grew up playing Pokémon. I know I did; Diamond, Pearl, Black, White—they were all a big part of my childhood. And while I’ve enjoyed later titles in the series like Sword and Shield, nothing ever has struck the same chord as those older entries. With Diamond and Pearl, that chord is especially resounding, as these two entries in the series helped introduce a ton of new features. “One of the most fun times I had with the original was playing Capture the Flag with my friends,” Regusters told us. Unlike past Pokémon games, Diamond and Pearl had Wi-Fi connection via Nintendo Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect with your friends and chat, trade Pokémon, and even battle. Like Regusters, being able to play Pokémon with friends was a huge part of my experience, and part of why I’ve always held those original titles in such a high regard. Sure, online connectivity has become a staple of the series at this point, but back then it was new. It was innovative. It felt like an entirely new world had opened up for Pokémon fans, and many enjoy being able to revisit those times.
Childhood Re-Imagined
Remakes are bound to happen in the gaming industry, especially when it comes to critically and commercially acclaimed titles. The Pokémon series has seen more than its fair share, but the reason they continue to succeed, and why so many fans buy into them, is nostalgia. Games like Pokémon Diamond and Pearl provide a connection to your childhood, a simpler time in life. These games might not have all the advancements of their successors, but it’s that simplicity that makes them all the more appealing. Many praise Pokémon Diamond and Pearl because of how much they expanded the Pokédex, an archive of all the Pokémon currently available. They also include one of the series’ most notable regions, the Sinnoh region. There’s also the fact that not every Pokémon fan had a chance to explore these defining moments in the series’ history. With remakes, that becomes possible, and also allows Game Freak to spruce up the experience with a fresh coat of paint. For many newer fans, the idea of playing a more pixelated version—or even the possibility of getting your hands on a system that can run them—sounds unappealing. While it might seem silly for fans to continue to support the refreshing and remaking of Pokémon games, the love for the series is strong. With over 25 years of history behind the series, being able to reconnect with your childhood can be a strong motivator. Personally, I love the simplicity of the older Pokémon games, the time before I had to worry about Gigantamax Pokémon, introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Sure, Pokémon Legends: Arceus looks ready to push the series towards a more open world experience, something that many—including myself—have wanted. On the other hand, revisiting the classic days of Pokémon with improved visuals is just as exciting, and I hope that Game Freak never stops remaking older Pokémon games.
