Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Switch Review: Is It Worth It?

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into Pokemon Brilliant Diamond on the Nintendo Switch. If you're like me, you've probably been itching to revisit the Sinnoh region. But does this remake live up to the hype? Let's break it down and see if it’s worth your hard-earned cash.

What is Pokemon Brilliant Diamond?

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond is a remake of the classic Nintendo DS game, Pokemon Diamond. It takes players back to the Sinnoh region, a land filled with diverse landscapes, fascinating Pokemon, and engaging characters. You start your journey as a young trainer, choosing between Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup as your first partner. Your mission? To become the Champion of the Sinnoh region by defeating all eight Gym Leaders and eventually overcoming the Elite Four and the reigning Champion, Cynthia.

But the adventure doesn't stop there. Along the way, you'll encounter the sinister Team Galactic, who have their own nefarious plans for the legendary Pokemon Dialga (in Brilliant Diamond) or Palkia (in Shining Pearl). You'll need to thwart their plans while exploring the vast Sinnoh region, catching Pokemon, battling trainers, and uncovering the secrets of the region's mythology. The game aims to capture the essence of the original while introducing some modern improvements and updated graphics for the Nintendo Switch.

First Impressions: Visuals and Gameplay

When you first boot up Pokemon Brilliant Diamond, the visual upgrade is immediately noticeable. The game features a chibi-style character design, which might be a bit divisive among fans. Some appreciate the cute, nostalgic look, while others might find it a bit too simplistic compared to more modern Pokemon games like Sword and Shield or Legends: Arceus. Regardless, the environments are vibrant and colorful, bringing the Sinnoh region to life in a new way. The towns, routes, and landmarks are lovingly recreated, invoking a sense of nostalgia for those who played the original Diamond and Pearl games.

The gameplay largely sticks to the classic Pokemon formula. You explore the overworld, battle wild Pokemon to level up your team, and challenge Gym Leaders to earn badges. The battles are turn-based, requiring strategic use of your Pokemon's moves and abilities. The user interface has been updated to be more user-friendly, and the game includes some quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to access your Pokemon Storage Box from anywhere in the game. These tweaks help streamline the experience and make it more accessible for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. However, some may find the gameplay a bit too traditional, as it doesn't deviate much from the original formula. This can be a pro for those seeking a faithful remake, but a con for those hoping for more significant innovations.

A Deep Dive into the Gameplay Mechanics

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond retains the core gameplay mechanics that have defined the Pokemon series for decades. The turn-based battle system remains largely unchanged, emphasizing strategic team building and move selection. Each Pokemon has its own unique stats, abilities, and type matchups, requiring players to carefully consider their team composition and battle strategies. Status conditions like paralysis, poison, and burn add another layer of complexity, forcing players to adapt to changing circumstances in battle. Additionally, the game features a variety of items that can be used to heal your Pokemon, boost their stats, or inflict status conditions on opponents.

Beyond battling, the game also includes exploration and puzzle-solving elements. The Sinnoh region is filled with hidden areas, secret items, and challenging puzzles that require players to use their Pokemon's abilities to overcome obstacles. For example, you might need to use a Pokemon with the HM Cut to clear a path through a forest, or use Strength to move heavy boulders blocking your way. These elements add depth to the gameplay and encourage players to explore the world at their own pace. Furthermore, the game includes a variety of side quests and optional activities, such as participating in contests, mining in the Grand Underground, and catching rare Pokemon in the Great Marsh. These activities provide additional challenges and rewards, extending the playtime and replayability of the game.

What's New and Improved?

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond brings several enhancements to the original Diamond and Pearl games. One of the most notable is the updated graphics, which give the Sinnoh region a fresh and vibrant look. The character models and environments have been redesigned with modern hardware in mind, making the game more visually appealing than ever before. In addition to the visual upgrade, the game also includes several quality-of-life improvements that streamline the gameplay experience.

For example, the Pokemon Storage System can now be accessed from anywhere in the game, allowing you to switch out your team members on the fly without having to visit a Pokemon Center. The game also features an autosave option, which helps prevent progress loss in case of unexpected errors or power outages. Furthermore, the Fairy type, which was introduced in later generations, has been added to the game, changing some of the type matchups and strategies. These changes, while subtle, enhance the overall experience and make the game more enjoyable for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Exploring the Grand Underground

The Grand Underground is one of the most exciting new features in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond. This sprawling network of tunnels beneath the Sinnoh region offers a variety of activities and rewards. Players can explore the Grand Underground to mine for valuable items, such as evolution stones and shards, which can be used to trade for TMs. Additionally, the Grand Underground is home to a variety of Pokemon Hideaways, which are special areas where rare and powerful Pokemon can be found. These Hideaways are biome-specific, meaning that the types of Pokemon that appear will vary depending on the environment.

Players can also customize their own Secret Base in the Grand Underground, decorating it with statues and other items. The statues you place in your Secret Base will affect the types of Pokemon that appear in the Hideaways, allowing you to attract specific Pokemon that you're looking for. Furthermore, you can connect with other players online to explore the Grand Underground together, mine for items, and battle each other in the Hideaways. This multiplayer aspect adds a social element to the game and encourages players to cooperate and compete with each other.

The Not-So-Good: What Could Be Better?

Despite its many improvements, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond is not without its flaws. One of the most common criticisms is its faithfulness to the original games. While some players appreciate the nostalgic experience, others feel that the game doesn't do enough to innovate or modernize the gameplay. The lack of significant changes can make the game feel dated at times, especially when compared to more recent Pokemon titles. Additionally, the game has been criticized for its performance issues, such as frame rate drops and occasional glitches. These technical issues can detract from the overall experience and make the game feel less polished than it should be.

Addressing the Controversy Around Chibi Art Style

The chibi art style in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond has been a subject of debate among fans. While some players find the cute and whimsical designs charming, others feel that they are a downgrade from the more detailed and expressive character models in other Pokemon games. The chibi style can make the characters look less mature and less relatable, which can be a turn-off for some players. Additionally, the chibi style can clash with the more serious and dramatic moments in the story, making it harder to take the narrative seriously.

However, it's worth noting that the chibi style is a deliberate choice by the developers, who aimed to capture the spirit of the original games while giving them a modern makeover. The chibi style is also consistent with the overall tone of the game, which is lighthearted and family-friendly. Ultimately, whether or not you like the chibi style is a matter of personal preference. Some players will find it endearing and nostalgic, while others will find it off-putting and unappealing.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

So, should you buy Pokemon Brilliant Diamond? If you're a longtime fan of the Pokemon series looking for a faithful recreation of the original Diamond and Pearl games, then the answer is likely yes. The game captures the essence of the Sinnoh region and offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements make the game more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. However, if you're looking for a more innovative and modern Pokemon experience, you might be disappointed. The game doesn't deviate much from the original formula, and the lack of significant changes can make it feel dated at times.

Ultimately, the decision to buy Pokemon Brilliant Diamond depends on your personal preferences and expectations. If you're willing to overlook its flaws and appreciate its strengths, then you'll likely have a great time exploring the Sinnoh region once again. But if you're looking for a groundbreaking and revolutionary Pokemon game, you might want to wait for the next installment in the series.

Is Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Worth It?

Considering everything, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond is a solid remake that brings back the magic of the original games. While it may not be a groundbreaking title, it offers a charming and nostalgic experience for fans of the series. The updated graphics, quality-of-life improvements, and new features like the Grand Underground make it a worthwhile addition to the Nintendo Switch library. However, if you're looking for a more innovative and modern Pokemon experience, you might want to consider other options. Ultimately, the decision to buy Pokemon Brilliant Diamond depends on your personal preferences and expectations. If you're a fan of the original games or simply looking for a fun and engaging RPG to play on your Switch, then you won't be disappointed.