Pokémon Diamond/Pearl / The Globe and Mail
“While many gamers may spend a lot of time crying ‘video games aren’t just for kids!’ it’s obvious that some games just are. While the creators of the latest Pixar film might slip in the odd sly joke for adults, there’s not a sliver of a doubt that the Pokémon series of games are titles designed entirely for, and enjoyed almost exclusively by, children.The latest iterations in the series, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl are no different, and if you’re an adult looking to purchase a Pokémon title for a child, you’ll find them unobjectionable in every way, unless you (bizarrely) take issue with the concept of evolution.
In moderation, the games are colourful, friendly and fun, and a far better purchase than many other titles on store shelves, which range from tired, poorly made children’s franchise tie-ins (and while Pokémon may also be a franchise, the games are at least well made) to the violent Grand Theft Auto-a-likes the make the gamers who spend most of their time crying ‘video games aren’t just for kids!’ Most happy.”
I don’t mind that the Pokémon games are for kids, really. I’m sure many adult Pokémon players could spend quite a lot of time complaining about my appraisal of the titles, arguing about all these layers of hidden depth, and while that might be true, it’s unarguable that the games are intentionally simplistic in almost every way, right down to their complete lack of plot.
I am incredibly disappointed with Pokémon Diamond/Pearl in general, however. The move to DS has added nothing to the game other than some (admittedly lovely) online components, and taking the trip back to Pokemon LeafGreen made me realise that there’s just some kind of unexplainable “charm” that’s missing from the latest in the series. I’ll probably keep playing it, though; it’s still irritatingly addictive.
We need to exchange friend codes! Buddies! I’m Bee with this code: 4081 1990 0178
I really like Diamond/Pearl so far. I’m taking it slow and trying to evenly level my Pokemon up (something I never did in the past–which turned out to be a big problem at Elite Four time). I know that as I catch more all but my favorites will be neglected, but oh well.
So, what’s the story with Japanese players giving away awesome Pokemon in exchange for garbage? I got some gems so far in trade for crap. I guess they care about getting dots on their globe in the GPS room.
I say keep playing. It took me a few hours before this new one had me hooked again, but now when I’m not doing daddy stuff, all I can think about is Pokemon.
Comment by Mister Raroo on April 26, 2007 at 2:05 pm
My character name is worlok. No capitals!
And my friend code is 0645-2566-2661.
Please add me imiedietly. and I’ll add you.
Comment by worlok375 on May 30, 2007 at 11:25 am
oops I forgot where is the gps room?
please tell
Comment by worlok375 on May 30, 2007 at 11:27 am