Pokémon Shining Pearl and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond launch in 2021 to celebrate the franchise’s 25 years in existence, continuing Game Freak’s tendency to remake previous instalments every couple of years using a shiny new HD lick of paint. Both games serve as ground-up reinterpretations of the Nintendo DS originals released in 2006, featuring new graphics and all the time-saving features of modern series entries.
Pokémon Shining Pearl makes the most of the Nintendo Switch’s full HD capabilities, replacing the pixelated visuals series veterans are familiar with a much more modern art style. This is very much the same game released 15 years ago, though, only now it’s presented through an all-new lens. Elements like the story, included Pokémon and locations all remain the same, yet the 21st century look makes it more approachable for entry point for both Pokemon Pearl alumni and those yet to have played the game.
Pokémon Shining Pearl casts you as a budding young Pokémon trainer that’s recently moved to Sinnoh, a region brimming with many Pokémon creatures that have quickly become fan favourites. This was the entry where Eevee received the all-new Glaceon, for example, and Piplup (water), Turtwig (grass) and Chimchar (fire) were your choice of three starters. Both Sinnoh and all its cute inhabitants have never looked better than in this Pokémon Pearl remake.
A lot has changed in the world of Pokémon since days when the original 2006 games released, including many quality-of-life improvements. New features like Wonder Trade, EXP share and many more have been overhauled to offer a smooth experience, and many of these welcome changes make their way over into Pokémon Shining Pearl. This makes the Nintendo Switch remake more approachable by all.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl continue he remake trend set down by the Pokémon Company ever since Fire Red and Leaf Green released on the Game Boy Advance. Fans of this series make no bones about how much they enjoy this nostalgia, so these remakes make them instantly more accessible to a wider audience.
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