Pokémon Diamond - Review

Plot

The plot for Diamond version is basically the same as any other game. Defeat the evil team, save the legendaries; defeat the Elite Four/Gym Leaders… all that jazz. To be honest, it wasn't as fulfilling as I thought it would be.
Most of the points in this section were for the extended story. This was definitely the longest storyline of these types of games (not including G/S/C for the Gameboy color), which is a bonus.
It was a shame they didn't add much extra for after the Elite 4, except the top bit of the map and a few other places. I would have liked to have seen more side-stories or more after-game features to try.

Graphics

The graphics in Diamond version were improved from past games. It had a slight 3D effect which was pretty decent and of course the maps. The only thing that discouraged me a little was the grass, a little too bright for me at first, but I got used to it. xD
The special scenes are where the graphics really come in, such as on Spear Pillar with Dialga/Palkia. I liked most of the sprite poses in Diamond, Much more than R/S anyway. The battle scenes were also well done.
I don't know what it is... but I couldn't bring myself to give these graphics a 5 star rating.

Features/Originality

This is where Diamond really sets itself apart. The Features in this game are amazing. The return of Night/Day was great. For some reason though, I didn't much like the Pokétch; too many gadgets, not enough use. The only thing I used it for was the team display. =/
Hm, other features... I definitely didn't like the new double battle style (you know, how your turn misses because "there is no target"). What I did like was the new bike, no more flying to a city to change it!
Oh, another thing I didn't like: No Item Box in the PC. -_-" Though I suppose it's more convenient, but I hate having to carry around ALL my items.
Other than them, I liked everything else. I liked using the touch screen for some things, and the Pokédex is good. (I hated the one in FireRed).

Pokémon

This is a bit of a disappointment. Some of the new Pokémon are good, others... not so much *cough*Nosepass Evolution*cough*
Also, the total lack of Fire Types is definitely noticeable. There are only 2 in the game before the Elite 4, Ponyta and Chimchar. I have to say, that's disgraceful.
I did like some of the new Pokémon though, namely Drifloon, Piplup, Chatot, Azelf... and more.

Overall

Yes, this was a good game. Some may be let down by the plot, but it's alright. I would recommend buying if you are a first-time Pokémon gamer, or relatively new. But for older gamers who have played every Pokémon game there is, you might want to give it a miss- as this is hardly anything new.