Pokemon Diamond, or Pocket Monsters Diamond, as it is know in Japan, is a role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo exclusively for its hugely-popular Nintendo DS handheld gaming console.The title is part of the Pokemon RPG series, which also comprises releases such as Pokemon Pearl or Pokemon Platinum. Based on the world famous Pokemon anime series, it was first launched in its native Japan on September 28, 2006, and reached North American and European shores on April 22, and July 27, 2007, respectively.Both Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl are set in the fictional world of Sinnoh, which is the habitat of 493 different species of Pokemons, a special type of animals that possess different kinds of powers that can be used in the fight against their enemies. As all Pokemon stories, this title documents the journey of a young trainer who needs to raise and battle Pokemons, all of this while investigating a criminal organization that wants to hurt the creatures.
Features such as Internet play, via the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, or changes to the gameplay and battle mechanics are also present in the title, which aims at giving a fresh new experience to Pokemon fans all across the world. Older concepts such as Pokemon contests are also introduced, in order to bring back the old fans of the anime series and older video games. Pokemon Diamond and Pearl are similar in some ways, but cover different stories and don't have the same gameplay mechanics. In order to complete the Pokedexes of the two titles, you must trade between them in order to uncover new species of animals.
The game has received positive reviews, with critics praising the Wi-Fi features, which enable players to engage in some interesting battles, and the gameplay that, although being based on almost the same principles as older titles, has managed to offer an entertaining experience. Sales have been very good, with the game shipping around 15 million units worldwide, thanks to the big number of Pokemon fans out there.
UNLOCKABLES
Trainer card ranks
Complete any of the following tasks in any order to earn a star and change the color of your trainer card, as indicated below: Defeat the Elite Four, win all of the Master Rank Contests, complete the Underground Flag mini-game with friends, capture 482 different Pokemons, or win 100 times in a row at the Battle Tower.
Blue Trainer Card (one star);
Bronze Trainer Card (two stars);
Silver Trainer Card (three stars);
Gold Trainer Card (four stars);
Black Trainer Card (five stars).